In Week 8, the Falcons ran more plays with three receivers than any other week so far this year. This was no coincidence. The inclusion of Justin Hardy, whom Atlanta activated for the first time of his career, gave Matt Ryan another valuable option—one capable of moving the chains. Thanks to his reliable hands and ability to maneuver around Tampa Bay’s zone defense, the rookie from ECU came down with a pair of first down receptions and caught another pass negated by a chop block penalty.
Seven days later, fellow Rookie Club members Grady Jarrett, Vic Beasley, Jr.