Seahawks head to Atlanta looking to improve to 6-2

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks head to Atlanta this weekend looking for a bounce-back win following their 30-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Russell Wilson threw his first interception of the season, Chris Carson was held to under 100 yards rushing for the first time in three weeks and the Ravens scored two defensive touchdowns in the loss.

The Seahawks fell to 5-2 - but will have a chance to get right when they face the 1-6 Falcons – losers of five games in a row.

A win Sunday would also improve the Seahawks' road record to 4-0 this season, and for only the second time in franchise history.

Atlanta is coming off a 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at home and could be without quarterback Matt Ryan.

The former NFL MVP injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss and exited the game.

If Ryan can't play, the Falcons will start veteran quarterback Matt Schaub in his place.

Schaub completed all six of his passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in relief of Ryan against the Rams.

Despite their record, the Falcons feature an explosive offense that is led by wide receiver Julio Jones, who has 40 receptions for 560 yards and four touchdowns.

Tight end Austin Hooper also has 46 receptions for 526 catches and four touchdowns for Atlanta.

The Seahawks lead the all-time series against the Falcons 10-8. Sunday's game begins at 10 a.m. local time.

Watch the Steve Raible Scouting Report at 7 p.m. on Saturday to see Raible's interview with Jarran Reed and for a complete preview of Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Here are Raible's three keys to victory for the Seahawks on Sunday:

Key #1. Hello Julio

Julio Jones is a star, the Falcons' primary offensive weapon and more.

Jones is 6 feet 3 inches tall and 220 pounds of big-play ability. He leads Atlanta in receiving yards, has a team-tying four touchdowns and can block with the best of them.

The challenge he offers the Seahawks is simple -- he can outrun you or out-jump you. He wears out single coverage and is the fastest player in NFL history to reach 11,000 receiving yards.

Jones is a job for the entire defense: corners, safeties and pass rush.

If there's one guy to take away, start with Julio Jones.

Key #2. Poetry in Motion 

This one is about #16 Tyler Lockett -- who seems to dazzle every week.

Seattle's leading receiver and leading TD maker is now their leading poet.

Lockett's book of poetry just came out -- and it's good.

But Tyler's finest art is his remarkable ability to get open for his quarterback, to read Russell Wilson's mind and moves and to make masterpiece-like catches.

Atlanta's best cover guy, former Husky Desmond Trufant is banged up. Lockett needs to write a new chapter of big catches in a Hawks win.

Key #3: Bring the heat 

The Seahawks had five sacks in their opening game against the Bengals, but they've had only six total since.

But the Falcons are even worse, with just five sacks on the season so far.

Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah are perennial Pro Bowl defensive ends, but have only 2 sacks between them.

Jaran Reed, who had 10.5 sacks a year ago is back after suspension, but just getting back into top form.

The Falcons, who just a couple of seasons ago had a pretty balanced offense, now live and die by the pass.

Only now Matty Ice is hurt. Matt Schaub can still chuck it, but is a sitting duck in the pocket.

Defensive 'heat' will chill Atlanta and its fans.

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