Bengals to test Falcons’ run defense

Falcons coach Mike Smith is calling for his defense to step up against the Bengals rushing attack on Sunday.

“We had two explosive passes in the game last week, but we had way too many explosive runs,” Smith said.

The Falcons count gains of 12 yards or more as explosive runs and the gave up five against the Saints.

The Bengals running backs, Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, combined to rush 18 times for 67 yards in their 23-17 season-opening win over Baltimore.

“This is a team that can run the ball very effectively,” Smith said.

The Falcons gave up 139 yards rushing against the Saints.

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Kirk Cousins operated under center, and the Falcons used more play-action passes after establishing the rushing attack.

The unit will be on the hot seat in this game against Jets returners Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu.

Falcons leading wide receiver Drake London will miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a sprained PCL.

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