FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -The Atlanta Falcons are facing their biggest test of the season as they hope to get back in the NFC South race.
The Falcons couldn't stop quarterback Tony Romo in Sunday's 37-21 loss at Dallas, and suddenly they're in danger of getting left behind in their division.
Coach Mike Smith says he plans to use the extra time to consider possible personnel changes this week. The Falcons have an extra day this week to prepare for a critical NFC South game at New Orleans next Monday night.
The loss left Atlanta (4-2) two games behind the undefeated Saints. The Falcons can't afford to have the deficit grow.
"If we've got any chance of winning the division, I think the guys in the locker room know this is a big game for us," running back Michael Turner said on Monday. "We don't want to fall three games behind. In the NFL it's tough to catch up once you fall that many games behind and they have a win on you already. We've got to do whatever it takes to pull off this win on Monday."