ATLANTA -- A few thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons' 37-34 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints:

What it means: The Falcons can outscore you. There's no doubt about it as Matt Ryan had the offense playing at an incredible level. But in order to win games, the Falcons have to at least hold their own on defense. They did so when William Moore came up with a big forced fumble in overtime, which was recovered by teammate Joplo Bartu. It set up Matt Bryant's game-winning 52-yard field goal. Again, the defense doesn't have to be great -- just adequate. And now the Falcons are out in front of the NFC South to start the season.

Stock watch: The stock of the Falcons' running backs simply soared. Jacquizz Rodgers' 17-yard touchdown run with less than three minutes left in regulation put the Falcons up 31-27 and energized the crowd at the Georgia Dome. Fellow running back Antone Smith once again proved himself worthy of more touches when he took a short pass from Ryan and turned it into a 54-yard touchdown connection. Rookie Devonta Freeman had a tough, 13-yard run that set up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to Roddy White. If the Falcons can get that type of production from their second, third and fourth running backs and keep starter Steven Jackson fresh for the tough yards, it will pay dividends throughout the season.

Injury report: The last thing the Falcons wanted to see was rookie left tackle Jake Matthews, the sixth overall pick, go down with an injury. Matthews suffered a left ankle injury late in the second quarter and was not on the field after halftime. Matthews stood on the sideline holding his helmet with his left ankle heavily taped. He was replaced by veteran Gabe Carimi. The fact that Matthews watched from a standing position on the sideline likely indicated the injury is not too serious. White also banged his knee before halftime, but he remained in the game.

Game ball: Matt Ryan played like an elite quarterback in setting a new franchise record with 448 passing yards. He completed 31 of 43 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions while extending plays with his feet -- yes, his feet.

What's next: The Falcons have a tough road trip to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in Week 2. Shutting down dynamic receiver A.J. Green might be a tall task.