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Falcons look to start second half on high note

Nov 7, 2006 - 9:14 PM Cleveland (2-6) at Atlanta (5-3) Sunday 1:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The Atlanta Falcons were unable to build on a strong start last season. They hope things are different this season.

The Falcons look to rebound from a disappointing effort when they host the Cleveland Browns in an interconference game.

Last season, the Falcons got out to a 6-2 record at the midway point of the season. However, they lost six of their last eight games en route to missing the playoffs.

Heading into this contest, the Falcons are in second place in the NFC South, just one game behind New Orleans.

After back-to-back wins over defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh and at Cincinnati, the Falcons continued to show some of their inconsistency in last week's 30-14 loss at Detroit.

Michael Vick struggled against the Lions, completing 17-of-32 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions and a fumble. He rushed for 80 yards, increasing his total to 576 on the season.

Vick will have to contend with Browns coach Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defensive scheme.

After allowing 42 points in their first four games, the Falcons have surrendered 122 in their last four contests.

While the Falcons will contend for a playoff spot, the Browns are tied with Pittsburgh for last place in the AFC North.

Last week, the Browns enjoyed their best offensive showing of the season in a 32-25 loss at San Diego. Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. had 11 catches for 78 yards in the loss.