BY GEORGE HENRY

ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.

A day after missing two field goals in New Orleans to contribute to Atlanta's first two-game losing streak under coach Mike Smith, Elam is still trying to figure out the source of his problems.

"I've hit the upright twice now [this season] inside of 40," Elam said. "The long one--you know, obviously, you want to make all your kicks--but the long one doesn't bother me as much as the short ones. I've got to make those short ones."

The Falcons' 35-27 defeat at the Louisiana Superdome wasn't surprising given Elam's performance and three interceptions by Matt Ryan, the second-year quarterback who's thrown seven picks over the past three games.

Atlanta's defense recovered each of the Saints' three fumbles while holding the NFL's most potent offense to seven points in the second half. Besides Elam, the special teams performed well on coverages and kicks.

But with just two days of practice this week, the Falcons (4-3) must correct their mistakes before Washington (2-5) visits the Georgia Dome on Sunday. After facing the Redskins, Atlanta will play its third and fourth road games in the past five with trips to Carolina and to New York to face the Giants.

"We're not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes," Smith said. "I think that's evident over the last two weeks. We're putting together a great drive to start the game and a great drive to start the second half, but we're not sustaining that level of play."

Smith believes Ryan's problems over the past three weeks stem from trying too hard too often.

"A lot of times it's from being competitive and wanting to make plays," Smith said.