Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson has praised the club's strength with the running game, despite being beaten by the Baltimore Ravens in a pre-season match on Thursday.

Stevens said that with more practice the Falcons offense will keep improving and could become a real force in the NFL.

"Having success tonight is great for our confidence," he told the Falcons' official website. "We feel we have the potential to run the ball well every week.

"The key is to keep getting better. Every preseason game presents a different challenge and a chance to improve. After tonight we can work on what we need to."

Jackson carried for 1,045 yards from 258 attempts last season.