Last week the Atlanta Falcons kept the New Orleans Saints in check with a huge divisional win. Despite allowing a futile touchdown in the waining seconds of the game, the Falcons defense showed their true colors as they won 34-20.
Drew Brees still had a great offensive output with over 400 yards passing and two touchdowns. However, most of that offense came towards the end of the fourth quarter and the Falcons did manage to pick off Brees three times.
The first one occurred on the very first offensive play for New Orleans which set the tone for the rest of the contest. Another interception was a "pick-6" for rookie Chevis Jackson that pretty much sealed the fate of the Saints.
Looking ahead to this Sunday, Atlanta welcomes in yet another high scoring passing offense in the Denver Broncos. Ranked second in the league in passing yards with nearly 400 a game, Jay Cutler and company certainly have an offense that can put up the numbers.
With a top-10 ranked offense with 25+ points a game, the similarities with the Saints could not be more evident for Atlanta. Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal both have four scores a piece to go along with Cutler's 18 end zone strikes.
Denver's running game however resembles a game a musical chairs mixed with a field hospital. Ranked only 18th in the league and with Selvin Young and Michael Pittman out with injury, the Broncos were almost forced to re-sign running back Tatum Bell.
Watch your luggage everyone.
With the much improving rush defense Atlanta is turning into, Bell will be having a long day of looking up at the roof of the Georgia Dome behind the line of scrimmage.
As was the case with the Saints, Denver's passing offense is clearly their strength. However, just like the Saints, their defense is ranked near the bottom of the league. Ranked nearly dead last in pass defense, Matt Ryan will certainly exploit the banged up secondary.
With cornerback Champ Bailey a game-time decision he will not bring his "A" game to Atlanta. The stage is set for Matt Ryan to have yet another big game through the air.
*Pauses for a brief fantasy football announcement*
"With Denver's horrendous offense stumbling into the Georgia Dome, be confident to place wideouts Roddy White and Michael Jenkins into your lineups"
The Matt Ryan Offensive Clinic won't be the only show in town come Sunday. Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood will attempt to ram their top three ranked rushing offense against the D.J. Williams-less linebacking core.
With Atlanta continuing to shut down high-scoring offenses and proving they do belong not only in their division but the entire NFC, they will have their work cut out for them on Sunday.
With a huge clash with the Carolina Panthers looming next week, the Falcons faithful have to be a bit concerned that this week won't be a trap game.
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about 1 month ago
hey derek, nice job with this one. i think you said it best at the end though: "have to be a bit concerned that this week won't be a trap game." i think i get concerned about every game, but i am worried about a look ahead aspect to this one.
i keep telling myself coach smith and co. will not let this happen and they've shown nothing thus far this season to imply this would happen...but still.
the broncos defense though should allow the falcons offense to impose its will. i just hope the falcons d can pull off another effort like they did last week.
from about 1 month ago
Daniel,
Thanks for reading!
The Falcons D is the one thing that I'm worried about. However, seeing what I saw against Brees last week does give me some confidence that Atlanta knows how to put pressure on a pass-happy QB. They'll get their licks in on Cutler. They just need to know how to close out the game and not let Denver get back into it like they let Brees did in the 4th quarter.
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