Falcons Look to Carry Momentum into Tampa

Sep 24, 2011

Last week the Falcons upset the Eagles 35-31 while taking out “star” Eagles QB Michael Vick. Before his exit, Vick put up decent numbers, passing for almost 250 yards and running for 25 and accumulating two TD’s. However, Vick had trouble when the Falcons blitzed which ultimately forced and interception and two fumbles and eventually Vick’s concussion. Mike Kafka, who came in to replace Vick, went 7 for 9 and threw for more than 10 yards per completion, and had it not been for a drop at the end of the game, he may very well have won them the game. The real offensive hero for the Eagles was sophomore receiver Jeremy Maclin, who caught 13 balls for 171 yards and two TD’s. In the end, however, it was the Falcons who outshined with a comeback. After a bad game against the Bears, the defense really came out strong and forced some turnover to keep the Falcons in the game. The star of the game, however, was Falcons RB Michael Turner, who ran for his second consecutive 100 yard game. Now the Falcons need to carry that momentum into their first division game.

Falcons’ Keys to Success

1. Michael Turner – Michael “the Burner” Turner has begun this season very strongly, rushing for over 100 yards in each game and averaging almost 7 yards per carry. Despite all of this, this week may actually be Michael’s best week, as the Bucs have struggled mightily against the run this season, allowing 156 yards per game on the ground, including a 120 yard rushing game to Adrian Peterson last week. If Turner can help the Falcons by scoring early and building momentum, they will be practically unbeatable.

2. The Falcons’ Secondary – The Falcons have allowed a little over 300 yards per game in the air, including almost 100 to third-string QB Mike Kafka last week. Basically, Dunta Robinson is going to have to pull his head out of his you know where and start covering guys instead of launching himself at the receiver head-first after they catch the ball. This is even more pertinent considering that the Falcons have already ruled out Kelvin Hayden, who had the Falcons INT last week. If the Falcons get to a point this season when they’re winning WITH their secondary, as opposed to in spite of them, they will be very difficult to beat.

3. O-line – The blocking has been atrocious this season. Matt Ryan has already been sacked 9 times for over 50 yards of field position. Though they have done well for Turner so far this season, the Falcons cannot win with a one-dimensional offense, meaning that Matt Ryan is going to need more than what he’s getting in the pocket. Considering the Falcons traded a large part of their draft for Julio Jones, it’d be nice Ryan got to throw to him a few times. That being said, starting C Todd McClure is probable to make his debut this week, which should help the guys some.

4. 3^rd Down Defense – The Falcons 11 third down attempts allowed is tied for 6^thmost in the NFL. When the defense is good enough to get the opponent to a 3^rd down, they need to capitalize on that opportunity, this week especially, considering that the Bucs have converted 50% of their 3^rd downs. This statistic could create a nightmare for Atlanta.

What to Watch for – Predictions

1. Michael Turner – Turner has rushed for at least 100 yards every game this season. I fully expect that he will do the same again.

2. Injuries – Jonathon Babineaux, a big presence on the D-line, is going to be out this week, meaning Peria Jerry is going to have to play like the first round pick that he was. Stephen Nicholas, the weak side linebacker, appears to be a game-time decision this week, meaning that Mike Peterson will have to be ready to step up just in case. However, Todd McClure will be back this week, meaning that the O-line will be somewhat better this week.

3. Sean Weatherspoon – If you didn’t watch the game last week, you probably didn’t know this, but Sean Weatherspoon played out of his mind. Weatherspoon now has 20 tackles on the season, which is a team lead. It’s fun to watch this kid fly around the field, and I expect him to play DeMarcus Ware type football in a few years, especially with his speed.