The following is from AtlantaFalcons.com managing editor J. Michael Moore:
It’s hard not to notice the statistical advantages the Falcons carry into Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis is 31st in the league in scoring. The Falcons, 11th. The Rams’ defense allows 28.9 points per game and ranks no better than 23rd in major defensive categories. But concentrating on stats isn’t something the Falcons do in the film room, especially when playoff positioning and a 7-1 home record are on the line.
“You can’t take it for granted,” center Todd McClure said. “They get paid to play the game, too. We have a lot at stake. If we win this game and some good things happen we get that No. 2 seed. I think that’s one thing guys will focus on and get us through this game.”
The Rams (2-13) are in the midst of a nine-game losing streak and epitomize a team with nothing to lose. There’s a danger factor there, especially for the Falcons defense that sees a team that ran trick plays over the past two games and has a strong running back in Steven Jackson.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us and it will be a test of our wills and our character to see how we’ll respond after knowing we’re going to the playoffs,” linebacker Coy Wire said. “Will we rest on our laurels? That’s always a possibility but I think it will be a good challenge to us to prove to ourselves once again that whenever, whoever, we can focus in and get the job done.”
St. Louis allows 147 yards per game on the ground and 221 through the air, but with a pass rush that includes No.2 overall pick Chris Long, the team remains a threat for turnovers. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe leads the team with five interceptions. Long has four sacks and the ability to move along the defensive line.
“When you look at the tape you see a team that’s playing hard and you see some guys on the defensive side of the ball that are physical up front and do a good job making plays in the run game and passing game,” quarterback Matt Ryansaid. “I think it comes down to us. It comes down to how well we prepare and handle the week. With the holiday there’s obviously some distraction. We need to enjoy that but at the same time focus on taking care of business this weekend.”
MORE STORY LINES: Should the game allow, Falcons players may be looking at a different scoreboard Sunday afternoon. The Birds know a Carolina loss and a win would give them the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye. So, a little scoreboard watching can’t be helped.
“I’m sure I’ll glance up,” McClure said. “If I told you I wouldn’t I’d be lying to you. We have to take care of business on Sunday and, whatever happens in New Orleans happens.”
But that’s just one of the various other story lines for this week’s game:
- NOTEBOOK: Birds prepare for team that continues to fight
- BLOG: Ryan, Turner Spring Holiday Surprise
- BLOG: “All Hands on Deck” for Rams Game
- BIRDSEED: Get a gauge on what the media is saying about this game
SHUFFLING THE CARDS: Safety Jamaal Fudge played well for a bruised Lawyer Milloy in the second half of last week’s game. He got extensive practice with the first team this week as Milloy recovered. Head Coach Mike Smith said Fudge “had about 25 snaps” against the Vikings. He would start if Milloy is unable to go.
The veteran safety was one of four Falcons players to miss practice on Wednesday and Thursday (Grady Jackson, John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson).
“We’ve got some guys we had to hold out from practice today that were banged up from the game,” Smith said. “We’re anticipating to get some of them back tomorrow and hopefully all of them back by Friday. I’d say there’s a couple of them that may go all the way to the game.”
The Rams have been hard by injury this season, carrying an injured reserve list that includes names like: Drew Bennett,Dante Hall, Tye Hill, Brian Leonard, Ricky Manning Jr. and Randy McMichael.
Click here for the complete Saint Joseph’s Hospital Injury Report.
THE SKINNY: Teams that have playoff positions locked up often fiddle with the lineup to prevent injuries and keep players fresh for the postseason. If the season ended today the Falcons would have the No. 5 seed in the NFC. But, because of various scenarios, the team could slip to No. 6 with a loss to the Rams or move up to No. 2. There’s something to play for and Smith said he’ll keep that in mind when making personnel decisions.
“It’s going to be all hands on deck,” the coach said Monday. “We’ve got some guys that are banged up but each week we have guys that are banged up. We’re going to go out and do everything in our power to finish this regular season off right with a victory.”
A win would give the Falcons three-straight victories for the first time this season and assure them status as one of the hottest teams in the league entering the postseason.
“It is very important,” running back Michael Turner said. “We still have a lot on the line. We can either be a No. 2 seed or we want to keep that fifth seed. Winning is still important to us.”
NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Some digits, info and hues to get you ready for Sunday’s game against the Rams…
- The Falcons will wear red jerseys against the Rams.
- Two Falcons-Rams game have finished in a tie and it happened in back-to-back years (1970 and 1971)
- Atlanta has won two of the last 10 meetings between these teams.
- Milloy is the only Falcon from the state of Missouri (St. Louis).
- A win would give the Falcons 11 wins, tying for the third-best win total in franchise history.
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