Last week the Atlanta Falcons faced a desperate Carolina Panthers team that had their backs against the wall, but managed to hold on against a side that threw everything at them in a 28-20 victory. It’s a similar test this week against the 1-1 New England Patriots, who only managed to pull off a last-second victory against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 before being beaten in New York by the Jets last weekend.
Now, Atlanta must face a team on the road that is well known for fighting its way out of corners, and doing so with plenty of success. Here’s a bit of what you can expect as Atlanta hits the road in what should be its most difficult game of the young season.
BIRDS’ ATTACK VS. PATS ‘D’ …
With the likes of Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison no longer around, the Pats defense has taken on a much less intimidating role this season. The unit struggled against a Buffalo team without Marshawn Lynch, and would have given up far more points last week against Mark Sanchez and company if they hadn’t managed to stand strong in their own territory and hold NYJ to three field goals.
With Tom Brady (pictured) and the New England offense surely fuming after last week’s loss, this one could easily be a shootout, meaning Atlanta will have to take advantage of the many matchup problems their offense presents. While the Pats have done a solid job in the secondary thus far, the Birds have a threat they haven’t had to deal with yet in Tony Gonzalez at tight end. With New England breaking in a host of new linebackers and Jerod Mayo out for the near future, this week could present another opportunity for Matt Ryan and Gonzalez to find each other in the passing game.
However, the run game might have some problems against the Pats’ 3-4 defense. The offensive line will have its hands full with mammoth defensive tackle Vince Wilfork eating up space in the middle, and the fact that Justin Blalock and Todd McClure aren’t the biggest of interior offensive linemen.
BRADY VS. BIRDS …
Brady has been justifiably rusty, only now fully returning from last season’s ACL tear that kept him out in 2008. His normally stellar completion percentage was under 50 last week, although the absence of Wes Welker surely contributed to that. Despite Brady’s inconsistent beginning to the season, the Pats have plenty of weapons to go around, and should provide a very tough assignment for Atlanta’s secondary, which allowed Jake Delhomme to throw for over 300 yards last Sunday.
The first question surrounds Randy Moss. Atlanta doesn’t have a corner above 6-feet. Diminutive Brent Grimes wouldn’t stand a chance against the stud wide receiver, meaning Brian Williams and Chris Houston will draw the assignment. It’s hard to imagine the results will be good in this area with Welker, Joey Galloway and tight end Ben Watson also presenting problems for the Atlanta secondary.
That means that getting to Brady will be a must for the front seven. If Brady has time to sit in the pocket and evaluate his options, there will be no chance of starting the New England offense. Pressure off the ends from John Abraham and Kroy Biermann will be essential.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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