Everyone already knew that the Atlanta Falcons’ schedule was a daunting one. But not so many expected this week trip to San Francisco to be such a potentially difficult one. The Niners have surprised this season, sporting a 3-1 record that could easily be at 4-0 if not for Brett Favre’s miracle touchdown pass to beat them in the final seconds two weeks ago. Here are a few things to look for during Atlanta’s trip to the Bay Area on Sunday.
FALCONS ‘O’ VS. NINERS ‘D’ …
This matchup will determine the outcome of the game. San Fran’s defense is one of the most bruising units around, and Ole Miss product Patrick Willis is as good a linebacker as any in the league. He’s a ball hawk that can put a dent in the running game, but also makes things difficult in the short passing game, as was evident by his interception return for a touchdown last week against the hapless St. Louis Rams. Takeo Spikes and Manny Lawson join him to form one of the finest linebacking units in the league, anchoring the league’s fourth best run defense.
That might spell trouble for Michael Turner, who has struggled to get going so far this season. Brighter days are surely ahead for the ’09 Pro Bowler, but this may not be the week to turn things around.
Instead, it will be time for Matt Ryan to step up to the plate and answer the call as he lines up against one of the best playmaking defenses around. The aforementioned trio at linebacker could make things tough on tight end Tony Gonzalez. Look for Mike Mularkey to try and get Roddy White involved heavily after the wideout had taken a backseat to Gonzalez thus far in the passing game. Keep an eye on Jerious Norwood, who returns to action this week after suffering a concussion against Carolina, and can always catch a defense by surprise with a big play if utilized correctly.
It still won’t be easy for The Birds throwing the football, as Nate Clements, Shawtae Spencer, and Dre’ Bly form quite a formidable trio at the corner position.
STOPPING SAN FRAN …
While the 49ers’ defense has been the catalyst for their success, the offense is much-improved after being tough to watch in past seasons.
Atlanta is fortunate that running back Frank Gore is banged up and figures to sit this week out. He’s a do-it-all back that rushed for over 200 yards in a game earlier in the season. Glen Coffee will play in his place. The Alabama alum has plenty of ability but looked shaky and nervous in his first NFL start last Sunday. If the Falcons can show some improvements in the run defense after being gashed on the ground by New England, they should be just fine. That means that defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux, Thomas Johnson and Trey Lewis must all show signs of life after the Pats ran the ball up the gut time and time again last time out.
Things won’t be as much of a problem in the secondary. Quarterback Shaun Hill has been decent, but he doesn’t have much to work with. The Michael Crabtree holdout continues, while Josh Morgan and Isaac Bruce aren’t exactly major threats. Expect Brian VanGorder to be aggressive defensively and place Chris Houston, Brian Williams and company on islands on the outside. Much like the Miami game on opening day, San Fran’s lack of experience on the outside presents an opportunity for the corners to pick up some much-needed confidence.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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