The Falcons clinched a playoff berth last Sunday in Minnesota, but there is still much to play for this weekend when the St. Louis Rams visit for the final week of the regular season. If things go Atlanta’s way, we could be talking about an NFC South title and a first-round playoff bye. If the Falcons don’t get the job done, they likely face a difficult road trip to open up the postseason next weekend.
PLENTY TO PLAY
A win this weekend and a Carolina loss would win the NFC South crown for the Falcons, giving them a first-round playoff bye. That alone should be enough to keep the team focused. But even if Carolina does win, an Atlanta victory means a trip to Arizona, which is a favorable matchup for Atlanta. The Cardinals are 8-7 overall and have benefited greatly from playing in a division with the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks.
But if the Birds lose Sunday they could face a road trip to face Minnesota, which gave the offense fits last week, or a trip to ice cold Chicago to face the Bears at Soldier Field.
LEAVE NO DOUBT
When at home, the Falcons have proven they can beat just about anyone, so taking care of the Rams shouldn’t be any problem. If they can get off to one of their patented fast starts, especially offensively, then they should cruise to victory.
If you haven’t heard of Fakhir Brown or Ron Bartell, you aren’t alone. But those two are the starting corners for a weak St. Louis pass defense. That’s who Roddy White and Michael Jenkins will line up across from this week, and that’s a matchup that could spell a big day for both.
Expect Atlanta to come out firing against the Rams defense that gives up just a shade under 30 points a game. If they get the Rams back on their heels early, St. Louis will surely begin to think about the offseason before the game comes to a close.
GET TO THE QB
John Abraham is one of the last players the struggling Rams offensive line wanted to see in Week 17. As is often true, Abraham is the key to the Atlanta ‘D’, as it is his pressure on the quarterback that continues to alter the rhythm and execution of the opposing offense.
Since the Rams offensive line gives out sacks like Christmas presents (Marc Bulger has been sacked a staggering 35 times in 14 games played), getting to the QB is an absolute must on Sunday. If Abraham and his friends can keep Bulger guessing when he drops back to pass, it’s hard to see the Rams moving the football successfully.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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