(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
For the second week in a row, the Atlanta Falcons will be facing an opponent that has had an extra week of film study to prepare for them. I feel certain the Dallas Cowboys paid close attention to the Falcons past two victories against San Francisco and Chicago.
In those two weeks, one thing stands out. Defense.
The Falcons defense ranks 23rd in the NFL in yards allowed (359.2 per game) but third in points (15.4) and touchdowns (eight) allowed.
They have totaled only 10 sacks, which also ranks 23rd. That said, their five interceptions (10th in the NFL), 10 forced fumbles (second only to New England’s 11), seven fumble recoveries (fourth) and 12 total takeaways (tied for fourth) put them in the top 10 in total defense.
Bend, don't break while forcing the opponent to make mistakes. Even when the Falcons defense appears bad, they are deceiving. Dallas will find this a challenge.
The Cowboys are ranked high in offensive stats such as passing (ninth in the NFL) and rushing (third in the NFL) but have found themselves behind the eight ball against teams with winning records.
Of their two losses, they were defeated by teams with a combined record of 11-1. Of their three victories, their opponents' records are 3-14. The one-loss Chiefs took them into overtime prior to the Cowboys bye week, and a great play by receiver Miles Austin saved the day.
A lot depends on which Tony Romo shows up on Sunday. Known to be a "gunslinger" like his idol Brett Favre, Romo can strike gold or kill you with his decision making. One thing is certain, he will test the waters deep against the Falcons.
The Falcons secondary took a hit with the loss of cornerback Brian Williams. Williams was a huge part of the process that Coach Mike Smith preaches every week. Having coached Williams in Jacksonville, part of the process was implementing this stingy red zone defense the Falcons have incorporated.
It's not uncommon to watch teams dink and dunk their way down into the red zone. This is where the field shrinks and the Falcons speed defense takes over.
On the other side of the coin, the Cowboys have some serious red zone woes. In 15 trips this season, they have come away with a touchdown only seven times.
"Our efficiency down there hasn't been as good as we need it to be," said Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. "There have been opportunities we haven't taken advantage of. We just have to tighten it up."
This is a poor week to come to that declaration. The Falcons shine in the red zone. They have allowed only 37.5 percent of the opponents trips to result in a touchdown. That ranks them third in the NFL.
When the Falcons take over on offense, the first thing Cowboys defenders need to be aware of are the Nasty Boys. Former Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking elaborated earlier this week.
“I’m just letting them know how nasty Harvey Dahl and Clabo are," said Brooking. "Be careful. Those guys will sneak up on you in a heartbeat,” Brooking said. “I think the offensive line, like last year, has really come together. Those guys are playing together; all good offensive lines do that.”
When Dallas Has the Ball
The Cowboys love to spread out defenses. They play a lot of three wides and Jason Witten in a single back set. Out of that set they try to open the middle of the field to allow either Witten to exploit the zone defenses or delay a draw play with Felix Jones.
The Falcons have had issues with both draw plays and screen plays this season. Much of the yardage surrendered by the Falcons defense came in just that fashion. It will be a test to the line-backing corps to prevent the big play come Sunday.
Dallas usually runs the ball early in the game, and later in the second half they start taking shots downfield. If they can get the play-action passing game going it will slow down the pass rush of the Falcons front seven.
The Cowboys have announced that Miles Austin will be taking the spot opposite of Roy Williams on Sunday after his breakout game against the Chiefs.
Austin will be going against Williams replacement. No word on whether that will be second year LSU star Chevis Jackson, rookie Chris Owens, or backup Brent Grimes at this time.
When the Falcons Have the Ball
The Falcons are going to try to run the ball. It doesn't matter if it's a four man front or nine. They want to dictate the tempo of the game and it all starts with Turner.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Atlanta Falcons articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete