Black & Gold Xs & Os: Defensive Game Plan Vs. The Falcons

When watching film of the Atlanta Falcons offense, a few things stand out to me. They are a very well organized offense from a schematic and personnel perspective. They are also extremely well coached. And perhaps most importantly, they have a lot of talent.

It all starts with their second-year QB Matt Ryan. Ryan takes as few sacks as Drew Brees normally does. In fact, this year Ryan has been even better about getting the ball out than Drew.

And make no mistake about it, Ryan is a very athletic player who has no problem getting outside to keep plays alive or to make a few yards for his offense. Additionally, when he has a chance to step into a throw, his arm is as strong as anyone's in the entire league.

When he begins to struggle, it is against pressure, at which point he has a habit of throwing off his back foot. This causes him to be less accurate and lose distance on his throws.

Ryan excels in two-minute drills and in tight situations, hence the nickname "Matty Ice". Hopefully, Monday night's game won't come down to such a situation.

It is important to note that the talent does not end with Ryan. Running backs Michael Turner and Jerrious Norwood provide a nice one-two punch, which has become a trio in recent weeks with Jason Snelling providing an even more bruising-type presence in the lineup.

Even though they've had less success on the ground this year than a year ago, they are still explosive running the football and remain committed to it, even when playing from behind.

Tight End Tony Gonzalez might as well be Jeremy Shockey as far as the New Orleans defense is concerned. Beyond the fact that both wear no. 88, they are used exactly the same way in offenses that are almost mirror images.

Gonzalez runs a lot of short crossing routes and seam routes up the middle against safeties and linebackers. They like to place him all over the formation, and motion him a lot to block backside on run plays. He is not used much in pass protection, mainly because he is such a dynamic receiving threat.

Additionally, Roddy White is used mainly as a big-play guy. He runs a lot of vertical routes and deep routes over the middle. Michael Jenkins is a bigger receiver who is more of a possession-type receiver. He will run a lot of intermediate routes, and might be one of the better receivers at catching the ball on a slant route and holding on.

On the offensive line, the Falcons are pretty much a one-man team as far as names go. But they work very well as a unit, and because of that open up a lot of holes in the running game, and do a good job keeping Matt Ryan clean in the pocket.

The Falcons like to go big-on-big with LT Sam Baker. This basically means they allow Baker to go one-on-one with either the defensive end lined up over him, or a blitzer lined up over him. Occasionally, though they will help him with the blitzer by checking a back, allowing Baker to stay inside when the end lines up inside shade of him, in a five-technique as opposed to outside which is a seven-tech.

Knowing how the Falcons like to protect is key since so much of what they do is predicated on giving Ryan time to throw. They run so many deep routes, or slower developing routes at least that they must protect Ryan. Pressure is key against this offense.

It is not unusual for Atlanta to get five out into the pattern, but they will generally keep at least one in if they see a blitz. They will often send five receivers vertical or four vertical and send one shallow as a clear out concept to hit that guy over the middle.

Because of this defenses must be ready to cover five guys man-to-man and pay attention to every eligible receiver on the field. They are all legitimate options for Ryan to utilize at any time.  

Brief Defensive Game Plan

Against the running game, I would run blitz and shoot gaps against what is primarily an inside zone, cutback type team. Shoot the gaps that are empty since that is where they want to hit the run ultimately. This clogs up lanes, and then all you must do is tackle.

I would do this mostly with an outside linebacker, but from time-to-time would bring Roman Harper or Darren Sharper to perform this role.

In third down situations, and other obvious passing downs, I would big blitz, or send one more to a certain side than the Falcons have to protect. Use some stunts, and twists on the inside against a double-team blocking scheme. On the outside against Baker, bring a DE and OLB and twist them, forcing Baker to take the OLB, and leaving the DE on a RB or TE.

Otherwise, I would really blitz the "A gap" hard, trying to get to Ryan early. If you do this it is important to play contain on the outside in order to keep Ryan in the pocket. If he gets outside he becomes even more dangerous. He has yet to prove he can consistently step up into the pocket. Make him do this.

In coverage, ideally a Two-Man look with two deep safeties and man coverage should work well. Of course, the more you blitz the fewer people you have to play in coverage. I would play some cover four as a result to keep the ball in front with man coverage on Tight Ends and backs to watch the over-the-middle throws.

It is important to give Matt Ryan a lot of different looks. I think Gregg Williams will do that. This will cause pressure, which will cause turnovers. And in honor of Halloween, the Saints will scare the Falcons and make them pay for being too loose with the football.

Monday I will post my offensive game plan. Until then, Geaux Saints!