Falcons-49ers: Questions Abound as NFC Contenders Meet

After spending two weeks preparing for Sunday's matchup against the 49ers in Candlestick, the Falcons' focus was on running the ball.

"We just have to concentrate on the little things," said Falcons center Todd McClure.

"Whether if it's footwork or hand placement or helmet placement once you get up to the second level."

This week isn't the greatest time coming to that revelation against the 49ers' No. 3 rushing defense. The offensive line was forced to watch and break down all 81 rushing plays from this season.

Corrections that must be made to follow up the 2008 season, wherein Michael Turner ran for 1699 yards.

"I think we are going to have that breakout game," McClure said. "I just hope it's sooner rather than later. We are doing it right. It's just small breakdowns here and there that's keeping the offense from having those big runs."

Those breakdowns will be magnified on the playing field against the likes of Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson.

But right now, the 49ers' sole focus isn't on the Falcons. 

First-round draft choice Michael Crabtree signed his rookie deal and will be available for practice as early as today.

It will be three weeks before we will see the once coveted young receiver, but make no mistake, Shaun Hill will be having a party at his house Saturday night!

Keys to the Game

Both teams love to run the ball. Stopping the run is the most important factor for both defenses. The 49ers bring a great rush defense to the table. The Falcons—not so much.

Second-year phenom Curtis Lofton has a busy day ahead with both running back Glen Coffee and tight end Vernon Davis lining up opposite him.

Lofton is second in the NFL (after a bye week) in solo tackles and led the NFL going into the Week Four bye. Once again, he will be busy on Sunday.

For the Niners, it's finding a way to defend Michael Turner and the return of speedster Jerious Norwood. How do you defend against a lion and a cheetah? If anyone will figure out a way, it's head coach Mike Singletary.

“Coach Singletary, I know that he preaches physicality and I don’t think that those guys have any doubt that they are going to be ready to play and make it a physical football game,” said Falcons head coach Mike Smith.

“They have been very efficient in stopping the run,” Smith said. “One of the teams they played is the Vikings...They have done a very good job through the first few games. It will be a very big challenge for us.”

A challenge, indeed: The Falcons were ranked No. 2 in rushing in the NFL at the end of the 2008 season.

If the running game gets going, it will be up to the guys on the offensive line. This season, they have struggled to open the holes they did just one year ago.

Who to Watch

This game presents an array of great matchups, but the two players that stand out are the two players having the best seasons—ironically, these are the tight ends.

Both future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and future star Vernon Davis prove that the position is more than just blocking. Both create mismatches in the secondary and draw more attention than defensive coordinators normally gameplan.

Another really good matchup is the 49ers' offensive line versus John Abraham.

He moves around, so don't expect one tackle to have full duty on him. He is just as effective from either side and the Falcons staff likes to put him wherever they feel he will have the most success.

Protection hasn't been a strong suit for San Francisco this season. Shaun Hill is the third most sacked QB in the NFL at present.

What Is the Deal with Crabtree?

On Sept. 21, 2009 the Niners filed charges against the NJ Jets for tampering with their No. 10 overall selection.

Then, on Tuesday, Crabtree signed his rookie deal and all is great in the Bay area.

I'm still interested to know what all happened between those two dates. Did the Jets force the Niners' hands somehow, or perhaps Crabtree's agent? This will be interesting to watch unfold.

Moore to Make Debut

Falcons' second-round pick William Moore will finally see some action after being hurt in camp.

Because of the injury to Moore, Erik Coleman has been playing out of position at strong safety while second-year player Thomas Decoud moved into the free safety role.

Coleman played free safety last season in the Falcons' defense with Lawyer Milloy holding down the strong spot.

It's good timing as the Niners love to run the ball and the Falcons need some help making plays at the line of scrimmage. The debut of Moore is a good sign for the Falcons' secondary and run stopping woes.

Where Is Roddy White?

That's a great question. Since his holdout ended, he's been effectively neutered.

Once a Pro Bowl receiver, he's taken a back seat to both new tight end Gonzalez as well as fellow receiver Michael Jenkins.

Questions still remain about White's hands and ability to turn the ball upfield.

With a week to study his film, White should take better angles and focus on the catch. Sunday, we will see if he makes himself a factor again in the passing game.

Is Hill the Real Deal?

Quarterback Shaun Hill has played great the past two weeks.

He's ranked in the top 10 in QB ratings after a month of football. His 6.6 yards per reception average isn't all that great, but his five to one ratio on turnovers is a breath of fresh air for the Niners' offense.

The Falcons' secondary hasn't played great this season, but much of that has to do with the lack of push in the middle and the scheme.

It's not unlikely to see a corner playing 15 yards off his receiver. This should be a favorable battle for a veteran trying to find his place in the league. He has, however, been sacked 13 times so far this season and will face John Abraham coming from either side. That said, he's undefeated at home.

Who Will Win?

This is a very tough game to call. It's basically a statement game for both teams. The Niners play well at home and the Falcons had two weeks to prepare for this game. There are many questions for both teams and the answers won't be resolved this week.

Prediction: Atlanta 27, 49ers 23. 

This game will go down to the final minutes. In those situations, you go with who you feel will be able to make that final drive. This week, my money is on Matt Ryan.