The Atlanta Falcons Week 1 Matchup Breakdown

The NFL season is almost here! As an Atlanta Falcons fan, I cannot wait for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The lead story:

The big story heading into this game has been the Steelers quarterback situation.

With Ben Roethlisberger suspended for the first four games, Dennis Dixon will be under center for Week 1.

Dixon had a decent showing a year ago against the Ravens, especially considering it was his first NFL start.

That being said, the Falcons game plan should be to pressure Dixon. He is very athletic, but the Falcons defense should be able to rattle him by sending blitzes early and often.

Keys to Victory for the Falcons:

1. Rattle Dixon-  As I just noted, getting pressure on Dixon could force him into mistakes. The Steelers offensive line is also very weak, making it that much easier.

2. Exploit the secondary- The Steelers ranked 16th in passing yards allowed last year. Mike Mularkey should go deep early and test the secondary.

If it works we gain momentum and open up the running game. This could split open the Steelers defense early and lead to a big game from Matt Ryan.

Rounding out the Offense:

On the flip side, the Steelers rush defense ranked third, making all the more important to take the downfield shot early on.

Turner, Snelling, and Norwood are supposed to all be used this season, but face a big test in the rush defense.

That goes back to the plan I mentioned earlier. Michael Jenkins will be out, so Harry Douglas should start.

Douglas is better than Jenkins, but the Falcons must think otherwise. 

Key Matchup: Tony Gonzalez vs. Troy Polamalu

Gonzalez only needs one catch for his 1,000 career reception, expect to see Matt Ryan target him a lot in the first quarter to get it out of the way.

 Troy Polamalu is returning from injury. He can do it all. He will most likely take Gonzo out of the Falcons game plan.

Rounding out the defense: 

The Steelers will be forced to run the ball.

ashard Mendenhall will need to have a big game.

The returning Peria Jerry will be ran at a lot to test if he is healthy and the Falcons season could very well depend on him. They may become too dependent on Mendenhall causing the Falcons to key in on the run game.

Prediction:

The Falcons should be able to take the win against the Roethlisberger-less Steelers.