The Atlanta Falcons Week 2 Matchup

Last Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons didn't play well against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe it's because they didn't follow my gameplan (that was a very similar article to what this will be).

The Lead Story: Can the Falcons rebound?

As I mentioned in the opening, the Falcons lost to the Steelers in Week 1. An interception, a questionable coaching decision and two holding penalties in overtime cost us the game, but I've already published an article on that. Now the big question is: Can the Falcons rebound?

It stunned me that the defense looked good and the offense was the question mark. That could have been a product of the team they were playing more than anything, but I guess we'll find out. Remember the Cardinals did knock the Falcons out of the playoffs in 2008( just a bit of extra motivation).

Keys to victory for the Falcons:

1. Take Larry Fitzgerald out of their gameplan - He is the playmaker and number one option in the offense. He can single-handedly beat us if we let him.

We need to see if Dunta Robinson can cover him at the start of the game. We picked up Dunta to shutdown guys like Fitzgerald. If he can't we will be forced to double cover him, with the second man likely being DeCoud or Coleman.

2. Get Matt Ryan going early - We really need Matt Ryan's confidence up. Last week, he was inaccurate and rattled by the Steelers defense. Ryan looked as if he was still in August! Not to say he didn't have his moments, like running the no huddle pretty well.

The Rest of the Cardinals offense vs the Falcons defense:

Arizona's offense was not in it's 2009 form because, let's face it, Derek Anderson is not Kurt Warner. Losing Anquan Boldin had to hurt also, although Steve Breaston is good. Beanie Wells is questionable for the game, so Tim Hightower may get the bulk of the carries. The offensive line improves each year, under a tough nosed Ken Whisenhunt.  With Jonathan Babineaux returning the Falcons run defense should improve. Sean Weatherspoon needs to emerge as the pass rusher that Atlanta drafted him to be. Eric Coleman may miss the game, so we'll get a chance to see what William Moore can do.

The Rest of the Falcons offense vs. the Cardinals defense:

The running game needs to show up for this game because it felt as if it stalled in Week 1. Michael Turner never really made any big plays nor did Jason Snelling. The Falcons need to mix in Jerious Norwood's speed to keep the defense guessing. No Michael Jenkins means Harry Douglas will start once again. Douglas needs to be more involved in the passing game because last week was the Roddy White show. It will be interesting to see how well Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie covers White. Darnell Dockett will be guarded by Harvey Dahl or Tyson Clabo, depending on what defensive package the Cardinals will using. Arizona also has one of the best safety combinations in the NFL: Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson.

Prediction:

The Falcons will win but if they don't, we could be in for a long season.