10 Reasons We Should Take Atlanta Falcons Seriously As a Super Bowl Contender
With a 26-21 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, the Atlanta Falcons have now proven they are a legitimate threat to make it to the Super Bowl.
Just a week ago, we witnessed the Falcons knock the Tampa Bay Buccaneers off their pedestal. But many pundits didn't expect what happened on Thursday in Atlanta.
Despite being held to being just a one-dimensional team (Baltimore allowed only 60 total rushing yards), the Falcons proved they can assault people through the air, whether defenses are expecting it or not.
Matt Ryan passed for 316 yards and three touchdowns, two of those touchdowns going to arguably the best receiver in the league this season, Roddy White.
Here are 10 reasons we should take the Atlanta Falcons seriously as a Super Bowl contender.
10. They Force Teams to Play Their Game
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The Atlanta Falcons are not a perfect defensive bunch, but they don't have to be because the offense scores points at such a high rate.
Coming into Thursday's game, the Atlanta Falcons were giving up 4.1 yards per carry on the ground, good for 17th in the NFL.
But they had only given up 95.9 rushing yards per game, good for sixth in the league.
How? By allowing the fourth-fewest rushing attempts in the NFL.
Why? Because they have to play catch-up all game and have to abandon their running game early.
9. Their Only Two Losses Have Been to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
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The Atlanta Falcons have shown they are in the elite this year by beating New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Baltimore, and only losing to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Losing to Pittsburgh in particular is nothing to be ashamed of, and that was a 15-9 affair in Week 1. I doubt the Falcons will ever score in single digits again this season.
8. They Know How to Cause Turnovers On Defense
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This could be a byproduct of opponents throwing so much against the Falcons. Entering Thursday the Falcons were tied for second in the league with 13 interceptions, despite being mediocre in terms of passing yards and passing TDs allowed.
Most coaches preach winning the turnover differential. The Falcons do it most weeks and they did it on Thursday against Baltimore, creating two turnovers and not turning the ball over at all on their side.
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7. This Team Knows How to Win
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The Falcons have only one game in which they won by more than 10 points (Week 2 vs. Arizona).
Some would say this shows they aren't a strong team. I take the other route.
I think it shows they are a resilient team and a team that does what it needs to do each-and-every week. I think it shows they are a consistent team, not liable to implode or have a letdown game. It shows they are on the same page every week.
No win will be easy against this squad. The Ravens stormed back on Thursday to go up 21-20, only to see Roddy White crush their hopes with a 33-yard touchdown with 20 seconds left.
The Falcons can break your heart.
6. They Know Every Game Counts
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Despite the early struggles of the Saints and the apparent gradual decline of the Buccaneers, the Falcons have been in the NFC long enough to know they still have a ways to go.
The Saints have come to life, beating the Steelers in Week 8 and annihilating the Panthers in Week 9. The Giants look as strong as ever. And the Packers have Aaron Rodgers.
The Falcons are only a game ahead of the Saints despite their win against Baltimore. It's going to be an uphill battle the rest of the way and they know it.
5. Their Run Game Has Stepped Up
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Despite the 60 collective yards the Falcons garnered against Baltimore on Thursday, the Falcons have still been an improved running team from last year.
We all know about Michael Turner, but Jason Snelling has definitely made an impact for the Falcons this year, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and catching 22 balls before Thursday. On Thursday, he caught a ball for a touchdown.
4. Tony Gonzalez
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Sure, he hasn't had the greatest of years. But you can never count out a tight end of Tony Gonzalez' caliber. He knows the game, and if you forget about him, he'll make you pay. Teams are going to be giving Roddy White an increasing amount of attention as the season progresses, and Gonzalez will be ready when the defense gives him a chance.
3. Michael Turner
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A perennial workhorse, Michael Turner has finally gotten some help on the ground this season. Don't expect him to have the 350-plus carries he had two years ago this season. He is getting more breaks, which means his legs will be fresher down the stretch.
When a guy with a career 4.8 yards per carry average isn't tired and you are at the end of the season, you don't want to see that guy.
2. Matt Ryan
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Don't forget that this is only Matt Ryan's third year in the league. And he's getting better. Going into Thursday's game, he had a QB rating of 90.2. After Thursday's game, it will be higher. He passed for 316 yards and three TDs on Thursday, with no interceptions, against a very proud defense in the Ravens.
His connection with Roddy White is out of this world. He's only getting better at surveying the field, with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He is a rising star.
1. Roddy White
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Roddy White is having a breakout season this year, and that's scary considering he was already considered one of the top wideouts in the game before this year.
But his 138-yard, two-TD performance against Baltimore on Thursday leaves him with 934 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in just nine games.
He's become an unstoppable force for any defense this season. He is as determined and as focused as ever. He should be a candidate for MVP. Unfortunately, the AP hasn't given out an MVP to a receiver since it began giving it out in 1957.
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