Falcons vs. Seahawks Game Guide: Lineups, Matchup Breakdown, Injury Report

The starting lineups will look a little different when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Seattle Seahawks for the second straight season, and could be significantly different pending a few key injury situations.

Atlanta took advantage of three second-half turnovers by Seattle last season, turning a 17-10 halftime lead into a 34-18 win. 

The Seahawks (1-2) have some significant changes on offense. While most don't seem to be improvements, they are only a 4.5 point underdog...mostly resulting from an improving defense coupled with the Falcons (1-2) struggling in their first three games.

This is obviously a big game for both teams, as a 1-3 record will be tough to rebound from. It would be a much bigger hole for the Falcons, as they will be chasing the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both at 2-1.

The NFC West figures to be just a bit more open again this season. Seattle could enter their bye week at 1-4 and still have an opportunity to challenge for the division title if they can get their offense on track.

Atlanta Falcons Starting Offense, Defense

The Atlanta Falcons were the top seed in the NFC last season. However, they dropped a 48-21 defeat at home vs. the Green Bay Packers in their lone playoff game.

They made a few changes to their team for the 2011 season.

The most notable change on offense was surrendering several high draft picks to get Julio Jones to play opposite Roddy White. They also went about keeping their offensive line in-tact, as they had three free agents. They were able to keep Justin Blalock and Tyson Clabo, but Harvey Dahl left for St. Louis.

The offensive line has been a big issue for the Falcons. They've been unable to give Matt Ryan sufficient time, as he's been sacked 13 times on the season. The passing game has improved, though, and it has opened up their run attack; Michael Turner is averaging 5.6 YPC.

The defensive side of the ball saw a big change with the addition of Ray Edwards from the Minnesota Vikings. He's been a sack machine the past two seasons. Some scouts believed that would continue in a new stadium, but others felt his production would wane if he didn't have Jared Allen playing opposite him. As of yet, the latter camp is coming out on top.

Still, the Falcons have a solid defensive line and good linebacker corps. Their secondary is decent, but are suspect to the passing game.

Their biggest issue on defense will be losing Jonathan Babineaux (DT) and Stephen Nichols (OLB) to injury. 

POS	Offense		POS	Defense
WR	Julio Jones		LDE	Ray Edwards
LT	Sam Baker (P)		DT	Peria Jerry
LG	Justin Blalock		DT	Corey Peters
C	Todd McClure		RDE	John Abraham
RG	Garrett Reynolds		OLB	Sean Weatherspoon
RT	Tyson Clabo		MLB	Curtis Lofton (P)
TE	Tony Gonzalez		OLB	Mike Peterson
WR	Roddy White (Q)		RCB	Dunta Robinson
QB	Matt Ryan		LCB	Brent Grimes
RB	Michael Turner		SS	William Moore
FB	Ovie Mughelli		FS	Thomas DeCoud

Seattle Seahawks' Starting Offense, Defense

The Seahawks made three changes in their starting lineup last week. Two had to do with changing injury situations, while the third was a demotion for a player that hasn't performed to expectations. 

The concern with signing Robert Gallery as a free agent was his injury issues over recent seasons. It appears those issues followed him north; expect him to be on the injury report for the duration of the season.  He will be out for the next month, leaving a hole at left guard.  

The other roster change was a distinct positive, as their other injury-riddled free agent, Sidney Rice, finally made his debut as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Seahawks. He provided a nice lift, catching eight passes for 109 yards.

K.J. Wright made his second start of the season, taking over at the weak-side linebacker position for Aaron Curry. He started at middle linebacker for the injured David Hawthorne in Week 1. Wright seemed to be an improvement in pass protection, but isn't near Curry's abilities in run defense.

POS	Offense		POS	Defense
LT	Russell Okung		LDE	Chris Clemons
LG	Paul McQuistan		DT	Alan Branch
C	Max Unger		DT	Brandon Mebane
RG	John Moffitt		RDE	Red Bryant
RT	James Carpenter		OLB	K.J. Wright
TE	Zach Miller		MLB	David Hawthorne
WR	Mike Williams		OLB	Leroy Hill
WR	Sidney Rice		LCB	Marcus Trufant
QB	Tarvaris Jackson		RCB	Brandon Browner
RB	Marshawn Lynch		SS	Kam Chancellor
FB	Eddie Williams		FS	Earl Thomas

Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks: Key Matchups When Atlanta Has the Ball

The Falcons were heavily reliant on their ground game last season. Their only real passing threat was to Roddy White. Tony Gonzalez had a down-year and had less than half the yards of White as the Falcons' number two target.

Teams were able to press against the run, holding Michael Turner to 4.1 yards per carry.

Atlanta added Julio Jones to their roster to open up the field. The design has worked so far; Turner's YPC is up to 5.6, White and Jones are both over 200 yards in receiving, and Gonzalez has caught three touchdown passes.

The key for Seattle will be to control the line of scrimmage with their four down linemen. They need to apply solid pressure on Matt Ryan with their defensive ends and stop Turner without too much help from their secondary. 

Using their bandit package with seven or eight men in pass protection will allow Seattle to use the same over/under protection that I wrote about at halftime of last week's game. They were able to shut down Larry Fitzgerald in the second half, holding him without a reception and keeping the Cardinals off the scoreboard.

Browner and Trufant will need to play press coverage on White at the line of scrimmage. Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor will provide dedicated safety help deep, limiting White's windows.

If Seattle can contain the run with their down linemen, it opens up the linebackers to assist with Julio Jones. K.J. Wright showed his capabilities in this area last week, stepping in front of a Kevin Kolb pass and deflecting it into the hands of Earl Thomas.

The Falcons could face a huge setback with White. He's not been able to practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. If he is unable to play a huge burden will be transferred to a rookie wide receiver.

The Falcons will need improved play from their offensive line. Sam Baker struggled last season, but the unit as a whole was solid. Harvey Dahl is the only starter that didn't return, and he was the player that brought the nasty to the blockers. It appears they miss his influence.

Falcons coach Mike Smith has been dedicating time to the unit, but development is being hindered by new rules this offseason. Seattle has had similar issues; a lack of summer mini-camps and Organized Team Activities made it harder for blocking units to start training camp out on the same page. Fewer full-contact practices during the preseason, and just one padded practice during the regular season, is also making it difficult for the Falcons and Seahawks to correct their blocking issues. 

Chris Clemons and Raheem Brock have been able to apply pressure on the quarterback. Seattle has also used a safety blitz at times with some success. If they can press Ryan into quick decisions, it will make it difficult for them to move the ball through the air. 

Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks: Key Matchups When Seattle Has the Ball

Seattle, like Atlanta, has had issues with their offensive line. Both teams have just five sacks to their credit, while the Seahawks and Falcons have surrendered 14 and 13, respectively. In a similar theme to last week, something has to give.

The pace of Seattle's offense will be directed by their ability to open running lanes and protect Tarvaris Jackson. If they can control the line of scrimmage, Jackson does have the ability to work the ball down the field. However, if he is pressured, it could be yet another long day for the Seahawks offense.

Ray Edwards has been a disappointment thus far in the season. Not only is he not registering any sacks, he's not been able to apply pressure to opposing QBs. Russell Okung has been getting healthier each week, and James Carpenter is steadily improving. He's lost 25 pounds since the start of training camp and appears to be moving faster. His play has progressed very well as he learns the right tackle position.

John Abraham has been able to apply pressure from the other defensive end position. Expect the Falcons to use stunts and a few blitz packages to confuse Seattle's offensive line.

Atlanta has been getting solid play from their cornerbacks. However, they will have a much different task ahead of them this week. Sidney Rice (6'4") and Mike Williams (6'5") pose matchup issues for the 5'10" corners. Thomas DeCoud (6'2") will be able to provide some help from the free safety position, but coverage skills are lacking at the strong safety position. 

Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate offer speed along with Rice. Kris Durham (6'6") has both speed and hands, but has been on the inactive list two of the three games. He would create major matchup concerns for the Falcons secondary, and is my wildcard to suit up for Sunday's game.

If Jackson can manage to deliver the ball, Seattle can put up yards in the passing game. They should also be able to spread the field enough to allow Marshawn Lynch some running room. Atlanta is surrendering 112 yards per game on the ground; look for Seattle to make that figure go up.

Despite the Falcons having a good defense, matchps with these units do favor the Seahawks.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks Injury Report, Inactive Players

Atlanta has some concerning developments on their injury report. Jonathan Babineaux is an important piece of their defensive line and won't be playing on Sunday and neither will Stephen Nicholas. Cliff Mathews (DE) is also out, while Kelvin Hayden (CB) and Curtis Lofton (LB) are both probable.

These losses will affect the Falcons' depth, particularly with their front seven.

Roddy White is questionable. He, like Kam Chancellor (SS), has a thigh bruise and neither has practiced this week.

Seattle has quality backups in Atari Bigby and Jeron Johnson. Atlanta takes a huge step backwards if White isn't able to play on Sunday, though. Even if White does go, facing the physical Brandon Browner will prove challenging if his leg is limiting him.

Seattle's biggest injury issue continues to be Robert Gallery. While he hasn't played well (largely due to being injured) so far this season, there is still a big drop to his backup, Paul McQuistan.

Atlanta
Player	POS	Injury	Practice Status	Game Status
Jonathan Babineaux	DT	Knee	Did Not Participate	Out
Cliff Matthews	DE	Knee	Did Not Participate	Out
Stephen Nicholas	LB	Calf	Did Not Participate	Out
Jason Snelling	RB	Concussion	Did Not Participate	Out
Roddy White	WR	Thigh	Did Not Participate	Questionable
Sam Baker	T	Ankle	Full Participation	Probable
Curtis Lofton	LB	Foot	Full Participation	Probable
Kelvin Hayden	CB	Hamstring	Limited Participation	Probable
Seattle
Player	POS	Injury	Practice Status	Game Status
Kam Chancellor	S	Quadricep	Did Not Participate	Questionable
Byron Maxwell	CB	Ankle	Did Not Participate	Questionable
Jarriel King	T	Ankle	Full Participation	Probable
Matt McCoy	LB	Shoulder	Full Participation	Probable
Michael Robinson	RB	Ankle	Full Participation	Probable
Robert Gallery	G	Groin	Did Not Participate	Out

Inactive Players:

A full list will be published when available.

Atlanta:

Jonathan Babineaux (DT)
Cliff Matthews (DE)
Stephen Nicholas (OLB)
Jason Snelling (RB)

Projected to be inactive
Brett Romberg (C)
Darrin Walls (DB)
Kelvin Hayden (CB) 

Seattle:

Robert Gallery (G)

Projected to be inactive
Byron Maxwell (CB)
Kris Durham (WR)
Jarriel King (T)
Kris Durham (WR)
Josh Portis (QB)
Eddie Williams (FB)