Scouting The Atlanta Falcons
Week 5 brings a very interesting match up for our Pittsburgh Steelers. The Atlanta Falcons come to town coming off a tough 37-36 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. They also come into this game with a record of 1-3 which is very disappointing after having higher expectations for this season.
With the Steelers sitting at 1-2-1, this game could be a must-win for both teams. We should expect a very close, competitive game from start to finish this week.
That being said, let’s take a closer look at this week’s opponent.
Injury Report
On offense, the Falcons have four key pieces that are battling injuries. Wide receivers Julio Jones (Hand) and Mohamed Sanu (Hip) are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Sanu was limited in participation in Wednesday’s practice, while Jones did not practice at all. Atlanta also has both of their top running backs battling injuries. Tevin Coleman (Shin) and Devonta Freeman (Knee) are both listed as questionable. Both players were limited in practice on Wednesday.
The Falcons also have some key players battling injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers Vic Beasley and Foye Oluokun are both listed as questionable with ankle injuries. Beasley participated in practice on Wednesday but was limited.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is also battling an ankle injury and is expected to miss Sunday’s game after not practicing on Wednesday. Defensive back Justin Bethel (Knee) and defensive end Derrick Shelby (Groin) are both listed as questionable as well. Shelby was limited in practice on Wednesday while Bethel did not participate.
Atlanta’s Offense Will Look To Attack Through The Air
Although their record may not show it, the Falcons still have a very dangerous offense. This is especially true in their passing attack. Quarterback Matt Ryan is sixth in the NFL with 1,316 passing yards and has thrown 10 touchdowns this season.
Wide receiver Julio Jones leads the league in receiving yards with 502. However, he has still yet to find the end zone. Rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley has done most of the scoring in the passing game as he leads the NFL with six receiving touchdowns this season.
Also look for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and tight end Austin Hooper to be huge threats in the passing game this week. I thoroughly expect the Falcons to try to attack this struggling Steelers secondary.
Their ground game is not near as productive as their passing game. Tevin Coleman leads the Falcons in rushing yards with only 210 yards this season. He has only one rushing touchdown on the season. Devonta Freeman, who is usually their leading back, has only rushed for 36 total yards this season while battling injuries.
The Falcons’ Defense Has Been Terrible So Far
Much like the Steelers, Atlanta has had to rely completely on their offense this season. The Falcons rank 28th in the league in total defense. They have allowed 403 yards per game and 30.5 points per game so far this season. In the secondary, they are very low in depth. Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant start at the corners, while Jordan Richards and Damontae Kazee are back at safety.
This secondary has allowed 284 passing yards per game and nine touchdowns. Ricardo Allen, Deion Jones, and Kazee are tied for the team lead in interceptions with just one each, while Takkarist McKinley leads the team with 5 sacks.
The front seven of this defense is a little better than the secondary. Their starting linebacker group consists of Duke Riley, De’Vondre Campbell, and Foye Oluokun.
The Falcons have two outstanding edge rushers who are great at getting in the backfield and to the quarterback with defensive end Takkarist McKinley and defensive end/outside linebacker Vic Beasley. Their interior defensive line consists of Terrell McClain and Grady Jarrett (expected to be out this week).
With Jarrett out, they could struggle against the inside run this week. Brian Poole leads the team with 25 tackles. This defense has allowed yards per game and 6 touchdowns on the ground this season.
Final Thoughts
I expect this game to be a true offensive shootout with both teams having terrible defenses. Both Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger should put up huge numbers through the air.
I have the Steelers winning this one simply because I like Roethlisberger over Ryan and I think Antonio Brown has a very productive night.
However, this one could very well come down to whichever team has the ball last. With all that being said, be ready for another close one Steelers fans!
