Falcons vs Chargers Preview
September 17, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) celebrates with wide receiver Roddy White (84) after a touchdown in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
I am not going to lie. I didn’t write any articles covering the big match up against Peyton and the Broncos. While it was a very fantastic game to watch if you were a Falcons fan, it showed a few weaknesses in the Falcons. It also showed some good things we didn’t exactly expect. You can get coverage on that game all over the site, just in case you missed it.
Like I said, I did miss last weeks lineup of articles covering the Broncos game, but have no fear as I will be covering the rest of the games completely. Now let’s get to the thick of things, which is week 3. I will be putting together this article differently then my week 1 prediction article. I will be breaking down positional match-ups for the teams. For example, Matt Ryan vs. Phillip Rivers, etc.
September 17, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) jumps over the pile for a touchdown in the first half against the Denver Broncos at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
Michael Turner vs. Ryan Matthews- This is one of the more interesting match-ups of the game. Matthews who is questionable, is coming off a clavicle injury which sidelined him for the first two weeks of the season. It will be interesting to see how the Chargers use him, and how much of a workload he will receive. On the other hand, it seems we will be starting a drunken maniac on our side of the ball taking the majority of the snaps. But seriously, Turner made a very bonehead mistake by putting others in danger (and himself) by getting arrested for a DUI. It seems he will play on Sunday, which I do have a problem with. In my opinion, if you get arrested, you should be ineligible for the following game. But that is a subject for another day. I will be interested to see how Turner rushes against the #1 rush defense in the NFL so far, only allowing 83 rush yards. With that being said, there has to be something noted for the 2nd RBs, who are Jacquizz Rodgers and Ronnie Brown. These guys could really shift the way the game plays out. I do think that Matthews will outplay Turner, as Turner has struggled so far this season. Advantage: Chargers
Julio Jones and Roddy White vs. Robert Meachem and Malcolm Floyd- This seems like an obvious advantage for the Falcons, which is 100% true. It doesn’t concern me that Julio and Roddy are on the injury report. I think the Falcons have a clear advantage in the WR department. The Chargers have been doing well against the pass, being 12th in the league at 225 yards per game. But don’t sleep on Floyd or Meachem, as they are guys that can (and will) surprise you if you’re not careful. Advantage: Falcons
Tony Gonzalez vs. Antonio Gates- This has to be my favorite match-up on the offensive side of the ball. Tony Gonzalez is a hall-of-famer now, while Gates is a guy who also may be in the Hall. In order for Gates to get in, he has to stay healthy, which he fails to do. On the other hand, Gonzalez hasn’t missed many games while he has been in Atlanta. Either way, both of these guys are top tight ends in the league. Gates is coming off a rib injury which sidelined him for a week. I doubt this effects him in a major way. This match-up is Goliath vs. Goliath, that is why no one has the advantage. Advantage: Wash
Matt Ryan vs. Phillip Rivers- All I can say about this match-up is wow. There is a lot of fire power in this one. Ryan has proved that
September 17, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass in the first half against the Denver Broncos at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
this is the year he is going to break out. Ryan has looked great in the first two games of the year. He outplayed Peyton Manning last week, and Cassel the week before. Rivers hasn’t been one to look over this season either, passing for 515 yards and 4 TDs in two games. I love this match-up because they are guys that will determine how the scoring will be. I think it will be some what of a track meet, but not like the Kansas City game. This match-up is close, but Matt Ryan has the advantage in this one, because of his receivers, and I believe he is a better player than Rivers. Advantage: Falcons
Falcon’s Running Defense vs. Charger’s Run Defense- This is where the Chargers start to have advantages. Like I mentioned earlier, the Charger’s have the #1 run defense in the league so far, and with the poor play of Tuner so far, this only boosts this advantage. I feel the Falcons are at a clear disadvantage in this department, as McGahee ran all over them last week. Advantage: Chargers
Falcon’s Pass Defense vs. Charger’s Pass Defense- The Falcon’s defense made Peyton look like a fool in the first quarter, picking him off 3 times. They confused one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league, and I believe they can do it again, but I am not sure it will be against Rivers. While I think he will throw an interception, the Falcons won’t be able to do as much while in San Diego. The Chargers also don’t have a bad pass defense. In fact, the Falcons and Chargers are neck and neck in that department in the rankings. Advantage: Wash
A few more things to note is it is in San Diego, which is a big advantage for the Chargers. The Chargers and the Falcons are both 2-0, 2 of only 6 in the league. These teams are great matches for each other. In the end, I think the Chargers will take it, 27-24. I hope I am wrong, but the Chargers are looking very good, and it is in San Diego. The struggles of Turner will be a key factor in the final score.
I hope you enjoy week #2, and I hope we pull this one off. Until next time folks, Cam is signing off!