Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets: Full Game Preview

Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyson Jackson (99) celebrates after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

What to watch

The New York Jets will give the Falcons some tough tests on both sides of the football. Defensively, the Jets boast one of the league’s best units with the return of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie to the secondary. They have plenty of playmakers on offense the Falcons will need to keep in check, too.

The Falcons’ run defense vs Chris Ivory

New York has talent at the running back position, led by Chris Ivory. Ivory won’t see much playing time, but the contest between the Atlanta run defense and the pounding back will be fun to watch. It will give us a glimpse of how far the unit has come under Quinn.

Once Ivory is done for the day, Bilal Powell and Zac Stacy will enter the game, and both can be dangerous players. This will be a tough test for Atlanta.

Atlanta receivers vs New York secondary

We saw against Tennessee just how dominant the Atlanta passing game can be when it gets rolling. Matt Ryan completed all six of his passes, four going to Julio Jones, to march the Falcons into the end zone.

This won’t be so easy, though. The Jets’ secondary could rival Seattle’s ‘Legion of Boom’ this season, with Revis, Cromartie and Buster Skrine leading the way. Second-year safety Calvin Pryor packs a punch, too, and should be much improved.

How will the offensive line hold up?

Another key battle on offense will be with the Falcons’ offensive line against a strong defensive front. The Jets could be without Muhammad Wilkerson due to injury, and it’s unknown whether Sheldon Richardson will start. Richardson is suspended for at least four games. It’s still a formidable front seven, featuring sixth overall pick Leonard Williams. The Falcons’ offensive line will be put to the test.

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