Falcons pass blocking will be key to beating Texans
By Curtis Hobbs
Coming into this weekend’s game, it is obvious that the offensive line has been a huge surprise for the Atlanta Falcons, as they have allowed Matt Ryan time to make some magical moments occur. But this week, things get a little tougher for the Falcons, and the offensive line is going to have their hands full with J.J. Watt and company.
One of the biggest deciding points of this game may rest with the pass blocking from the backfield who will be used mightily to fend off the relentless rush on Ryan.
(24) points after making a first down in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Atlanta won 39-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”451″ /> Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) points after making a first down in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Atlanta won 39-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
With Tevin Coleman banged up from the pounding against the Giants, Devonta Freeman stepped in impressively against the Cowboys and wielded a fabulous performance on the ground as he amassed three touchdowns and 141 yards rushing.
When it comes to this week, the ball will be placed in Freeman’s hands, in hopes of trying to reenact his marvelous performance from last week, but there is a good chance that he will not fill the stat columns with the same, gaudy numbers.
In that case, Freeman’s pass blocking ability is going to be crucial for the offensive success of the Falcons. Everyone knows that Matt Ryan is going to attempt to put the ball in Julio Jones’ hands and let the best receiver in the NFL perform another jaw-dropping showcase. But in order for this to occur, Ryan is going to have the time to throw the ball to the open man.
What the Texans bring to this game is a formidable defensive front that could be nightmare to any offensive line. Watt is one of the best players in the NFL, and he will demand a double-team nearly every play to keep the Falcons signal-caller off the Georgia Dome turf.
This is where Freeman and the running backs for the Falcons must be able to provide the assistance for the offensive line if they hope to win this game.
Sure, the Texans are 1-2 this year, but, when you have the defensive tools that Houston has, this team presents a threat to the Falcons’ momentum and very well could derail this mojo that has carried Atlanta to a very successful season thus far. It is imperative for the pass blockers (the running backs assisting the offensive line) to not allow this defensive front to control the game.
When these teams are compared on paper, the Falcons have the advantage with a star-studded offensive lineup, but in order for them to continue their winning ways, the pass blocking from the running backs is going to be one of the main areas to notice at the end of the game.
Next: Falcons vs. Texans: Tale of the tape