Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans: Tale of the tape
The defenses
These two defenses are polar opposites. Atlanta has struggled to stop the pass, and is yet to generate much pressure on opposing quarterbacks despite plenty of offseason investment. Rookie Vic Beasley has played well in bursts, but yet to play at a high level with any consistency. The Falcons are tied for No. 31 in sacks with just seven.
What Atlanta has done well is shut down the run. The unit was No. 21 against the run last year, but Quinn’s unit is No. 1 after six weeks in 2015. Allowing just 78.8 yards on the ground per game, the defense has made offenses one-dimensional.
[table id=54 /]
Tennessee, on the other hand, has been solid against the pass but struggled against the run. The Titans own the No. 1 pass defense, allowing just 184 yards per game through the air. Its No. 28 run defense could be problematic against the Falcons, however, as they match up with the rushing touchdown leader Devonta Freeman.
Since becoming the Falcons’ starting running back in Week 3, Freeman has averaged 115.5 yards and two touchdowns a game. Can you guess what is going to be the key to the game for Atlanta? Run the football.