Atlanta Falcons vs. Titans: Final Thoughts
You can find the full preview for Falcons-Titans here.
After a 10 day break to stew on the loss in New Orleans, the Atlanta Falcons return to action today to take on the Tennessee Titans. It’s a game the Falcons are heavily favored to win, but they will need to improve their performance from their most recent.
Tennessee will be without starting quarterback Marcus Mariota, who suffered a sprained MCL last week against Miami. Familiar face Harry Douglas, formerly of the Falcons, is also out. With a chance for Atlanta to hit last season’s win total, here are my final thoughts.
Run the ball, and then run it again
This is something we didn’t see enough of last week. Devonta Freeman is in red hot form but only got 13 carries in New Orleans. He still managed to average 7.7 yards per rush to pile up 100 yards and a touchdown, and that’s before we even mention his team-high eight receptions for 56 yards and another score.
Freeman has been the Falcons’ star in recent weeks, and they need to get him the ball as often as possible. Up against the No. 28 run defense, Matt Ryan just needs to turn around and hand it off to No. 24.
Start fast
This is a 1-4 football team who are fighting for their season. Without their quarterback, they could get lost if they concede an early lead. If the Falcons can move the ball well early on, run the football and convert opportunities into points, it could break the Titans’ will.
On the opposite side of that, allowing them to get some momentum right out the gate will give them confidence, and while it’s a completely different game and set of circumstances, we saw what can happen when struggling teams get some momentum in the Superdome.
Start fast, and put ’em away.
Get some sacks
Up against a struggling offensive line with a backup quarterback, this is the perfect opportunity for the pass rush to get some sacks and build some confidence. The unit has managed just seven sacks all season, tied for worst in the NFL with Miami.
It’s time for a pass rusher to step up, lead the way and start pressuring the quarterback. Once this happens, the pass defense as a whole will improve. Vic Beasley, I’m looking at you.