Atlanta Falcons vs. 49ers: Three keys to the game

Take away the run game

San Francisco will want to lean on the run game with a backup quarterback under center. This will be no easy task due to a banged up backfield, but still one Atlanta needs to be prepared for. It could be Pierre Thomas leading the way, and the Falcons will need to do what they have done so well this season and bottle up the ground game.

How should the Falcons do this? They need to be aggressive. Stack the box and allow no room for the runner. As for the wide receivers, jamming them with tight coverage to knock them off rhythm and keep Gabbert in the pocket for longer will be key.

Another way to take away the ground game is to establish an early lead. If the Falcons can put up points early—something that’s been a struggle for much of this season—they will force the 49ers to throw the ball, making the offense one-dimensional.

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