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Atlanta Falcons: Five toughest games in 2016

By Freddie Boston

Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) tries to break away from Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) after catching a pss in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) tries to break away from Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) after catching a pss in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson (26) pushes Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) out of bounds after a catch in the second quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson (26) pushes Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) out of bounds after a catch in the second quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Cardinals at home

The Arizona Cardinals had one of the most balanced rosters in football in 2015. They had a defense loaded with talent matched with the league’s No. 1 offense. Carson Palmer played at an MVP-level and was probably behind just Cam Newton for the award. That’s before we mention rookie running back David Johnson and a trio of excellent wide receivers.

The Cardinals will still be one of the strongest teams in the NFC. They’ll be in the hunt to win back-to-back NFC West titles and will be competing with the ever-strong Seattle Seahawks and emerging Los Angeles Rams.

Dan Quinn’s defense will have its hands full against the Palmer-led offense. Palmer was able to stay healthy in 2015 which was good to see after previous ACL surgery. To beat the Cardinals, it’s important to generate strong pass rush. Palmer isn’t a mobile quarterback, so closing the pocket and bringing heat is crucial to avoid getting carved up.

Matt Ryan will need to limit mistakes against the Arizona defense and a ball-hawking secondary. Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones will be crucial in finding success.

This is without doubt one of the toughest games on the schedule for the Falcons in 2016.

Next: No. 4

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