Atlanta Falcons vs. Oakland Raiders: To-Do Checklist for Week 2

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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) celebrates a play in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Get To The Quarterback!!

I don’t think I have to stress this enough.

Getting to the quarterback is imperative in this league. You can’t win unless you get the opposing passer to the turf consistently. For the Falcons, the last few seasons have not been so kind in that department.

Pop quiz: Jameis Winston was sacked how many times during Week 1?

Answer: Zero.

That can’t happen against the Raiders. As tough as it was dealing with Winston, Derek Carr is another up-and-coming passer who is fresh off throwing for 319 yards and a touchdown against a Saints defense that couldn’t generate a sack as well. The matchup of Falcons cornerbacks Desmond Trufant/Robert Alford vs. Raiders wide receivers Amari Cooper/Michael Crabtree will be a very interesting one. A solid cornerback tandem can only cover but so long. Carr is going to have to get sacked on more than one occasion to better the Falcons chances of winning this ballgame.

Next: Emphasize The Run Game

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