Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals: 3 X-Factors for the Falcons

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Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) celebrates a touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Touchdowns vs. Field Goals

We all see how the Falcon’s can slice through a defense easily and move down the field, but essentially what matters is how we capitalize on this offensive fluidity. Do we respond with a touchdown or settle for the field goal? The capability to get to the red zone is one thing. What happens within those 20 yards is another. The Falcon’s have done much better this year inside the red-zone in comparison to other years and the same must continue for this game.

The Falcons were 0-1 in the red-zone against the eagles,1-2 against the Seahawks, 1-3 against the Chargers, and 1-4 against the Bucs. What do all of those games have in common? They were losses. In these losses, the Falcons failed to get to the red zone as much and when they did, they settled for the field goal most of the time which obviously wasn’t a recipe for success. The Falcon’s had an average of 66% in red zone efficiency in their wins as opposed to 30% in their losses.

This game should be no different as the Falcons should be able to move the ball down the field but what is going to set them apart is their ability to get touchdowns as opposed to field goals. Same goes with the defensive side of the ball. The Falcon’s have to do a better job defensively in the red zone this week, especially going against double threat, David Johnson. The more we can force Arizona into settling for 3, the greater we can watch our lead grow if we do our part offensively by scoring seven more frequently than scoring three.

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) after Jones made a catch in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2014’s game, the Cardinals did great against the Falcon’s in the red zone, causing us to have to kick field goals 4 out of our five 5 red zone appearances Julio had a huge game and torched the secondary but many of his big gains were devalued by us settling for field goals. This can be dangerous if this game turns into a shootout or close game. In these instances, the quantity of touchdowns as opposed to field goals can very well be what determines which team comes out victorious.

The Falcon’s should get a huge boost in the red zone this week with Tevin Coleman looking fully healthy coming off of injury. Coleman has been the back expert in punching it in the end zone on top of his ability to move the sticks successfully.