Atlanta Falcons vs. Los Angeles Rams: To-Do Checklist for Week 14

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates the touchdown with wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) in the second quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates the touchdown with wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) in the second quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) defends against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) defends against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

#4. End Rams Drives On 3rd Down 

The Rams offense is in the cellar of the NFL in several different categories. One in particular is 3rd down offense, where the Rams’ 32.5%, 3rd down conversions per game ranks 32nd in the NFL.

To dive a little deeper into the statistic:

On 3rd down, with yards to go between 4 and 6 yards, the Rams have ran 40 plays. Of the 40, 33 were pass plays in which the Rams only converted 12 times. Their quarterbacks hold a 55.3 quarterback rating in these situations. In the same stat, the Falcons are 26-of-32 through the air. Atlanta has 17 conversions and a 124.5 rating for Matt Ryan.

This is an aspect of the game where the Falcons have to shut the door on the Rams on defense. Los Angeles is a dreadful, 5-of-35 on 3rd down in their last 3 games. Sound tackling, tight coverage, and an active defensive line will be the right ingredients for the Falcons to end L.A. drives.