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

By Eric Robinson

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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Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

#3. Tame Todd Gurley 

Todd Gurley is in the midst of an ugly 2016 campaign, averaging a pedestrian 3.2 yards per carry. Critics blaming Gurley for his poor production should look to the front where the Rams offensive line has been unreliable for majority of the season.

The Rams have rushed for 76 yards or less In 8 of their12 games this season. As a whole, the team is 31st in rushing yards per attempt (3.3) and 31st in big rushing plays of 10 yards or more (19).

The Falcons allow just 100.8 rushing yards per game, good for 15th in the league. It seems middle of the pack, but for a team that has held opponents below 90 rushing yards in 7-of-12 games, its an element the Falcons can be above-average at worst.

Against an offensive line that has been a headache this season, tackles Grady Jarrett, Johnathan Babineaux,  Ra’Shede Hageman, and Tyson Jackson will have to clog up running lanes and keep the Rams offensive line from establishing Gurley. Gurley is a big back with All-Pro talent, but taming the 226-lb back is something that can and must be done.

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