Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers: To-Do Checklist for Week 15

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) is greeted by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) after he scored on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) is greeted by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) after he scored on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

#1. Small Margin For Error 

The Atlanta Falcons are 8-5 and appear to be headed to the playoffs. Of course, they must focus on whats’s in front of them against three opponents with a combined 11-28 record.

The margin for error for the Atlanta Falcons should be small. The little things within a game are what playoff teams usually clean up around this time of the season.

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For example, things such as broken tackles, ill-timed penalties, missed opportunities in the red-zone, dropped passes, and bad time management are little things that can add up to inexcusable losses.

The Falcons must focus on the task at hand. Not overlooking the 49ers to a divisional game against the Carolina Panthers next week or wondering about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their outcomes. A one-win San Francisco team provides an opportunity for the Falcons to click on all cylinders. It’s up to coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, and defensive coordinator Richard Smith to get their team mentally sharp.

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