Three Reasons the Patriots Defense Won’t Stop the Falcons Offense
By John Follett
![Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts after a touchdown by running back Tevin Coleman (26) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts after a touchdown by running back Tevin Coleman (26) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/BloggingDirty-cover-cff775573ee8f347e6e93a79625138b1960bce42f622326a10ba9860bc857f50.jpg)
How the Atlanta Falcons Offense Will Attack
New England was primarily in nickel or dime coverage against the Steelers and didn’t give up much over the middle of the field. Those who’ve watched the Atlanta Falcons this season know they love to get the ball to Julio Jones on crossing routes. I expect Belichick to try and leave a man in zone around the middle of the field. If that happens, look for a lot of action going toward Gabriel and even some Aldrick Robinson along the sidelines.
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Kyle Shanahan ran his typical, heavy dose of play-action against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. In doing so, the Falcons were not only able to stretch the field, but connected on a lot of backside passes. The big gains to Austin Hooper and Patrick DiMarco immediately come to mind. Atlanta spread the field so much on Green Bay, with so many weapons, that Jones ended up in one-on-one coverage by the third quarter. There was no way for the Packers to double-up on Julio without leaving someone wearing a red jersey wide open.