Super Bowl 51: Atlanta Falcons Must Beware These 3 Things Against Patriots

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) celebrates with teammates 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 defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) celebrates with teammates 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 /
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Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn celebrates a play with cornerback Robert Alford (23) in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn celebrates a play with cornerback Robert Alford (23) in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Playing With Too Much Emotion

Atlanta has all the talent needed to beat the Patriots, but the mental aspect of the game will play a huge role in who walks out with the Lombardi Trophy.

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The Falcons have a lot of young players, especially on defense, and a lot of players who’ve never experienced a stage as big as the Super Bowl. It’s going to be on head coach Dan Quinn’s shoulders to keep this team from playing with too much emotion.

The young defensive players especially will need to check their over-aggression at the door. All Tom Brady needs is for a roughing the passer or unnecessary roughness penalty to extend a drive, and then he’ll make Atlanta pay.

The Falcons will have to be careful not to let the chip on their shoulder turn into costly penalties and mental errors. Over-emotionalized play leads to mistakes, and the Patriots love to capitalize on extra chances.