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Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots: To-Do Super Bowl Checklist

By Eric Robinson

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) reacts with wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after catching a touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) reacts with wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after catching a touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) and outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) react on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) and outside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59) react on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Third Down Defense 

Facing the likes of Tom Brady in Super Bowl 51 will be the biggest challenge for this Falcons defense this season.

One constant for the Patriots offense this season is their success on third down. New England has accumulated the second most third down conversions (104) during the the regular season. They also had the fourth best third down conversion (45.8 percent) during that time span as well.

In the AFC title game almost two weeks ago, Pittsburgh had trouble getting the Patriots off the field by allowing 11-of-17 third-down attempts. Against a Super Bowl-winning quarterback like Brady, you can cue the fat lady to sing if that occurs.

The improving Falcons defense has risen to the occasion on third down so far this postseason. A combined 9-of-21 third down conversions have been allowed against Green Bay and Seattle. This trend can not be bucked against New England.

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