Atlanta Falcons: Toughest Games Of 2019
By Ross Terrell
Week 1 @ Minnesota Vikings
Sun, Sep. 8 at 1 p.m.
Why?
It’s the first game of the season, on the road, against a stout defense. Kirk Cousins also moves into his second year as the Vikings quarterback, meaning he should feel much more comfortable in the team’s system. All of this could spell trouble for Atlanta as their offensive line, with many new faces, will be put to the test right away. The Vikings also return Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, each who have turned into dependable targets. It’ll be a tall task for a secondary that returns both safeties from season-ending injuries, and will be asking a second year player to move into a starting role.
Reason for hope
It’s week one! If all goes well during the off-season and preseason, the Falcons will be healthy and fresh. And it’s the first game of the season. If the team can’t get up for that, there are bigger issues. Also, since 2015, the result of the Falcons game one hasn’t alternated every year. They lost their opener last season.
Week 7 vs Los Angeles Rams
Sun, Oct. 20th at 1 p.m.
Why?
Aaron Donald. Todd Gurley. Not enough?
But even then, to be the best, you have to beat the best. The Rams are defending NFC champions and have one the brightest minds as a head coach in Sean McVay. After a dud performance in the Super Bowl, the Rams will no doubt look to right the ship early in the season. This also comes after two road games for the Falcons, the week prior on the west coast.
Reason for hope
Recent success. The Falcons have won their past two match-ups versus the Rams. The latest coming on the road, in the playoffs. And the last time the Rams played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium they scored all of three points. If history repeats itself, it might not be so bad.
Week 8 vs Seattle Seahawks
Sun, Oct. 27th at 1 p.m.
Why?
The Seahawks have always been an intriguing match-up for the Falcons. Head coach Dan Quinn came from the Pete Carroll coaching tree, and Seattle sports one of the league’s toughest defenses with players like Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright and Frank Clark. The Hawks also just made Russell Wilson the highest paid quarterback in the league. Expect this team to play hard as we could see a potential playoff preview.
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Reason for hope
The Falcons tend to have Seattle’s number at home. Matt Ryan’s first playoff win came against Seattle and the team beat the Hawks en route to their appearance in Super Bowl 51. Although the week before, the team plays the Rams, they get a bye week after this game meaning they should hold nothing back.