Atlanta Falcons need to start fast against the Titans

Coming off a brutal loss against the Colts in week 3, the Atlanta Falcons need to bounce back in a big way against the Tennessee Titans.

With the loss to the Colts on Sunday the Atlanta Falcons are now 1-10 in their last eleven matchups against AFC opponents; 1-11 if you include the Super Bowl meltdown to the Patriots.

The Titans game is important for the Falcons, not only is their record against the AFC terrible, their season could be over with another loss. The stage is set up perfectly for the Atlanta Falcons to win big at home on Sunday, but recent history has fans worried.

During the 2017 season, the Falcons had matchups against the Bills and Dolphins who should have been easy opponents for this team. They were 3-0 heading into these back to back home games and were upset by both teams. The Falcons had a 17-point lead on the Dolphins at home and Jay Cutler led a comeback winning the game 20-17.

In order for the Falcons to avoid an upset, they need to start fast and keep scoring from start to finish. The Titans are a run-heavy team so the key will be to have an early lead and force Mariota to throw the football.

After three weeks, the Falcons are 27th in first-quarter scoring, 27th in second-quarter scoring,. 19th in third-quarter scoring and second in fourth-quarter scoring. Every week Dan Quinn says they have to get off to a fast start and they idle worse than junk care your dad has been working on for a decade.

One of the key stats for this game is going to be the time of possession. If the Titans control the clock, we will likely see another upset on Sunday. The Titans have an underrated defense in the league and the Falcons need to come out the gate throwing the football.

Another key for the Falcons this game is being able to cover the tight ends and running backs. Keanu Neal would always lineup on tight ends and with him gone for the season, this will be a challenge. Deion Jones will lock down whoever he is covering so the key will be for someone else to step up.

If the Falcons can have a fast start on Sunday and keep scoring throughout the game they should have no issues against the Titans.