Three keys to Atlanta Falcons beating the Texans
In what is a must-win game for the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday, it is not going to come easy as they face Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans.
The Atlanta Falcons sit at 1-3 while the Texans sit at 2-2 thus far in the season. Both of Houston’s losses came by fellow NFC South opponents the Saints in Week One and the Panthers last Sunday. The Texans are hungry and will absolutely be playing with something to prove after the loss last weekend.
In two teams that are very similar, it can be hard to imagine that the Atlanta Falcons really have a chance in winning this game after watching their performance on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. However, this team is still extremely explosive with superstars galore especially on the offensive side of the ball. They are in a position to get back to .500 in the next couple of weeks if they can squeak out a win on Sunday, as they play the win-less Arizona Cardinals the following week.
With that being said, it is possible for the Falcons to win this game, so let’s look at three keys in assuring a victory on Sunday.
1) No turnovers
Turnovers have completely plagued the team this year. Matt Ryan is tied for first in the league in interceptions thrown, totaling six on the year. He has managed to throw at least one interception in every game thus far, except for last weekend against the Titans. Although he did not throw an interception in that game, he did manage to fumble the ball when the pocket collapsed and the pressure got to him.
The Texans can be just as explosive as the Falcons on offense, and anytime they get a free possession against this Falcons defense, you can bet on them capitalizing and turning them into points. The Falcons must play clean in this game.
2) Take advantage of the Texans secondary
The Texans rank twentieth in the league in passing yards gained. With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Austin Hooper, and Mohamed Sanu, there is no reason that the Falcons should not be able to exploit this and expose the Texans secondary.
Despite both teams’ offenses struggling in recent weeks, the Falcons must use their passing game to get out in front early, especially with the inconsistent and minute rushing attack that has haunted them thus far.
3) Shut down DeAndre Hopkins
In the game on Sunday, fans will have the privilege to watch the two best wide receivers in the league go to battle. DeAndre Hopkins is off to another wondrous year racking up 259 yards through four games. Hopkins also has two touchdown receptions on the year and an amazing 10.8 yards per reception. Even with the ability of Will Fuller, Hopkins is for apparent reasons the favorite target for Deshaun Watson, with 36 targets on the year.
Next. Falcons facing Deshaun Watson at the wrong time. dark
The Falcons defense and the secondary in particular have struggled immensely this year and have been playing extremely soft and at times do not even seem to be on the field. Hopefully, head coach Dan Quinn has addressed this issue this week, and the Falcons secondary is prepared to shut down one of the best receivers in the NFL. If the Falcons are to have any hope of winning this game, they cannot allow Hopkins to get open, as he and Watson are very capable of running away with this game early.