3 Atlanta Falcons who must step against the New England Patriots

3. If Mike Davis is going to help this team mount a rushing attack this is the game

Mike Davis has been a lightning rod for criticism both on this site and on others. The running back was supposed to bring a tough consistent running attack to this Atlanta offense that had been void since Devonta Freeman was in his prime.

So far that has not been the case for a back who has been unable to get past the line of scrimmage with regularity. The one thing he has done well is protecting Matt Ryan and picking up blitzes.

Wayne Gallman and Cordarrelle Patterson have been better runners this season but neither is capable of blocking and protecting at the level Davis has this season. Atlanta is going to need not only that but a consistent rushing attack from Davis.

Even if it is only three yards a carry Atlanta needs enough from Davis to reasonably keep him in the backfield and keep the defense honest. Patterson is going to hurt both position groups if he misses this game. Davis and Gallman are going to be the answers to the position. We saw a heavy dose of Gallman in Sunday’s blowout and he was impressive.

Though in fairness it was in garbage time and his production should be taken with a large grain of salt. Davis still deserves the start in the game and the first chance to establish a running game Atlanta is desperate to find. If Mike Davis can have a breakout game Atlanta will upset the Patriots and put their season back on track. If he continues to struggle this game will all be on the right arm of Matt Ryan.