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Three New England Patriots the Atlanta Falcons Must Slow Down

By LaDarius Brown

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Dante Fowler Jr. #56 of the Atlanta Falcons runs on to the field with his teammates before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Dante Fowler Jr. #56 of the Atlanta Falcons runs on to the field with his teammates before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Oct 31, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) runs the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) runs the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Make RB Damien Harris a Non-Factor

All things considered, this can apply to the Patriots’ other RBs, Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden, as well. The Falcons allow the ninth-most receiving yards to RBs at 476 yards with the sixth most targets at 77. Altogether, Harris, Stevenson, and Bolden have 401 receiving yards on 47 receptions. Harris leads the Patriots in rushing yards (547) and rushing TDs (7). This season, they have allowed nine rushing TDs, which tied for fourth-most in the league.

If the front seven of the Falcons defense can keep these RBs out the end zone, this game could be very interesting.

Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Matt Judon (9) reacts after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Matt Judon (9) reacts after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Keep LB Matt Judon Out of the Backfield

By and large, this Patriots defense is one of the best in the league, and Matt Judon is a big reason why. Judon is tied for fourth in the league with 9.5 sacks and sixth in tackles for loss (10). Falcons QB Matt Ryan has been sacked eight times over the last four weeks.

Sooner or later, this offensive line has to put together a string of games that keep Ryan upright. On one hand, the Falcons offensive coaching staff must know where number nine is at all times. On the other hand, it will be another long day for the offensive line if Judon is to have his way.

Next. Falcons have major issue if Patterson can't play. dark

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