3 Things the Atlanta Falcons must do to finally beat Tom Brady

2. Atlanta pass rushers must get to Brady consistently

For once in his career, Tom Brady has been forced to take punishment early on this season in front of a leaky offensive line. While it is far from the worst unit in the league it can be beaten as we saw against the Saints and Packers this isn’t a healthy unit and until it is getting to Brady is the best gameplan for the opposing defense. While this is obviously always a defensive goal for once it is far more achievable and something good pass rushes can rely on to keep themselves in games against Brady this season.

However, there is reason to doubt Atlanta is a good pass-rushing team or anything close. Take away Grady Jarrett’s game-winning sacks and the four sacks Atlanta had against New Orleans in week one and the Atlanta pass rush has gotten to the quarterback twice.

Throughout three games Atlanta’s pass rush has managed only two sacks until Jarrett’s late-game winners showed hints of the struggles the team had last season. For the Falcons to win this game they have to not only bench Mariota but their pass rush must be the disruptive unit it was in week one and not the quiet Grady Jarrett or bust unit of the last three weeks.