Atlanta Falcons Prepare for San Francisco 49ers
Falcons Focus on Offensive, Defensive Lines as NFC Road Test Nears
Oct 6, 2009
After a difficult loss to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in week 3, the Atlanta Falcons focused on its trenches during the bye week, trying to shore up both the offensive and defensive fronts as it wades into the teeth of one of the NFL's most difficult schedules.
Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line - NFL Films Marathon
Ask Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure how many running plays the Atlanta offense ran in their first three games, and the answer comes easily: eighty-one. This is because McClure and the entire offensive line spent much of the team's bye week in the film room breaking down all eighty-one running plays. It must have been a long, painful process for a unit which, behind Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, had the second-best rushing attack in the NFL last year, an attack which averaged nearly 153 rushing yards per game.
But that was 2008. This year, the Falcons are averaging under 100 yards a game, and while some of their struggles have to do with opponents loading the box to stop the run and the absence of key players (particularly Jerious Norwood), execution has also been a problem for Atlanta. But coaches feel Matt Ryan and the offense are on the cusp of returning to form, and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey thinks the Falcons are close. So does his offensive line.
"I think we are going to have that breakout game," McClure told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter. "I just hope it's sooner rather than later. We are doing it right. It's just small breakdowns here and there that's keeping the offense from having those big runs."
It won't be easy against a much-improved 49ers defense, but the Falcons should get a boost from the return of Jerious Norwood, who is slated to return from injury for Sunday's game on the West Coast.
Atlanta Falcons Defensive Line - Football Shopping for a Run-stopper
When defensive tackle and first-round draft pick Peria Jerry (Ole Miss) went down with a season-ending injury against the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons didn't just lose out on a prospect. They lost the anchor of a run defense already on shaky ground—ground Jerry was brought in to steady. Without Jerry, Atlanta's defense looked porous against New England, giving up large chunks of yardage to Kevin Faulk and Fred Taylor.
So it wasn't a surprise that Mike Smith and the Falcons' personnel staff brought in additional defensive linemen to workout, with the intention of adding a new face to join Jonathan Babineaux, Thomas Johnson, and Chauncey Davis—a unit which needs to improve quickly if the Falcons have a chance at back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history.
Can Frank Gore's Backup Produce for the San Fransisco 49ers?
With San Fransisco's star running back likely out against the Falcons, don't count on the 49ers abandoning the run game, particularly given the state of Atlanta's run defense. The question is whether Atlanta will be able to clamp down on the run, or whether facing the Falcons will provide the perfect coming-out party for Glen Coffee. Count on 49ers coach Mike Singletary to test both Atlanta's defense and his backup running back early in the game. If Coffee can produce, it may be a long afternoon for the Falcons defense.
Tony Gonzalez vs. Vernon Davis - Which NFL Star Will Shine Brighter?
A key element in Sunday's game will be which team is able to get more production out of its tight end position. With both the Falcons and 49ers hoping to establish a running game early, look for the tight ends to be highly involved on play-action and double-set formations. For the Falcons, linebackers Curtis Lofton and Mike Peterson will need to be disciplined and recognize their assignments in order to stop "Can't win with him" Davis.
On the other side, look for the Falcons' Gonzalez to get open down the middle after chipping on play-action passes. If the offensive line can protect for Matt Ryan, and Turner can produce, Gonzalez could have a huge day.
Atlanta Falcons vs. San Fransisco 49ers Prediction
The key will be the running game for each team; If San Fransisco can get its running game on track without Frank Gore, and Atlanta can similarly translate its bye-week focus to spring Turner and Norwood, look for this game to be a shoot out. Ultimately, Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzales and Roddy White may be too much for San Fransisco to handle.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons 34, San Francisco 49ers 31.
Atlanta Falcons Football Schedule
Things only get more difficult for Atlanta after they play the 49ers; a home date with the Chicago Bears (3-1) will be followed by consecutive road games against the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) and New Orleans Saints (4-0).
It's difficult to categorize a game in October as a must-win, but that's what the game against San Fransisco is if the Falcons want to make the playoffs (NFL).
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