Super Bowl LI Scouting Report: The Atlanta Falcons

Here’s everything you need to know about The Atlanta Falcons, aka “The Last Ones Standing”

New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons

Sunday February 5 at NRG Stadium in Houston Texas

6:30 pm EST, FOX

Dome Stadium
Opponent/Patriots Stats:

Falcons: 11-5 (2-0)

Common Opponents:

• Denver Broncos (Both teams won)
• Seattle Seahawks (Both teams lost in regular season, Atlanta won in Wild Card Round)
• Arizona Cardinals (Both teams won)
• L.A. Rams (Both teams won)
• San Fransisco 49ers (Both teams won)

History: These teams are not common enemies. As Marcellus Bennett pointed out, Patriots natural predator is the Red Coat, not the Falcon. The last time the teams met, Aqib Talib was balling for the Pats in 2013. The teams have only met 13 times since 1972, making them some of the most unfamiliar opponents New England has had in a while. Patriots lead the series 7-6, and winners of the last 4 meetings, with only one them being played at Gillette Stadium. As of late, the Pats have owned the Falcons, but that’s kinda true about the Pats versus everyone and the Falcons are different this year so read into that what you will.

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Notable Players

Matt Ryan QB: 373/534 comp. (69.9%), 4,944 yds., 38 TDs, 7 INTs, 1 fumble

Julio Jones WR: 83 rec., 1,409 yds, 17.0 avg., 6 TDs, 75 long, 0 fumbles

Mohammed Sanu WR: 59 rec., 653 yds., 11.1 avg., 4 TDs, 1 fumble

Devonta Freeman RB: 227 carries, 1079 yds., 4.8 avg., 11 TDs, 1 fumble

Tevin Coleman RB: 118 carries, 520 yds., 4.4 avg., 8 TDs, 1 fumble

Injury Alerts

Patriots:

Nate Ebner is dealing with a concussion he suffered against the Steelers. He hasn’t been physically participating in practice but he has attended walk throughs which is a positive sign for his availability for the game. Mike Reiss tweeted yesterday that barring a setback, he should be good to go. Ebner has been the best ST player for the Pats this year and would be a huge asset in a game where every inch will be paramount.

Stephen Gostkowski was dealing with, what he called, “a two day bug” which kept him out of practice. He was up moving and grooving and interacting with lots of teammates and media members alike so it appears he is healthy. I would pee my pants if he doesn’t play on Sunday (take that to the bank why don’t you).

Falcons:

Julio Jones has been nursing a toe injury for a while, not that you could tell. he aggravated it against Seattle in the Divisional Round. Jones has been owning opposing DBs with half a foot like it’s easier for him this way. He will be playing on Sunday, no doubt about it. The team is just managing this injury.

Alex Mack suffered a left fibula injury, right above the ankle, against the Packers in the NFC Championship. Dan Quinn is quoted as saying Mack will play. Mack has yet to see the practice field since the game, but it would be a surprise not to see him with his hand on the football when Matt Ryan takes the field. Mack is a very talented player and important for the Falcons to be successful up front.

Key Matchups:

Patriots

vs. WR1: 20th —–Malcolm Butler vs. Julio Jones

vs. WR2: 8th—– Eric Rowe vs. Mohammed Sanu

vs. other WR: 19th—– Logan Ryan vs. Taylor Gabriel

vs. RB: 20th—– Kyle Van Noy vs. Devonta Freeman

Falcons

vs. WR1: 9th —– Julian Edelman vs. Jalen Collins

vs. WR2: 10th—– Chris Hogan vs. Robert Alford

vs. other WR: 29th —– Malcolm Mitchell vs. C.J. Goodwin

vs. RB: 26th —– Dion Lewis vs. Brian Poole (outside the box I know but I image the Quinn will want to keep Lewis in check)

What’s at Stake?

Umm…don’t you know already? Winner of the Super Bowl gets to dunk on Roger Goodell.

Early Thoughts:

Lots has already been made of the matches. Something I’ve found interesting about the Falcons defense in particular, is they have all this youth and speed that people can’t stop talking about. That, to me, sounds like a defense that will over pursue when push comes to shove. I think they can be baited into bad decisions and can be caught on fakes, not unlike how the Steelers young defense was treated two Sundays ago. Dan Quinn is a good coach so he should have his young guys ready to play, but isn’t like the Patriots haven’t handled that scheme before with more talented players. I think the running game will be key, and I think the Patriots will outwit their opponent on offense and defense.

I can hardly contain my excitement. Go Pats!