Atlanta has the second ranked rushing defense in the league

[HJam72]

I think Foster and Tate will go over 100 combined, but not alone, and much of that will come on a few big runs. It's going to take Yates being ready to throw the ball around. They're going to have to deal with our D too, so they're not going to just score at will. We can't play conservative O and win this game--not for much of it anyway. Yates will have to make some plays.

We can afford to lose this one (and the next, for that matter) and make the playoffs, but a win would sure say a lot about whether we can actually compete in the playoffs. Despite the frustrating problems we're having, I'm still holding a thin thread of hope that we can actually compete in the playoffs, but Yates's gotta be ready.

[El Tejano]

I'm praying for a miracle.

[El Tejano]

I think the matchup we have to look at in the pass game is not our WR vs. Their CBs but out TE vs. their LBs. Don't know much about that match up but OD and Dreesen are having some good seasons. Anyone know about their LBs? Does ATL run a 3-4?

[Mike Kerns]

Originally Posted by The Cush

Brent Grimes is no slouch at the other corner. He's a ballhawk

He's injured, too. Knee problem had him with only three snaps against Minny last week. Dunta left the game once, too, but did come back. Dominique Franks and Chris Owens would be about the best possible scenario for Yates to let it fly.

[Playoffs]

Originally Posted by redwhiteANDblue

Kareem Jackson vs. Julio Jones....


Yeah we're screwed.

Dunta Robinson vs Andre Johnson...

We have a chance.

[HJam72]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

I think the matchup we have to look at in the pass game is not our WR vs. Their CBs but out TE vs. their LBs. Don't know much about that match up but OD and Dreesen are having some good seasons. Anyone know about their LBs? Does ATL run a 3-4?

Daniels and Dreeson are like Mr. Just-Get-It-Done 1 and 2. I know I'd be looking to feed the TEs scoring machine if it was me. I don't think I knew the value of TE's at all until these guys came along. Foster owes a LOT to those two for burning defenses time after time. Respect them or else.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

Didn't they say something similar about the Steelers?

That was then, this is now. I would hate to go into this game resting on past laurels.

[IDEXAN]

http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php
&&&&&
Current line has ATL a 2.5 - 3 point favorite.

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

That was then, this is now. I would hate to go into this game resting on past laurels.

I don't think our defenses mentality does that at all and it's contagious to the team. In a strange way I almost feel as if these circumstances are beneficial from the standpoint that the team isn't getting big headed on a 5 game win streak and they are staying more focused on the one game task at hand.

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by HJam72

Daniels and Dreeson are like Mr. Just-Get-It-Done 1 and 2. I know I'd be looking to feed the TEs scoring machine if it was me. I don't think I knew the value of TE's at all until these guys came along. Foster owes a LOT to those two for burning defenses time after time. Respect them or else.

So do you have an idea what LBs would be covering them.

[disaacks3]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

We better be prepared for a stark reality. The Falcons haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 14 consecutive games, a streak that stretches back to last season. The Falcons are allowing 83.5 rushing yards per game this season.

Also, keep in mind that the Falcons have not been the slouch on offense that many would have you think. They have scored an average of 23.5 points per game as opposed to their opponents' 20.6 points. Relying solely on our D to save our rears may not be a very good bet

I'm hoping for a 'squeaker' win, but preparing for a crushing loss. This could get really ugly even if Kubiak dials up the playbook.

[Goatcheese]

What I think when people say...

Originally Posted by Marcus

Oh ye of little faith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW5Dxizy4ZE

[MojoMan]

The current line is Atlanta favored by one point (on the road in Houston):

http://sportsdirect.usatoday.com/odds/nfl.aspx

[El Tejano]

Sure wish Andre was at full speed.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

I don't think our defenses mentality does that at all and it's contagious to the team. In a strange way I almost feel as if these circumstances are beneficial from the standpoint that the team isn't getting big headed on a 5 game win streak and they are staying more focused on the one game task at hand.

I was trying to say that not focusing somewhat more this game on the passing aspect of our game would be a mistake.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by Thorn

Atlanta has only beaten two over 500 teams this year, Detroit and Tennessee. If Schaub was the QB, I'd say Atlanta isn't a problem. Given the current situation, ANY team we face is gonna be an up hill road.

They beat the Lions at home and almost lost to the mediocre Titans after falling behind 20-3 on the road. The Falcons aren't a very good road team for the most part. Seattle scored 28 on them in Seattle. I think we win this game, but it will be a close one.

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by Vinny

They beat the Lions at home and almost lost to the mediocre Titans after falling behind 20-3 on the road. The Falcons aren't a very good road team for the most part. Seattle scored 28 on them in Seattle. I think we win this game, but it will be a close one.

I would love it if Yates does enough to beat Atlanta. If he does, in his first ever NFL start, then at that time I would begin to have hope again for the playoffs lasting more than one game.

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by Vinny

They beat the Lions at home and almost lost to the mediocre Titans after falling behind 20-3 on the road. The Falcons aren't a very good road team for the most part. Seattle scored 28 on them in Seattle. I think we win this game, but it will be a close one.

Vinny your optimism this year has been scary but accurate so I'm staying on your side.

[Hervoyel]

Originally Posted by TexansFanatic

The Texans may have to throw it quite a bit more than they'd like to, especially since the Falcons will almost certainly be stacking the box and daring Yates to beat them with his arm.

The Falcons passing defense is ranked 25th.

I'd love nothing more than to see TJ pick on our good old buddy Dunta......

Ok, I get that they have the second ranked rushing defense in the league BUT....

When their pass defense is ranked that much lower than the rushing side that begs the question "Are they that good or are teams just not running on them because they're too easy to pass against?" It's a pass first league for the most part. All we've been hearing about all year is how the Texans are running more than everyone else. Atlanta hasn't faced a running game like ours yet.

This past week they got a typical Chris Johnson effort from Tennessee (he sucked). The week before that Pierre Thomas averaged 4.8 a carry against them. The week before that they had their Colts bye week so no threat of being run or passed on there. In week 8 they were idle. In week 7 the Lions had Williams pick up 4.9 a carry and Morris 5.6

They aren't that great against the run. I think it's a statistical illusion. They're just easier to pick apart with the pass. I predict Foster & Tate will get it done and Yates will have an unexpectedly comfortable first start.

[Vinnie]

I sure hope you're right Herv.