By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
On 9/24/2023 at 1 pm, The Falcons (2-0) will take the Gridiron versus the Lions (1-1). I’m looking for few key things to lead the Lions to victory over this well coached team.
Defensively:
#1) We finally get to see our 3rd biggest space eating Defensive Tackle Isaiah Buggs take the field. Which also should help Alim McNeil be better at the same time. Biggs entered the starting line-up mid season last year. Who was great as the DT2 on the roster. Hopefully we get to see 3rd round pick Brodric Martin as well.
#2) DC Aaron Glenn admitted to not putting the defense in favorable match ups last week vs. Seattle. He did a great job adjusting the defense from the first half to the second vs the Chiefs in Week 1. But ran plays 95% of the time from the base defensive set in Week 2. I look for him to take advantage of the depth, that is better, on the dline to help the secondary.
Offensively:
#1) With David Montgomery (RB1) still sidelined with a thigh bruise, they activated Zonivan ‘Bam’ McKnight to the active roster. I also have an inkling that we will see more snaps all over the offense with 12th pick overall Jahmyr Gibbs. Whose speed has been evident when he touches the ball.
#2) The added pressure of the lack of interceptions streaks ended with Jared Goff last week. 384 snaps consecutive over an 11-game span. Now he can try not to be so cute. But Goff with the game manager QB he is, he doesn’t really put the football in risky situations too often in the first place. I expect him to have about the same if not a better game this week. Goff has had the 3rd longest streak in NFL History. Behind #2 Tom Brady (399), and current record holder #1 Aaron Rodgers. Some elite company for the signal caller of the Lions.
The Falcons:
#1 Stop the run game of Bijan Robinson and Tyson Algiere. These two have been pretty potent so far. Their Oline has a lot to do with that. But I noticed something distinctly about it. Bijan while looking every bit as good as touted coming out of college. He has struggled on the left side running the ball at 2.3 yards per carry (YPC) but gets 5.2 on the right side.
So, if I was the DC. I would out my best run stuffing Dlineman and surest tackler at LB to the right. For example Charles Harris, John Comiskey, and Romeo Okwara there. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes as well.
Derrick Barnes is currently ranked by Pro Football Focus as the 5th best Linebacker in the NFL right now.
As far as their WR weapons are concerned. Keep Cam Sutton on Drake London. Kyle Pitts while a chain mover. He seems to be related to Julio Jones and allergic to the end zone. With 1 TD in his 2+ year career with Atlanta.
Desmond Ridder seems to get the yips on the road. And is still learning with trial by fire. He has yet to lead the Falcons to a win on the road.
If all goes as planned:
ATL 17
DET 31
If the wheels fall of:
ATL 21
DET 17
Thanks For Reading!!!
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