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We're 1-1 with two decent defensive perfomances against 2 teams with average offenses. Our defense is average 16.5 PPG (if you take away the TD given up by the offense on an interception; tied for #8 in the league) and 265 YPG (#3 in the league). However, the defense has been criticized for not getting enough pressure on opposing QBs, for giving up too much short stuff and screen plays, and for failing to make some big stops.
This week we get a much better offense. Matt Ryan is a much better QB than either Edwards or Sanchez right now. Michael Turner is by far the best RB we have faced. Ryan has legitimate weapons at WR and at TE with Tony Gonzalez.
If we focus on shutting down Atlanta's running game, I see Ryan picking us apart, particularly with Gonzalez, and particularly if we don't get pressure on him. Ryan has 5 TDs and 1 INT so far this season, and a 108.5 quarterback rating. Who will be put on Gonzalez? Is our DL capable of stopping the run by itself?
I don't see BBDB being particularly effective here. Atlanta is more than capable of beating us either running or passing if we play a reactive defense. God forbid that we should actually attack Ryan and try to disrupt his rhythm, get physical with his receivers and make them pay for each catch, or throw different looks at their offense in order to confuse them. A nice, safe, vanilla "prevent" defense sounds just perfect.
Thoughts?
This week we get a much better offense. Matt Ryan is a much better QB than either Edwards or Sanchez right now. Michael Turner is by far the best RB we have faced. Ryan has legitimate weapons at WR and at TE with Tony Gonzalez.
If we focus on shutting down Atlanta's running game, I see Ryan picking us apart, particularly with Gonzalez, and particularly if we don't get pressure on him. Ryan has 5 TDs and 1 INT so far this season, and a 108.5 quarterback rating. Who will be put on Gonzalez? Is our DL capable of stopping the run by itself?
I don't see BBDB being particularly effective here. Atlanta is more than capable of beating us either running or passing if we play a reactive defense. God forbid that we should actually attack Ryan and try to disrupt his rhythm, get physical with his receivers and make them pay for each catch, or throw different looks at their offense in order to confuse them. A nice, safe, vanilla "prevent" defense sounds just perfect.
Thoughts?