Falcons run defense

[sb1]

104 yards per game (17th in the league)
4.52 yards per carry (7th most in the league) on only 370 carries (5th fewest).

They've given up 99 or more yards rushing in 8 of their last 9 games. Excluding one game against the Cardinals, the Falcons run defense has surrendered an average of about 124 yards per game in that timeframe including over 200 to the Eagles. They've played a few decent rushing teams and a few not-so-great teams as well.

I know the Pats won't do to the Falcons what they've done to the Colts in recent years but if they can get a decent lead I'd love to see them try. Great way to counter a fast front 7.

 

[The Brandon Five]

Falcons front seven ranked No. 24 in NFL by Pro Football Focus

“The Falcons were lucky that their offense was able to often build early leads, because this run defense was mostly smoke and mirrors in many games. Atlanta didn’t have a single player that you could point to and say, “He’s good against the run.” . . . “Saving this unit from the bottom five was the breakout of second-year sack artist Vic Beasley, who led the NFL with 16 sacks.”

Atlanta’s group ranked lowest out of the teams still remaining in the playoffs. By comparison, the Green Bay Packers ranked No. 9.

Man, I wish we had Gronk for this game. Well, I guess "Marty smash" works just as well.

While the ranking may be upsetting to some Falcons fans, it’s not too far off. Atlanta’s improved secondary is the reason the defense came around in the second half of the season more than anything else. The Falcons still need more pass rushers to help out Beasley and at least another big body in the middle to stuff the run. Don’t be surprised if general manager Thomas Dimitroff attempts to address both holes in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Yeah, not sure that's gonna help you next week.