This game is huge for both teams imo.
The Falcons have lost the last two games they should have won and we all know the choke job in the SB.
If the New England wins tomorrow night it could end yet another teams dreams and possibly Quinn in ATL. Ryan isn't celebrated down there either.
It be crushing. 3 in a row. 2 by New England in a year. It would be torture for ATL. This game means everything for Atlanta.
New England, overall hasn't played close to their best yet but we all know this team hits it's stride in later months.
The defense is easily playing the worst of the 3 units and has really hindered the offense from dictating and playing how they want.
The Pats need this game to remind themselves what they just accomplished not to long ago, on the field. A win here could really be "that" game we look back on in Jan/Feb and say it started then.
On Defense we have to play smart and solid, not flashy, to win. That's a game plan we can get behind from the coaches to players.
Again smart, and take our shots when we can. Flowers and Wise unleashed on empty sets and obvious passing downs. Specifically Flowers matched up with Matthews who hasn't been consistent all year.
Miami's defensive line didn't do anything extraordinary but play with passion. Ate up double teams to let their backers fill lanes, got off their blocks and made a few plays.
Atlanta is dangerous for many reason but their running game is versatile and deadly.
We don't need Branch, Brown and Guy to put up flashy #'s rather than do their job. Anchor, shed and awareness to misdirection. Also have our DE'S chip and follow with a hand on them down the line.
Make them uncomfortable, have them pick up a few blitzes to help keep them out of the passing game.
We beat them by attacking their Oline and RB's in pass pro.
We're going to use our 3S package to slow them down close to line and bracket JJ.
Much like how Oakland freed up Cooper by moving him outside, slot, motion the other night. Atlanta will do the same. Jones is a HOF WR and only got 1 target in the RZ this season. Expect him to be heavily involved early, often and everywhere.
The Flacons haven't recovered from the SB defeat.
2017 2ND HALF RANKINGS
29th in pts/gm, 27 in points allowed/gm, time of possession
If we can start fast with a lead or keep it close into halftime I have no doubt we'll make them pay with adjustments in the 2nd half.
On Offense attack them outside the #'s with Cooks. Doesn't have to be deep. Maybe save a few double moves for the 2nd half and take what's given early with 14.
When Neal is on Gronk stretch the seam and attack downfield. Neal has trouble with vert routes. When Campbell is on him hit Gronk on in breaking routes. He has trouble there.
Utilize our RB's everywhere. I want to see Lewis and White a combined 15+ rec. Maybe Burkhead as well.
Atlanta will try an take away Brady's sweet spots in the middle/deep part of the field away.
Beat them outside, underneath and stay away from hero ball.
GO PATS
