Post by Funkytown on Sept 6, 2019 22:32:08 GMT -6
Enemy Fan Forums is back! Who's ready?! ...you? Well then, let's take a look at what some of the Falcons fans are saying about this Sunday's matchup against our Vikes!
Official Falcons Board
boards.atlantafalcons.com/forum/45-talk-about-the-falcons/
The Falcoholic
www.thefalcoholic.com/
Reddit - Falcons
www.reddit.com/r/falcons/
What they're saying:
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There we go! We've heard it from some Falcons fans! What do you think about what they're saying?!
As always,
Official Falcons Board
boards.atlantafalcons.com/forum/45-talk-about-the-falcons/
The Falcoholic
www.thefalcoholic.com/
Reddit - Falcons
www.reddit.com/r/falcons/
What they're saying:
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Offensive Style: Outside Zone Running with Play Action
Defensive Style: Aggressive, attacking 4-3 defense
2018 Record: 8-7-1
The Way I See It: The Vikings are going to be a tough out. They are led by their defense, which has been one of the best units in the NFL the past few years, finishing no worse than #8 in DVOA since 2016. It is a unit that has grown together, with very few weaknesses. They stop the run well. They rush the passer well. They cover well. They are smart and disciplined and led by one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL in Mike Zimmer. It's going to be tough sledding. Their offense is pretty well equipped, with one of the best 1-2 punches at WR in Diggs/Thielen, Dalvin Cook being healthy and looking lethal, and Kyle Rudolph being a legit Pro Bowl TE. With the offensive scheme changes, resembling the Shanahan style we've come used to in Atlanta, it will be interesting to see how their new offense looks. The OC is Kevin Stefanski, but is buoyed by Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison, a triumvirate of offensive minds similar to our current set up.
How We Match Up: Overall, this is a very equal match. Both teams have very strong, deep rosters. Going into week one, there are no major injuries to speak of. This is a true tilt of playoff caliber teams out of the gate. It will be a very good test of the OC changes on both sides and DQ taking over as DC on his side.
When the Falcons are on Offense: This is going to be the match up you pay money for. Our offense is threatening at every spot. Truly threatening. The Vikings have enough talent to match up though, which is something not every team will be able to do this year. They have the LBs to keep up with Hooper and Freeman out of the backfield, the CBs to deploy a nickel look and not be intimidated, the cerebral safety that can give Matt fits, and the pass rush to tie it all together. It's going to take top notch communication along the OL (thanks Jets) to navigate this front to give Matt and the weapons time. If Sark were the OC, I would not be excited about this matchup. But with Koetter and Gang, they will be able to devise some looks that will get this group going. Thankfully, Money Matt is back because we may be settling for FGs more than we care to this week. The interesting development to watch during the week? Right tackle? Do they roll with Sambrailo or Gono? I don't think McGary gets the call this week. This is going to be a 60 minute tilt and if he was winded vs the Jags in the preseason, this isn't the time to trot him out there. Whoever it is, they will have their hands full trying to handle Griffen/Hunter on the edges. You know Zimmer will look to exploit this match up so watch out! This group will have some tough sledding, so don't be discouraged if they don't pop off a 30 point week one special to get your juices flowing.
When the Falcons are on Defense: This is where the Falcons need to make up the difference. Our defense has the talent to mimic the Vikings unit. The question is execution. Are Vic and Takk ready to get after QBs? Is Debo ready to play? Rico and Neal? A lot of questions that can be answered with 60 minutes of football on Sunday. Optimistically, I think this group is ready. They showed very well in preseason. Again, it's preseason but that was our first glimpse. Outside of some initial first drive jitters/excitement, this unit showed up time and time again. There was consistent pressure, consistent run defense, and solid pass coverage. It was nice to see. What makes it tough is that week one, new OCs and scheme, you aren't scheming against the opponent just yet, but the players you are playing against and their weaknesses. Which there are more than enough on the Vikings offense. Kirk Cousins to begin with. He is a very inconsistent QB. You don't know which version you are getting, the highly accurate "YOU LIKE THAT?!" Kirk Cousins or the "I can't hit a five yard drag" Kirk Cousins. We saw this inconsistency in the preseason already. With a much more aggressive scheme and the talent to contest every throw, there is an opportunity for Kirk to get frazzled. It's going to be paramount to keep him in third and long situations and put the game in his hands more often than not. That comes down to stopping the run and controlling the LOS. Which again we have the horses to do that for a chance. The Vikings OL is very average. Pat Elflein is the clearest weak link, grading out at 43.5 per PFF last year (worst OL in the league). He's at LG. He hasn't looked much better through preseason either. On the other side, Josh Kline has been pretty mediocre himself as of late, having just given up 38 pressures last year and landed as the 53rd rated OG per PFF. Maybe a change of scenery could be beneficial, as he wasn't always a bad OL. Between them is rookie Garrett Bradbury, who I was a fan of during the draft season. I think he's a perfect fit in their offense, but DQ will be smart to repeatedly challenge the interior of this group, as there are clear weak links and none of them are above 305lbs. Force Bradbury to be cerebral and he's going to have to help Eflein, which will stress Kline. When you come equipped with a Grady Jarrett off the bus, this is the biggest opportunity to exploit, clogging lanes on run downs to prevent movement there and sending blitzes and stunts galore at this group on long down and distance situations. If they can take advantage of the Vikings OL (am I really thinking this is possible?), the Falcons defense can cause some chaos and with the luck of a turnover or two, can really put the offense in position to stretch their wings a little bit. It's going to come down to winning the LOS repeatedly.
Vegas Line: Vegas has the Vikings as a 4 point favorite, with the o/u set at 47.5. Take it for what you will.
Prediction: The two times we've played the Vikings under DQ, neither team has scored 3 TDs, we've lost both, with the most recent loss being a 14-9 close call with a banged up secondary. This time, fully healthy, I think the Falcons grow up a little bit in week one and show the rest of the NFL that an injury riddled 2018 isn't an indictment on who they are as a team. Just one year removed from being the only back to back postseason NFC team, this Falcons team is pissed off and looking to prove a point. I think they can do that here, scraping out a tough 24-17 victory, rightfully putting the game just out of reach with a Matt Bryant field goal.
Offensive Style: Outside Zone Running with Play Action
Defensive Style: Aggressive, attacking 4-3 defense
2018 Record: 8-7-1
The Way I See It: The Vikings are going to be a tough out. They are led by their defense, which has been one of the best units in the NFL the past few years, finishing no worse than #8 in DVOA since 2016. It is a unit that has grown together, with very few weaknesses. They stop the run well. They rush the passer well. They cover well. They are smart and disciplined and led by one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL in Mike Zimmer. It's going to be tough sledding. Their offense is pretty well equipped, with one of the best 1-2 punches at WR in Diggs/Thielen, Dalvin Cook being healthy and looking lethal, and Kyle Rudolph being a legit Pro Bowl TE. With the offensive scheme changes, resembling the Shanahan style we've come used to in Atlanta, it will be interesting to see how their new offense looks. The OC is Kevin Stefanski, but is buoyed by Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison, a triumvirate of offensive minds similar to our current set up.
How We Match Up: Overall, this is a very equal match. Both teams have very strong, deep rosters. Going into week one, there are no major injuries to speak of. This is a true tilt of playoff caliber teams out of the gate. It will be a very good test of the OC changes on both sides and DQ taking over as DC on his side.
When the Falcons are on Offense: This is going to be the match up you pay money for. Our offense is threatening at every spot. Truly threatening. The Vikings have enough talent to match up though, which is something not every team will be able to do this year. They have the LBs to keep up with Hooper and Freeman out of the backfield, the CBs to deploy a nickel look and not be intimidated, the cerebral safety that can give Matt fits, and the pass rush to tie it all together. It's going to take top notch communication along the OL (thanks Jets) to navigate this front to give Matt and the weapons time. If Sark were the OC, I would not be excited about this matchup. But with Koetter and Gang, they will be able to devise some looks that will get this group going. Thankfully, Money Matt is back because we may be settling for FGs more than we care to this week. The interesting development to watch during the week? Right tackle? Do they roll with Sambrailo or Gono? I don't think McGary gets the call this week. This is going to be a 60 minute tilt and if he was winded vs the Jags in the preseason, this isn't the time to trot him out there. Whoever it is, they will have their hands full trying to handle Griffen/Hunter on the edges. You know Zimmer will look to exploit this match up so watch out! This group will have some tough sledding, so don't be discouraged if they don't pop off a 30 point week one special to get your juices flowing.
When the Falcons are on Defense: This is where the Falcons need to make up the difference. Our defense has the talent to mimic the Vikings unit. The question is execution. Are Vic and Takk ready to get after QBs? Is Debo ready to play? Rico and Neal? A lot of questions that can be answered with 60 minutes of football on Sunday. Optimistically, I think this group is ready. They showed very well in preseason. Again, it's preseason but that was our first glimpse. Outside of some initial first drive jitters/excitement, this unit showed up time and time again. There was consistent pressure, consistent run defense, and solid pass coverage. It was nice to see. What makes it tough is that week one, new OCs and scheme, you aren't scheming against the opponent just yet, but the players you are playing against and their weaknesses. Which there are more than enough on the Vikings offense. Kirk Cousins to begin with. He is a very inconsistent QB. You don't know which version you are getting, the highly accurate "YOU LIKE THAT?!" Kirk Cousins or the "I can't hit a five yard drag" Kirk Cousins. We saw this inconsistency in the preseason already. With a much more aggressive scheme and the talent to contest every throw, there is an opportunity for Kirk to get frazzled. It's going to be paramount to keep him in third and long situations and put the game in his hands more often than not. That comes down to stopping the run and controlling the LOS. Which again we have the horses to do that for a chance. The Vikings OL is very average. Pat Elflein is the clearest weak link, grading out at 43.5 per PFF last year (worst OL in the league). He's at LG. He hasn't looked much better through preseason either. On the other side, Josh Kline has been pretty mediocre himself as of late, having just given up 38 pressures last year and landed as the 53rd rated OG per PFF. Maybe a change of scenery could be beneficial, as he wasn't always a bad OL. Between them is rookie Garrett Bradbury, who I was a fan of during the draft season. I think he's a perfect fit in their offense, but DQ will be smart to repeatedly challenge the interior of this group, as there are clear weak links and none of them are above 305lbs. Force Bradbury to be cerebral and he's going to have to help Eflein, which will stress Kline. When you come equipped with a Grady Jarrett off the bus, this is the biggest opportunity to exploit, clogging lanes on run downs to prevent movement there and sending blitzes and stunts galore at this group on long down and distance situations. If they can take advantage of the Vikings OL (am I really thinking this is possible?), the Falcons defense can cause some chaos and with the luck of a turnover or two, can really put the offense in position to stretch their wings a little bit. It's going to come down to winning the LOS repeatedly.
Vegas Line: Vegas has the Vikings as a 4 point favorite, with the o/u set at 47.5. Take it for what you will.
Prediction: The two times we've played the Vikings under DQ, neither team has scored 3 TDs, we've lost both, with the most recent loss being a 14-9 close call with a banged up secondary. This time, fully healthy, I think the Falcons grow up a little bit in week one and show the rest of the NFL that an injury riddled 2018 isn't an indictment on who they are as a team. Just one year removed from being the only back to back postseason NFC team, this Falcons team is pissed off and looking to prove a point. I think they can do that here, scraping out a tough 24-17 victory, rightfully putting the game just out of reach with a Matt Bryant field goal.
Like last season, this season opens up with a very tough road game against a very tough and balanced opponent. The falcons are gonna have to be very fundamentally sound this game, in execution and play calling. They aint gonna win this game with fancy and flash, no sir, if they do win it will be because they whipped the man in front of them on the LOS.
IMO..The key will be if the falcons can maintain possessions on offense by running the ball early, and stopping the run early. If the falcons can score on their opening possession and force the vikes and Cousins into throwing the ball, Takk and co gone eat and the falcons win.
IMO..The key will be if the falcons can maintain possessions on offense by running the ball early, and stopping the run early. If the falcons can score on their opening possession and force the vikes and Cousins into throwing the ball, Takk and co gone eat and the falcons win.
Zimmer bases out of quarters. I’d expect us to work the intermediate area on early downs to play with those safety’s eye discipline and keep the chains in our favor.
This ain’t the defense we can afford to stay in long distances against. When Zimmer gets you in long downs then that’s where those pressure looks come from with all that Double-A look.
This ain’t the defense we can afford to stay in long distances against. When Zimmer gets you in long downs then that’s where those pressure looks come from with all that Double-A look.
Great breakdown. I wanted to add, Sark was our OC last time we played them. We couldnt score for sh*t. But on the other side the Vikings didnt do much better themselves. Now we Koetter back and a revamped oline. Should be interesting.
Love to see the falcons win the LOS on both sides for a change. On offense, that probably requires an extra lineman or Stocker most plays, maybe Smith if he's comfortable, got to have enough run game to make the play action work. Ryan kills it with play action.
On defense, they should have a nice 8 man rotation on the DLine that can get pressure on the QB and cut off running lanes.
What I'm hoping is that bad Cousins shows up and that the Falcons can get a couple of easy scores that take the pressure off everyone.
Falcons come out of Minn with, say, a 31-17 win, be a nice start to the season.
On defense, they should have a nice 8 man rotation on the DLine that can get pressure on the QB and cut off running lanes.
What I'm hoping is that bad Cousins shows up and that the Falcons can get a couple of easy scores that take the pressure off everyone.
Falcons come out of Minn with, say, a 31-17 win, be a nice start to the season.
Should be a great game. Both franchises are known for choking so it may just come down to who can not screw up 1st.
I'm interested to see the personnel groupings Quinn use in this game.
As usual he's elected to forego the big space eater in the middle. Davison will counted on to stay healthy and hold his ground with Senat giving him a breather on 1st and maybe 2nd down.
The Falcons look good on the edges with Clayborne, Allen, Cominsky and sometimes Crawford and Takk. Lots of bodies there.
The LBers are fast. Very fast. But lighter than most.
Keeping Cousins off balance will be key. That Kubiak influenced offense can keep the defense off balanced but if the defense can stay disciplined and adjust, the pass rush may be able to rattle Cousins.
As usual he's elected to forego the big space eater in the middle. Davison will counted on to stay healthy and hold his ground with Senat giving him a breather on 1st and maybe 2nd down.
The Falcons look good on the edges with Clayborne, Allen, Cominsky and sometimes Crawford and Takk. Lots of bodies there.
The LBers are fast. Very fast. But lighter than most.
Keeping Cousins off balance will be key. That Kubiak influenced offense can keep the defense off balanced but if the defense can stay disciplined and adjust, the pass rush may be able to rattle Cousins.
I want to say Capt. Kirk is 0-3 against us, with the last time being the game Alford had the pick 6 along the sideline to close it out. Look forward to him going 0-4 on Sunday!
Gonna be very close, but were due for a win against the vikings. I see us losing 19-17 but I am hoping for a 21-19 win.
I’m hoping our edge guys can maintain their discipline and not crash in on those run plays.
I’m still nervous about this game. As stated above, Rico and Neal look Rusty. I haven’t seen Rico miss tackles like he did in preseason and Neal got beat a couple times by tight ends but the QB made bad throws.
With that said, I am cautiously optimistic about what the defense will do. I’m starting them in 3 fantasy leagues so here’s to that.
I’m still nervous about this game. As stated above, Rico and Neal look Rusty. I haven’t seen Rico miss tackles like he did in preseason and Neal got beat a couple times by tight ends but the QB made bad throws.
With that said, I am cautiously optimistic about what the defense will do. I’m starting them in 3 fantasy leagues so here’s to that.
Falcons Oline hasn't been healthy when we've played the Vikings recently, one of those losses was when falcons lost 3 Olinemen in the same game and Toilolo played from the second quarter on as the RT.
Think the Falcons have the strongest lines they've had since Ryan has been here. Don't know if the Oline will be coherent enough to win this game, but, it's bigger, stronger and faster than it has been since we had the Oline coach that decided normal sized human beings would make a good Oline.
DLine doesn't have a Donald or Mack on it, but it's solid 9 deep.
Think the Falcons have the strongest lines they've had since Ryan has been here. Don't know if the Oline will be coherent enough to win this game, but, it's bigger, stronger and faster than it has been since we had the Oline coach that decided normal sized human beings would make a good Oline.
DLine doesn't have a Donald or Mack on it, but it's solid 9 deep.
Definitely think we have the perfect defense to stop their run game and make them one dimensional.
I think the Vikes and Falcons have very similar teams and styles. I honestly feel this game is going to come down to penalties and TOs. Whichever team plays a cleaner game will win the game, 24-18.
I actually do not feel great about this game. I do think the game is a 1 possession game regardless who wins. But I just think that Vikings D will do just enough to hang on. They just match up really well with our offense. I'll go 17-13 Vikings with our offense falling just short on a game winner.
I hope we pull it out this weekend. But the Vikings and the Eagles are the 2 teams in the NFC that scare me.
Diggs and Thielen are just too much for this secondary right now. Really not trying to overhype them but they are 2 studs ripe in their prime who just posted their best statistical seasons last year. I can see a lot of laundry on the field this Sunday. We’ll definitely get a good look at Oliver.
If we don’t get decent pressure and allow Cousins to sit in the pocket, he will carve you up like the best of them. Kirk is top 10 if you ask me and he’s not scared to sling it. I’ve seen him make some beautiful throws in his career and at a cool age of 31 I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling yet.
The tidbit about their OL is somewhat comforting knowing they may have weak links and inexperience on the interior. I’m anxious/excited to see our DL matchup with them. Just as Zimmer may look to expose our RT situation, I want Quinn to welcome that rookie center to the NFL in the worse way lol.
Dalvin Cooks game speed has always been sick and fun to watch. He makes the 40 yard dash look useless. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen him outrun just about every guy on defense so we need to put a lid on him early. If we can keep him below 4.2ypc I like our chances to keep it close but if he gets going I’m putting my good hard earned money on the Vikes.
If we don’t get decent pressure and allow Cousins to sit in the pocket, he will carve you up like the best of them. Kirk is top 10 if you ask me and he’s not scared to sling it. I’ve seen him make some beautiful throws in his career and at a cool age of 31 I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling yet.
The tidbit about their OL is somewhat comforting knowing they may have weak links and inexperience on the interior. I’m anxious/excited to see our DL matchup with them. Just as Zimmer may look to expose our RT situation, I want Quinn to welcome that rookie center to the NFL in the worse way lol.
Dalvin Cooks game speed has always been sick and fun to watch. He makes the 40 yard dash look useless. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen him outrun just about every guy on defense so we need to put a lid on him early. If we can keep him below 4.2ypc I like our chances to keep it close but if he gets going I’m putting my good hard earned money on the Vikes.
Just not sure yet how this team is really going to look.
Our offense averaged 291 passing and 98 rushing per game in 2018.
Our defense averaged 260 passing and 125 rushing allowed per game.
We clearly need to improve these numbers. And right now, on paper, it really looks like we should be able to do this quite handily.
Receiving corps and QB are elite and Matt should get his 300-325 passing with a couple TD’s. Hopefully one or fewer turnovers and only a couple sacks at most. If it’s worse than this, we’re probably struggling bad in this game.
Running game is a mystery right now because no clue how the OL will do with opening running lanes. Hopefully we go for at least 120+ and at least one rushing TD. We attacked the short yardage problem this offseason, so I see us converting a few more third downs and controlling time of possession.
Matt Bryant was 88% last year, hopefully he is 90%+ this year. I see him averaging 2 FG’s a game.
Defense was clearly bad against the run last year, but with additions like Davison and Bailey, plus getting our injured starters back, I think we can hold teams under 110 yards a game on average.
Our secondary shouldn’t be worse, so I expect them to hold teams to 260 passing a game or even better. Especially if we can get more pressure on the QB this year, which we should.
Hopefully we end up at least +1 in turnovers every game. We got some real ballhawks and bruisers on the D, so there’s a good chance of this.
ST just needs to keep our average starting field position +8 over the opponents average starting field position (ie. us ~30 yd line, them ~22 yd line), and no turnovers. That’s very doable and makes a huge difference.
So this game against Minnesota I see us with 2 passing TD’s, 1 Rushing TD, and 2 Bryant FG’s, and the D holding them to 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, and 3 FG’s. Falcons win 27-23.
Our offense averaged 291 passing and 98 rushing per game in 2018.
Our defense averaged 260 passing and 125 rushing allowed per game.
We clearly need to improve these numbers. And right now, on paper, it really looks like we should be able to do this quite handily.
Receiving corps and QB are elite and Matt should get his 300-325 passing with a couple TD’s. Hopefully one or fewer turnovers and only a couple sacks at most. If it’s worse than this, we’re probably struggling bad in this game.
Running game is a mystery right now because no clue how the OL will do with opening running lanes. Hopefully we go for at least 120+ and at least one rushing TD. We attacked the short yardage problem this offseason, so I see us converting a few more third downs and controlling time of possession.
Matt Bryant was 88% last year, hopefully he is 90%+ this year. I see him averaging 2 FG’s a game.
Defense was clearly bad against the run last year, but with additions like Davison and Bailey, plus getting our injured starters back, I think we can hold teams under 110 yards a game on average.
Our secondary shouldn’t be worse, so I expect them to hold teams to 260 passing a game or even better. Especially if we can get more pressure on the QB this year, which we should.
Hopefully we end up at least +1 in turnovers every game. We got some real ballhawks and bruisers on the D, so there’s a good chance of this.
ST just needs to keep our average starting field position +8 over the opponents average starting field position (ie. us ~30 yd line, them ~22 yd line), and no turnovers. That’s very doable and makes a huge difference.
So this game against Minnesota I see us with 2 passing TD’s, 1 Rushing TD, and 2 Bryant FG’s, and the D holding them to 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, and 3 FG’s. Falcons win 27-23.
In my opinion...it comes down to the performance of our OL vs the performance of an erratic Kirk Cousins.
My money (I have "invested" $15 on this) is on our OL gelling enough, even this early on in the season, to win. Just not a fan of Kirk, he has never lived up to the hype when he plays us.
My money (I have "invested" $15 on this) is on our OL gelling enough, even this early on in the season, to win. Just not a fan of Kirk, he has never lived up to the hype when he plays us.
Everyone wanted kubiak. Now I hope we smack them and make his offense look bad.
Cousins can get rattled though. To me, that’s going to be the key in what I think will be a low scoring game.
I have more confidence in our run Defense and just hope the pass rush finishes the job. It's tougher on the road for our offense than our defense; IMO. Our Offense has to face their better DL while our Defense gets to face their average OL.
We have new front alignments being deployed; sometimes as a week to week game plan.
Just need our D to buy time for the new OL to get going; considering Kaleb's delay and Gono exp/Ty injury...and Koetter to get the gameplan going and any necessary adjustments hashed out early.
I think in that scenario, we can win it.
We have new front alignments being deployed; sometimes as a week to week game plan.
Just need our D to buy time for the new OL to get going; considering Kaleb's delay and Gono exp/Ty injury...and Koetter to get the gameplan going and any necessary adjustments hashed out early.
I think in that scenario, we can win it.
PMF mentioned this earlier I can see a lot of A gap pressure from the Vikings and they’ll go after our inexperienced right side.
For me our counters are slants and going no huddle behind it.
Its an interesting matchup chess moves.There going to be tough to run on with there centre piece Joseph at the heart of it.Dangerous edge duo.There no joke.
I think for us to win our defense makes a big stop or play to win it.
For me our counters are slants and going no huddle behind it.
Its an interesting matchup chess moves.There going to be tough to run on with there centre piece Joseph at the heart of it.Dangerous edge duo.There no joke.
I think for us to win our defense makes a big stop or play to win it.
Stop Dalvin from running wild and pressure Cousins, make him have to make the tough throws who covers Rudolph and their success is big also. Oliver and Trufant will be tested by a great WR tandem. Offensively if the Birds get the running game going watch out, against the Vikings defense it's unlikely. #2 is gonna need #11 #12 and #18 to come up huge and can definitely see #3 getting his kicks. 31-28 Falcons
24-19 Queens..
Lack of preseason playing time and the offense comes out in 2019 out of sync(see 2017 and 2018). 4 FG's and 1 TD on offense, with #2 running for his life and taking too many big hits.On defense gets ripped for 150+ yards on the ground and TOP sits 35-25 Queens.
Lack of preseason playing time and the offense comes out in 2019 out of sync(see 2017 and 2018). 4 FG's and 1 TD on offense, with #2 running for his life and taking too many big hits.On defense gets ripped for 150+ yards on the ground and TOP sits 35-25 Queens.
X-Factors:
Offense: Kirk Cousins. He's the lone one. I don't think Diggs, Thielen, Rudolph, or Cook are going to falter. You know what they're going to do. But if Kirk gets rattled or is off, it won't matter what those four guys will do. Honorable mention: The interior OL. Elflein/Bradbury/Kline has the potential to be as inconsistent as Kirk. I'm a big Bradbury fan, but Elflein and Kline can be had. Repeatedly. They are like Schweitzer, on both sides. They can have a good game or they can get manhandled if they aren't sound in their technique. I think the outside zone will be new for them and have some kinks to work through. Send a steady dose of pressure looks at them to stress Bradbury and Cousins at as much as possible. They want to shrink the field, that should play into DQ's hands.
Defense: Rhodes, Waynes, Alexander, Barr, Kendricks, Smith. We know their DL is good. But if the WRs/TEs/RBs can get loose a little bit in the passing game, they have a chance. Rhodes has always given Julio fits. But Ridley is a legit #1 WR in his own right and Sanu needs to be respected. That forces the Vikings to be spread out more than I think they want to be. Their LBs will have to be disciplined with Freeman back and healthy and Hooper being a full force now. It's arguably the most complete unit the Vikings will face all year with no film to go off of. It's going to stress the back 7 to be on all game. Having Harrison Smith helps, as cerebral safeties always give Matt fits.
Offense: Kirk Cousins. He's the lone one. I don't think Diggs, Thielen, Rudolph, or Cook are going to falter. You know what they're going to do. But if Kirk gets rattled or is off, it won't matter what those four guys will do. Honorable mention: The interior OL. Elflein/Bradbury/Kline has the potential to be as inconsistent as Kirk. I'm a big Bradbury fan, but Elflein and Kline can be had. Repeatedly. They are like Schweitzer, on both sides. They can have a good game or they can get manhandled if they aren't sound in their technique. I think the outside zone will be new for them and have some kinks to work through. Send a steady dose of pressure looks at them to stress Bradbury and Cousins at as much as possible. They want to shrink the field, that should play into DQ's hands.
Defense: Rhodes, Waynes, Alexander, Barr, Kendricks, Smith. We know their DL is good. But if the WRs/TEs/RBs can get loose a little bit in the passing game, they have a chance. Rhodes has always given Julio fits. But Ridley is a legit #1 WR in his own right and Sanu needs to be respected. That forces the Vikings to be spread out more than I think they want to be. Their LBs will have to be disciplined with Freeman back and healthy and Hooper being a full force now. It's arguably the most complete unit the Vikings will face all year with no film to go off of. It's going to stress the back 7 to be on all game. Having Harrison Smith helps, as cerebral safeties always give Matt fits.
Truth. It won't be easy. So if we win both and go 2-0 to start the season it would really start to boost the confidence and energy of this team back to late-season 2016 levels.
With all the changes in coordinators, coaches and players, it would probably be more reasonable to look for a mid-season surge and strong play into the play-offs.
But if this team starts off hot and smacks two of the reputed elite NFC teams upside the head, who's to say they can't just toast the entire league ala the '72 Dolphins?
Yeah, I know, a trifle early to go out on that limb. Not scared of either team though. If we don't beat ourselves with stupid penalties or turnovers, we beat both.
With all the changes in coordinators, coaches and players, it would probably be more reasonable to look for a mid-season surge and strong play into the play-offs.
But if this team starts off hot and smacks two of the reputed elite NFC teams upside the head, who's to say they can't just toast the entire league ala the '72 Dolphins?
Yeah, I know, a trifle early to go out on that limb. Not scared of either team though. If we don't beat ourselves with stupid penalties or turnovers, we beat both.
I like to consider the head to head match ups:
ATL Offense vs. MN Defense
ATL O-line vs MN D-Line - the edge has to go to MN since our new o-line is unproven. However, I think if we run right at them, it will be easier on our new o-line to make some hay. Can we stay committed to the run even late in the game.
ATL RB vs MN LBs - Free and Ito can make anybody miss. Edge to ATL
ATL QB/TE/WR vs MN DB's - Their DB's are good, but our guys are better across the board. Edge ATL
MN Offense Vs ATL Defense
MN O-Line vs ATL D-Line - Edge ATL. Their O-Line is suspect and with a healthy Defense, I'm confident we can minimize the run game, but they will stay committed to the Run and they will get some yards.
MN QB/TE/WR vs ATL DB's - I have to give the edge to MN. They are also loaded at these positions and they will make some hay. I expect them to pick on Oliver all day.
Special Teams - Edge has to to to ATL. Bosher is kicking 60yd punts in preseason and field position will likely be critical in a defensive battle. Matt Bryant is money. I'm expecting our new STC to have discipline instilled in the ST's players so we don't get penalized to death on ST.
Overall, this is gonna be a slobberknocker of two teams determined to run the ball throughout the game and play defense and field position. I expect ATL to run right early and often to try to help out the rookies with some run blocking double teams at the point of attack with TE/FB help. I expect to see MR2 go no huddle more than one series to minimize the defensive scheme changes and crowd noise.
This game could easily come down to penalties and field position from those penalties.
ATL Offense vs. MN Defense
ATL O-line vs MN D-Line - the edge has to go to MN since our new o-line is unproven. However, I think if we run right at them, it will be easier on our new o-line to make some hay. Can we stay committed to the run even late in the game.
ATL RB vs MN LBs - Free and Ito can make anybody miss. Edge to ATL
ATL QB/TE/WR vs MN DB's - Their DB's are good, but our guys are better across the board. Edge ATL
MN Offense Vs ATL Defense
MN O-Line vs ATL D-Line - Edge ATL. Their O-Line is suspect and with a healthy Defense, I'm confident we can minimize the run game, but they will stay committed to the Run and they will get some yards.
MN QB/TE/WR vs ATL DB's - I have to give the edge to MN. They are also loaded at these positions and they will make some hay. I expect them to pick on Oliver all day.
Special Teams - Edge has to to to ATL. Bosher is kicking 60yd punts in preseason and field position will likely be critical in a defensive battle. Matt Bryant is money. I'm expecting our new STC to have discipline instilled in the ST's players so we don't get penalized to death on ST.
Overall, this is gonna be a slobberknocker of two teams determined to run the ball throughout the game and play defense and field position. I expect ATL to run right early and often to try to help out the rookies with some run blocking double teams at the point of attack with TE/FB help. I expect to see MR2 go no huddle more than one series to minimize the defensive scheme changes and crowd noise.
This game could easily come down to penalties and field position from those penalties.
Diggs is nursing a hamstring injury he was limited in practice and not in pads. Historically he has underperformed in weeks he has appeared on the injury report.
There we go! We've heard it from some Falcons fans! What do you think about what they're saying?!
As always,
... and neither is this Chris guy.