Four Critical Matchups In The Falcons-Titans Game

by Dave Choate on Nov 19, 2011 12:30 PM EST in Falcons News

It's nearly time for another game. I'm hoping the Falcons will be 6-4 after this one.

As I've mentioned, I think the Falcons will beat the Titans. The talent gap here is pretty significant, even if the Titans have some nice young players, and Atlanta has to be out for blood after last week's loss.

The Titans will undoubtedly refuse to just lie down and let the Falcons win, for whatever reason. So you can expect a hard-fought game with a handful of surprises, because any team with Chris Johnson is capable of producing a few of those.

After the jump, let's jump right in to four matchups worth watching in the game ahead.

John Abraham vs. David Stewart

The pass rush has been struggling, which we'll touch upon a little more tomorrow. Needless to say, the Falcons gotta get that fixed.

It would help if Abraham got going. We're in a bit of an off-year for the wizened veteran, who has taken less heat than he would normally because of the presence of Ray Edwards. Make no mistake, though: The Predator ishaving a rough year.

He has an opportunity to get going against David Stewart, a competent but hardly exceptional tackle. If Abe can get going the rest of the line should follow suit, and it would go a long way toward foiling Matt Hasselbeck.

Chris Johnson vs. Sean Weatherspoon

What if Chris Johnson gets going? The Falcons would be in huge trouble.

Given his dual role as a fast runner and a receiver out of the backfield, Johnson's going to square off against the Falcons' linebackers on multiple occasions in this game. Once again, it will fall to Sean Weatherspoon and his battery mates to put a stop to him.

'Spoon has proven this year that he's a force to be reckoned with on defense. If Johnson manages to get around Ray Edwards, John Abraham and Kroy Biermann--no easy task, by the way--then 'Spoon will have a chance to tee off on him. Expect it.

Michael Turner vs. Titans Line

The Titans are nothing spectacular against the run. Michael Turner generally eats poor defenses for lunch. Ergo, a big game for Turner.

I don't think I have to spend a lot of time breaking down the possibilities here. If Turner runs well, the Falcons will win. If he doesn't, it's going to be much tougher.

Roddy White vs. Jason McCourty

Roddy White would like very much to get back on track. He'll have his chance against the Titans.

Jason McCourty is actually a pretty talented young cornerback, but a man of White's veteran guile should be able to beat him a few times. With Julio Jones likely missing the game and Harry Douglas matched up against a tough, physical Cortland Finnegan, White's going to have to fill the void a little bit.

Of course, Matt Ryan could just throw to Tony Gonzalez all day, but what's the fun in that?

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Here's hoping Spoon's arm is tired and his belly full after doing his Spoon celebration over and over again tomorrow

by aces666high on Nov 19, 2011 1:53 PM EST reply actions

I hope our team comes out angry

after that heartbreaking loss.

that Turner matchup is the primary one. if he does get going, we eat up the clock and actually score, Titans will have to play catchup which will make them throw a lot, thus taking CJ out of the mix, and making Abraham’s day easier.

and Turner should have a good day, unless MM …

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Nov 19, 2011 2:26 PM EST reply actions

"and Turner should have a good day, unless MM …"

does what he usually does? In that case, it’s on Turner to fight through the defensive hordes that know exactly what’s coming. There are occasionally teams that are powerful enough to challenge the defense to stop them even when they know what’s coming. They simply don’t care, and don’t really need to. MM apparently thinks the Falcons are that team. Unfortunately, we’re not there yet. Maybe someone will explain it to him.

by randomaxe on Nov 19, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions

roddy white may also be lined up on finnegan, or who ever is in the slot, in nickel packages, will be lined up against him as well

and wouldn’t be Michael turner vs titans D-line and MLB?

expect the unexpected from jared cook, nate washington, matt hasselbeck, and damian williams

Best sig ever, reason 1, reason 2, reason 3

by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Nov 19, 2011 6:32 PM EST reply actions

Courtland Finnigan vs. Roddy White's temper

Finnegan’s method of operation is to talk smack to the WR all game, get in his head, and piss him off. We all know Roddy has been letting his emotions get the best of him. That makes me nervous considering Roddy already has several 15 yd penalties this year. If I’m TEN, I’d have Finnegan cover Roddy all game. I truley hope White just keeps his emotions in check and plays a good, clean game.

by leonw92 on Nov 19, 2011 6:39 PM EST reply actions