Revisiting the top Falcons-Cardinals Week 12 matchups

The Atlanta Falcons dominated the Arizona Cardinals 38-19 to remain atop the NFC South. There’s no doubt the team needed the victory coming out of their bye week.

Let’s revisit the game’s top matchups.

Julio Jones versus Patrick Peterson

This battle wasn’t as hyped up as it was back in 2014 when Peterson said he wanted Jones one-on-one (and proceeded to give up 10 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown).

There really wasn’t much here to talk about this time around. Jones finished with just four catches for 35 yards and also had a the drop that turned into an interception for D.J. Swearinger late in the second quarter. Peterson racked up a couple of defensive pass interference penalties and played through an apparent knee injury in the fourth quarter.

Falcons run defense versus David Johnson

For the 11th consecutive week, Johnson piled up over 100 yards from scrimmage. On the plus side, Atlanta did improve its run defense two weeks removed after giving up a season-high 208 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson was held to 58 rushing yards on the ground, but he had a season-high 103 receiving yards on eight receptions, including a three-yard touchdown. It certainly could’ve been a lot worse for the Falcons.

Tevin Coleman versus the Cardinals defense

Coleman was largely ineffective in his return to the lineup. While he did score on a two-yard touchdown run, he was held to just 13 total yards (nine rushing, four receiving) on 10 touches. We’re used to seeing a lot more from the second-year running back.