When evaluating the Falcons’ schedule in April, there weren’t many favorable matchups. Most fans anticipated a difficult start with games against Carolina, Denver, Seattle, and Green Bay in October, with a more reasonable stretch in December providing a great opportunity to potentially push for a playoff spot. They managed to go 3-1 against those mentioned opponents. It has allowed them to control their own destiny and exploit below average teams. No opponent on the schedule is more talent deprived than San Francisco.
A recent NFC powerhouse has lost most of their players from the 2013 NFC Championship team. The same can be said for the Falcons, but they’ve managed to draft effectively and make productive signings. Both teams haven’t played each other inside the Georgia Dome, since that unforgettable game in 2013. It was also Matt Ryan’s last playoff appearance. Two more wins should be enough for them to play meaningful football in January. They can’t allow a one-win team derail those hopes. Here are five things to watch for on Sunday.
Forcing San Francisco’s offense into becoming one-dimensional
Despite their rushing total being inflated, San Francisco ranks fourth in rushing yards per game. Colin Kaepernick heavily influences that surprise ranking. His scrambling ability can still give opposing defenses issues. Defending the read option is another challenge, especially with the rookie linebacker duo. The defense has been fortunate in previous matchups against Carolina and Seattle. The Panthers had to abandon the run, while Russell Wilson’s knee injury prevented him from being a running threat. Cam Newton and Wilson can use their legs better than almost any quarterback in the league. Kaepernick should pose a challenge that this defense hasn’t faced all season.
Carlos Hyde is quietly having a productive season. Although he isn’t known for breaking long runs (only seven runs of 20 plus yards this season), the powerful running back thrives between the tackles. Chip Kelly will likely instill a ball-control style game plan to keep Atlanta’s offense off the field. Hyde will be at the forefront, as the front seven can’t allow open running lanes for him to reach the second level. Putting Kaepernick in third and long situations will force him to make throws downfield.
With the worst receiving corps in the league, San Francisco isn’t capable of beating teams in the air. The dismal offensive line doesn’t do Kaepernick any favors either. Taking their biggest offensive weapon out of the game and making their multi-dimensional quarterback slightly more predictable should be the main priorities for Dan Quinn’s defense.
Establishing the running game
It didn’t matter in the end, but the offensive line failed to open up many running lanes against Los Angeles’ front seven. Devonta Freeman was bottled up on six carries. Tevin Coleman found slightly more running room, particularly in the second half. The offensive line’s poor performance forced a depleted passing game into difficult circumstances against a blitz heavy defense. Matt Bosher punted a season-high eight times. That indicates a lackluster output, which is mainly because of the ineffective running game. With Julio Jones possibly sidelined again, Kyle Shanahan may have to construct a conservative game plan.
San Francisco’s defense has been gashed on a weekly basis. They are allowing 170 rushing yards per game, as the front seven is filled with young players and declining veterans. This is a prime matchup for Freeman and Coleman to get loose. Losing NaVorro Bowman has made a below-average defense into an abomination. Shanahan can’t forget how Freeman was shut down in last year’s defeat. Matt Ryan attempted 45 passes, while both running backs received a combined 13 carries. Abandoning the run in a close game proved to be one of Shanahan’s negative tendencies last season. He is committing to the run far better this season. When the offense is flourishing, Freeman and Coleman are usually productive. The dynamic duo needs to run wild against an abysmal defense.
Vic Beasley and company
The co sack leader has looked dominant, since coming off the bye week. SB Nation’s Stephen White wrote an excellent piece about Beasley’s outstanding performance against Los Angeles. He is converting speed to power more efficiently. The well-publicized explosive first step is finally being utilized. He is transitioning from making two or three flashes a game to bringing more consistent pressure on a snap-to-snap basis. This is what the Falcons have been craving since John Abraham’s exodus in 2013. Adrian Clayborn is still recovering from a torn meniscus and MCL injury, which makes Beasley and Dwight Freeney largely responsible for holding together the pass rush.
The defensive line showed signs of life against a subpar Rams’ offensive line. Ra’Shede Hageman, Jonathan Babineaux, and Courtney Upshaw hit or forced Jared Goff into an inaccurate throw during the game. Creating interior pressure will be essential towards preventing Kaepernick from picking up easy yardage on the ground. Dwight Freeney was expected to face Joe Staley in a compelling matchup. The veteran left tackle is dealing with a hamstring issue, which could force left guard Zane Beadles to shift outside. Freeney isn’t producing sacks, but he is still generating pressure on a consistent basis. Clayborn’s injury has caused Freeney to play more snaps than a 36-year-old pass rusher would likely prefer. He is due for a breakout game, which may come against this overmatched offensive line.
Cornerback situation
Jalen Collins’ knee injury could force the coaching staff into making another change at cornerback. Its really unfortunate timing, as the second year cornerback played well against Los Angeles. He looked more fluid in man coverage. This injury forces C.J. Goodwin and Deji Olatoye into the rotation. If there were a time when playing your fourth and fifth cornerbacks wasn’t a major concern, it would be against the 49ers’ receiving corps. Combine their limited talent with Kaepernick’s inaccuracy and the cornerbacks couldn’t ask for a better matchup.
Goodwin hasn’t played cornerback, since his promising performance against Green Bay. With Olatoye receiving plenty of action last week, he could be further down in the pecking order. How Quinn uses both cornerbacks is definitely something to observe in a game lacking storylines. Jeremy Kerley is a solid slot receiver, who possesses good speed and hands. He should provide a solid test for Brian Poole. San Francisco couldn’t afford any injuries to an anemic offense. Vance McDonald suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, while Torrey Smith is still recovering from a concussion. This is a good opportunity for Goodwin and Olatoye to showcase their abilities against shoddy competition.
Mohamed Sanu’s expanded role
Based on Jones’ unclear status, Sanu could be heavily involved. It’s difficult to quantify Sanu’s season as a success or disappointment. When the versatile wide receiver is productive, the offense flows better and scores over 30 points. That was evident against Green Bay, Tampa Bay (second game), and Arizona. The offense faltered against Philadelphia and San Diego, when Sanu was non-existent. He still doesn’t create enough separation on a consistent basis. What the high-priced free agent signing offers is a big athletic body that can win in narrow areas. Jacob Tamme’s season ending injury forced Sanu into becoming Ryan’s most reliable option on shorter to intermediate throws that doesn’t include number 11. The frequent drops are behind him, as Sanu’s hands have been excellent this season.
Ryan’s ability to spread the ball around shouldn’t force Sanu into attempting to replicate Jones’ production. Taylor Gabriel, Aldrick Robinson, and Justin Hardy made plays last week to keep the passing game afloat. Sanu’s return gives Ryan a big option in the red zone, which allows Kyle Shanahan more flexibility. This is a great week to be more creative with Sanu. They nearly scored in the wildcat formation against Arizona, which was designed for him. Hue Johnson made great use of his versatility in Cincinnati. That played a decent role in Sanu earning such a massive contract.
Shanahan should be more imaginative against an inferior opponent. Let Sanu throw the ball on a reverse, as Gabriel runs a go or seam route. Gabriel’s game breaking speed and Sanu’s deep ball has resulted in some memorable moments. A season filled with jaw-dropping plays should include another one against a below average defense. This unbelievable season is missing a funky play involving Sanu. Why not attempt it against one of the worst teams in the NFL?