One more win and the Patriots will be Super Bowl champions once again. Looking at how they match up against the NFC's Atlanta Falcons, here are my keys to another duck boat parade.
TURNOVERS- When the Patriots haven't turned over the football this season, they have won by just under 19 points per game. Matt Ryan has thrown an interception in seven games this season. Four of those games resulted in losses. If the Patriots win the turnover battle, they will win handily.
TACKLING- Part of the Patriots' defensive success this season has been their great tackling. While this is evident by watching their games and seeing them rarely miss a tackle, it is also evident with their top ranking for Yards Given Up After Catch. For the season the Patriots have only allowed 91.4 yards after the catch per game. Conversely, the Falcons haven't done so hot with bringing guys down. As a matter of fact they have given up a league leading 132.9 yards after the catch.
While it might not be as significant, there is also a difference between each teams' run defense. The Patriots have held opponents to 88.6 yards per game while the Falcons have allowed 104.5 yards per game.
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK- Earlier this week I posted about which offensive weapon Matt Patricia should game plan against. Since the Falcons have a lot of weapons on offense, I went with taking Matty Ice out of his game. With center Alex Mack planning to play with a high ankle sprain and the Falcons not having a true backup, applying pressure should be easier than I thought.
While it might not be as significant, there is also a difference between each teams' run defense. The Patriots have held opponents to 88.6 yards per game while the Falcons have allowed 104.5 yards per game.
PRESSURING THE QUARTERBACK- Earlier this week I posted about which offensive weapon Matt Patricia should game plan against. Since the Falcons have a lot of weapons on offense, I went with taking Matty Ice out of his game. With center Alex Mack planning to play with a high ankle sprain and the Falcons not having a true backup, applying pressure should be easier than I thought.
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