What the New England Patriots have accomplished over the last decade and a half is no less than remarkable. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will go down as one of the best head coach – quarterback combinations in NFL history. Beating a team who appears destined for greatness this year may seem impossible. However, there are ways the Atlanta Falcons can overcome this challenge and beat New England in Super Bowl LI. Atlanta has an extremely potent offense and Matt Ryan is having an MVP caliber year. The Patriots do not have many weaknesses in their armor. However, the weaknesses they do have will benefit Atlanta.
How the Atlanta Falcons Can Win Super Bowl LI
Take Advantage of Weak Pass Rush
New England and Bill Belichick have a philosophy and a system set in place, and it works. If a player is not willing to buy-in to that system he quickly finds himself off the roster. This was the case with Jamie Collins, who just recently signed a lucrative contract extension with the Cleveland Browns. Though this move was necessary it did leave New England with less than stellar players on the defensive front.
Though the Patriots defense has been steadily improving this season a lack of pass rush will be an advantage for Matt Ryan. The longer Matt Ryan is able to stand and become comfortable in the pocket the more likely he obtains a completion. As good as the Patriots secondary has been this season they will only be able to cover Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu for so long. The Patriots will try and get to Ryan using other means, such as disguised blitzes. Regardless, Ryan will have an opportunity to make plays in this game.
Win the Battle on Third Down
This will be easier said than done versus the Patriots. Tom Brady and the New England offense rank second in the league on third down with a completion percentage of 46.51. Atlanta has the fire power to challenge the Patriots in this category ranking sixth with a percentage of 44.83. Achieving this will help to control the clock and time of possession. Keeping Tom Brady off the field is an obvious key to beating the Patriots. New England on average this season has possessed the ball 30 min of each game. As we know the Patriots also like to score before half time and on their first possession after the half. The Falcons defense has to prevent either of these scores from happening.
Remain Balanced on Offense
The biggest thing Atlanta can do to help keep their offensive attack balanced is to not get behind early. If Atlanta has to play from behind it puts more pressure on their young and inexperienced defense. Falling behind will also put more pressure on Matt Ryan. Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman need to remain a big part Atlanta’s attack throughout the game. Keeping the Patriots defense honest and not allowing them to hone in on Matt Ryan will be crucial. The Falcons offense cannot afford to become one dimensional, something they have done well to avoid all season. The Patriots are more determined than ever to force Roger Goodell to hand Tom Brady the Lombardi Trophy. They will face their toughest test yet in Atlanta. And, if anyone has the capability to beat New England it’s the Falcons.
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