The Atlanta Falcons fell to 4-2 on the season after losing in dramatic fashion to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Down 26-24 with under two minutes remaining in the game, Matt Ryan launched a pass to Julio Jones on fourth and ten, but the pass fell incomplete after the referees missed a blatant pass interference call that would’ve put the Falcons into field goal range.
As disappointing as the loss was, the Falcons cannot afford to have a hangover heading into a crucial week seven matchup with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are coming off of a big-time win over the Denver Broncos and have an extra three days of rest after not playing since last Thursday.
The Falcons are back at home for the first time since demolishing the Carolina Panthers in week four and have brought out their 1966 throwback uniforms to try and help spark the team to a win. Here are three keys to beating the Chargers and keeping their control over the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons Week Seven Keys to Victory
Get the Run Game Going Early
One thing the Falcons were not able to do very well against the Seahawks was run the ball. Atlanta has been hit-or-miss when it comes to running the ball effectively in 2015, and it’s something that they need to try and establish early in the game against the Chargers. However, the Chargers have one of the league’s top-ranked run defenses in the NFL. They have not allowed a 100-yard rusher yet, nor have they allowed more than 93 total yards rushing in a game.
The Falcons hold the ninth-ranked run offense in the league at 112 yards per game. Devonta Freeman is leading the Falcons in rushing with 450 yards, good enough for sixth-best in the league. Tevin Coleman has amassed 170 yards on the ground, as well, so this should be a great matchup to look for. San Diego’s run defense vs Atlanta’s run offense. If the Falcons are able to get the running game going, Ryan should have a field day though the air as a result.
Blitz Phillip Rivers Early and Often
The Chargers have the number 22 ranked offensive line through six games and have given up 13 sacks. Phillip Rivers has done a good job of not turning the all over when under pressure, but that shouldn’t deter the Falcons from bringing a lot of pressure. Atlanta’s defense isn’t good enough to just rush four every down. In order to be effective, they need to blitz and take more risks. Vic Beasley had a quiet game against the Seahawks after having the best game of his career against the Broncos in which he recored 3.5 sacks. Look for him to apply a good amount of pressure and give Rivers fits more times than not.
Keep an Aggressive Mindset on Offense
The Falcons have the best offense in the NFL and there’s really no questioning that through six weeks of the season. Matt Ryan continues to dazzle and Julio Jones is doing things that humans shouldn’t be able to do. All of that has resulted in a fast-paced, deadly offense that any defense in the league should fear. The Seahawks had not given up a 300-yard passer all season long. But that didn’t stop Ryan from cruising past that mark. They also hadn’t given up three passing touchdowns in one quarter in several years. Ryan also did that. They’ve gone up against the best defenses and have continued their dominance. San Diego, you’ve been warned.
One thing the Falcons have done is stay aggressive no matter what the score is. This is a team that is going to throw the ball late in the fourth quarter with a lead. They’re not going to settle and that’s what sets them apart from anyone else. It’s not going to work out every time. Ryan was picked off after a ball went through the hands of Jones late in the game against Seattle, but that’s the mindset that you have to play with. 99 out of 100 times, Jones catches that ball. And if he does, the Falcons likely win that game. Stay aggressive, and don’t let up. That’s how the Falcons will beat the Chargers.
