Everyone can talk all they want about "Matty Ice", but I think the key to winning this game is stopping Michael Turner. Look at the results of each game in which Turner was held for 65 yards or less;
@ Pittsburgh, 42 yards, Lost 15-9
San Francisco, 50 yards, Won 16-14.(The should have lost this game, a SF defender picked off a Ryan pass to seal the deal but instead of sliding he ran around where he fumbled and gave Ryan a 2nd chance)
@ Philly, 45 yards, Lost 31-17
Baltimore, 39 yards, Won 26-21
New Orleans, 48 yards, Lost 17-14
So they were 2-3 in games where Turner was held to 65 yards or less. Really 1-4 if the SF defender slides.
Anyway, I think if we can stop Turner we win this game(and we don't turn the ball over). Much of the Atlanta offense bases off running the ball, controlling the clock and play action. If we can get our run defenses from last year back, just for one game, I think we will win.
Thoughts?
@ Pittsburgh, 42 yards, Lost 15-9
San Francisco, 50 yards, Won 16-14.(The should have lost this game, a SF defender picked off a Ryan pass to seal the deal but instead of sliding he ran around where he fumbled and gave Ryan a 2nd chance)
@ Philly, 45 yards, Lost 31-17
Baltimore, 39 yards, Won 26-21
New Orleans, 48 yards, Lost 17-14
So they were 2-3 in games where Turner was held to 65 yards or less. Really 1-4 if the SF defender slides.
Anyway, I think if we can stop Turner we win this game(and we don't turn the ball over). Much of the Atlanta offense bases off running the ball, controlling the clock and play action. If we can get our run defenses from last year back, just for one game, I think we will win.
Thoughts?