Atlanta Falcons 2011 NFL Playoffs Previews: Will Matt Ryan Live Up to Super Bowl Hype?
Atlanta Falcons Offense is Potent but Their Defense Will Determine How Deep They Go
The Atlanta Falcons version of the triplets is Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White as three of the most potent offensive players in the NFL at their respective positions. Ryan has led this Atlanta Falcons offense to the best record in the NFC and he is a potential NFL MVP this season based on his ability to lead this team late in games.
Can Matt Ryan Live Up to the Pressure of NFL Playoffs?
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has lived up to his nickname of "Matty Ice" in the NFL regular season but can he live up to it under the pressure of the NFL Playoffs? Ryan is a master of the clock late in games and despite his less than stellar offensive production of 225 yards per game he is always deadly accurate on those late game two minute warning drives. Answer: Yes, Matt Ryan will live up to the nickname of "Matty Ice" and thrive under the spotlight of the NFL Playoffs.
Will Michael Turner be Rested Enough to Bang at Full Speed Deep into NFL Playoffs?
Michael Turner played three quarters of the Atlanta Falcons blowout of the Carolina Panthers and looked very healthy. Turner played every game this season but it was not his best season. This season he rushed for over 1,300 yards but in his first season with the Atlanta Falcons he rushed for over 1,600 yards.
Turner is hitting full stride as the NFL Playoffs approach and the Atlanta Falcons are looking to establish the run and play action pass in the NFL Divisional Playoffs game. Ryan and Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith will be looking for some major output from Turner in their first game after a bye week. Michael Turner will be at full speed for the NFL Divisional Playoffs in two weeks.
Will Roddy White be Able to Overcome Double Teams in NFL Playoffs?
Roddy White and the Atlanta Falcons offense has been solid all season but the NFL Playoffs are another animal.
The Atlanta Falcons opponents in the NFL Divisional Playoffs will focus on shutting down Roddy White and it will not be the first time he has dealt with double coverage this season. White is one of the better receivers in the NFL at avoiding double coverage and breaking open over the top. Answer: Roddy White will overcome double coverage and be productive in the NFL Playoffs.
Can John Abraham Lead This Team on Defense in NFL Playoffs?
John Abraham is a major reason for the success of the Atlanta Falcons 4-3 defense and he will have the pressure of leading this defense in the NFL Divisional Playoffs after a well deserved week off. The Atlanta Falcons defense has been solid against the run holding opponents to just under 110 yards per game.
Facing strong quarterbacks such as Drew Brees, this Atlanta Falcons defense led by Abraham off the edge, has been strong against the pass and they have been tough up front with a strong pass rush. Abraham leads the team in sacks with 13 of the Atlanta Falcons 28 sacks this season. Answer: Yes, Jon Abraham will be a dominant force in the NFL Divisional Playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons NFL Playoffs Outlook for 2011
The Atlanta Falcons will have a week off to rest up and recover from a rough final few weeks of the NFL season. Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Michael Turner are all in good shape heading into the NFL Playoffs and their record inside the Georgia Dome will give them plenty of confidence.
The Atlanta Falcons are 7-1 in the Georgia Dome this season and when they face their NFL Playoffs opponents in the NFL Divisional Playoffs they should be favored by a field goal or more. The Atlanta Falcons should make it to the NFL Conference Championship but will lose either to the New Orleans Saints or the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Published by Todd Jacobs
Todd Jacobs is from Anaheim, California and resides in the city of Las Vegas. Todd worked for Orange Coast Magazine as News Editor in the 80s and recently began writing for several online sites including:... View profile
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- The Atlanta Falcons version of the triplets is Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White.
- The Atlanta Falcons are 7-1 in the Georgia Dome this season.
- John Abraham is a major reason for the success of the Atlanta Falcons 4-3 defense.