Falcons Prepare for Offensive Showdown with the Rams
The Atlanta Falcons are set to face off against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, entering the contest as 8.5-point home underdogs. With quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm, the Falcons have shown resilience, managing a record of 3-2 over their last five games. Their recent victories over the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bolstered their confidence, but the challenge intensifies as they encounter a formidable opponent in the Rams, who boast an impressive 11-4 record and the highest-scoring offense in the NFL.
Defensive Struggles and High Expectations
As the Falcons gear up for this pivotal matchup, questions loom about their defensive capabilities. Currently ranked No. 20 in scoring defense, Atlanta has struggled in recent weeks. ESPN’s panel of experts anticipates a high-scoring battle, favoring the Rams to emerge victorious. Notable predictions from the panel include:
Pamela Maldonado: Rams 34, Falcons 24
Eric Moody: Rams 31, Falcons 20
Seth Walder: Rams 42, Falcons 20
The Football Power Index (FPI) also weighs in, projecting a 71.6% chance of a Rams win, with an average margin of 8.7 points.
Pass Rush Investment Paying Off
The Falcons made significant investments in their pass rush during the offseason, and it’s paying dividends as they rank No. 2 in the league in sacks. However, the high-risk, high-reward blitz-heavy scheme employed by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich presents challenges. The Falcons’ back seven lacks the necessary depth and talent, especially after linebacker Divine Deablo’s injury sidelined him, which led to a noticeable drop in defensive performance.
Since selecting A.J. Terrell in 2020, the Falcons have not utilized a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick on a cornerback, raising concerns about their secondary’s capability to handle the Rams’ potent offense.
Matchup Concerns Against the Rams
In his bold prediction, Walder highlights the difficulties the Falcons might face against the Rams’ offense, led by head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford. Walder expressed confidence in the Rams’ ability to exploit Atlanta’s vulnerabilities. “The Rams will score at least 42 points,” he asserted. “If they can put up 37 (in overtime) against an elite Seahawks defense, there’s no limit against a normal defense.”
The Falcons, known for their blitz-heavy approach (36% of plays), may find themselves exposed, as the Rams excel against the blitz, showcasing a 0.30 Expected Points Added (EPA) per play.
Key Players to Watch
Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has emerged as a critical player for Atlanta, leading the team and all rookies with 8.5 sacks. A standout performance from Pearce could be instrumental for the Falcons, particularly if they can generate pressure on Stafford without overcommitting to the blitz. If the defense can disrupt Stafford’s rhythm, they may have a fighting chance. However, if he is afforded ample time to survey the field and exploit mismatches against the Falcons’ secondary, it could spell trouble for the home team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
As the Falcons prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. How they respond to the challenge presented by the Rams will be pivotal in shaping their season moving forward.
