Falcons Look to Build Momentum Against Struggling Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD – The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a pivotal Week 13 matchup as they travel to New York to face the struggling New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. This marks the Falcons’ second consecutive road game, and they are eager to replicate the success of their recent outing. With a slight edge as favorites, the key questions surrounding this contest will dictate the outcome.
Have the Falcons Found Their Rhythm?
Last week, the Falcons entered the field under immense pressure, having lost five straight games that threatened to derail their season. Now sitting at 4-7, they no longer have control over their playoff destiny, needing to navigate the final six games with precision. Fortunately, their NFC South rivals have also faltered, keeping Atlanta’s postseason hopes alive—albeit precariously. A win against the Jets would not only mark their second consecutive victory but could also be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season.
Containing Breece Hall: A Defensive Challenge
The return of linebacker Divine Deablo has reinvigorated the Falcons’ defense, illustrated by their impressive performance against the Saints, where they held New Orleans to just three points. However, they face a formidable challenge this week in Jets running back Breece Hall.
“He’s a guy that can hit a home run anytime he touches the ball,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich noted. Hall has been a key player for the Jets, contributing to their impressive average of 135.8 rushing yards per game—ranking seventh in the league. In contrast, the Falcons have struggled against the run, allowing 133.1 yards per game, placing them 26th in the NFL. After a disastrous outing against the Colts where they surrendered 323 rushing yards, the Falcons have rebounded, allowing just 146 yards over their last two games. This matchup could be crucial in determining the game’s direction.
Can the Sacks Keep Coming?
Atlanta’s defensive front has shown remarkable resilience, bolstered by the emergence of rookies James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, along with second-year players Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. Collectively, they have generated 22 sacks over the last four games, with this quartet accounting for 14 of those.
“We all are just trying to win and figure it out together,” Pearce said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the defense. As it stands, the Falcons are third in the NFL with 39 sacks this season—an impressive feat considering they have only reached that number twice in the past decade across an entire season. If they maintain their average of approximately 3.5 sacks per game, they could shatter the franchise record of 55 sacks. Notably, the Falcons have adopted a more conservative blitz strategy, relying on their front four to generate pressure, which has proven effective.
The Jets, conversely, have struggled to protect their quarterback, allowing the third-most sacks in the league this season. Their subpar sack and pressure rates place them at the bottom of the NFL, putting additional pressure on their offense.
Addressing Third-Down Inefficiencies
Throughout their five-game losing streak, the Falcons’ offense has been particularly ineffective on third downs. Currently, they rank 29th in the league, converting just 33.1% of their opportunities, with only 43 total conversions—31st overall. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has pinpointed this as a critical area for improvement.
“The third downs are still something that we’re just not clean from a pass protection standpoint, first and foremost,” Robinson acknowledged. He emphasized the need for better protection and more precise route running and quarterback reads. The Falcons have seen their conversion rate plummet to just 22.2% since Week 7, directly correlating with their 1-5 record during that stretch. In contrast, the Jets boast the eighth-best third-down defense in the league, allowing conversions on only 35.9% of attempts. This week will be vital for both teams as they look to address their respective challenges.
