Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones’ Health Key for Sunday’s Game
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons are getting ready to play their biggest game of the season against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons are set to play one final game in the Georgia Dome that if they win would send them to the Super Bowl. Last weekend’s win against the Seahawks didn’t come without a price as the Falcons suffered multiple injuries but none more important than Julio Jones hurting his already injured foot in Saturday’s win.
Julio Jones had a big game against the Seahawks converting several key first downs and catching an early touchdown on a pick play that didn’t get called. Jones left the game late in the second half but the media was told he could have re-entered the game if he was needed.
Jones has a history of fighting through injuries without appearing to miss a beat as Matt Ryan’s favorite target. Entering this week Jones is one player to pay attention to in practice as Sunday’s game gets closer. Jones has said he will be ready for the game even though he is expected to be limited all week in practice.
Julio Jones can be the difference this weekend against the Packers. Dez Bryant is a talented receiver and showed what a true number one receiver can do to the Packer’s secondary. Bryant caught two scores and piled up over 130 receiving yards in the loss to Green Bay. It is safe to say that Julio Jones is a more talented receiver then Bryant or at least more consistent and can cause bigger issues for a secondary that likes to play man coverage.
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Whether or not they try to get some help over the top for Julio often within the first fifteen yards from the line of scrimmage is man coverage in the Packer’s scheme. If they do not change strategies against Jones and he can stay healthy enough to play this weekend’s game Jones will be the difference maker Sunday against a depleted Packer’s secondary that will not be able to handle Julio Jones.