Atlanta Falcons Take on Tennessee Titans in Week 7

The Atlanta Falcons enter their Week 7 matchup with the Tennessee Titans as a 7-point road favorite. Will the Dirty Birds improve to 6-1 this afternoon?

After having ten days between games, the Atlanta Falcons will finally have their chance to avenge their first loss of the season when the Dirty Birds travel to the Music City to play the Tennessee Titans on the Banks of the Cumberland River in newly named Nissan Stadium.

The 5-1 Atlanta Falcons are an overwhelming road favorite in this one against the 1-4 Tennessee Titans. Though both teams are coming off Week 6 losses, it seems as though the Falcons are in better position to get back in the win column.

Atlanta last played ten days ago in New Orleans on Thursday Night Football, falling to the Saints, 31-21. Injuries and self-inflicted turnovers ultimately did the Falcons in. It was an ugly game, but the Dirty Birds at least made the score respectable by playing a decent fourth quarter against their arch nemesis in the Crescent City.

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Tennessee has not won a game since eviscerating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. The Titans were blown out in Nashville in Week 6, 38-10, by the first team in the NFL to fire their head coach this season in the Miami Dolphins. To add injury to insult, the Titans’ 2nd overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft QB Marcus Mariota will not play this afternoon due to an MCL sprain suffered in Week 6. Second-year pro Zach Mettenberger will start in place of the injured Marcus Mariota.

Fortunately for the Atlanta Falcons, these two teams have already met this season during the first preseason game, so Atlanta has some idea of how to defend Mettenberger and what this year’s incarnation of the Tennessee Titans looks like.

All signs point to an easy and convincing road victory for the Atlanta Falcons, but Atlanta did lose to the Saints last week in New Orleans. I believe the Atlanta Falcons get back in the win column for three reasons this afternoon: 1. Better ball security from the offense. 2. The pass rush will disrupt the less mobile Mettenberger who will want to stay in the pocket. 3. The offensive line of the Falcons will play an inspired game.

QB Matt Ryan has not played well the last two weeks and perhaps going against an inferior AFC South opponent will get him back to playing at a Pro Bowl level. Limiting his turnovers and not having the tailbacks fumble will go a long way in getting the Atlanta Falcons a victory today.

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Zach Mettenberger does not have the elusiveness of starter Marcus Mariota. He will want to stay upright in the pocket and deliver aerial strikes to keep the Titans in this game. However, I think this is the game we see the Dan Quinn pass rush finally break through and have a field day on an opposing quarterback. Disrupting Mettenberger as often as possible gives the Atlanta Falcons the edge on defense.

With LG Andy Levitre playing against his former employer, LT Jake Matthews seeing his father’s honored number in Nissan Stadium, and C Mike Person back from injury, look for the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line to have a fantastic game up front against the Tennessee Titans. To me, this is where the game will be won for the Atlanta Falcons. Having an impressive offensive line playing at a high level is trouble for the Titans. Atlanta will move to 6-1. Tennessee’s losing streak extends to five. This could get ugly.

Prediction: Atlanta Falcons 35, Tennessee Titans 14

Next: Atlanta Falcons Making Adjustments Before Week 7

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