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Atlanta Falcons: 5 Defensive and Special Teams Musts for a Super Bowl Victory

By W. M. Lawson

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) scores on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) scores on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) jumps over the defense of the Atlanta Falcons to score a touchdown in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) jumps over the defense of the Atlanta Falcons to score a touchdown in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

3 First Half QB Sacks.

                                                       

That’s right, three sacks in the 1st half. When New York beat Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, the Giants sacked him five times. Most coming in the first half. Atlanta was able to get to Rodgers and Wilson, respectively, in their first two playoff games, and both of those Quarterbacks are mobile and elusive. Brady most certainly gets the ball out quicker, but relies on pocket protection more than they did. If Atlanta’s Defense can get Brady to the ground 3 times in the 1st half, it won’t guarantee a win, but it is a very good sign.

The first half component here is important to note. One of the things to expect from a veteran laden New England team is half time adjustments. Belichick and Co. do it better than anyone else in the business. It will be important for Atlanta to hit Brady hard, often, and early to set a tone, and to keep the young backs of the Falcons’ Defense from having to cover for more than 3 seconds. If Atlanta isn’t pressuring Brady early, it will be a long night on that side of the ball.

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