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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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Dec 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Penalty flag on the field during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the Maryland Terrapins at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Penalty flag on the field during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the Maryland Terrapins at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Fewer than 5 Penalties.

In the playoffs, to this point, Atlanta only has 6 penalties (total) in 2 games combined. Naturally, some of those penalties came from the Offensive side of the ball. But generally speaking, Defense and Special Teams are caught playing cookie more than the Offense.

The main concern here is personal fouls on the Quarterback. Of Atlanta’s five losses this season, four of them featured the Falcons getting called for (7) penalties or more. The exception was a 1-point loss to Kansas City where Matt Ryan threw a pick-6 and a pick-2. Penalties that negate big plays will kill Atlanta in this game.

If Atlanta can get to Brady, and they can hit him, and they have to, will they be called for Personal Fouls, Hands to the Face, etc. ? If Eric Weems, for some odd reason, rips a kick-off return for 100 yards, will it be called back for holding? The Falcons absolutely cannot afford yellow laundry in this game. They have to play fast, physical, fresh, and clean. No dirty laundry for the Dirty Birds.

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