Tighten those chin straps. The Atlanta Falcons are set to play the creme de la creme, but that doesn’t mean they should be counted out. Here are Week 3’s keys to victory.
Run the Damn Ball
Running the ball is cool again, and that's good news because the Falcons are ready-made to take advantage of the latest and greatest schematic trends. Atlanta is currently averaging 4.8 yards per play, the 12th-best in the league. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs defense is ranked 24th in EPA/Rush and gives up the 12th-most rushing yards per play.
All signs point to the Falcons run game being able to produce in this matchup. This can help the Falcons control the time of possession. The best way to stop Mahomes is to keep him off the field. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier should be leaned on heavily Sunday night; if they are, they'll have a chance at controlling the ball.
Attack Kingsley Suamataia (or whoever lines up at Left Tackle)
The rookie LT has been having a rough go of it over two games, and that makes sense, considering he's had to match up with some good pass rushers.
The Falcons need to pounce on the opportunity to kill his confidence. Attacking that blindside is the easiest path to disrupting the flow of this Chiefs offense. The Chiefs have already made it known that they could start backup Wanya Morris in his place. If that doesn't convince you that there are opportunities to be had, please see the chart below.
Pass protection stats for OT
— Stat Acccount (@AcccountStat) September 18, 2024
Upper right = good | Bottom left = bad pic.twitter.com/xr8hLFILgI
Contain Patrick Mahomes
You can't stop him; you can only hope to contain him.
When you're playing the best in the league, a simple approach is the best approach. You're unlikely to be one of the first teams to make blitzing Patrick Mahomes work, and you probably aren't picking him off five times (Drew Brees), but you can limit his opportunities by playing clean, sound football.
Understanding contain responsibilities, never giving up on the play, and capitalizing on turnover-worthy throws are how you beat a team like the Chiefs. Exceptionally simple yet rarely pulled off. If Atlanta can limit the over-the-top plays and the backyard football ability that makes Mahomes special, then the Falcons can make the league's number-one player look like a mortal.
Solve the Mad Scientist's Formula
Steve Spagnuolo is coming to town, which can only mean one thing, we are about to see some real sicko football.
The defensive coordinator is known for bringing pressure in a variety of ways and has no problem putting his best players anywhere to get it done. You might see Leo Chenal operating as a 3T from a two-point stance. Chris Jones could end the day having lined up over every offensive lineman, but the only thing that matters is how the Falcons will respond.
One option is getting Kyle Pitts going early. According to NextGenStats, the Chiefs have allowed the most receptions (25) and receiving yards (276) in the NFL to TE's through the first two weeks. If Atlanta can keep Kirk Cousins upright and have quick answers for pressure, then they'll have a chance to take down the best player in the league.
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