Three keys to the game for the Falcons:
1. Win the turnover battle: Atlanta’s defense ranks fourth in the NFL with 18 interceptions this year, 15 from their secondary. Even with S William Moore out last weekend against the Giants, Atlanta intercepted Eli Manning twice and recovered a fumble late in the fourth quarter. Since 2008, coach Mike Smith’s teams are 33-2 when winning the turnover battle. Lions QB Matthew Stafford has struggled without a healthy slate of receivers and has thrown 15 interceptions this year, including three last weekend against Arizona. Sunday’s win over the Giants marked the sixth game this year that Atlanta has recorded at least two interceptions in a game. There should be little doubt that the defensive line and linebackers will blitz Stafford, not only to hurry his throws, but also to limit the amount of time the cornerbacks are isolated on Calvin Johnson.
2. Run the ball: Rushing the ball isn’t the Falcons' forte, but it does open up the passing game significantly, making it worthwhile. The Lions have the 15th-best rushing defense in the NFL (119 ypg) but they could be preoccupied with containing dangerous receivers Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White. It doesn’t matter that Michael Turner is only averaging 53 yards per game. Atlanta can build an adequate rushing attack with downhill running back Jason Snelling and slippery rusher Jacquizz Rodgers as complements to Turner. Snelling had 39 yards last weekend vs. the Giants while Rodgers had 25 and both can provide a balance to Matt Ryan’s passing attack. The Falcons beat the Lions last season behind 122 yards from Turner, including a 50-yard burst. Wherever the yards come from doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they offset the aerial attack.
3. Stay healthy: No one on the Falcons wants to kill the momentum generated from last weekend’s stunning victory, but that momentum isn’t worth jeopardizing Atlanta’s postseason chances. Roddy White didn’t practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury (he was a game-time decision last Sunday vs. New York). He ended up playing vs. the Giants, but had his least productive game of the season (two catches for 16 yards). If he’s not entirely healthy, Smith should sit White, especially if Atlanta gets out to an early lead. It could be argued that Smith left his starters on the field for far too long last weekend, as well. Part of the problem was that Ryan ate up the majority of the fourth quarter with a nine-minute, 13-play touchdown drive that Smith obviously didn’t want to interrupt. To not belabor the point, should the Falcons get out to an early lead, Smith needs to immediately consider postseason health.
For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSFalcons.
