Ahead of the Rams matchup with the Falcons on Saturday I had the opportunity to speak with Fullpresscoverage.com content director Terrance Biggs and get his thoughts on the game. Also, be sure to check out his content, here.
The Falcons appeared in multiple playoff games last season. Meanwhile, this is the first playoff game for many players on L.A. How much of an edge does this experience give Atlanta?
“In the modern NFL, experience resides in the moment. That is to say, a lack of playoff experience could benefit the Rams. No postseason failings haunt this team. Meanwhile, Atlanta appears woozy from the greatest single-game collapse in Super Bowl history. With destiny in their hands, Atlanta fumbled away a championship. Despite making the playoffs, the Falcons looked listless and bereft of passion.”
Atlanta typically finds success through the air when they perform well. However, to beat the Rams they will likely need to focus on the ground game, as teams have been able to expose L.A. that way. Are they capable of doing so?
“On balance, yes. Yet, the Rams’ physicality on defense starts up front. Westbrooks, Brockers, and Donald not only disrupt, they penetrate with purpose. Atlanta’s offensive line must match their intensity. Honestly, as mentioned above, they do not appear ready to combat a front three armed with strength and lateral quickness. Not to mention, their ability to erase cutback lanes, allowing linebackers to fill.”
Todd Gurley was arguably the most dynamic offensive player of the NFL regular season, how can Atlanta hope to contain him?
“For the Falcons to derail Gurley, their plan starts with their defensive tackles, Grady Jarrett and Dontari Poe. Is the space eater, clogging up gaps like fat to arteries. In addition, Poe’s quickness allows him to flash between a double team, forcing Gurley to bounce outside. On the other hand, Jarrett agility forces teams to re-think interior runs. If Gurley hits the perimeter, the Falcons’ speed meets him there.”
What is your prediction for the game on Saturday night?
“Largely, this game’s outcome was determined almost a year ago. Despite the numerous interviews and sound bytes, the Super Bowl loss hangs over the Falcons. In a big moment, can you actually trust Matt Ryan to overcome adversity? In my opinion, the Rams used the ground game to soften the Falcons up for big vertical plays. On defense, Wade Phillips shuts the Atlanta offense down. Turning Quinn and Donald loose will wreck any gameplan. Final Score: Rams 37, Falcons 23”
That concludes this interview, stay with us at fullpresscoverage.com/Rams for all of your coverage of the Rams playoff action.
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