Falcons vs Cowboys: What You Need to Know

After a dominant performance on the road against the Redskins, the Falcons fell flat on their face against the Browns. Baker Mayfield became the only rookie in NFL history to post a 150+ passer rating on 20 or more pass attempts in a single game. I think that tells you all you need to know about how the defense played. The Falcons playoff hopes aren’t exhausted yet, but they face yet another must win game this week. If they play like they did against Cleveland you can virtually stick a fork in their season. Let’s take a look at what you should know going into the Dallas Cowboys game.

93.4

Since 2016 Matt Ryan is the highest graded quarterback in November with a 93.4 rating, per PFF. Through his first two games in November this season Ryan is averaging 3 touchdowns and 340 passing yards per game. Both of those games have been on the road.

Ryan has continued to have success despite the Falcons record not reflecting so. Through just nine games Ryan already has one more touchdown pass than he threw all of last season. He has thrown one interception in the last seven weeks. That interception came on miscommunication on a route between Ryan and Calvin Ridley against the Redskins. Ryan looks to continue his hot start this coming week as Atlanta is back home.

Top graded QBs in November since 2016:
Matt Ryan – 93.4
Tom Brady – 90.1
Ben Roethlisberger – 89.6#RiseUp #Mattvember

— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) November 8, 2018

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys find themselves with the same record as the Falcons through Week 11. The last time Atlanta matched up with Dallas Dak Prescott was sacked eight times and Alfred Morris was their lead back. This time around Ezekiel Elliot is no longer suspended and Prescott has Tyron Smith back protecting his blind side.

Through Dallas’ first four games on the road this season they were 0-4 and had only scored 13.5 PPG. They had turned the ball over eight times through those four contests. In their Week 10 matchup against the Eagles, Dallas put up 27 points and didn’t turn the ball over once. Will Dallas have that same success this week against a Falcon’s team allowing 28 points per game?

Deion Jones

Deion Jones was officially activated from IR on Tuesday. Atlanta waived OL Rees Odhiambo to make room for Jones on the roster. Dan Quinn hasn’t fully committed to Jones playing this weekend, but signs are trending that way.

Jones has been a force since being drafted by Atlanta in 2016. In both the 2016 and 2017 season Jones collected over 100 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions each season. Jones has shown that he is an elite linebacker in coverage and one of the best overall when on the field. Since 2016, with Jones on the field Atlanta is allowing 6.0 yards per pass play, 7^th best in the league. With him off the field they are allowing 7.3, worst in the league.

During Wednesday’s press conference when asked what percentage he is to returning, Jones responded, “Close.” Getting a healthy Jones back will be crucial for the final stretch of the season.

Yards Allowed Per Pass Play (since 2016)
With Deion Jones on field – 6.0 (7th)
Without Deion Jones on field – 7.3 (Last)

— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) November 8, 2018

Final Thoughts

The Falcons look to gain an edge on a team that could be fighting with them for a wildcard spot come playoff time. Since being drafted Ryan is 3-1 against Dallas, dropping the first game, but winning three straight. Dallas is coming off a huge win against the defending Super Bowl champions. Will that momentum carry over or will the Falcons get their fourth straight victory against them?