It is about getting hot at the right time in the NFL.
In week 13, the Atlanta Falcons suffered a loss a one-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs 28-29. Since than, the Falcons have won six consecutive games between the regular season and post season. The loss was a heartbreaker, but it made them stronger.
“Yeah, we have discussed that and when you go through a difficult loss, or a challenging time, you do gain some resiliency, you do gain some resiliency,” said Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn on the loss to the Chiefs. “So, when we lost to Kansas City at home, it was one of those moments where I was anxious to see ho we’d respond.”
QB Matt Ryan responded like a coach would want his quarterback to respond. In the six game winning streak, Ryan has thrown for 18 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Ryan has taken his game to the next level as he is up for MVP this season.
“He’s attacked this year as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen attack a year and it’s really cool when you see someone put that much in and you get the results,” said offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
One player that has helped Ryan and the offense is the addition of former Cleveland Browns C Alex Mack. Mack joined the Falcons in the offseason to solidify the offensive line. His intelligence and preparation is what impresses Ryan, referring to him as one of the smartest players he’s been around.
“He’s one during the week of being nonstop, asking questions, getting answers, trying to figure out everything, watching films, and then when he gets to Sunday, he’s very relaxed and very prepared,” said Ryan on his AP All-Pro C Mack.
Mack is currently battling a fibula injury, but is expected to play on Sunday. It is something to keep an eye on, as he will be matched up with New England Patriots big DL Malcolm Brown.
The Falcons will try putting their number one scoring offense against the Patriots number one scoring defense. The Patriots only allow opponents to score 15.6 points per game. The Falcons will need to have successful drives to take less pressure off the defense as they try to contain Patriots QB Tom Brady.
Brady had the best touchdown to interception ratio in NFL history with 28 touchdowns and only two interceptions. One player on the Falcons that can see a lot of passes thrown his way is undrafted rookie out of the University of Florida CB Brain Poole.
When starting Falcons CB Desmond Trufant suffered a season ending torn pectoral injury, the team called on Poole to become of the defensive backs in the nickel set. Poole serves as the slot cornerback and will be likely matched up with Patriots WR Julian Edelman.
Edelman serves as Brady’s favorite receiver leading the team with 98 catches and 1,106 yards. Poole realizes he needs to not try to do too much and stick to the game plan.
“You just stick to what you do and don’t try to do too much,” said Poole on facing Brady. “Just stick to the plan, stick to what you’ve been doing, don’t try to do too much, get away from what you do or anything like that.”
Super Bowl LI is almost here. Since 2001, the Patriots have appeared in seven Super Bowls compared to the Falcons going a total of only two times in franchise history. History is not on the Falcons side, but they have been on a tear since early December. They will look to bring that momentum into Sunday’s game as they hope to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
