The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a heartbreaking loss in overtime to division rival the New Orleans Saints last week.
The Falcons’ defense gave up 43 points to the Saints and will now face its next big test in the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals are averaging 29.7 points per game, just a bit more than Atlanta’s 26.7, and are the sixth-scoring offense in the league.
Atlanta will need its defense to contain the Cincinnati’s high-powered offense.
Here’s how they can do it:
Stop Giovani Bernard
The 26-year-old running back started for Cincinnati in place of the injured Joe Mixon in Week 3’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Bernard had 12 carries for 61 yards, an average of 5.1 yards per carry, and one touchdown. He also caught five passes for 25 yards.
By the numbers, Bernard may not seem like much of a threat. But Atlanta has allowed running backs to accumulate 255 yards on 36 receptions so far this season. The Bengals will look to use Bernard to exploit what they believe to be a weak spot in the Falcons defense.
Shut Down Tyler Boyd
When most people think of Cincinnati’s receivers, their minds typically think of one: A.J. Green. However, a younger receiver has started turning heads this season.
Boyd went from six catches for 91 yards in Week 2, to six catches for 132 yards in Week 3. He had a touchdown in both games.
“Boyd has become the second most reliable target on the team after A.J. Green,” said ESPN Cincinnati Bengals reporter Katherine Terrell. “He’s earned the trust of the team after a difficult season last year and is now a key part of the offense.”
Rush the Passer
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn wasn’t happy with his team’s ability to rush the passer in Week 3.
“I think we’re not where we’re going to be in that department yet,” he said “I think when we get Takk back and him and Vic [Beasley] together, I think that’s a good combination that we like. Yesterday, I certainly wasn’t happy with the amount of good rushes we had, not counting screens or that type of deal.”
In spite of throwing four interceptions in last week’s loss at Carolina, Andy Dalton made history. The quarterback threw for 352 yards, making him the franchise’s quarterback with the most games with over 300 yards passing.
The Falcons will need to put pressure on Dalton. The good news is…
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