Guide to the Atlanta Falcons
The #1 offense in the NFL.
Their first @SuperBowl in 18 years.The @AtlantaFalcons Top 10 Plays of 2016! https://t.co/SUhEPXeLwx
— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2017
How have the Atlanta Falcons made their way to Houston to appear in Super Bowl LI? Simply put…offense.
The Falcons offense was best in the league this year in points per game, averaging 33.8 points per game this season. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has had an MVP-caliber season, setting career highs in yards (4,944), completion percentage (69.9%), quarterback rating (117.1) and touchdowns (38), all while throwing a career-low seven interceptions. ‘Matty Ice’ set an NFL record during the regular season by finding 13 different players in the end zone. Ryan has continued his stellar season in the postseason, completing 70.7% of his passes for 730 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions in the Falcons two playoff games.
We seek something greater than ourselves.
A prize that will ring in eternity.#InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/EZeSuwYZ89— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 2, 2017
Ryan’s favorite target, Julio Jones also had a stellar season, scoring six times on 1,409 yards on the season. Even if the New England Patriots defense decides to focus on shutting Julio Jones down, the Falcons should be able to put points on the board. In six games this year when Julio Jones either sat out (missed two games due to injury) or was held to under 40 yards, the Falcons were 6-0 and averaged 37 points per game in those wins. Mohamed Sanu and speedster Taylor Gabriel (94 receptions between the two) along with running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman (85 receptions between the two) have all found success in the passing game throughout the course of the season.
Not only have Freeman and Coleman been dangerous in the passing game, but they have made their mark toting the rock as well. The duo combined for 1,599 yards and 19 touchdowns during the regular season. Freeman led the way, breaking the 1k mark in rushing yards for the second year in a row, and averaging 4.8 yads per carry.
Atlanta’s defense spent the first part of the regular season appearing to be a liability to the team’s success. As the season went on that band began to play a different tune. In weeks 1-12, the Falcons defense gave up an average of 27.5 points per game, while forcing 1.1 turnovers per game. From weeks 13-17, they decreased their points per game average by 6.7 points per game, and averaged two turnovers per game. A player who could be key in slowing down Tom Brady is linebacker Vic Beasley. Beasley led the NFL this season with 15.5 sacks on the season.
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