The Atlanta Falcons will finally get back on the field this Sunday in a real game for a Week 1 battle with the Minnesota Vikings.
This game offers some interesting matchups. Here are six that could determine the outcome.
1. Julio Jones vs. Xavier Rhodes
Julio Jones is and should be paid like the best wide receiver in the NFL. Lining up across from Jones will be two-time Pro Bowl corner Xavier Rhodes. Fast, physical and unwilling to shy away from a contact, Rhodes embodies everything Minnesota’s head coach Mike Zimmer wants from his defenders. While no one corner can shut Julio down, Rhodes has the size and coverage ability to at least keep him from going off. Jones finished with just two catches for 24 yards on six targets back in 2017 when these two teams last met.
2. Deion Jones vs. Dalvin Cook
Getting back a healthy Deion Jones at middle linebacker is huge for the Falcons. Without Jones’ speed and coverage ability over the middle, Atlanta’s defense wasn’t the same in 2018. Meanwhile, explosive Vikings running back Dalvin Cook played in 11 games last season after his promising rookie year was cut short. Cook topped 900 all-purpose yards in 2018 and looks to be Minnesota’s back of the future. The Vikings have a run-first offense, so Jones will get plenty of chances to tackle him.
3. Desmond Trufant vs. Adam Thielen
Desmond Trufant was one of the few Falcons defenders not to have a significant injury last season. But without his two starting safeties behind him, Trufant could only do so much. He’s still the team’s top corner and a healthier supporting cast should allow for a better version of Trufant in 2019. He has a brutal test to star the year, though. One of the league’s most underrated receivers, Adam Thielen has had two straight years with at least 90 catches and 1,200 receiving yards.
4. Jake Matthews vs. Everson Griffin
As Atlanta adjusted to three new offensive line starters, they will have to count on veterans Jake Matthews and Alex Mack to help the transition. Mack will have his hands full with Linval Joseph. Meanwhile, Matthews will line up across from Vikings defensive end Everson Griffin. While he doesn’t get the credit he deserves nationally, Griffin has had double-digit sacks in three out the last five seasons. With a new left guard (either James Carpenter or Jamon Brown) starting next to him, Matthews has to be at the top of his game to keep Matt Ryan clean.
5. Falcons pass rush vs. Vikings offensive line
One thing the Falcons hoped to achieve by having Dan Quinn take over as defensive coordinator was to get their pass rush back on track. Adrian Clayborn returns to Atlanta after a one-year stint in New England, but the Falcons need both Takk McKinley and Vic Beasley to step up and get after Kirk Cousins. If there’s one major weakness the Vikings have had in recent years, it’s their pass protection. They gave up 40 sacks and allowed 95 quarterback hits on Cousins last season.
6. HC Mike Zimmer vs. OC Dirk Koetter
Atlanta’s old/new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will need one hell of a game-plan to counter an aggressive an Vikings defense that plays extremely well in front of their home crowd. Getting the ball out of Ryan’s hands quickly will be key along with utilizing Devonta Freeman to keep the Minnesota defense off balance. Koetter likes to utilize his tight ends and he’ll need to in this one. Look for Austin Hooper to have a big day, and for the Falcons’ running backs to be heavily involved in the passing game.
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