With the Arizona Cardinals set to take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, to find out more about the opponent, I reached out to Falcons Wire managing editor Matt Urben.
Urben answered some questions about the Falcons and their game against the Cardinals on Sunday.
OC Dirk Koetter has a good scheme, Matt Ryan is a very good quarterback, Devonta Freeman is a good RB and the Falcons have several very good WRs and a productive tight end. What seems to be ailing the Falcons offense?
There are so many problems, it’s tough to pinpoint one exact area.
Koetter’s scheme has worked in the past, but so far all it has done is
boost Hooper’s fantasy value. Injuries to Atlanta’s offensive
line have hurt the group’s chemistry and play thus far. The Falcons
haven’t been able to run the ball at all and have spent too long
trying to establish it. This has caused big first-half deficits that
have led to predictable passing situations. Last week, the Falcons
opened things up early, coming out in the shotgun and utilizing their
weapons, but their defense was so bad it wouldn’t matter.
What about the defense? Where are the problems so far? Are there any bright spots?
This team is supposed to get pressure with its front four, and it
just hasn’t been able to, for whatever reason. They have just five
total sacks in five games, and that pretty much sums up what the
problem is. A lack of pressure has left the secondary vulnerable. This
team has just two interceptions — both from cornerback Desmond
Trufant in a Week 2 win over the Eagles. Dan Quinn took over as
defensive coordinator after the team fired Marquand Manuel, with
disastrous results so far. The loss of Pro Bowl safety Keanu Neal in
Week 3 has only made the situation worse.
Just how hot is Dan Quinn’s seat right now?
It’s as hot as it can be in terms of public perception. But
realistically, Falcons owner Arthur Blank isn’t a reactionary type of
person and will more than likely let Quinn finish the season out
unless things get really ugly. Quinn has done a lot in five seasons
with this team, this just hasn’t been his year. Atlanta still hasn’t
seemed to mentally move past its Super Bowl LI loss. In fairness to
Quinn, though, not many teams have gone through such a gut-wrenching
defeat on such a big stage.
What matchups are you most excited about? Which ones are you most worried about?
Defensively, I’m worried the Falcons won’t be able to cover anybody
with Trufant out and Isaiah Oliver struggling. A veteran
receiver like Larry Fitzgerald should be able to pick on Oliver and
rookie Kendall Sheffield. However, keep an eye on Vic Beasley, who’s
struggled this season but played well in the past against the
Cardinals.
Are there any under-the-radar players Cardinals fans should know about?
Look out for backup running back Ito Smith, who’s averaged over
five yards per carry. The Falcons have tried to feed Devonta Freeman,
but Smith’s been more effective. Also keep an eye on linebacker
De’Vondre Campbell, who’s having a career year but doesn’t get the
credit he deserves.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
