It’s a big, important week for this week’s five Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons face a tough test this week against the Minnesota Vikings, which should determine whether the team retains their grip on the top spot in the NFC South. Thus, there is tons of intrigue when looking at this matchup, and trying to name just five Falcons is tough.
But yours truly, after thirteen weeks, is well-practiced in this craft and has come up with a definitive list of players.
Kirk Cousins
All eyes are on Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins this week. Coming off a four-interception game, Cousins desperately needs a rebound effort this week against his former team. With calls for him to be benched, things could reach a crescendo if Cousins has another stinker against the Vikings.
Cousins’ turnovers have been a major issue this year, with an NFL-leading 21 turnover-worthy plays, according to PFF. He’ll have to play a clean game and lead a Falcons offense that has struggled against quality defenses like the Vikings, who currently rank first in DVOA. The team needs to buck that trend at least once this season, and with a softer slate of opponents remaining, this is the last opportunity for Cousins and company.
Jessie Bates
Right behind Cousins in terms of turnover-worthy plays is Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold with 18. Almost half (eight) of those have come on intermediate and deep throws over the middle this year, which is music to the ears of Falcons safety Jessie Bates.
The Falcons need an opportunistic defense this week if the Cousins-led offense will have their best chance of keeping pace with the Vikings. Bates’ aggressiveness when it comes to jumping routes over the middle and punching the ball loose from ballcarriers will come in handy. Vikings running back Aaron Jones has fumbled four times in the past three games, meaning there will be ample opportunity for Bates to impact this game.
A.J. Terrell
Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell is another secondary member who will play a critical role in this Vikings matchup. Terrell will likely be tasked with covering Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson, widely considered the best receiver in the NFL. The Falcons won’t leave Terrell on an island against the NFL’s second-leading receiver, instead opting to give him safety help.
However, the team may ask Terrell to be aggressive at the line of scrimmage to disrupt Jefferson and the timing between him and Darnold. Terrell saw the most press coverage snaps of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Next Gen Stats, with about half (15) of his 28 coverage snaps seeing him lined up on the line of scrimmage.
Kyle Pitts
In addition to Cousins, another offensive player facing scrutiny this week and nearly every week is tight end Kyle Pitts. After an excellent month of October, Pitts has been quiet in the four games since. In October, Pitts caught 21 of 27 targets for 314 yards and two scores. He’s caught six of 12 targets for just 75 yards in the month since. And Pitts’ disappearance from the offense has impacted it negatively, as it’s likely not a coincidence that the Falcons went from averaging 29.8 points per game in October to just 15.8 the past four games.
It cannot be understated that the Falcons offense is much better when Pitts is involved than when he is not.
Jake Matthews
Vikings defensive end Jonathan Greenard leads all NFL edge-rushers with 60 pressures this year, and his ten sacks also rank near the top of the league. While Greenard splits his time rushing from both the left and right sides of the line, all but one of his sacks have come rushing from the right side.
This means he’s at his most effective when facing the opposite left tackle. That puts Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews firmly in the crosshairs to slow down one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers to give Cousins and the rest of the offense the best chance to keep things on schedule.
Can you name other Atlanta Falcons that intrigue you in this Vikings matchup?