J.Mike's Missives

Plenty of football remains on the schedule for both teams, but it’s hard not to think of Sunday’s game between the Falcons and Giants without considering the playoff race.

Both teams are 5-4.

The Falcons have a long way to go to catch the undefeated Saints in the division. The Giants still have a shot at the NFC East, but can’t afford many conference losses down the stretch in order to stay in the Wild Card mix.

Same goes for the Falcons.

Atlanta has an advantage with three-straight home games after Sunday. But that’s looking ahead…

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I discussed this game and more in Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-GIANTS PREVIEW

When it comes to the on-field battles on Sunday, let’s revisit the pass rush (and other Keys to the Game):

• Pressure Eli. Sometimes this game of football can be so simple. The Falcons have recorded no sacks in two of four losses. A hand in Eli Manning’s face disrupts the passing game and sacks force third-and-long. That removes the threat of the Giants running game. Keep in mind that Brandon Jacobs averages just 12.75 carries per game in each New York loss this season.
• Win the first half. The Falcons have been plagued in 2009 by quarter-long slumps. The Giants are historically slow out of halftime. The Falcons are 5-0 this season when leading at the half. Overcome the second-quarter slowdown and you have a chance since New York has scored just 26 third-quarter points this season.
• Throw the ball… Efficiently. So much has been made of Matt Ryan’s recent struggles in the local and national media. That said, the Falcons need a solid effort through the air. Atlanta’s running game is in for some changes if Michael Turner is unable to play. The Giants also lead the league in time of possession (more than 34 minutes per game). You can’t afford to miss out on first downs in this game.

MORE FALCONS-GIANTS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Major details about Sunday’s game at Giants Stadium
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s matchup against the Giants
• INTERVIEWS AND VIDEO: Game week multimedia from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: More preview content from the NFL.com Game Center
• WHAT TO WATCH: Key stats and other topics to get you ready for Sunday
• INJURY REPORT: Falcons and Giants injury updates from Piedmont Helathcare
• NOTES AND COLORS: Interesting notes and connections from Falcons-Giants
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com managing editor
• COMMUNITY: Finneran named Falcons nominee for Man of the Year award
• ADDITIONAL STORIES: Additional headlines concerning the Falcons-Giants game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Brandon Jacobs, Eli Manning, Falconcast, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, NFC East

We learned two things in the aftermath of last week’s Redskins-Falcons sideline skirmish:

1. The team will always stand up for and protect its quarterback.
2. The head coach will always watch his players’ backs.

Let’s be clear.

Head Coach Mike Smith moved on from the incident — and his fine — quickly. The coach and his team put 100 percent focus into the Carolina Panthers and improving through the rest of the season.

This is the way it should be.

But the carryover from what happened against the Redskins — the team and coach coming to the defense of on another — is something to remember. Sure, no one likes controversy. But everyone likes teamwork.

It’s going to take plenty of that, solid play from the quarterback and a good game plan to go into Carolina and win in Week 10. The Panthers may be 3-5, but they could be at .500 if not for a rough stretch of games. There’s an effective run game and talented defense awaiting the Falcons, who took the first meeting between the teams back in Week 2.

Quarterback Matt Ryan had his best game of the season that day (21-of-27 for 220 yards and three touchdowns). Michael Turner had a 100-yard rushing game. The defense got an interception and a fumble recovery.

It all comes back this week in the Queen City.

But let us not forget the long-term intangibles.

With that in mind, Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I took some time Thursday to discuss the Falcons-Panthers matchup.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONCAST GAME PREVIEW

As is often the case in Falconcast, Matt and I don’t get a lot of time to discuss every aspect of the game, but we’d like to publicly thank Andrew Mason of Panthers.com for helping us better understand the state of the Panthers.

And I’d like to thank Matt, the creator of Falconcast, for putting up with my Keys to the Game:

• Let’s talk about Ryan. We mentioned him at the top of the post, but let’s reiterate how important quarterback play can be in this game. Long term, Ryan would like to talk about something else than his five-game streak with an interception. He’ll have his chances this week as the Panthers will certainly focus attention on Turner.
• Seeing “red” in the red zone. The Falcons allowed their first 100 percent touchdown percentage by an opponent last week against the Redskins. Washington scored a pair of TDs in the red zone. Still, Atlanta has played remarkably well inside the 20 contributing to the team’s 12th-ranked scoring defense. Play well this week and the Panthers chances will be limited.
• Continue the pressure. Fans loved seeing last week’s five-sack game. Conversely, one of the worst games at getting to the quarterback came in Week 2 against Carolina (one sack). Jake Delhomme was allowed to throw for nearly 300 yards that day. Atlanta’s defensive success is built on pressure (think interceptions and fumble recoveries). This is always a key.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: An overview of Sunday’s game from John Manasso
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s game against the Panthers
• MULTIMEDIA: Video interviews and more concerning the Falcons, Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the Falcons from the managing editor
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons, Panthers injury news
• WHAT TO WATCH: Some key stats and info that could come into play
• NUMBERS, NOTES, COLORS: Bits of info and “by the numbers’ for the game
• EXPERT’S TAKE: A beat writer’s thoughts on the Falcons running game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Andrew Mason, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Panthers.com, Washington Redskins

The ultimate goal is the playoffs, but this week’s target is to avoid a bona fide losing streak.

The Atlanta Falcons entered last week’s game against New Orleans having never lost back-to-back games in Mike Smith’s tenure as head coach. But, at the hands of the Saints, the Birds lost for the second time in two weeks.

Three in a row would put the team in some bad company — .500 at the halfway point with ground to make up.

The Falcons were 4-3 at this point last season as well but no time like the present (or a game against a 2-5 team with struggles on offense and the front office) to get back on track.

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) talked about this and other topics in a new edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-REDSKINS PREVIEW

While the Falcons match up well on paper with the Redskins — a team that hasn’t scored more than 17 points and fumbled 20 times — games at the Georgia Dome are played on turf.

Washington has the league’s fifth-best scoring defense and, while the record may not show it, the Redskins have been in games. All the team’s losses have come by 10 points or less.

Some things to keep in mind when you take a look at this week’s Keys to the Game:

• Attack the Redskins defense. There are Pro Bowlers at key Redskins positions. There are big names at others. That’s no reason to abandon the running game. Running back Michael Turner rushed for 151 yards and a score last week. A good running game will soften Washington’s No. 2-ranked pass defense. Keep in mind Roddy White had a 100-yard game in New Orleans and a 200-yard game when Turner rushed for three scores in San Francisco. Balance can be achieved.
• Win the special teams battle. You’ve probably heard of DeAngelo Hall, Sanrana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. They have one thing in common. They’re all listed on the depth chart as punt returners.
• Keep the intensity. Last season when the Falcons scored first the team went 11-1. This season, the record is 2-3. The only way that happens is if, like Smith said, the effort lacks after the opening minutes. Keep up the pressure on offense and defense — Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has been sacked 20 times — and you avoid a third-straight loss.

MORE FALCONS-REDSKINS COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: More coverage in this special section of AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME PREVIEW: More thoughts on the game from AF.com’s John Manasso
• GAME NOTES: Stats, fun facts and jersey information for Falcons-Redskins
• WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Some things you may not have known about this matchup
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com Managing Editor
• INJURY REPORT: Click here for the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report
• GAME INFO: Pregame festivities and halftime entertainment information
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Trotter’s thoughts on the Falcons, NFL after eight weeks

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Antwaan Randle El, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, Matt Moore, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, Roddy White, Santana Moss, Washington Redskins

Contrary to popular belief, working out of the home office isn’t always so great.

Take three days before the biggest Falcons game of the year…

As I type, I’m laid up in the comfy office chair with some sort of illness that may or may not be mildly contagious.  That said, I’m not taking any chances (who wants to be the guy that gets everyone sick)?

Luckily, I’m blessed to have great friends and coworkers that make up the rest of the AF.com team.

Matt Moore, New Media Intern Vance and John Manasso kept things going.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-SAINTS PREVIEW

I know everyone is going to talk this weekend — and at the office Monday — about the Saints offense and what the Falcons need to do to slow down Drew Brees on Monday Night Football. But the thing that continues to draw my attention is the New Orleans defense.

As Matt (@FalconsMMoore) puts it: “We always knew they were scary on paper, but they’re starting to put it together a bit.”

New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was the architect of a Titans defense that helped the team to the Super Bowl and, though he hasn’t had success as a head coach, his defenses have sparked teams to greatness.

With that, here are some of my Keys to the Game (live from the office chair):

• Plan well. I hate to go back to preparation because game day often requires last-minute adjustments, but the Saints have a top-5 offense and score upwards of 40 points a game like I’ve been flipping channels from the sick bed. They make it look easy. You beat that with careful preparation.
• Handle the pressure. I’m stealing this one from John but trust when I say it would be a key if I were on the air or not. According to center Todd McClure the Saints have been blitzing on more than 50 percent of their plays. Part of that is because they’ve played with ridiculous leads and know the opponent is passing. Part of it is game plan. Oh, thanks John.
• Run, run, run. The best defense is a good offense. If the Falcons can run the ball early and get a lead on New Orleans then hold on to the ball and control the clock, tremendous amounts of pressure will be removed from the defense. And, against Drew Brees and Co. it will be appreciated.

MORE FALCONS-SAINTS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Updates on injuries and key stats from John Manasso
• GAMEDAY LIVE: Stats, preview information, video and more from AF.com
• BLOGS: An inside look at the Falcons on the official blog site<
• VIDEO: Video interviews and more as the Falcons prep for the Saints
• FALCONCAST: Matt and John preview Monday night’s game against the Saints
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons and Saints injuries
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Thoughts on the NFL and the Falcons running game
• WHAT TO WATCH: Some stats that could be key on Monday night
• NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Notes and fun facts to get you ready for the game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Drew Brees, Gregg Williams, John Manasso, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, New Media Intern Vance, New Orleans Saints, Todd McClure

With proper respect and reverence to the 1927 Yankees, the Falcons are in the midst of a Murders’ Row when it comes to an NFL schedule: Five of seven games on the road from Oct. 11 to Nov. 22, including back-to-back road games at Dallas (3-2) and NFC-leading New Orleans (6-0).

Thus far the Falcons (4-1) have held their own.

That’s not to say Sunday’s trip to Cowboys Stadium will be a cake walk.

Dallas is coming off a bye week. Then again, so where the Chicago Bears (the Falcons victim last weekend at the Georgia Dome).

But the Cowboys are a healthy team with few plan-changing injuries. Every player listed on the injury report this week in Dallas is probable for the games and the Falcons need to figure out how to rebound from a season-ending injury to starting cornerback Brian Williams.

Those are just a few topics Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I covered in a new edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-COWBOYS PREVIEW

But isn’t there some sort of daunting drama every week?

By now the Falcons are used to the underdog role and playing away from home. Afterall, the team is a perfect 3-0 in the Pacific Time Zone under Head Coach Mike Smith and playing on the road has a way of circling the proverbial wagons.

If that’s not enough, the winner of this game certainly moves closer to positioning itself for a run at the playoffs.

Keys to the Game?

• Get familiar with the environment. This seems simple, but it’s very complicated. Cowboys Stadium is new. Few teams — and zero Falcons — have played there. Everything from the location of the play clock to the layout of the locker room must be learned quickly and focus must stay sharp.
• Contain the tight ends. Two weeks ago the Falcons bottled up Vernon Davis. Last week Greg Olsen had a touchdown and a 41-yard catch. This week, the team gets the pleasure of defending Jason Witten — the Cowboys top receiver. He’s a weapon the Birds must account for to be successful.
• Stretch the field. Could the Falcons be changing identities on offense? Not likely, but consider this. Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White are certainly capable pass catchers and Michael Turner and the run game hasn’t produced to 2008 levels. The team has had success using the pass to setup the run (remember Turner’s three-touchdown game against the 49ers?).

MORE FALCONS-COWBOYS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT:Details on the Falcons and Cowboys running game
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview some aspects of Falcons-Cowboys
• ADDITIONAL HEADLINES: Transcripts and more from game week
• WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Stats to keep an eye on for Sunday’s game
• NUMBERS, NOTES, COLORS: Additional notes to get you ready for Sunday
• VIDEO INTERVIEWS: Video interviews and more Falcons-Cowboys multimedia
• INJURY REPORT: Injury updates on the Falcons and Cowboys
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game and additional headlines
• FALCONS BLOGS: More game coverage — and a look back — on the blog site

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Brian Williams, Chicago Bears, Cowboys Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, Greg Olsen, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Witten, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

I love casual Friday.

Maybe it’s not up there with the five-day work week when it comes to Industrial Age business revolutions, but it does put a little pep in my step.

I’d like to say it’s because Falcons game day is closer, but something about the comfort of jeans — and the occasional excuse to skip a day shaving — gets me in a creative mood.

Good time to do a Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-BEARS PREVIEW

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I fell into the trap of talking about last year’s game a little too much, but I think we rebounded from one of the greatest games of our careers to talking about Sunday’s matchup rather quickly.

Fact of the matter is it’s hard to capture the scope of how big Sunday’s game is without realizing the importance of the Falcons improbably comeback with 11 seconds to play against the Bears almost one year ago.

It was likely on the radar when NBC selected the game for Sunday Night Football.

But, when it comes to Keys to the Game, we’re all 2009:

• Pressure Cutler. It’s so easy it’s complicated. Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Curler has been sacked eight times this season and has five fumbles on his stat line. Jamaal Anderson’s work at defensive tackle seems to have revived the Falcons pass rush, which will need to be good to neutralize Cutler’s strong arm and the Bears speedy receivers.
• Capitalize on every opportunity. Interesting stat found in my research. The Falcons have 33 points off nine opponent turnovers this season. Atlanta’s defense, however, has allowed just three points after five offensive turnovers this year. A crazy Georgia Dome crowd may lead to some Bears’ mistakes. Score on them early and the game could be a snoozer by 10 p.m.
• Control the clock. This one never gets old. The Falcons are 3-0 this season when they possess the ball for 30 or more minutes.

MORE FALCONS-BEARS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Falcons put the past behind them for Sunday’s game
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s game against the Bears
• FEATURE: ‘Village Idiots’ contribute to offensive success
• INJURY REPORT: Injury updates in the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report
• VOICES HEARD: Brian Williams answers fan questions
• VIDEO: Video interviews and more from Falcons-Bears week
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Yahoo Sports’ Jason Cole talks about the Falcons at Week 6
• GAME INFORMATION: Vital game entertainment and traffic information

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Chicago Bears, Jamaal Anderson, Jay Cutler, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, NBC, Sunday Night Football

When traveling, especially to the West Coast, a lot of things have to fall into place.

This is true for the personal or business traveler and a professional football team. The Falcons may not have to worry about connections or layovers, but there’s plenty to keep in mind on a 60-hour trip to the opposite side of the content.

It starts with careful planning and logistics — hotels, equipment, transportation. It continues with, what else, a football game. It ends with more careful planning and logistics — airport, security, flight time.

Sunday’s game between the Falcons and 49ers may not be the most high-profile on the NFL slate for Week 5 but it’s very important to both teams on the field. The Falcons could us a win to improve Head Coach Mike Smith’s Pacific Time Zone record to 3-0.

Overcoming the plane ride is no easy task; it’s why teams opt to fly out on Friday for long trips and become extra strict with hydration.

Did you know you need to drink an extra 20 ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air? I didn’t…

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I talked about that and some other aspects of the game in Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-49ERS PREVIEW

Things have to go right this week for the Falcons, who face a top-10 run defense and an offense that’s one of the best in the league at taking care of the football.

The travel is certainly something to keep in mind but, in my experience, such obstacles have served as a reminder to focus.

Speaking of focus, let’s zero-in on some Keys to the Game:

• Get to the quarterback. It doesn’t matter how you do it — blitz, four-man rush, etc. — but the Falcons need to find ways to rattle Shaun Hill. Hill is a game manager at quarterback. A hand in his face will go a long way to disrupting the flow.
• Take Patrick Willis out of the game. Nothing dirty here, just find ways to put a body, or two, on who could be the best linebacker in the game. Running the football is about numbers so the Falcons need to find a way to get that advantage. Willis also leads the 49ers with 2.5 sacks on the year.
• Revisit the old formula. In 2008, Atlanta found success by scoring early (8-0 when getting points on the first drive) and protecting the football (5-0 when leading the turnover ratio). The team is also 2-0 in 2009 when holding the ball for 30 minutes or more.

MORE FALCONS-49ERS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Falcons face tough defense in San Francisco
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s game
• NOTEBOOK: Reserve running back to play for 49ers
• FEATURE: Veteran Williams helping younger players learn defense
• TRANSCRIPT: Thoughts from the Falcons locker room about the Niners
• BEAT BLOG: Breaking down previous games and future opponents
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: J. Mike looks at TV listings and more on the game
• VIDEO: Click here for video and other multimedia content on Falcons-Niners
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Pete Prisco evaluates the Falcons for Week 5
• SUPERFAN: Check out the newest “Smack Cartoon”
• VOICES HEARD: Justin Blalock answers your questions

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Falconcast, Head Coach Mike Smith, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers, Shaun Hill, travel

So it’s Week 4…

And we have a weekend off?

Doesn’t seem right, but it’s the hand the NFL dealt the Falcons when the schedule was released.

The con of an early bye week is obvious: The motor just got going. Too soon to shut it off for maintenance! However, there are some hidden pros that make an early bye week — though not necessarily desirable — acceptable.

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I talked about the bye with AF.com contributor John Manasso this morning in a special edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BYE WEEK DISCUSSION

The bye week is something many players, if able, would likely abandon. But in today’s NFL — where smelling salts are kept on the sidelines for use after vicious hits — any break is beneficial.

Which brings me to three keys the Falcons should keep an eye on for a Week 4 respite:

• Identify points of emphasis. It’s impossible to work on everything in just two days of practice. So, it’s important to find specifics to hit quickly and efficiently. For the Falcons, that likely includes evaluating the run game — on offense and defense.
• Go one-on-one. William Moore is healthy and practicing. Tye Hill is entering another week learning the system. This is a time, as Head Coach Mike Smith said, to focus on younger (or new) players and see how they are picking up the system.
• Relax, get away and recharge. The Falcons will play 13-straight games to end the regular season. For that reason an early bye week requires a bit more rest and focus for what’s ahead. It allows for more practice, too, since in a later break, Smith’s hand may be forced to eliminate a practice from the schedule.

J. Michael Moore Falconcast bye week, Falconcast, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Manasso, Matt Moore, Tye Hill, William Moore

It’s still early, but a victory Sunday for the Falcons would do much more than create a 2-0 record.

It would create a quick advantage in the division and get the team on solid footing before a trip to New England, a bye week and the heart of the schedule — which includes road games in Dallas and New Orleans.

But I’m getting way ahead of myself.

How about we get to the meat of this blog post?

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I spent some time Friday morning discussing this weekend’s game between the Falcons and Panthers on Falconcast. We also placed a call to an old friend, Panthers.com’s Andrew Mason, to get his thoughts.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-PANTHERS PREVIEW

Now it’s time for (drum roll) Keys to the Game:

• Don’t forget the pass or the past. The Panthers had success through the air in both games against the Falcons last season. Jake Delhomme may be struggling (nine picks, five sacks and two fumbles in his last two games) but that doesn’t mean Carolina won’t look at all avenues for success.
• Kick it old school. Old jerseys are in play. Let’s make it a true “throwback” day and focus on the classic, smash mouth style that made the Falcons so successful in 2008. Michael Turner, you’re up.
• Big game. Big crowd. Big history. It’s sure to be a fun game in the Georgia Dome. The 1966 team will be honored at halftime and there are some other celebrities set to attend. Throw in a battle for an early advantage in the NFC South… Manage the enthusiasm and play smart.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Falcons prepare to improve in the running game
• NFL FILMS PREVIEW: A look at the Falcons-Panthers game from NFL Films
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview “Throwback Weekend” at the Dome
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons and Panthers injury news
• FEATURE: Hard work nothing new for Falcons defensive lineman
• VIDEO: Video interviews and more centering on the Falcons-Panthers game
• GAME INFORMATION: Entertainment, parking information for Falcons-Panthers
• TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith (Wednesday) (Thursday) | Wednesday Locker Room
• PRESS RELEASE: Falcons to honor 1966 team, tennis star, band

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Andrew Mason, Carolina Panthers, Falconcast, Jake Delhomme, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Michael Turner, Panthers.com

Another week, another edition of Falconcast.

But, this time, it’s for real!

Friday morning Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I previewed Sunday’s matchup between the Miami Dolphins and (who else) the Atlanta Falcons. It’s a game that features story lines on offense and defense but if you watch on television you’ll likely get hit heavily with two topics:

1. Miami’s Wildcat formation (direct snap to the running back)
2. Similarities between two teams that were turned around by first-year head coaches.

Matt and I talked a little Wildcat but, if you’re wanting to know more about the Falcons defense and stopping the accurate arm of Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington, you’ll want to take a listen.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-DOLPHINS PREVIEW

Matt talked with John Abraham while I focused on “Keys to the Game.”

It’s a weekly tradition.

• Contain Porter and Taylor. Dolphins linebackers Joey Porter and Jason Taylor make the defense go. Without a pass rush, the Dolphins can’t repeat lofty turnover numbers from 2008 (they led the league with a +17 turnover ratio). If the Falcons can keep quarterback Matt Ryan upright, the offense can have the success everyone expects.
• Safety first. As former NFL coach Brian Billick explains, the safeties are the defensive players with the biggest role in stopping the Wildcat formation. Thomas DeCoud? Erik Coleman? You’re up!
• It’s obvious, but hold on to the football. A young defense can’t be put in bad situations. If the Falcons turn the ball over or don’t sustain drives, the ‘D’ could have a long day. Atlanta is 8-0 when Michael Turner rushes for 100 or more yards and 10-1 when he carries the ball 20 or more times. A running game is the best way to win time of possession.

MORE ON THE FALCONS-DOLPHINS GAME:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Falcons defense in for a test against Miami
• NOTEBOOK: Falcons prepare for Dolphins Wildcat formation
• FEATURE: Nicholas looks to make most of opportunity
• INJURY REPORT: Update on player injuries in the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report
• CARTOON: A new cartoon from Superfan to get you ready for the game
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Jay Glazer shares his thoughts on the Falcons in Week 1
• GAME INFORMATION: Parking, directions and other info about Week 1
• DEPTH CHART: Click here for the updated Falcons depth chart
• ROSTER: Click here for the updated Falcons roster

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Brian Billick, Chad Pennington, Falcocnast, interview, Jason Taylor, Joey Porter, John Abraham, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, Michael Turner, wildcat formation