Texans vs. Falcons: Who is the key to Atlanta’s resurgent defense?
By Randy Gurzi
Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones (11) dives for the pylon to score a touchdown in the third quarter against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
One of the best things about being a part of the FanSided network is the ability to discuss the upcoming Houston Texans games with experts who cover their opponents on a regular basis. This week I was able to speak with Freddie Boston of the Atlanta Falcons site, Blogging Dirty.
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I was able to give Freddie my opinions on the upcoming game, and he was kind enough to share his thoughts with us as well. Let’s look at the five questions I asked him;
RG: For all the attention paid to the Panthers and Bucs because of their quarterbacks and New Orleans because they used to be good, no one seemed to mention Atlanta all offseason.
Did you see this fast start coming?
FB: In a word—no. I expected this team to me much improved under Dan Quinn, but I thought it would take some time and the wins wouldn’t necessarily come right away. The toughest part of the schedule looked to be the first four games, too, but the Falcons have surprised us all and come away with three huge wins. Maybe it was just a case of playing those teams at the right time. The Eagles need time to get into a groove, the Giants were missing some key players and the Cowboys were obviously without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.
RG: Julio Jones is playing out of his mind right now. Is there anyone on Houston’s roster that can slow him down at all?
FB: I’m not sure anybody in the NFL can slow him down right now. The way to beat him will be to take away the man throwing him the football. Houston has as dangerous a front seven as any and putting pressure on an improved but unproven offensive line will be the way to stop him having a big day.
Next: Who is the key to this defense?