NFL: Monday Night Football Preview - New York Jets vs Atlanta Falcons

by Rodney Fisher

Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons (1-3) take on the
New York Jets (2-2). Photo credit NFL 

The New York Jets (2-2) fly south to the Georgia Dome to try and ground the Atlanta Falcons (1-3). The Jets come off a blow-out loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Falcons will try to enter their bye week without losing two straight at home.


The two wins the Jets have are against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) and the Buffalo Bills (2-3). Neither team would be considered offensive threats. The Falcons contrarily have lost three games against two undefeated teams, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, and the Miami Dolphins at 3-1. They started the season with eyes set on returning to the NFC Championship game, but now find themselves in a must win game in Week 5.

Matt Ryan has never lost three straight games in the NFL. Even though he has receiving weapons like the league-leading Julio Jones (481 yards), Hall-of-Famer Tony Gonzales, and Roddy White, they rank 29th in the league in the red zone.

The Falcons' gamble to bring in an aging Steven Jackson has netted a return of zero production. He is out again with a hamstring issue and the running back tandem of Jaquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling averages 3.93 yards per carry with only one touchdown combined.

The New York offense has struggled under rookie quarterback Geno Smith. In four starts he has thrown four touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is tied for the most turnovers in the league with 11. Their defense, however, are ranked 8th in the NFL against the pass and 4th against the run. The reason is the aggressive pass rush with 14 sacks

Keys To Victory

Atlanta Falcons:

1. Protect Matt Ryan - The offensive line has given up seven sacks this season.
2. Target Tony Gonzales - He is coming off his best game of the season (12 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TDs)
3. Attack Geno Smith - He had four of his eleven turnovers last week.
4. Throw It Deep - Use Julio Jones the way God intended.

New York Jets:

1. Limit Turnovers and Penalties - They have 44 penalties for -345 yards in four games.
2. Play Big on Defense - Use your best weapon and slow down the Falcons' receivers.
3. Let Geno Run! - The Falcons have not faced a run-threat quarterback since Colin Kaepernick destroyed them to end their season.
4. Play Tough in the Red Zone - They have only allowed touchdowns in the red zone 38.46% of the time.

Line:

Atlanta Falcons by 11

Pick:

The Dirty Birds need this win badly before their bye week. Falcons will win and cover the spread.