Patriots Drive For 5: Slowing Down Atlanta's Passing Attack

The New England Patriots will have their hands full attempting to contain the Atlanta Falcons offense in Super Bowl LI. Julio Jones & co. are a threat to the Patriots dynasty, and will need to be slowed down.

When the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons meet on Super Bowl Sunday, New England’s secondary will have it’s hands full. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the rest of the offense have been on fire all year long for the Falcons.

Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and head coach Bill Belichick have certainly been scheming all week to develop a plan to slow the Atlanta roll. This is my approach at that problem, and my ideas as to how New England can come out on top.

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Julio Jones is the best player on the Atlanta Falcons. What the Patriots do best, is take away or limit their opponents best player. They did so in the AFC Championship game, limiting the impact of Antonio Brown. In theory, you would put your number one corner on the opponent’s number one receiver. However, I believe Jones is too big and too quick for Malcolm Butler.

The Patriots should utilize Logan Ryan on Julio Jones. Ryan is physical, and can attempt to knock Jones off the line before he gets into his route. Of course, Ryan will need an occasional double team or help over the top to completely limit Julio’s production.

Eric Rowe may see a lot of playing time to help Logan Ryan double cover Jones. Otherwise, expect safety Patrick Chung to drop down and chip him at the line. Devin McCourty will also play a huge role by playing behind his defensive backs, preventing the long ball.

Utilizing this strategy will also allow the Patriots to limit Atlanta’s number two option: Mohammed Sanu. Malcolm Butler would remain free to shut down Sanu.

In essence, the Patriots defense would force the Falcons to beat them with Taylor Gabriel, Austin Hooper, and the running game. Those are odds I’m sure the New England Patriots would take. They simply cannot allow Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Mohammed Sanu to dictate the pace of the game.

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I believe the Pats will use this, or a similar, strategy to limit Atlanta on Super Bowl Sunday. Expect Super Bowl LI to be a shootout regardless, as both offenses are top notch. It’s the New England defense however, that should put them over the edge to win it all….. AGAIN.

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Patriots Drive For 5: Slowing Down Atlanta’s Passing Attack

By Logan Jakubajtys | Jan 31, 2017

The New England Patriots will have their hands full attempting to contain the Atlanta Falcons offense in Super Bowl LI. Julio Jones & co. are a threat to the Patriots dynasty, and will need to be slowed down.