11/12/17 11:45am
Falcons vs Cowboys Week #10 Prediction
Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
After stumbling and losing 4 of the last 5 games, the Falcons now face a 5-3 Dallas Cowboys team who is without starting RB Ezekiel Elliott for the first time this season. With the kickoff set at 4:25 pm, there are a few keys to victory for the Atlanta Falcons.
In the last meeting between the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, the Atlanta Falcons left victorious with a 14 point turnaround in the 4th quarter. In a game that was won by star players, Julio Jones (12 for 164 yds) and Devonta Freeman (30 for 141yds), the Falcons will look for the same success they had against Dallas in 2015.
Following yet another heartbreaking loss last week to Carolina, the Falcons must regroup and take a long hard look at themselves and decide if they are going to fold or if they are going to “Rise Up” and make a 2nd half statement. In doing so, today is the first test against a feisty Cowboys team.
Now for the Keys to Victory for ATL:
Dallas known for being a run first offense, will be without Ezekiel Elliott who is suspended. With this unfolding, the Cowboys will have to look to backup Alfred Morris to handle the load of the carries today. If Atlanta is able to stop the run, the defense can open up and use our pass rush to get to Dak on the daily, but they MUST stop the running game!
A negative trend for Atlanta during this rough patch in the season would have to be their turnovers, with Matt Ryan almost averaging 1 interception a game, will need to cut down on the mental errors he has been committing and not give the ball away.
The major #1 Key for Atlanta offensively is to get Julio involved early if you have watched the games we have lost, Atlanta has been unable to get Julio the ball early in the game to help establish the rush. If Atlanta is able to spread out the defense, it will be easy pickings for Freeman.
Defensively for Atlanta they need to play disciplined football. After having multiple uncharacteristic defensive penalties with late hits, roughing the passer, and defensive holding calls that have hindered them throughout the game, it has given the opponents new life and the ability to extend drives.
If Atlanta can handle their business, stop the Dallas run game, and get Julio the ball, this game will be a win for Atlanta.
Prediction: Atlanta 31 Dallas 24
404thebeat.com 