5 video games into the NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons and head coach Raheem Morris have their work reduce out for them. The Falcons are 2-2 after successful a shootout in opposition to the Washington Commanders in Week 4. With a bye week to arrange, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Co. host the Buffalo Payments in a Monday Night time Soccer showdown. It’s a massive sport for each groups.
The Payments suffered their first lack of the season at house to the New England Patriots final week. With an undefeated season not within the playing cards, Buffalo enters Week 6 trying to get again on monitor in opposition to a Falcons crew that has struggled with consistency to date this 12 months. Atlanta, however, would like to get two straight wins in opposition to playoff contenders to achieve momentum.
Whereas the Falcons protection has been a stable unit all season, Morris’ offense has been way more inconsistent. Atlanta was shut out by the Carolina Panthers in an uncharacteristic 30-0 loss again in Week 3. Regardless of having proficient gamers like Robinson and London main the way in which, the Falcons have had points placing factors on the board early within the season, a recipe for catastrophe.
The Monday Night time Soccer sport between Atlanta and Buffalo is a vital sport, even when the 2 groups don’t share a convention. For Morris, Week 6 may decide whether or not or not his crew is actually able to problem the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the NFC South. For the Payments, a loss would all however verify that they need to make an enormous commerce deadline transfer.
Of each participant taking part in within the sport, London has the largest probability to have an effect on the result. The younger receiver is poised for a breakout season. Right here is how he can swing Monday’s sport into Atlanta’s favor.
London may help Atlanta benefit from a weak Payments secondary
London has put up greater than 100 yards simply as soon as this season. Nonetheless, his eight catches for 110 yards and a landing in opposition to Washington is by far his finest outing of the 12 months. Morris and the Falcons’ offense hope that the efficiency provides the younger receiver confidence because the schedule will get harder. Fortunately for London, the Payments’ protection has struggled on the again finish.
Buffalo gave up ten catches for 146 yards to Stefon Diggs final week. The Payments secondary has endured accidents early within the season, opening up gaping holes down the sector. London stands to achieve essentially the most if Morris and his workers go for a extra balanced offensive strategy. The receiver has the expertise to benefit from subpar corners, unlocking the most effective model of Atlanta’s offense.
Buffalo misplaced Matt Milano to harm, robbing its protection of its chief within the center. The linebacker wouldn’t have lined up in opposition to London himself, however his absence leaves the Payments open to errors down the sector. The Falcons offense is just not one which stretches the sector vertically all that a lot, however Michael Penix Jr. must air it out so as to sustain with Josh Allen and the Payments offense.
London can take strain off of Bijan Robinson and the bottom sport
Robinson is among the finest operating backs the NFL has to supply. He and London have already teamed as much as make their mark in Falcons historical past this season. When each are at their finest, Atlanta’s offense can maintain its personal in opposition to anybody within the NFL. Morris wants each to provide in opposition to the Payments if the Falcons need an opportunity to knock off one of many prime canine within the AFC.
Whereas Robinson has been nice for years, defenses have been capable of tee off in opposition to him. If Atlanta’s passing sport is restricted, stopping the dashing assault is way simpler. That’s the place London is available in. He must constantly win on the surface to assist hold the Payments protection trustworthy all through their matchup. If not, Buffalo has a superb probability to blow the Falcons out.
London got here into the season with a brand new mindset. 4 video games into the 12 months, he’s nonetheless looking for his footing. Nonetheless, a sport in opposition to the Payments at house in primetime is an ideal alternative for him to claim himself as one of many NFL’s elite younger wideouts. He’s key to the Falcons’ success on Monday Night time Soccer, and the stage is ready for him to dominate in entrance of a house crowd.
Robinson, London, and the Falcons are a younger, proficient crew ready to interrupt out. A win in opposition to the Payments would go a great distance.