Desmond Trufant will come up with his first INT of the season
Trufant has been nothing but solid throughout the first three weeks of the season, but has yet to come up with an interception this year. In fact, the Falcons defense as a whole has been a little lackluster in that category despite the vast improvement we have seen so far from the revamped unit. With only four forced turnovers on the season, Atlanta gets a home game against a weak quarterback. Both Ryan Mallet and Brian Hoyer have gotten starting reps for the Texans this season and neither has impressed. It looks like Mallet will be getting the start on Sunday, but no matter who is under center, the Atlanta defense should be in for a big day. Trufant’s due, and Mallet is the perfect inexperienced quarterback that may attempt to challenge the star corner.
Julio Jones becomes the first player in NFL History to record 135 receiving yards in four straight gamesÂ
If you have not noticed yet, Julio Jones is an absolute beast. He already has 440 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. He has possibly jumped to the best wide receiver in the game, and Kyle Shanahan deserves a lot of credit for that. Shanahan has developed a lot of easy ways to get the ball into the star receiver’s hands. Whether it be quick slants or deep bombs, Jones has excelled in every facet of his game this season. I almost feel bad for putting this on the list because it is not even bold at this point. Jones getting 135 receiving yards on Sunday, even against a solid Texans defense, is money in the bank.
Devonta Freeman will record over 150 yards of offense again on Sunday
Devonta Freeman had an incredible breakout performance over the Cowboys on Sunday. Freeman rushed for 141 yards and had 52 more receiving yards against what was the number 1 rush defense coming into the game. He was fast and physical and the Falcons leaned on him throughout the game. His success on the ground opened up the passing game for Matt Ryan in the second half, and was a staple of how Atlanta wants to run their offense this season. With Coleman likely out again, the Falcons will rely heavily on Freeman. But while he will have a nice day on the ground, he will rack up most of his yards receiving out of the backfield. He showed his ability as a pass catcher on Sunday catching 4 balls for 52 yards, including a 35-yard catch and run that set the Falcons up for a field goal at the end of the half. The Texans run defense is stout, but Shanahan will find other ways to incorporate Freeman into the game.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire