3 Key Players: Falcons vs Cowboys

After a Week 1 loss to Seattle on the road, Atlanta will travel to Arlington to play the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are also looking for their first win of the season, so nothing will come easy for the Falcons Sunday, but at least they are healthier than Jerry’s team. Out for Dallas this Sunday: Blake Jarwin, Leighton Vander Esch, and Cam Erving. 

Grady Jarrett

The Cowboy’s offense struggled to find a rhythm against the Rams due to their predictable play-calling. Aaron Donald also made a considerable difference, constantly harassing Dak Prescott. If Grady Jarrett can apply an equal amount of pressure on the interior offensive line, Dante Fowler and Takk McKinley will have more one on one opportunities. 

The pass rush for Atlanta was a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming performance last Sunday. The group will be tasked with creating regular pressure to help their young secondary who struggled mightily. Jarrett must defend the interior against Zeke while also getting pressure on the quarterback to spark a fire in the rest of the defense. 

Offensive line

The Cowboys defense struggled to get off the field on third downs. The offensive line will have a more difficult matchup against Dallas’s defensive line than Seattle’s. If the group can generate enough time on third downs for Matt Ryan to extend drives, it will keep the Cowboys offense on the sidelines. The Falcons offense stalled multiple times against Seattle; that cannot happen against Dallas.

The Falcons offensive line must be more physical than the Cowboys’ defensive line in the run game. If established, the running game will create favorable circumstances in the passing game for the Falcons against a severely outmatched Cowboys secondary. 

Isaiah Oliver and AJ Terrell

The offense will more than likely get the job done and put up enough points to win this Sunday, as long as Atlanta’s secondary can do their part. Both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett had 90 yards or more and scored some game-changing touchdowns. The cornerbacks will have a more challenging matchup this week against Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. Both Isaiah Oliver and AJ Terrell must improve their play against Dallas for Atlanta to win.