Are you scared? After the offense failed to get into the end zone last Sunday, I’m sure there are some fans that are scared about this game. Well Brady was missing one of his favorite weapons in Wes Welker so I think that he should be back on Sunday and that changes the dynamic.
Earlier in camp the Patriots had Welker in the slot with Edelman and Moss on the outside. Before Edelman got hurt I really think that Belichick and the coaching staff had Edelman penciled in as the other outside receiver. Which could explain why Joey Galloway isn’t on the same page as Brady. Either that or he’s just old and doesn’t understand the offense.
If this game was being played two years ago you wouldn’t be worried. The Falcons had lost Vick to the Federal Prison System and were reeling. But it was the drafting of Matt Ryan last season that seems to have resurrected the franchise. Add in a safety valve like Tony Gonzalez at the tight end spot and the offense is even more potent and we haven’t even touched on their running game.
The Falcons running attack is led by Michael Turner. Turner was the backup to Tomlinson in San Diego and was just waiting to be the feature back. Well he had a great coming out last season in Atlanta rushing for 1.699 yards and 17 touchdowns.
So the Patriots have their work cut out for them on defense with a great running attack and a second year quarterback that likes to air it out. After last week when the team only gave up 16 points to the Jets, I’m more confident in the defense after week one. But the question is, can the offense go score for score against Atlanta?
I think they can. The Atlanta defense isn’t as good as the Jets. With the return of Welker, Brady gets back that safety valve underneath if he can’t get the ball down field. If the Falcons are doubling up Moss, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Edelman as the long guy on the other side in single coverage.
It should be a high scoring affair. The Patriots are a four point favorite with an over/under set at 44. I think that the Pats defense will bend but not break. I’m taking the over and the Pats. I’m thinking something like 34-17. This game will be Brady’s coming out party this season and the offense will start to take shape of the 2007 offense.
Back Monday with a recap.
