5 Reasons the Falcons beat the Cardinals

By foxsports
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Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons started the home stretch of the season with a beatdown of the Arizona Cardinals. Let’s look at how it happened.

After what seemed like an eternity since the Falcons played a game, they finally got back on the field yesterday. Atlanta started relatively slow but turned on the jets (I see you Taylor Gabriel) to win convincingly over the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

Coming out of the bye week, it was important that the Falcons got in a groove to start the last six games of their schedule. It looks as if the Falcons got that memo, as they seemed to be just fine on this given afternoon. Atlanta looked well rested and like the team we’ve seen for most of this season.

On the other hand, The Cardinals came in hungry for a win but Atlanta did a fine job neutralizing them for the most part. This was a must win game in my opinion, so it’s good to start the home stretch on a good note.

    While this game was filled with positives, there is still some cause for concern. Everyone knows of the unfortunate news of Desmond Trufant’s injury, so we knew the defense was going to struggle at least a little bit. However, despite some fits in the first half, they tightened up and made plays late to allow for a Falcon victory. Going forward, this young defense will have to play together and for each other to make up for Trufant’s absence.

    Before I start rambling, let’s move on to the weekly slideshow and see how the Falcons pulled out this win.

    Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is pressured by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) in the second quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

    No. 5: Pass Rush

    As I’ve stated in previous weeks, I am thrilled about the Falcons pass rush this season.

    Is it one of the best in the league? No. But, it has been a night and day improvement from the past 2 or 3 seasons. Once again, they looked good yesterday and were key in the victory over the Cardinals.

    The numbers won’t necessarily jump out at you (10 QB Hits and 2 sacks) but it was clear while watching the game that it was affecting Carson Palmer throughout the afternoon. Vic Beasley had a great game, finishing with a career-high 8 QB pressures and was wreaking havoc all day. If he and this group can continue to improve week by week like they have been doing, it will be huge for this team going forward.

    With the secondary banged up (might be an understatement since Trufant is Atlanta’s best defensive player) the pass rush needs to continue to step up. This will take the pressure off of Robert Alford, Jalen Collins, and Brian Poole. If the Falcons want to be a true threat in the playoffs, these kinds of performances will need to keep popping up.

    Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) reacts with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

    No. 4: Offensive Rhythm

    The last time we saw the Falcons on the field in Philadelphia, their offense never seemed to get into a nice rhythm. They were dominated in time of possession and only scored 15 points. By far their worst performance to date.

    Thankfully, they did a complete 180-degree turn from that poor effort against Arizona. Atlanta’s No. 1 offense returned to form and hung 38 points on one of the best defenses in the league. A big reason why this happened is the versatility of this team. Eight different players caught a pass from Matt Ryan and they ran for a combined 116 yards as a team.

    When the Falcons display this many weapons, they are almost impossible to stop. They have shown the ability to move and score on virtually every team they have played. With the way this offense is playing, I like their chances against anyone, even in the playoffs.

    Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) celebrates after their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

    No. 3: Taking advantage of mistakes

    It’s not often we get to talk about the Falcons capitalizing on other team’s mistakes. It’s normally, and unfortunately, the other way around.

    The Arizona Cardinals are a struggling football team at this point in the season and that was again the case on Sunday. While they only did turn the ball over one time, they made plenty of mistakes that allowed Atlanta to win this game. They committed a handful of bone-headed penalties and dropped an interception or two that Matt Ryan should have thrown.

    It isn’t great to rely on other team’s misfortunes to win games, but in some games, it’s just how it goes. That was the case on Sunday. Sometimes it’s good to be a little lucky while still being good enough to win. If the Falcons want to go far into January, they’ll need a little luck on their side.

    Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn reacts to a Falcons interception in the fourth quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

    No. 2: Rest

    One of the key things I noticed in yesterday’s game was that the Falcons looked about as fresh as they have all season. I believe the bye week came at a very opportune time for this team and it showed on the field against the Cardinals.

    Atlanta had a pretty brutal schedule to start this season, with long road trips to the west coast compounded with the sheer toughness of the teams they played. Having a nice, long rest did this team a lot of good. Injuries were starting to pile up as well, so getting those minor things rested helped as well.

    If this team can keep up this high level of play throughout the remainder of the season, it isn’t too farfetched to say that they can win out. This is something the team might need to do, to gain a first round bye.

    Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) runs after a catch for a touchdown in the second quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

    No. 1: Taylor Gabriel

    Over this past week, we had a lot to be thankful for. Family, friends, good food, and good health. I want to take the time to thank a group of people that made this weekend extra special for myself and Falcons fans alike.

    So with that said, thank you, Cleveland Browns.

    For those who haven’t heard, the Cleveland Browns waived WR Taylor Gabriel early in the season, allowing the Falcons to pick him up. That move has made major dividends, that came to full fruition on Sunday afternoon.

    The lightning fast receiver took two screen passes for touchdowns and ran for 27 yards on an end-around. He ended up with 102 yards of offense on just 6 touches. With a weapon like him along side the cyborg that is Julio Jones, this offense becomes scarier than a Stephen King novel.

    Gabriel proved his worth this afternoon and was the definitive player of the game.Just take a look at this touchdown, it’s something straight out of a Madden video game.

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