Atlanta Falcons can sit Julio Jones and still beat the Los Angeles Rams

Losing to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday may cost the Atlanta Falcons the NFC South crown. Losing Julio Jones on Sunday may cost the Atlanta Falcons their season.

Is playing Jones worth the risk?

The Atlanta Falcons have enough talent on the roster to win while allowing Julio Jones to rest. The Los Angeles Rams aren’t a very good football team, nor do they have much of a home field advantage. Sunday offers the Falcons a significantly weaker opponent in which they can get the job with a relentless rushing attack.

Don’t be intimidated by the #10 ranking of the Rams defense. Through 12 games, Los Angeles has allowed an average of 4.3 yards per carry and 114 rushing yards per game. They are far from the NFL’s worst run-stopping defense, but those are metrics Devonta Freeman can certainly work with.

The Falcons stand a better chance to win the game with Julio Jones but only if he’s near 100%. Jones was very limited while playing through his injury for much of last week’s 4th quarter. Those who have experienced turf toe injuries often describe the pain as if the “foot is on fire”. Unfortunately, the only treatment for turf toe is a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

It’s time for the Atlanta Falcons to find out what they’re really made of. It’s time for the younger receivers to step up and help fill the void. Taylor Gabriel, Justin Hardy, and Aldrick Robinson will take plenty of reps during this week’s practice with Mohamed Sanu also sidelined. The young Falcons trio is a bit unpolished but the Rams secondary has struggled.

Drew Brees recently used Willie Snead and Tim Hightower to hang 310 passing yards and 4 touchdowns against Los Angeles.

The Atlanta Falcons should actually consider sitting Julio Jones for the game against the San Francisco 49ers too. Matt Ryan missed 2 games due to turf toe during the 2009 season. The next 4 games are must-win, but the Falcons are locks against a couple of teams with a combined 5-19 record, even without Julio Jones.

Or are they?