Matty Ice will need to be close to his best. David Goldman / AP/Press Association Images
David Goldman / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images
33.8 POINTS PER game.
It’s a staggering number. For the Atlanta Falcons, it means they average 3.06 points per drive. Put another way, every time Matt Ryan and his offence take the field, they’re guaranteed a field goal.
As for their rivals for the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the Packers score 28 ppg, the Patriots 27.9 and the Steelers just 24.8 meaning the Dirty Birds are at least a touchdown better off.
With 41 touchdowns and just seven interceptions so far this season, it’s little wonder Matt Ryan is leading the race for MVP.
2. They’ve the best play-caller in the game
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As with a lot of Shanahan's scheme, this pass proved impossible to defend.
With Aaron Rodgers playing so well, getting past Green Bay might be tougher than any potential Super Bowl match-up. Last time they met, Rodgers threw for 246 yards and four touchdowns with a 125.5 rating… and still lost.
In six of his nine seasons as an OC, Shanahan has an offence ranked in the top-10. He’ll need every play in the book in the next two games.
3. Any improvement on defence will help
Vic Beasley is as good as it gets for Atlanta on defence. Mark J. Terrill / AP/Press Association Images
Mark J. Terrill / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images
The Falcons defence was the worst going into the playoffs and it remains the worst despite limiting the Seahawks last weekend.
Dan Quinn’s side — and remember he was the defensive mastermind behind the Legion of Boom in Seattle — finished the year 25th in yards (5,939) given up, 27th in points conceded (25.4 per game), was 28th (4,267) in yards allowed through the air and 28th in touchdowns conceded (31).
And to win the Super Bowl they’re going to have to face Aaron Rogers and one of Tom Brady/Ben Roethlisberger.
However, despite being that bad they’ve won 13 games. Any improvement, even a little, could see them going all the way.
‘But what about my favourite team’ we hear you cry. Don’t worry, we’ll be outlining how all four Super Bowl contenders can lift the Vince Lombardi trophy over the coming days.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Here's how the Falcons can win Super Bowl LI
1. They have the best offence in the NFL
33.8 POINTS PER game.
It’s a staggering number. For the Atlanta Falcons, it means they average 3.06 points per drive. Put another way, every time Matt Ryan and his offence take the field, they’re guaranteed a field goal.
As for their rivals for the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the Packers score 28 ppg, the Patriots 27.9 and the Steelers just 24.8 meaning the Dirty Birds are at least a touchdown better off.
With 41 touchdowns and just seven interceptions so far this season, it’s little wonder Matt Ryan is leading the race for MVP.
2. They’ve the best play-caller in the game
Kyle Shanahan is a genius and he’s already shown what makes him the best offensive co-ordinator in football when he dialed up the perfect play to beat the Packers at the death when the two met during the regular season.
With Aaron Rodgers playing so well, getting past Green Bay might be tougher than any potential Super Bowl match-up. Last time they met, Rodgers threw for 246 yards and four touchdowns with a 125.5 rating… and still lost.
In six of his nine seasons as an OC, Shanahan has an offence ranked in the top-10. He’ll need every play in the book in the next two games.
3. Any improvement on defence will help
The Falcons defence was the worst going into the playoffs and it remains the worst despite limiting the Seahawks last weekend.
Dan Quinn’s side — and remember he was the defensive mastermind behind the Legion of Boom in Seattle — finished the year 25th in yards (5,939) given up, 27th in points conceded (25.4 per game), was 28th (4,267) in yards allowed through the air and 28th in touchdowns conceded (31).
And to win the Super Bowl they’re going to have to face Aaron Rogers and one of Tom Brady/Ben Roethlisberger.
However, despite being that bad they’ve won 13 games. Any improvement, even a little, could see them going all the way.
‘But what about my favourite team’ we hear you cry. Don’t worry, we’ll be outlining how all four Super Bowl contenders can lift the Vince Lombardi trophy over the coming days.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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American Football Atlanta Falcons Dirty Birds Green Bay Packers Matt Ryan NFL NFL Championship Weekend NFL Playoffs Super Bowl LI US sports