Patriots take on Falcons in week 2 Pre-Season Match-Up

The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots will do battle Thursday night in week 2 of the NFL pre-season. These teams may have been at opposite ends of the NFL spectrum over the last few years, but the gap is getting closer. Matt Ryan is one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, and Michael Turner has the capability of being one of the best running backs in the league.

Turner led the NFL in carries in 2008. Many NFL fantasy football experts had him slated as a top 5 pick for the 2009 season, but the jinx of 370 got him. Most running backs that have 370 carries or more in season eventually deteriorate at a rapid pace. Turner didn’t lose his legs, but he did suffer a serious ankle injury that cost him 6 games of the season. With plenty of rest, and the relief he will have with RB Jason Snelling backing him up, we can expect Turner to have another monster season for Atlanta in 2010.

The Patriots aren’t too concerned about their running game as they are a pass first team. QB Tom Brady is and has been one of the best in the league over the last 7 years. His statistics are mind-blowing considering he was a late round pick in the draft and didn’t play much in college. Brady is the key to the Patriots offense. The team goes as he goes, and things have gone well for awhile. The return of star receiver Wes Welker will be a major factor in how this team does this season. Torry Holt joins Randy Moss and Welker in the New England receiving squad. Holts experience and leadership will pay huge dividends, and will help in the development of their young crop of receivers.

The Patriots running back situation really doesn’t matter. They have an offense that keep most defenses on their heals, and allows just about any RB they plug in the opportunity to succeed. Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor combined for a little over 1300 yards on the ground last year, but they are more window dressing than anything else. This offense revolves around passing the football.

These teams will do battle Thursday night in Atlanta, and will be playing at a high level as they try to gain momentum heading into the regular season. The Falcons are expected to improve on their 9-7 record from last season, and will be in the mix for a playoff spot this year. The Patriots are always penciled in as a playoff team, and are one of the favorites to win the AFC title again in 2010. This should be a hard fought game that is much lower scoring than most NFL handicappers are anticipating. Tune in Thursday as the Falcons look to show the Patriots that they have taken their team to a playoff caliber level this year.

Related posts:

1. Buccaneers and Patriots in Pre-Season Showdown
2. Patriots & Bengals bang heads in week 1 Showdown
3. Colts vs. Packers, Pre-Season Week #3 Shootout!
4. Steelers host Patriots in Battle of AFC Elite
5. Chargers and Patriots in battle of Top Offenses

Comments