FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons defense will be in another statistical mismatch when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
It’s stop the run time or go home for the Falcons' defense.
If they don’t stop the run, they are not going to the playoffs.
It’s really that simple.
"We have to gang-tackle," defensive tackle Paul Soliai said.
No one can expect them to stop the pass, since they are ranked 32nd against the pass and don't have a pass rush. But the run defense has flashed at times (Arizona) and has a shot to play well down the stretch.
Also, if the Falcons can’t stop the Steelers, Saints or Panthers on the ground, then they must create turnovers. The Falcons are plus-five in turnover differential, which is ninth in the league.
The Falcons remain entrenched as the 32nd ranked defense in the league and appear not to match up well against the Steelers.
The Falcons give up 410.8 yards per game (32nd). The Steelers average 427.0 yards per game (2nd).
The Falcons give up 287.9 yards passing per game (32nd). The Steelers average 303.2 yards passing (2nd).
The Falcons give up 122.9 yards rushing per game (21st). The Steelers, who are led by running back Le'Veon Bell, average 123.8 yards rushing per game (8th).
The Falcons give up 26.3 points per game (22nd). The Steelers, who just dropped 45 points on the road at Cincinnati, average 27.8 points per game (2nd).
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