The Falcons may need a “Julio Takeover” game Thursday against the rival Saints.
Julio Jones, who did not practice this week, is expected to rise up and play against the Saints.
He’s been bottled up in the past two games, as Houston and Washington elected to bracket him with two defenders.
After catching nine, 13 and 12 passes in the first three games, Jones caught four passes for 38 yards against Houston and five for 67 yards against Washington.
“We’ll get it going; there is no doubt about it,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He came out in the first three games and put up some pretty unbelievable numbers. People are going to make adjustments to that.
“When people do that, it opens other guys up. We’ve had a number of other guys step up and make plays in the passing game because of the way that they are doing some things to take away Julio.”
Jones has been nursing toe and hamstring injuries. His practice time with Ryan has been minimal. The passing connection appeared off on a few plays when Ryan tried to throw to Jones against the Redskins.
“In terms of getting back in with Julio, we are one play away from that,” Ryan said.
Jones leads the NFL with 43 receptions. He has amassed 545 yards and four touchdowns.
The Saints defense ranks last in the league in yards allowed, 409 per game. They rank 23rd against the pass (273.2 yards per game) and 30th against the run (135.8 yards per game.)
Ryan would be stunned if Jones doesn’t answer the bell in the Big Easy.
“Julio has been a warrior for us,” Ryan said. “Every week he battles through it. He’s as tough as anybody that I’ve been around, and he has done a great job.”
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