Falcons' pass rush vs. 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert: The Falcons have just 10 sacks this season and have resorted to blitzing more to create pressure. Vic Beasley, O'Brien Schofield and Adrian Clayborn lead the Falcons with two sacks each. The 49ers have given up 28 sacks this season. Sacks and hits have rattled Gabbert in the past. NFL Media's Willie McGinest said, "The first time he gets hit, it's going to be an issue. … He doesn't have the courage or the guts to me to play the quarterback position."
Falcons LB Paul Worrilow vs. 49ers RB Pierre Thomas: Worrilow, who leads the Falcons in tackles, has recovered nicely from a quad injury and is back adding teeth to the run defense. Worrilow has 53 tackles, 37 solo and 16 assists. Thomas played for the Saints and has had strong games against the Falcons. With Carols Hyde out with a foot injury, Thomas will see some action. Thomas, 30, has rushed for 3,745 yards and 28 touchdowns, and has 327 catches for 2,608 yards and 12 scores. He's played against the Falcons 16 times.
Falcons RB Devonta Freeman vs. 49ers LB NaVorro Bowman: Freeman leads the NFL with 1,062 yards from scrimmage. He has 709 yards rushing and has caught 40 passes for 353 yards. Bowman is second in the league with 82 tackles, according to NFL.com. Bowman, who's coming back from a gruesome left knee injury, is close to his old form, according to Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
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