Here are three key matchups to watch when the Falcons (1-4) play the Cardinals (1-3-1) at 4:05 p.m. Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Falcons DT Grady Jarrett vs. Cardinals RG J.R. Sweezy: Jarrett has two sacks and five tackles for losses. According to Pro Football Focus, Jarrett has the third-best run-stop percentage among defensive interior lineman who play majority of the run plays, with a 10.9 percentage. He trails only the Rams' Michael Brockers (13.0) and the Raiders' Jonathan Hankins (11.5). The Falcons tried to sign Sweezy in free agency in 2016, but Tampa Bay came through with a mega-deal. Sweezy told a Phoenix radio station that the Falcons wanted him again in 2019, but he signed a $6 million deal with the Cardinals.
Falcons LB Deion Jones vs. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray: At times the Falcons will put a spy on the elusive Murray. "I don't think there is anyone like him," Jones said. "He's fast. He's a little shorter, but he moves around a lot. He's got a lot of movement plays where he's the guy with the ball. He's someone that you have to account for." Jones asked to compare Murray with Seattle's Russell Wilson. "I think he moves a little bit more than Russell," Jones said. "I can see what you are saying, but right now he's moving a lot more than Russell."
Falcons C Alex Mack vs. Cardinals NT Corey Peters: Mack played Sunday with a heavily padded left elbow and was effective. Peters, who was drafted in the third round of the 2010 draft by the Falcons, is 335 pounds now and will gobble up blocks in the middle of the Cardinals' 3-4. He has a sack, two tackles for losses and a quarterback hit this season. Peters, who played at Kentucky, has played in 118 games and has made 101 starts.
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