3 key matchups: Falcons at Jets
Falcons MLB Deion Jones vs. Jets RB Matt Forte: Jones racked up 11 tackles against the Patriots and the Dolphins over the past two games. He leads the team in tackles with 49. Forte is averaging four yards a carry and is still a threat out of the backfield with 19 receptions. The Falcons have had trouble stopping the run.
Falcons RT Ryan Schrader vs. Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson: Schraeder is rounding back into form after missing time in the NFL concussion protocol. Schraeder struggled against Miami's Cameron Wake in his first game back. He played much better against the Patriots. Wilkerson has the hard-charging and change-of-speed rushes that have given Schraeder some trouble in the past. He has 41 career sacks over his seven seasons in the NFL and has three this season.
Falcons TE Austin Hooper vs. Jets SS Jamal Adams: With Mohamed Sanu out, the Falcons tried to feature Hooper against Miami, and he was having a strong game until a late-game drop. He was targeted just one time against New England and that was late in the game. He has to attack the ball better. The much-heralded Adams is off to a strong rookie season. He has 35 tackles, two sacks and three pass breakups. He was the sixth overall pick out of LSU.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
