3 key matchups: Falcons at Raiders
Here are three key matchups:
Falcons LT Jake Matthews vs. Raiders DE Khalil Mack: Matthews will be in a battle with Mack, who had 15 sacks last season on his way to All-Pro status. Matthews gave up a sack and was called for two penalties while battling Tampa Bay's Robert Ayers last week. Mack had seven tackles, but didn't register a sack in the opener. Matthews is being counted on to protect Matt Ryan's blind side.
Falcons CB Robert Alford vs. Raiders WR Michael Crabtree: Alford had two pass breakups against Tampa Bay and Crabtree caught the game-winning two-point conversion against the Saints. Alford battled hard against Tampa Bay's bigger receivers and he'll have a more favorable matchup against Crabtree, who had seven catches in the opener after hauling down a career-high 85 passes and nine touchdowns in 2015.
Falcons FS Ricardo Allen vs. Raiders QB Derek Carr: Allen led the Falcons with seven tackles last week. Carr, an emerging star, completed 24 of 38 passes for 319 yards and one touchdown last week to finish with a passer rating of 98.5. Allen has become a steady free safety after starting his career as a cornerback. His range will be important to help cover Crabtree and fellow receiver Amari Cooper.
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.
