Despite its 0-8 mark, Indianapolis still has one of the better defensive end tandems — Dwight Freeney and Atlanta native Robert Mathis — in the NFL.
If Freeney and Mathis are not blocked, they could take over the game as the X-factors and help the Colts pull of a shocker.
Freeney has 4.5 sacks and Mathis has 3.5 this season. Over their careers, Freeney has 98.5 and Mathis 77.5.
“They are a pair that we obviously have to be aware of,” Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said. “They [were] talked about a lot in our meetings. We have to be on top of our game with everything we do, run and pass, to handle those two guys. That’s how disruptive they are.”
The Falcons believe that Freeney and Mathis play much faster on the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. Falcons tackles Will Svitek (Freeney) and Tyson Clabo (Mathis) will get the main assignments. The Falcons likely will compensate toward Freeney’s direction in obvious passing situations.
“Because of the pressure they are getting on passing games from up front, the secondary and the linebackers, teams have not put as much pressure on them in coverage because the ball is going to come out a lot faster,” Mularkey said.
The Falcons have given up 18 sacks. Before giving up three to Detroit, they had given up two in the three previous games. Left tackle Sam Baker, who is expected to be out three to four weeks with a lower back injury, had allowed three sacks for 26 yards in losses and was whistled for two holding calls.
Will Svitek will make his second consecutive start for Baker.
“These are probably two of the best defensive ends in the NFL, especially when it comes to rushing the passer, and you’ve got know where they’re at,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said.
“They kind of move them around a little bit, put them in some different spots, and then you’ve got to bow up and protect against them and have a scheme to do that. It’ll be important for us to be aware of where they’re at and be on the same page so we can handle their pressure.”
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