Falcons DE Takkarrist McKinley vs. Eagles RT Lane Johnson: McKinley had six sacks in the regular season and one in the playoff game against the Rams on Saturday. He finished with 20 tackles. Johnson, who was suspended for much of the 2016 season has been spectacular. He was named All-Pro after handling most of the top rushers in the league.
Falcons RG Wes Schweitzer and C Alex Mack vs. Eagles DT Fletcher Cox: The Falcons will try to keep Cox on the move with their outside zone runs. They do not want him just sitting in the "A" gap and speed rushing all day. They want to get him moving laterally. Schweitzer and Mack are maulers in the run game, but Cox is as stout as they come. He had 5.5 sacks and 34 quarterback pressures/hits.
Falcons LB Deion Jones vs. Eagles RBs Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount: Ajayi and Blount have combined to rush for more than 1,174 yards and three touchdowns. Jones added 10 tackles in the playoffs against the Rams, and the Falcons were able to slow the Rams' outside rushing attack. The Eagles run with more power and attempt to get downhill quicker. Ajayi had some success powering the ball at the Falcons during Miami's 20-17 regular-season win. Ajayi rushed 26 times for 130 yards against the Falcons. He was the lone player to rush for more than 100 yards against the Falcons in the regular season.
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