Gerald Riggs, the Falcons all-time leading rusher who played with the team from 1982 to 1988, was at the Seattle game on Sunday. He currently hosts the Riggs on the Radio show on 105.1 ESPN The Zone in Chattanooga in addition doing charity work. He spoke with D. Orlando Ledbetter about the Falcons’ playoff run:
Q: What was your impression of the Seahawks game?
A: The way that they won is a way that you don't want to, but I'll take it. Offensively, they really impressed me. The offensive line kept the guys off Matt Ryan and I think that's what helped their offense tremendously. With him not being on his back and really getting dirty, he was able to get the ball downfield. That was the most impressive part about it to me, the offensive line.
Q: Were you impressed with the running backs?
A : They came to play. I think the attitude that they had kind of set the tone. Especially (Michael) Turner on his first run. He busted out for 15 yards. That kind of set the tone for the running game. I think he and Jacquizz (Rodgers) did that for the rest of the game. That helped them out tremendously.
Q: Have you started evaluating the San Francisco game? What do they need to do to win that one?
A: They've got a good feel for what it's going to be like if they can't get the quarterback on the ground. With the way that (Colin) Kaepernick is playing right now, you've got to get him on the ground. You saw what he did against Green Bay and the sprints that he had for the touchdowns. You've got to be able to get him down. Even though he throws the ball fairly well, I think the defensive backs can get a little bit of action. They have to keep (Michael) Crabtree out of the mix because he's been their top receiver. There's always that one guy that you have to keep under control. I don't think the tight end or the rest of the receivers will be a big factor.
Q: What was the atmosphere like in the city and in the Georgia Dome for the Seattle game?
A: I have been in the Dome many times over the years and have been to some big games. That was the first time that I actually sat in that Dome and really could not hear myself think. You talk about a home-field advantage? This is the first time that I can truthfully say in a long time they actually had that 12th man-like feel. Just the noise in there, it really got the defense riled up. They made some tremendous plays just based on having that home-field advantage.
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