It’s been a long time since the Lions and Falcons last met. That Week 3 matchup back in the 2017 season was a memorable one, but both teams have had coaching and significant personnel changes since.
To get caught up on what’s going on with the 1-5 team in Atlanta, I turned to Falcons Wire editor — and former Lions Wire staffer — Matt Urben for some questions about the new-look birds. Thanks to Urben for the info!
The changes to the coaching staff and management seemed to work. How would you assess Raheem Morris’ interim debut with the Falcons?
Morris has handled the entire situation extremely well, and the players seemed to respond on the field in Week 6. Defensively, there was a renewed sense of energy. The team played with speed on both sides of the ball for all four quarters. Atlanta has actually played well in the first half of most games this season but as Lions fans will understand, there just seems to be a mental hurdle when closing opponents out.
If Morris can figure out how to minimize the Falcons’ late-game woes, this is a talented football team that could go on a run.
What’s going on with Julio Jones?
Julio Jones exploded in Week 1, then suffered a severe hamstring injury that slowed him down. After sitting out in Week 5, Jones came back and absolutely lit up the Vikings in Week 6. Similar to Calvin Johnson during his later years, Jones’ big frame causes him to basically live on the injury report. When he’s out there healthy, though, Julio is still the best receiver in football.
Who are some bright spots that deserve more national attention for their play?
One huge bright spot has been linebacker Foye Oluokun, who’s taken an unlikely path as a sixth-round pick out of Yale to a difference-making part of the Falcons’ defense. Entering the year, many doubted whether Oluokun could replicate the production of De’Vondre Campbell, who signed with the Cardinals in free agency. Through six games, you could argue the third-year LB has been an upgrade from Campbell. Oluokun forced three fumbles in the first half against the Cowboys and recorded an interception last week against Minnesota.
What one matchup with the Lions worries you from an Atlanta perspective?
All three of the Lions’ receivers could be in for a big day. While Falcons first-round pick CB A.J. Terrell has been solid since returning from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team’s biggest weakness remains in the secondary. Safety Damontae Kazee is out for the year. Veteran Darqueze Dennard and second-year CB Kendall Sheffield have each missed time, leaving Isaiah Oliver to pick up the pieces. It’s been ugly at times, and I think Stafford’s ability to get the ball out quickly will serve Detroit well.
Who wins and why?
This is really a tough game to pick. Both teams are underachieving, yet coming off of their biggest wins of the season. I think the Falcons keep things going in their second game under interim coach Raheem Morris.
Falcons 28, Lions 27