Key Matchups for NFC Championship – San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons - everydaygorship's Blog

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Key Matchups for NFC Championship – San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons

Posted on January 18, 2013 at 02:42 PM.

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ATL – Defensive Line Vs. SF – Offensive Line - In last weeks divisional games, the 49ers dominated the Packers led by their O – line, and QB Colin Kaepernick. While Atlanta barely escaped the Seahawks attempted comeback. For Atlanta DE veteran John Abraham is questionable with an ankle injury, and the DL should be doing wind sprints this whole week in preparation for the mobile 49ers QB. There really isn’t a weak spot on that San Fran O – line, and they have been healthy all year.
SF – (QB) Colin Kaepernick Vs. ATL – (QB) Matt Ryan - What a performance by Kaepernick last week at home facing the Packers, becoming the postseason rushing leader. I always picture a gazelle when he is running in the open field. He showed his moxie, coming back from throwing an early pick 6. For Atlanta, they finally saw Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez and company get their 1st playoff victory. Matt had his team up 20 – 0 in the 1st half, and as such this year the Seahawks came clawing all the way back to take the lead with :34 to go, 28 – 27. On the final drive Matt hit 2 of the biggest throws in his career, the last to future HOF’er TE Tony Gonzalez. Setting up kicker Matt Bryant for the game winning 49 yard FG.
ATL – Running Backs Vs. SF – Rushing Defense - Atlanta rushed to their season high last week against Seattle’s vaunted D. Sure Chris Clemons would have helped, but the Falcons RB’s Michael Turner, and Jacquizz Rodgers ran hard and looked like they took advantage of a week off. They will be going up against a 9ers D that has only struggled with superstar RB’s such as Adrian Peterson, Stephen Jackson, and Marshawn Lynch. Can the 2 headed attack of the Falcons produce as 1 superstar would??
SF – (TE) Vernon Davis Vs. ATL – (TE) Tony Gonzalez - This is the match-up to watch for me, these 2 are always a threat whenever they are on the field. It will be interesting to see who, and how the opposing D will try to contain the TE. Vernon Davis is no doubt faster and more athletic, but Gonzalez has the best hands, and smarts of any TE playing the game today. What a treat for us fans.
ATL – Pass Defense Vs. SF – Pass Defense - Last week the 49ers had a ton of success on the right side going 9/12 – 143 yards, but had more attempts to the left 7/16 – 107 yards – 2 TD’s. Michael Crabtree was targeted 11 times and caught 9 for 119 yards, 2 TD’s. For the Falcons last week they were really successful on short routes with 21/25 – 165 yards – 2 TD’s. They attacked Seattle’s DB Richard Sherman with the deep ball, but only Roddy White could win against Sherman. Matt Ryan just seems to float his deep throws, allowing the DB to adjust and make a play.