The divisional round of the 2016 NFL playoffs is upon us. First up will be the Seahawks at the Falcons and the Texans at the Patriots.
By John Sarianides
#3 Seattle Seahawks at #2 Atlanta Falcons
Build Up: The Seahawks travel to Atlanta to battle the Falcons in a rematch of the 2012 playoffs in which the Falcons beat the Seahawks 30-28.
The Falcons led the NFL in points scored this season with 54o points. The Seahawks conversely finished third in the NFL in points against giving up 292 points on the season. This game will come down which of these units plays the best and is the catalyst for their teams success.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan only has one career playoff win and it is against the Seahawks. If Ryan and the Falcons want to make a playoff run this season, they will need to get past the best team in the NFC in the last five years. It will not be easy as the Seahawks have found their championship form again.
Here are three keys for both teams.
3 Keys for the Seahawks
1. Keep Pounding Rawls: Running back Thomas Rawls had a monster game last week against the Lions rushing for 167 yards and a touchdown. Rawls ran hard and with a purpose. He gave the Seahawks the balance they’ve been missing this season.
Rawls also helped a struggling offensive line develop confidence. The Seahawks offensive line got off the ball and they were engaged in the game. Seattle is tough to defend when they can run the football and set up their play action passing game.
2. Account for Vic Beasley: Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley is a game wrecker. The NFC sack leader can change the complexion of a game on one play. The Seahawks offensive line has struggled in pass protection this season. On the surface, Beasley is in line to have a monster game but I think the Seahawks will do what ever they can to account for him.
Seattle will slide the protection to him, they’ll keep a tight end to his side and they’ll chip him with a back. Russell Wilson’s mobility will also help slow Beasley down. The Seahawks better account for Beasley because if they don’t, he will be a major problem for them in this game.
3. The Front Four Must Get Consistent Pressure on Ryan: The Seahawks defensive line must get consistent pressure on Ryan and throw him off of his spot.
If Ryan is allowed to hang in the pocket, hitch up and deliver the ball on time, he will pick the Seahawks apart. It is imperative that Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril play well.
3 Keys for the Falcons
1. Spread the Wealth: The Falcons are at their best offensively when offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan spreads the ball around to his play makers.
Shanahan has to use all of the pieces at his disposal to put pressure on the Seahawks defense. Seattle’s secondary is vulnerable. The Falcons need to take advantage.
2. Don’t Let Wilson Get Comfortable: The Falcons have to get consistent pressure on Russell Wilson and hit him on a consistent basis. Containing Wilson is not enough. The Falcons have to make him uncomfortable in the pocket as well.
3. NO TURNOVERS! The Falcons have to protect the football. They were +11 on the season in turnover margin so Matt Ryan and company do a good job of protecting the football.
Seattle has a ballhawking secondary so Ryan has to limit the over throws and not force things. Atlanta’s running backs also have to protect the ball, especially in short yardage situations.
Prediction: Seahawks 28 Falcons 24: I don’t buy Atlanta. I haven’t bought them all season. I don’t think they can beat a Seahawks team that found their offensive mojo last week.
I’m taking Seattle in this one. I think they are the most dangerous team in these playoffs and they will remind people of that fact today by beating the Falcons.
#4 Houston Texans at #1 New England Patriots
Build Up: Its the New England Patriots versus the New England Patriots South AKA the Houston Texans. This is second time the Patriots and Texans will face each other in the playoffs. The Patriots won the first match up in the 2012 divisional round 41-28.
There will be a lot of familiarity in this game for the Patriots with Bill O’Brien, Romeo Crennel, Vince Wilfork, Mike Vrabel and Larry Izzo coming to town. Both teams know each other and trust me when I tell you, it matters.
That being said, Houston will have a hard time winning this game. If they do, it will be a monumental upset.
Here are three keys for both teams.
3 Keys for theTexans
1. Start Fast: If the Texans can score on their opening drive, that would help them get off to the good start they are going to need in this game. It is especially important for quarterback Brock Osweiler who is a notorious slow starter.
2. Win the Line of Scrimmage: The Texans must effectively run the football to control the clock and they must slow down the Patriots potent rushing attack. If the Texans can find a way to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, they can keep themselves in this game.
3. Get Interior Pressure on Brady: We know that Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus will get consistent edge pressure on Brady but the way to really effect him and the Patriots passing game is to get interior pressure on him.
Look for Romeo Crennel to twist his ends and blitz his inside linebackers more. Crennel will attempt to get to Brady by bringing more delay blitzes. It is the only way to get effective inside pressure on him.
3 Keys for the Patriots
1. Pass Protection: The Patriots offensive line must do a good job in pass protection, especially Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon. They will be matched up one on one against Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. They must negate them and allow the Patriots to put four and five receivers out on any given pass play.
2. Backs on Backers: The Texans like to play a lot of Cover 2 man coverage. The Patriots need to take advantage of this by getting James White and Dion Lewis lined up outside as flankers. Houston will match up either Brian Cushing or Bernarderick McKinney on them. When they do, the Patriots need to take advantage of the match up.
3. Make Osweiler Hold the Ball: The Patriots did a good job of confusing Brock Osweiler in the first match up by showing him overload fronts and dropping guys late. It forced Osweiler to hold the ball longer because he was trying to figure out what they were in.
The Patriots need to confuse Osweiler again by forcing to hold the ball or pressuring him into a bad decision.
Prediction: Patriots 35 Texans 17: The Patriots will jump out to an early lead and cruise to a two touchdown win. Houston will come to play and they’ll play the Patriots tough for a half but in the end, the Patriots are just too talented.
The biggest thing for the Patriots in this game is to come out of it healthy. It is Super Bowl or bust in the Drive for 5.