Scouting Report: Six Ways the Falcons Use Their Running Backs in the Passing Game

February 1, 2017

By John Sarianides The Atlanta Falcons scored 540 points this season utilizing a diverse passing attack that featured a talented collection of wide receivers lead by Julio Jones. The receivers weren’t the only ones who caught passes from quarterback Matt Ryan. The running back did damage in the passing game as well. Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for 883 yards and five receiving touchdowns this season. Freeman…

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Super Bowl X’s and O’s: Running Off-Tackle Could Be Key for the Patriots

January 31, 2017

By John Sarianides The Patriots will have their hands full with Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley and defensive ends Tyson Jackson, Dwight Freeney and Brooks Reed. All four players are active and disruptive off the edge. Not only can they get pressure on Tom Brady but they can also penetrate and make plays in the back field against the running game. It is imperative that they are accounted for….

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Super Bowl X’s and O’s: The Patriots Need to Confuse Matt Ryan With Multiple Fronts and Coverages

January 31, 2017

By John Sarianides I often hear people say that veterans quarterbacks have seen everything, that you can’t confuse them. I disagree. I think you can confuse any quarterback if you show them enough fronts, coverages and pressure packages. Even smart quarterbacks like Matt Ryan could get confused. That is why I think the Patriots should take a similar defensive approach in this game to the one they took against the…

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The The 49ers Have Nothing to Lose By Hiring John Lynch

January 30, 2017

By John Sarianides  The San Francisco 49ers surprised the football world on Sunday night when they hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos strong safety John Lynch as general manager. Unlike other former players who have made the jump to the front office, Lynch has no coaching, scouting or front office experience. Lynch’s only experience in the NFL is as a player. His hiring is truly an outside the…

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3-Step Slant: Three Things Tom Brady and Matt Ryan Must Do in Order for Their teams to Win

January 30, 2017

By John Sarianides Matt Ryan and Tom Brady have played at a high level all season long but that doesn’t mean they are not prone to making mistakes. In order for their respective teams to win this game, the two quarterbacks must do the following things. Matt Ryan 1.Treat It Like Another Game: Matt Ryan needs to treat this like another game. He has to live up to his Matty Ice…

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Super Bowl LI: Breaking Down the Coaching Match-Up in Super Bowl LI

January 30, 2017

By John Sarianides Super Bowl 51 will be Bill Belichick’s 10th Super Bowl appearance. Falcons coach Dan Quinn is coaching in his third Super Bowl in the last four years. So. Which head coach and staff has the advantage? We think its the Patriots. Here’s why. Head Coaches: Bill Belichick vs. Dan Quinn: Belichick gets the edge here. He will be coaching in his tenth Super Bowl which is insane if…

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New Format, Same Pro Bowl

January 27, 2017

By John Sarianides I watched the Pro Bowl skills competition last night and while it was fun, I am still not interested in watching the Pro Bowl itself. I despise all-star games. They have lost their luster to me. When you are a kid, you think all-star games are the greatest thing you’ll ever watch. When you get older, you realize that it is just a bunch of rich athletes…

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NFL: Championship Weekend Dime Package

January 23, 2017

Championship Sunday featured two blowouts as the Falcons and Patriots punched their tickets to Super Bowl 51 in Houston.  Here are ten thoughts on Championship Weekend in the NFL. 1.The Atlanta Falcons are the real deal folks. We can stop talking about whether or not Matt Ryan can win a big game anymore. He can and he did it in convincing fashion. 2. The Falcons offense is getting all of…

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AFC Championship Game Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers (13-5) at New England Patriots (15-2)

January 22, 2017

By John Sarianides  The Patriots and Steelers are meeting for the third time in an AFC Championship game. The winner of this game will be playing in a record ninth Super Bowl two weeks from today.  The Lead: The Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. This is the third time the two teams are meeting in the AFC Championship game. The Patriots…

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NFC Championship Game Preview: Green Bay Packers (12-6) at Atlanta Falcons (12-5)

January 22, 2017

By John Sarianides The Green Bay Packers will look to extend their winning streak to nine games as they battle the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game.  The Lead: The Packers enter this NFC Championship game winners of eight straight. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing about as well as any quarterback has over an eight game stretch in league history. Rodgers has thrown 21 touchdown passes and 1…

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