The Patriots host the Atlanta Falcons in a game that could be a litmus test for them when it comes to where they are and where they see themselves going.

Atlanta presents a difficult challenge, both offensively and defensively. They are one of the most talented teams in the NFL but are wildly inconsistent.

Here five ways the Patriots could attack them offensively and defensively.

Offense

Six and seven man protections: Atlanta blitzes 48.1 percent of the time. They bring pressure from all three levels. The Patriots will need to utilize more six and seven man protections in certain situations. Play-action is another way to potentially slowdown this Falcons pass rush but the Patriots will need to establish the ground game.

Attack the middle of the field in the passing game: The Patriots need to isolate the Falcons safeties and linebackers in the passing game. Work the middle of the field and take advantage of the matchups that will be there. Middle flood concepts, mesh, mesh rail, high lows, slants, skinny posts and post routes should all be there.

Diagram 1: Middle High Low Concept

Spread them out to run: With Rhamondre Stevenson out today, the running may not be as effective. One way to make the running more effective is to run out of 11 and 12 personnel and get your nickel runs going. Trying to run at them out of 21 or even bigger sets may not yield much of a return.

Diagram 2: Weakside Duo

Emphasize perimeter screens: Perimeter screens are an extension of the run game and look for the Patriots to run more of them today than they have all season up until this point. Getting the ball in space today will be a big key for the Patriots offensively.

Diagram 3: Now screeen off of an inside trap

Jet sweeps: Demario Douglas has been the primary jet sweeper for the Patriots so expect him to get more touches today on Jet and fly sweeps. It is all hands on deck in the run game so expect Douglas to play a bigger role this week.

Diagram 4: Jet Sweep

Defense

Eight man boxes: Containing Bijan Robinson is job number one. The Patriots will rotate their safeties a lot in this game and screw the strong safety down in “Sky” force calls. I expect a lot of eight man fronts on early downs and some quarters and nine man boxes as well.

Play a lot of big nickel: The Patriots could end up in some three safety looks in this game as they play the match up game with Atlanta’s lengthy skill group. Matching up with Drake London and Kyle Pitts will be a big key in this game today.

T-E heavy pressure plan: I would not necessarily blitz my off ball linebackers as much this week but I would do a lot of T-E and defensive line stunts in an effort to disrupt Michael Penix and throw him off his spot. Atlanta’s offensive line is good vertically but they do not play as well laterally. Move a bunch up front and put pressure on them.

Blend coverages and disguise: Blending coverages and disguising will be a big part of the plan this week. The Patriots have to give Penix different looks in the secondary, pre and post snap. It is not something they do a lot of but I think it should be a big part of the plan this week.

30 fronts: 30 fronts are also not a big part of what the Patriots do but they should play Khyiris Tonga at nose and Christian Barmore and Milton Williams at end more. Getting into 30 fronts, especially on obvious run downs could be an additional way for the Patriots to stop the run.