Matt Goncalves
Goncalves had a rough game against the Steelers, being dominated by veteran Cam Heyward all game long, failing to open holes in the running game and getting pushed around in pass-blocking. This Colts’ offense need their offensive line to be working well to be competent (as all offensives do in the NFL, but it seems like the Colts even more), and Goncalves had been a big reason why it was so good. The Colts will need him to bounce back against a Falcons’ front that is good, but not as good as the Steelers.
Alec Pierce
AD Mitchell being traded to the Jets solidifies Pierce as the No. 2 receiver on the team. The Cincinnati graduate has improved his game every single season, and is a priority to re-sign at this point, as he is not only just a deep threat but has improved his route-running and run-blocking. The Falcons’ cornerbacks are their weak spot, with both Dee Alford and A.J. Terrell having rough seasons so far.
Grover Stewart / Adetomiwa Adebawore
The Falcons will be without their starting left guard Matthew Bergeron, and it looks like Kyle Hinton will start in his place. A 7th rounder, Hinton has just 123 pass blocking snaps in his entire career, and nothing spectacular to write about. Star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will be out for the game, which is massive for the Colts’ defense, so Grover and Ade Ade will need to be on Hinton all game long.
Jaylon Jones
With how little time he got to understand the scheme, I would not be surprised if Anarumo just has Sauce Gardner shadow Drake London all game long. That would leave Jaylon Jones with the assignment of covering Darnell Mooney. Mooney is having a bad season, but he is still and underrated receiver who could create problems for the Colts’ defense.
Zaire Franklin
The Falcons target either tight end Kyle Pitts or running back Bijan Robinson on 40% of their passes. No. 1 receiver Drake London has a 30% snap share, but Sauce Gardner will probably make that number lower. Penix and the Falcons will be inclined to target Zaire a lot in passing situations, as the Colts’ veteran linebacker has struggled against the pass basically his entire career.
James Pearce Jr, edge, Falcons
In several mocks I ran, trading back and getting Pearce Jr. in that 20-25 range was one of my favourite outcomes, as I really liked his traits and production coming off college, and though he could form a disruptive duo with Latu. In the end we got Warren, so I am definitely not complaining, but Pearce has turned out nicely for the Falcons as the 26th pick.
Divine Deablo, linebacker, Falcons
The Falcons’ pass-defense is legit, and it rests a lot on their linebackers’ ability to wipe out opposing tight ends and running backs from the gameplan. Deablo is perhaps the best coverage linebacker in the NFL right now, and I am guessing the Falcons will want him to be on Tyler Warren all game long. The Colts rely a lot on the rookie tight end, who after a very disappointing outing against a Steelers’ defense that was fresh off allowing a career game from Tucker Kraft, will look to bounce back against a tough opponent.
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