Patriots vs. Falcons Preview

Former BC alum Matt Ryan will square off

against Tom Brady in their first career match-up.

Atlanta Falcons (2-0) vs. New England Patriots (1-1)

Sunday 1:00 PM - FOX

Favorite: Patriots -4

Over/Under: 46 1/2

After a tough divisional loss last week to rival the New York Jets the Patriots will look to rebound this week against a hard-nosed NFC squad in the Atlantic Falcons. The Falcons are off to a impressive 2-0 start under second year man Matt Ryan and there is no question they are going to make us earn the win come Sunday.

Keys to the game:

5. Todd Light.....wait no I mean, Matt Light's match-up against John Abraham must not go under the radar. The winner of this match-up could very well be the difference in the game. Abraham is a savvy-vet whose adept at stripping the ball. During week one he abused 2008 first overall pick Jake Long for two sacks. Lights pass blocking has diminished over the last three seasons but we'll need him to manage Abraham in order to win.

4. Beware of Tony Gonzalez in the red zone. The future hall of famer is at it again. At 33 years old he's proving he can still play at a high level. Gonzalez has quickly developed chemistry with Ryan and has caught one touchdown in each game this season. Gonzo's best stuff usually appears near the goal line where he remains one of the best in the league at any "jump ball" situation. In the red zone look for Coach Belichick to hit Tony at the the line of scrimmage and shade a safety over the top.

3. Pressure Matt Ryan. Ryan is capable of more than managing the game. If the Patriots allow him to sit in the pocket untouched, he will pick them apart. Ryan is developing into a star, but still needs to prove he can win against upper-echelon teams who hit and pressure the quarterback well. If the Patriots can fluster "Matty Ice" the Pat's will be in good shape.

2. Establish the run game. The Falcons have a lot of change over on the defensive side of the ball. They'll look to replace veterans, Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, Lawyer Milloy and rookie 2009 first round pick, Peria Jerry (defensive tackle) who is on the I.R. With all this turn-over in personnel the run defense has suffered, giving up 120 yards per game. If the Pat's can get Maroney and Taylor going early Atlanta will have to stack the box allowing Brady to expose the one on one match-ups outside. If we win these match-ups, we'll win the game.

1. Don't let Michael Turner get going. Atlanta's offense is based around their ability to run the ball. Despite leading the league in carries last season with 377, Turner's usage has not been limited thus far. Through two games he's averaged 25 carries a game. Turner is a tough runner with great balance and a nose for the end zone. The Pat's will try to take him out of the game and make Ryan win his first career match-up against Tom Brady.

Extras:

- Atlanta's kicker Jason Elam is dealing with a hamstring. Its worth noting he missed two field goal attempts in the opener.

- Wes Welker returned to practice Thursday but appear limited.

- The Patriots traded a conditional seventh-round pick for Prescott Burgess (LB). He will contribute on special teams and add depth at linebacker.