Denver Broncos

Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos: To-Do Checklist For Week 5

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons were not supposed to be this good, this season. Yet, they are this good. Here is the checklist for beating the Denver Broncos.

A team that has been known for offensive fireworks over the years has put on a show the first four weeks of the season. Victories over the Raiders, Saints, and the Panthers has produced an insane amount of yards, points, and impressive performances. Ranked first in the NFL in total offense, scoring offense, and passing offense, while ranking sixth in rushing, the Falcons have built an offensive unit that is truly dangerous.

At 3-1, the Atlanta Falcons now stare at the Rocky Mountain of opponents. A road test against the Denver Broncos awaits the Falcons.. The defending Super Bowl champions are now 4-0 and equipped with an attacking defense and an offense that holds everything steady.

Even with the wins that Atlanta has totaled so far this season, this is one of the biggest tests for this franchise in quite some time. In order for the Falcons to walk out of Denver victorious, here is their checklist with tasks that lead to the Falcons being 4-1.

Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) at FirstEnergy Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4. Elevate The Role Players

When discussing the Denver Broncos, the first thing that comes to mind is their elite defense. The Broncos are 4th in the NFL in total defense, allowing 283.2 yards per game, and fifth in scoring defense, allowing an average of just 16 points per game.

It’s no secret that their defense will focus on neutralizing Falcons All-Pro receiver Julio Jones as well as slow down running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.

Which is why this game can be won by the Falcons giving wide receivers Mohamed Sanu, Aldrick Robinson, Justin Hardy, and Taylor Gabriel a little more attention in the passing offense. Quarterback Matt Ryan has connected with at least eight receivers in each of the four games this season and the play calling by Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has been impressively balanced.

Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on the sidelines against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With a ton of weapons, the ball has been distributed in ways that can make a defense uncomfortable. The starting corners for Denver, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., make for one of the best duos in the league. Their focus will be on “shutting down” Jones which will make things a little easier to connect with other targets for the versatile Falcons passing game. Expect to see a great deal of multiple receiver sets to find the right matchup in the pass game. Getting the receivers mentioned early targets instead of zeroing in on Jones and Freeman will place pressure on the Denver defense. This may actually be a game where the role players on offense may have a significant amount of targets.

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Win On Third Down…On Offense and Defense

One “kink” in the armor for the Broncos defense (and I use the word kink lightly) is the defense ranking 23rd in opponent third down conversions and their defense allows an average of 44% on the important offensive down.

An offense on the sideline has little value. So the Falcons offense will have to win on third downs to sustain drives. In order to do that, Ryan will have to manage the previous two downs and avoid facing third-and-long situations. The Falcons were an excellent 8-of-13 on third downs against Carolina and registered five drives of at least eight plays or more and also tallied five successful scoring drives of 71 yards or more. The Falcons will need those type of drives against the stout Denver defense.

The Broncos offense is ranked 15th in third down conversions with 41% of the third downs resulting in a first down. Their excellent duo at wide receiver, Demaryius Thomas & Emmanuel Sanders, both have received at least 55% of their targets on third down this season and both have a touchdown reception on third down. Out of nine receptions caught on third down between the two, eight have resulted in a first down. The likes of Falcons corners Desmond Trufant & Robert Alford will be tasked with putting a stop to that and getting the defense off the field.

Playing in Denver, visiting defenses have to deal with the Broncos as well as the altitude with Denver being 5,280 above sea level. Many times, that circumstance plays heavily in the Broncos favor and a key factor to staying fresh and energized is to get off the field on third downs and reduce lengthy drives that will tire the defense more than usual.

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Practice Patience

The Falcons picking apart the Panthers defense this past Sunday was impressive. However, as stated earlier, this Broncos defense is loaded and talented enough to derail the Falcons offense. Don’t be surprised if this turns out to be a slugfest and the offensive fireworks for the Falcons are not exactly lighting up the afternoon sky.

If that does happen, patience is key. The pass rush for Denver led by outside linebacker Von Miller, leads the league in sacks with 17 and will give the Falcons some trouble.

The secondary for Denver is miles ahead of the secondaries in Tampa Bay, Oakland, New Orleans, and Carolina. So the huge passing plays may not be there for the Falcons this go around.

Which is why patience is key. Ryan and the offense must take what Denver gives them. Regardless if it’s dump-offs in the backfield, shallow crossing routes, or even three or four yards per carry in the run game. Whatever Denver’s defense allows, the offense should be fine with accepting it. The Falcons offense is incredibly deep and being patient will eventually lead to big play opportunities which Ryan, Jones and the offense will be looking for. When those big plays present itself, the Falcons offense should pounce. Atlanta should make this a four quarter game and take advantage if an opportunity presents itself.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The crowd reacts after Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1. Win The Turnover Battle

It’s no coincidence that the closest the Broncos came to defeat this season was in week one against Carolina where they lost the turnover battle. Their offense committed three turnovers while the defense only accumulated one. It was the only game this season where the Broncos lost the turnover battle and the only contest in which Denver did not win by double-digits.

It’s also no coincidence that both Denver and Atlanta are tied for sixth in the NFL in turnover margin at +3.

While the Falcons defense haven’t been great in many aspects this season, they are capable getting turnovers at times. Turnovers for the defense means added possessions for the offense and more opportunities for Matt Ryan and company presents chances to put points on the scoreboard.