Early Look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Atlanta Falcons

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Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs for a long touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Runningbacks

Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are among the best one-two punches in the NFL. Freeman is coming off his second straight season with 1500 yards from scrimmage. He has also found the end zone 13 or more times in both years. Freeman has made 127 catches in the last two years while gaining 4.33 yards per attempt on the ground. He is one of the NFL’s elite three-down running backs.

Unfortunately, when the Falcons give Freeman a drive to catch his breath, they lose almost nothing. Tevin Coleman gained 941 yards from scrimmage and did just as much with his time on the field as Freeman in 2016. adding to Freeman’s 13 TDs, Coleman scored 11 times in 2016.

Coleman is more of a north-south runner than the shifty Freeman, but the end result for either player is a lot of yardage gained every time they touch the ball. The Lions will be in tough against the Falcons running backs. The Lions will not be able to sell out to stop the run; the Falcons pass catchers would have a field day.

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; View of the line of scrimmage during the first quarter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

The Falcons Offensive line is very good. Left Tackle Jake Matthews is a better pass blocker than run blocker. Right tackle Ryan Schraeder was rock solid all season in 2016. Left Guard Andy Levitre and Center Alex Mack can move defensive tackles and handle blitzing linebackers.

The only question mark is the right guard position, where 2016 sixth round pick and 2017 Wes Schweitzer and 2017 fourth round pick Sean Harlow will compete. The Falcons offensive line was very successful in 2016. The Atlanta offensive success starts up front.

The Falcons offense is hard to match up with because there are no real weak spots. The Lions week three game could end up a shootout.

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