Early Look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Atlanta Falcons

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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is hit by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) as he throws a pass in the second quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Edge Rushers

The Falcons have an interesting defense that used many different fronts last year. They drafted Takk McKinley in round one and already had Vic Beasley coming off the edge. Beasley had 15.5 sacks in 2016. No other Falcons player managed to get five last year, so McKinley will play early. Adrian Clayborn will play early downs. He can stuff the run, and provide secondary pass rush.

The Lions Offensive Tackle group has been capable of handling speed rushers. Beasley is always a dangerous opponent, but McKinley is just a rookie. If he tries to simply run past the Lions tackles he will be in for a long and frustrating day. If the Lions chip and double team Beasley the edge rush shouldn’t be a problem. Matthew Stafford should not see an overabundance of pressure in the Lions week three matchup.

Dec 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) runs the ball tackled by Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackles

Grady Jarrett moved to the nose in 2016 and crushed it in his second season. It looks like he will move over, as the team added some beef up front. Dontari Poe adds to an already solid defensive front. The Falcons were eighth in total defense last season, but only 16th in rushing defense.

They will be more stout than they were in 2016 this year. Ra’shede Hageman needs to be better than he has been to be part of the Falcon’s long term plans. He will be the third man in the rotation for the Falcons DT group.

The Lions interior line will struggle to get much push in the running game. Jackson and Poe will clog the middle of the field. The Lions left guard spot can not be the same as it was last year. If one of Graham Glasgow, Laken Tomlinson, or Joe Dahl doesn’t turn into a legitimate starting guard, moving the ball on the ground could be difficult in the Lions week three contest.

Jan 14, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) makes an interception against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff at Georgia Dome. Atlanta won 36-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Deion Jones has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL very quickly. His rookie season was a revelation. Jones notched 108 tackles, eleven passes defended, three interceptions, and forced a fumble as a rookie.

He scored two defensive touchdowns and challenged Vic Beasley for status as the most dangerous players on the Falcons defense. Jones is slowly adding weight because he had trouble getting off blocks in 2016. If he fixes his only problem as a player Jones could be the next Rey Lewis.

The rest of the Falcons linebacker corp is irrelevant. 2017 third round pick Duke Riley may turn into a solid player, but not three games in to his career. The Lions week three game plan should include a heavy dose of tight ends and running backs against the Falcons other linebackers.

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