NFL Czar: Are the 49ers for real? Showdown versus Falcons will tell
Five weeks into the 2009 NFL season and several teams have established themselves as contenders. One of those teams is the Atlanta Falcons. While they failed in beating the New England Patriots in week three, they have lived up to the expectations thus far. Trying to buck history, the Falcons who have never had two winning seasons in a row are attempting to make the playoffs for a second consecutive year. It's a situation to keep an eye on.
One team that no one really thought would compete is the San Francisco 49ers. They have come alive with new quarterback Shaun Hill, but the loss of running back Frank Gore has impacted the running game.
So, if you haven't guessed yet, my inaugural game of the week column will feature the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers.
Key Matchups to Watch:
1. Matt Ryan vs Shaun Hill: These two QBs have had very different paths to the starting jobs for their respective teams. Ryan was the Falcons number one draft pick and third overall player taken in 2008 draft class. Hill spent four-years on the bench in Minnesota before joining the 49ers. Both are winners, and it should be fun to watch them duke it out.
2. Frank Gore vs Michael Turner: This matchup only exists if Gore is able to play. When they are both on, there are few RBs that are better in the league (other than Adrian Peterson). Turner hasn't been great so far this year, but expect him to explode soon.
3. Michael Crabtree vs time: The deadline is looming for the 49ers to get their 2009 first round pick signed. It doesn't seem like much progress has been made. If they want him to play, they better get him signed soon.
The Rundown:
So, what should we expect from these two NFC contenders? I think we will see both teams come out and try to run the ball. But, with the power on each defense, it may be very hard to do this. In a battle between the QBs, I think Matt Ryan has the advantage. I am going to take the Falcons to win in a close one, 21-17.
There will be another big showdown on tap next week in the NFC. Until then...
One team that no one really thought would compete is the San Francisco 49ers. They have come alive with new quarterback Shaun Hill, but the loss of running back Frank Gore has impacted the running game.
So, if you haven't guessed yet, my inaugural game of the week column will feature the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers.
Key Matchups to Watch:
1. Matt Ryan vs Shaun Hill: These two QBs have had very different paths to the starting jobs for their respective teams. Ryan was the Falcons number one draft pick and third overall player taken in 2008 draft class. Hill spent four-years on the bench in Minnesota before joining the 49ers. Both are winners, and it should be fun to watch them duke it out.
2. Frank Gore vs Michael Turner: This matchup only exists if Gore is able to play. When they are both on, there are few RBs that are better in the league (other than Adrian Peterson). Turner hasn't been great so far this year, but expect him to explode soon.
3. Michael Crabtree vs time: The deadline is looming for the 49ers to get their 2009 first round pick signed. It doesn't seem like much progress has been made. If they want him to play, they better get him signed soon.
The Rundown:
So, what should we expect from these two NFC contenders? I think we will see both teams come out and try to run the ball. But, with the power on each defense, it may be very hard to do this. In a battle between the QBs, I think Matt Ryan has the advantage. I am going to take the Falcons to win in a close one, 21-17.
There will be another big showdown on tap next week in the NFC. Until then...
