Playoff matchup: Falcons’ pass offense vs. Seahawks’ pass defense
eattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman (25) talks with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 24-23. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
FLOWERY BRANCH — Here is a look at how the Falcons’ pass offense matches up against the Seahawks’ pass defense:
Falcons’ starters: Quarterback Matt Ryan (Pro Bowler). Wide receiver Roddy White and Julio Jones (Pro Bowler). Tight end Tony Gonzalez (Pro Bowler).
Falcons’ key reserves: Harry Douglas, Drew Davis and Michael Palmer. Luke McCown is the backup quarterback.
Seahawks’ starters: Left cornerback Richard Sherman, right cornerback Brandon Browner, free safety Earl Thomas (Pro Bowler) and strong safety Kam Chancellor.
Seahawks’ reserves: Safeties Jeron Johnson, Chris Maragos and Winston Guy. Cornerbacks Marcus Trufant, Byron Maxwell, Jeremy Lane and DeShawn Shead.
Matchup to watch: Jones and White vs. Browner and Sherman.
After season-ending injuries to Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond last season, the Seahawks had no other choice but to turn to fifth-round pick Richard Sherman.
They have been pleased with the results as the second-year cornerback from Stanford has ascended to star status and is generally considered one of the top cover corners in the league.
Over 26 regular-season starts, he has 12 interceptions and 51 passes defensed. He’ll take White or Jones, whomever shows up on his side of the field.
Browner is a massive at 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds. The Falcons enjoyed some success against him in last season’s 30-28 win on Oct. 2, 2011. He had trouble with White and Jones as he had to honor their speed.
White and Jones were targeted 28 times and caught 17 passes for 205 yards in the last meeting.
“They’re both very physical,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “They’ve got very good size.”
Sherman and Browner will get some help from Seattle’s fine safeties, Chancellor and Thomas.
Normally, White would be fired up about a marquee matchup, but he’s focused on the big prize.
“As long as I continue to help my team, get out there put up good numbers and stuff like that, at the end of the day, you want to put up good numbers, but you do want to win the Super Bowl,” White said. “That’s the ultimate goal and if I can do that, it will be well worth it.”
Advantage: Falcons
LATEST NEWS
View from Seattle: Seahawks busting myths?
Seattle pass rusher Clemons out for playoffs
Falcons determined to have playoff breakthrough
Atlanta Falcons: Q&A with head coach Mike Smith
John Abraham set to return to practice on Wednesday
Playoff buzz: Falcons are 2 1/2 point favorites
Playoff matchup: Falcons’ special teams vs. Seahawks’ special teams
OTHER RECENT STORIES
Dirk Koetter to stay with the Falcons
Smith to ramp up bye-week practices
Smith expects Abraham, Robinson to be ready for playoff game
Falcons’ run defense to be tested in divisional playoff game
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
99 comments Add your comment
206
January 9th, 2013
1:43 am
just watched a replay of the Seahawks-Redskins game on the NFL Network, and it looks even better the second time around! And I’mm feeling even better about defeating the Falcons come Sunday. Bring on the Niners! Go Hawks1
SeahawksinAtlanta
January 9th, 2013
1:44 am
I predict a team with a bird mascot wins this game
NorthFlaFalcon
January 9th, 2013
9:26 am
This one feels different. We are looser, more confident, more flexible, making adjustments. I like us at home, with the bye, with new coords. It is gonna be a tough fight, we will EARN a shot at the NFC championship but it will happen. GO FALCONS
atlppal
January 9th, 2013
10:18 am
FALCANT FANS…. In your heart of hearts, YOU KNOW your team cannot win!! Your history proves it over the last 3 years. You clowns were all excited two years ago with the same 13-3 record when Green Bay came in and sent you home by half-time. Mike Smith is NOT a BIG GAME COACH, Mattie LICE gets itchy when a rush hits him and is prone to do stupid things, Turner is finished, Roddy talks tooooo much and cannot back it up in big games, Julio is sure to drop the big one, no running game, Defense is just okay but corners are suspect….. Seahawks have running game, mobile qb, good receivers and a defense tailored to send the FALCANTS PACKING,,,, AGAIN!! RISE UP??????? FALL DOWN… AGAIN!!! Seatte 38- Falcants-10.
ItsMe
January 9th, 2013
11:41 am
206
January 8th, 2013
7:00 pm
Watch NFL network tonight for replay of Seahawks Redskins game for a reminder about what the Falcons will face….be arfraid….be verrrryyyy afraid!
Really? Be afraid?! Of what? Your boys were still down 14-13 with less than 8 minutes in the fourth quarter on the clock. You better be affraid…Seahawks won’t be playing a team with a one leg QB. (not making fun of RG) He was beating the Seaturds untill the hit he took on his last TD throw, after that you could tell he wasn’t the same.
Jimmy Crack
January 9th, 2013
11:47 am
I like Roddy being serious about this, and Julio is all business all the time.
I think our guys will teach these chirping Seasquawks a lesson in humility.
I usually just read but...
January 9th, 2013
11:48 am
Seahawk fans. LMFAO! Bless their little hearts. Their best pass rusher is out and they think their “oversized” (meaning a little slow) DB’s will be able to run with Roddy and Julio down to the end zone. Their safties will have to play back for support and that will open the door fot TG and the running game. Not to mention a gimpy kicker.
Now, a personal message to Pete, who calls himself “Carrol” at his favotite bar in California:
you ina heep o trouble, boy!
warfalcon
January 9th, 2013
12:07 pm
ONE GAME AT A TIME,NO MORE BAD GAMES,LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
j
January 9th, 2013
12:11 pm
@ Little Dik 206 -
RGIII almost beat you on 1 leg. Seattle will be exposed come Sunday. Russel Wilson is gonna get smashed!
ATL/UGA #1 fan
January 9th, 2013
12:15 pm
Roddy! Well Said! I am proud you see the big picture! RW, JJ, #88, Douglas, Quizz, we have recievers everywhere, we will prevail! Go Falcons! Rise Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ATL/UGA #1 fan
January 9th, 2013
12:20 pm
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE! RISE UP! GO FALCONS!!!!!!
DENT, NICHOLAS, SPOON…..D LINE, BEERMAN, BABS, ALLLLL OF YA! WE KNOW YOU WILL LEAVE NOTHING ON THE FIELD! ONE GAME AT A TIME, WATCH THE RUN RIGHT AND THROW BACK TO THE BACK FOR SHORT IN THE MIDDLE! GO FALCONS!
amused in seattle
January 9th, 2013
12:44 pm
The matchup between White and Jones vs Browner and Sherman is going to be a classic. The Seahawk corners are very good, but this is I think far and away the toughest assignment for them so far this season. You put these two guys together with Tony G. and I believe the Falcons have the best receiving group in the league. What the Falcons don’t have, is a running game or a defense that is real stout against the run, so if this game comes down to one teams ability to control the clock, either way, advantage to the Seahawks. This will be a problem for the Falcons even if they do somehow manage to win their first playoff game in, well, a very long time. A one dimensional team, and thats why no SB for you.
okeetee
January 9th, 2013
12:51 pm
You know what I see? I see a TON of “5 yard penalty…..automatic 1st down” calls on the aggressive punk seahawk secondary! Playing in OUR house with OUR crowd…..I suspect we will get the benefit of the doubt on more than a few calls! It’s called “home field” advantage! You work all year to get it……and we GOT it!
Answer This
January 9th, 2013
1:03 pm
@Jake W
Dude where you get your info? We lost three games in Conference…..none of them had top ranked defense….that arguement blows! CHUNKS!!!!! We lost those three because they were conference…ask Denver and The Giants and them other top ranked defenses how that worked out?
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
1:50 pm
The way I see it all this BS sounds to me like there’s a lot 14D botox rim mouths out there i.e., WTF, 206, Jakew, Okeetee!, 411 monk, SeahawkinAtlanta & atlppal — i think i got all of you, if not just add your names to future blog list. I want all you “Fudge Packers” to promise you’ll be here this Sunday afternoon “Win or Lose”???????????? The medcine will be divided out accordingly, “I promise”! Now “Bring it”!
Go Falcons — Seahawks next
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
okeetee
January 9th, 2013
1:51 pm
So now it’s official: Sea Hawks are without there kicker……had to sign one who hasn’t kicked in 8 months! Crowd noise, nerves, only a week to practice…..I see a distinct advantage for the Falcons…..that is, if we can hold them to attempted field goals! No top notch pass rusher, he’s out, too! If the Falcons don’t win this game, we have absolutely NO ONE to blame but ourselves!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
1:52 pm
Go Falcons — Seahawks next
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
NEXT
okeetee
January 9th, 2013
1:54 pm
“Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17″
….sounds good to me! No turnovers, no stupid penalties, no dropped passes……no missed chip shots. It all adds up!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
1:55 pm
“Fudge Packers” from Seattle — that’s funnybut very true!!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
1:56 pm
@1:54 are you okeetee! ? or?
atlppal
January 9th, 2013
2:17 pm
True FalCANT FAN…. You will be one of the first ones to leave on Sunday!! You are obviously speaking on emotion and not logic!! Do you have any football knowledge at al???? I’ll be here on Sunday to confirm YOUR ONE AND DONE–NESS!!!
atlppal
January 9th, 2013
2:33 pm
Consider this…. FALCANTS lost to all three NFC south teams. Also, they barely escaped with wins over Carolina, Oakland, Arizona, Dallas, and Tampa. The victory of Denver happened very early in the season and P. Manning was not P. Manning!!
Further, they have NOT PLAYED the likes of San Fran or Green Bay!!!!! Although they beat the Giants…. everyone WHO KNOWS football knows the up and down Giants cannot be trusted. FALCANT FANS…LISTEN UP!!! YOU LOSE….AGAIN!!! You cannot win IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!
I hear all the talk about the road to the Super Bowl going through the Ga. Dome…. BUT….. It happens to be ON A DEAD IN STREET!!!! Talk back at you SUNDAY…. DEAD BIRDS!!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
2:41 pm
@2:17 Yo “Fudge Packer” — I’ll be here for sure — my bet is your 14D botox rimmed mouth will not, esspecially if your team looses. You are known as a “speer chucker”
Go for it “Lil Sparky”
All Falcons Nation will be here to here why your crying ashes didn’t win the game… Respect is something you earn “Lil Sparky” — Your team, they are good, BUT not good enough! Maybe another time and place “Lil Sparky”
Go Falcons — Seahawks next
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
NEXT!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
2:47 pm
As my esteamed blog associate “Esq” Esquire – sings out
5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS, MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS !!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
Go Falcons — Seahawks next
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
James
January 9th, 2013
4:11 pm
This is a great matchup for the Falcons to exploit, and it’s going to be a long day for Seattle unless their secondary plays physically like they did against the Redskins. Some of my DISH coworkers are Falcons fans and think that they have more star power than what Seattle can muster, but the game is going to be close. I can’t wait for this game to kickoff and I’ve already set a timer for it through my DISH Hopper GameFinder app. I want to record all of this season’s playoff games and I’ve been able to find and set recordings for them with one push of a button.
206
January 9th, 2013
5:14 pm
ItsMe…..Yes you should be afraid because it doesn’t matter how many points you score are ahead by…we will always come back and impose our will on you.. We came back against the Bears(in Chicago) the Patriots were up 13 with 9 minutes left and we still won… and you know about last Sunday. The Seahawks will win and play the Niners for the NFC championship. Your boys will choke like they have the last three years.. Ha ha Ha
206
January 9th, 2013
5:15 pm
The Falcons motto….one and done…well done The Buffalo Bills of the the NFC
atlppal
January 9th, 2013
5:25 pm
206, I hear you!! You have cut to the chase and expressed what I have previously posted. You are on it!! You cannot will a win if you’re not good enough!! ONE AND DONE FALCANT FANS!!! YOUER MANTRA….. One an Done!! You say rise up? Seattle say”ONE AND DONE!!”
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
6:11 pm
Win or Loose — Smack talkers — guy’s are “Fudge Packer” puppies, still on the tit!
Go Falcons — Seahawks next
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
NEXT!!!!
RPC43
January 9th, 2013
7:15 pm
Will be a great game for sure! No passing game in the NFL like the Falcons. As a Seahawk fan, I’m more scared of Tony G than I am of Roddy & Julio. Gonzalez is a Seahawk killer, always has been. Falcons definitely have an edge, and are rested. The biggest knock against the Hawks is they have to travel nearly 8,000 miles in one week. Regardless, it will be a close game, Seahawks worse loss this year was by 7 points, and all their losses came down to the final minute.
okeetee
January 9th, 2013
7:16 pm
” We came back against the Bears(in Chicago) the Patriots were up 13 with 9 minutes left and we still won”
….you came back on the WORSE, pathetic secondary in the league at the time! The Patriots had to sign a parolee from the drug rehabilitation center to shore up that defense! That was a nice win, but to compare our secondary to the Patriots is “ludicrous!” I’m glad you did because I despise the Patriots, but no way your going to march down the field and beat our secondary deep like you did against the Patriots!
206
January 9th, 2013
7:19 pm
True Falcon Fan…..thou bent over, for arse will be screwed after Sunday! Go Seahawks
Seahawks 45- Falcons 24 On to the NFC Championship!!!!
atlppal
January 9th, 2013
8:02 pm
Most overrated team in the NFL…. Atlanta Falcants!! NO RESPECT from those who know football. Seattle wins easily.
LYNCH MOB
January 9th, 2013
8:06 pm
Falcons cant run the ball so i wonder if the stat gurus out there have the # of passes attemted per game? When i was coaching Jr. football I had a kid (another coaches son) with no skills, we hid him at wideout, never caught a ball till 1 day we were throwing one of the 2 passes a game to him, and the ball stuck in his face mask for a catch!!!!! The moral of the story, throw it enough you get stats…
206
January 9th, 2013
9:04 pm
Just photo shop Ryan’s face on Brady’s…that’s about what’s going to happen on Sunday….I have $500.00 on it
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
9:06 pm
@atlppal,WTF, 206, Jakew, Okeetee, 411 monk, SeahawkinAtlanta, buster_hyman, SeahawksNation, LYNCH MOB —- all you puppies please be here Win or Loose on Sunday evening to give or receive your medicine —- cause this will be fun to hear for sure!
One “BIG” ashes “WOPPIN” is comin “HELLO”!!!
Go Falcons — Seahawks next
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
NEXT!!!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
9:08 pm
YOU GOT THE MESSAGE PUPPIES STAY ON THE TIT!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
9:09 pm
atlppal
January 9th, 2013
9:15 pm
@True Falcant Fan… Do you have any football knowledge at all??? I haven’t read anything that would suggest you do! Probably a beer-drinkin’ loud mouth truck driving clown talkin’ lound and saying ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! lol
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
9:38 pm
@9:15 One thing is for sure “Fudge Packer” — YOU GOT THE MESSAGE!
Falcons win this game “FOR SURE”!
Now take your smack talkin puppy ashes and go away! Come back Sunday evenin’ — “I’ll give you your medicine “Lil” sparky/puppy……
Falcons 31 — Seahawks 17
Oh by the way bet the over — you’ll get your money $$$ back that way, “FUDGE PACKER”!!!
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
9:51 pm
Yo @9:15 where are you —- bring it
True Falcon Fan
January 9th, 2013
9:54 pm
@9:06 —- The best bet is $500.00 on the over “HELLO” — at least that will cut the sting a little…:)
Allred,J
January 9th, 2013
10:16 pm
Sea chickens too far from home.. 1:00 P.M is to early. RISE UP!!!
Allred,J
January 9th, 2013
10:20 pm
I Need A BIER-MAN!!
VEG
January 10th, 2013
2:10 am
Falcon Fans FYI. The Hawks were trying to tackle the ball and rip it out!! in the 1st qt.aginst the Skins. Then they went back to smash mouth football the rest of the game. IMO they would not have made it past thier 40 yd line as a result of that. It dosen’t take us 3 years to figure things out!!! SEAHAWKS IMPOSED THIER WILL ON THE SKINS. FALCONS ARE NEXT!!!! Just saying……….
KingDel
January 10th, 2013
9:35 am
GO SEAHAWKS!!!!
KingDel
January 10th, 2013
9:44 am
I cant believe falcons fans think that they are going to win. your defense cant stop the run so Lynch is going to be all up in that ass of ur defense. toughest part of your defense is ten yards away from the line, ur safties. with a quarterback like Russell Wilson we can just run it. we have three of our five O-line going to the pro bowl, im sure they can handle the falcons. after falcons defense gets a beating from lynch and fatiguing them with wilson. they will exaust falcons defense. did we all see the redskins game. lol As for the offense, hmm… Falcons have yet to face a defense like the Seahawks. Denver was close but they are a different team now than they were in week 2. But even then we are faster and younger and we play HARD!!!!! GO SEAHAWKS!!!
12thman Bizzitch
January 10th, 2013
10:29 am
Falcons cant run, they will be made one sided,the corners will cover,linebackers will press, Matts not mobile, he will get sacked a couple times, Seahawks offense much improved, Falcons defense cant stop the run, sounds like a one sided game. Go Hawks
WalterJones the Beast
January 11th, 2013
12:32 pm
Just for you Falcon fans whom think Seattle has overrated DB’s(lmao), and, aren’t very good. Seattle is a league best 6-1 in quality wins. Has the #1 scoring defense in the NFL. That defense hasn’t given up more than 17 points in any game for the past 6 weeks. They are #4 in total defense, including #6 against the pass. Russell Wilson is the highest rated passer since week 6, Lynch is the #3 RB in the league this season. And, this team is battle tested. You want to knock the Hawks for RG3 being hurt, and us scoring the victory? Do I need to even bring up your marshmallow of schedule? You play who is in front of you, and hopefully win. You all think Seattle should worry about Jones and White(great players, by the way), you should worry how your team will stop Lynch and Wilson. How has Atlanta faired against the zone read this year? Not so good huh? It’s hard to pass on a team if they use the ground to control the ball and clock. Should be a great game.
Go Hawks
Seattle 27
Atlanta 17