Atlanta Falcons

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 79 Offense: 85 Defense: 77 Offensive Scheme: Power Run Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4 Strengths: WR, QB, RG, CB Weaknesses: MLB, FS, HB, C 2014 Team Rankings 3rd NFC South (6-10-0) Passing Offense: 5th Rushing Offense: 24th Passing Defense: 32nd Rushing Defense: 21st 2014 team leaders Passing: Matt Ryan: 4,694 Rushing: Steven Jackson: 707 Receiving: Julio Jones: 1,593 Tackles: Paul Worrilow: 142 Sacks: Kroy Biermann: 4.5 Ints: Kemal Ishmael: 4 Key Additions LB Justin Durant LB Brooks Reed WR Leonard Hankerson Key Rookies LB Vic Beasley Jr. CB Jalen Collins HB Tevin Coleman Owner: Arthur Blank Legacy Score: 300 Coach: Dan Quinn Level: 1 Legacy Score: 0 Offensive Scheme: Power Run Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Matt Ryan threw twice as many TDs as INTs last season and completed over 66 percent of his passes. That will be a tough act to follow, but if anyone can continue on that pace, it’s Matty Ice.
• HB Steven Jackson vacates the role at HB, and now it is up to a few young players to carry the load. Let the battle begin between Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, and Antone Smith for the starting role. Coleman is probably the best overall player but still needs time to develop.
• Star WR Julio Jones is a playmaker and should be signed for the long term immediately. With the departure of WR Harry Douglas, there is room for someone to step up. Look to Levine Toilolo at TE, who is not only young, but one of the biggest players in the league. He must become more than a run blocker if the Falcons are going to win double-digit games.

Defensive Scouting Report

• The Falcons’ defensive line still has plenty of options depending on what fronts you want to use. Consider getting Vic Beasley Jr. and Ra’Shede Hageman snaps because your starters are solid but aging. Don’t forget about Kroy Biermann as an option to drop into coverage if your opponent is hitting you over the middle.
• Atlanta went for upgrades in the LB corps and has a solid group with Justin Durant and Brooks Reed. Put them alongside MLB Paul Worrilow and he can develop into a solid zone defender.
• The secondary finally has a young piece to build around in CB Desmond Trufant. Consider signing a veteran for the short term while you develop someone to play opposite of him. At the safety position, don’t let Overall ratings fool you; test each player and start whoever plays best. William Moore has the hit power to play up in the run game.

Schedule

Key Players

• Ryan is a master at executing shot plays — take a look for some new ones in your playbook and unleash the deep ball.
• Ryan has the outstanding playmaker Julio Jones on the outside and should target him in one-on-one situations all game long.

• Trufant has a crazy 97 Agility rating and is one of the best man defenders in the game.
• Having a 6’0” frame is never a bad thing when you have to face WRs in your division like Kelvin Benjamin and Mike Evans.

• The combination of strength and speed on Beasley is amazing. Expect big things from this rookie.
• Beasley won’t get blown up in the run game, but until you improve his block shedding, he won’t be in the backfield often.

• Coleman also has the best carry rating on the
• team, use him to close out close games in the 4th quarter.
• Coleman’s speed is undeniable, but until you get his agility up, Antone Smith may be the better play.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Pistol Ace — 0 1 Trap

Setup:

• Your opponent should be weary of bringing a safety into the box with your playmakers spread to the outside.
• Work on your acceleration and impact blocking at guard to make this solid run even more consistent.
• This run is won before the ball is snapped; if you aren’t feeling it, audible to something different.

Advanced Setup:

• None

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Bunch Offset — Y Trail

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage wait for the middle to clear out and try a touch pass over the LBs.
• Against man-to-man coverage look to the drag or trail route.
• Against the blitz, keep the HB in to block and go deep on the outside left if you have a matchup advantage.

Advanced Setup:

• Use the Strong Solo package.
• Flat or wheel the HB.

Passing Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 4-3 Stack — Free Fire 3

Setup:

• Spreading your defensive line and crashing them down is a more aggressive approach that can lead to tackles for loss.
• If you suspect a quick pass over the middle at the line, quickly use the global commands to change your blitzing LBs to zone coverage.

Player to Control:

• Deep zone in the middle of the field

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel Wide 9 — Odd Overload 3

Setup:

• Flip this play depending on where the offense lines up their HB and TE as blockers.
• If you expect your opponent is going to take a shot downfield, try the Cover 4 version of this play.
• Calling press coverage will let your slot blitzer get to the QB faster.

Player to Control:

• DE dropping into zone coverage

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ