Super Bowl LI: Meet the Atlanta Falcons' offence
Wednesday 24 January 2018 18:23, UK
In one of the most potent attacks since St Louis Rams demonstrated the 'Greatest Show on Turf' in 1999, the Atlanta Falcons look a formidable force.
The key to their success has been their strength in depth. When one player is injured, or having an off day, there are a raft of others ready to step up.
During the run up to Championship Sunday, many players talked of the 'brotherhood' - a want to play for each other, as a team.
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who looks likely to leave for San Francisco at the end of the season, has assembled a team of 'role-players'; those who understand their position as part of the bigger picture.
Sky Sports takes a look at each role, which has allowed the Falcons to flourish.
Matt Ryan, Quarterback
It all starts with the man under centre. 'Matty Ice' has performed to an MVP level, leading the league in all scoring categories.
His passing yards per attempt (9.73) is the best in the league, and his quarterback rating (83.3) ranks sixth in NFL history. Ryan has proved, with two definitive play-off victories this year, that he can lead a team to victory.
He now needs one more win to take his name from good-career QB, to potential hall of famer.
Julio Jones, Wide Receiver
Despite a toe injury, which has hampered him throughout the tail-end of the season, Jones was the difference on Championship Sunday. He scored two touchdowns, from 180 yards against the Green Bay Packers, and showed just how difficult he can be to cover.
Jones' 6ft3in frame makes him a big target, but he also has the strength to break tackles, as well as the speed and agility to change gear and get away from defenders.
While still in college, Malcolm Butler tweeted that he wanted the chance to cover Jones. Now with the Patriots, Butler will get his chance, on the biggest stage of all.
Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver
Some pundits raised their eyebrows when head coach Dan Quinn signed Sanu to a five-year, $32.5m deal in the off season.
However, after four TDs in the regular season, Sanu has scored in both play-off games, and has established himself as a rightful No 2 receiver in Shanahan's offence.
Although he takes the game as seriously as anyone, it would appear Sanu is one of the cogs that brings Atlanta's 'brotherhood' together. He unites the team through humour, but always brings it back to the matter in hand. Expect him to be laser focused on Sunday night.
Taylor Gabriel, Wide Receiver
Unwanted in Cleveland, Gabriel was picked up by the Falcons, and is the embodiment of the Falcons' brotherhood culture.
He understands his role in the system, and is able to find space downfield, while opposition defenders are more concerned with covering Jones.
Gabriel totalled six touchdowns to end the season, and gives Ryan a legitimate deep-ball threat. New England's secondary is one of it's strengths, but Gabriel could be key to breaking them down.
Tevin Coleman, Running Back
Atlanta employ two pass-catching running backs, which allow them to throw a range of formations at their opposition.
Coleman scored 11 regular season touchdowns, adding two more in the play-offs, despite missing three games with a hamstring injury.
After a rookie season which included some issues keeping hold of the ball, Coleman has enjoyed a breakout year and, for a player that never even experienced a college Bowl game, hopes to cap it all off with a win at the biggest Bowl of them all.
Devonta Freeman
While Coleman is tall and incredibly quick, third year RB Freeman is 5ft8in and a powerful force, shrugging off tackles and battling his way through defences.
Even though he is splitting carries this year, Freeman only scored one touchdown less than in 2015, and also found the end zone twice in the post-season.
Crucial to their Super Bowl run, Freeman has just one year left on his contract and the Falcons will be keen to keep this offence locked up for years to come.
Tight end team
Shanahan is a big proponent of using the tight end in his offensive plays. Good news then that he has a number of options at the position.
Austin Hooper, Levine Toilolo, Jacob Tamme and D.J. Tialavea have all scored for the Falcons this year. Shanahan employs TE's to catch passes and run the ball, not just as blockers, which further multiplies Ryan's options from the snap.
Fullback Patrick DiMarco also fits into that category, as well as acting as a mentor for some of the younger players, including Coleman and Freeman.
With a raft of role-playing talent on hand for Atlanta, trying to cover every possibility will be one of the most difficult jobs of Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's career.
The offensive line - Atlanta's unsung hero
While Ryan, Jones and the running backs have been steeped in praise, the offensive line, which has protected Ryan so well all season, deserves a chunk of that credit.
The line has created holes for Atlanta's running game, while giving QB Ryan time in the pocket to find Gabriel or Jones deep down the field.
Up against a very good Patriots defensive line, it will once again be on the Falcons front seven to provide opportunities. If they can do that one last time this season, they have a great opportunity to deliver Atlanta's first Vince Lombardi trophy.
Sky Sports is your home of the Super Bowl. Follow all the build up, action and reaction live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports Mix, from 10pm on Sunday February 5.
