Falcons: The madness behind my Lions game Win prediction

[The Falcon Jedi]

One game per year I make a bold prediction for a Win. And i usually choose a game that seems improbable, where we are underdogs.

THis year I chose the Lions game. And this one was actually pretty easy. The following factors equated into my formula:

1. Detroit is way too aggressive on Defense, esp. up front. Their front 4 is a penetrating type D-Line, but they are not built to take any kind of pounding for more than 3 quarters. They tend to get frustrated when they get wore down with Runs, and they make 4th Quarter mistakes in gap control. Turner's 50 yard run was a good example.

2. Detroits offense is really nothing more than Stafford playing pitch and catch to CJ. You hit Stafford a lot, you eliminate CJ. Dont even really have to cover CJ as long as you can keep Stafford throwing off his back foot. We did that. Abraham and Edwards are far suoerior to the Lion OTs. BVG knew exactly we had to bring the kitchen sink early and often to get Stafford rattled off his rhythm.

3. Schwartz was in Panic mode. Losing to the 49ers at home last week shook him up (proof in the end game handshake). Schwartz also does not convey discipline to his young team. His team is very un-disciplined, and they appeared incapable of recovering properly from last weeks loss to the 9ers. If there is a team that reflects the personality of their HC it is the Lions. That little stunt they pulled pre-game blocking our entry onto the field pretty much says it all.

4. We needed this Win, and unlike the Lions who also needed the Win, we've been here and done that before. The Falcons are much more disciplined and experienced in these situations. The Lions look like a school yard bully who didnt know how to react to getting his nose bloodied. We took advantage of their inexperience to handle adversity. There is no strong leadership core on that team. The Falcons have strong leaders. The difference was evident.

5. The game was in a Dome. Thats where Ryan and our Offense operate best in.

and finally....

6. Because I Willed it.