Falcons must set tone ‘physically’ on Sunday vs. Steelers

With the Falcons set to kick off their season on Sunday as they host the Steelers, The Morning Shift was joined by Atlanta Falcons Radio Network color analyst Dave Archer, as they previewed the matchup and shared their thoughts on how the two teams will stack up. During the discussion, Beau Morgan shared with Archer that earlier in the show, he expressed some concerns about the impact the Steelers defense may have on the Falcons offense with TJ Watt leading the way.

“The problem that complicates things is Alex Highsmith is not some slouch on the other side either so they’re going to have two guys standing up on either edge that can get after you,” Archer said. The Falcons offensive line will have its hands full with the tandem of Watt and Highsmith along with several other playmakers that allowed Pittsburgh to finish 11th in total team sacks last season.

As Archer continued to share his thoughts on what the Falcons offense will be facing, he explained that he believes Atlanta will have to set the tone physically on Sunday.

“I think that if you can get them to have to defend the run where you can get after them in the physical part of it, where they’re not just lined up in a sprinter’s stance and coming off the ball,” Archer said would be key for the Falcons on Sunday.