New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons: 6 players to watch for

2 of 7

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch over Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Falcons Wide Receiver, Julio Jones

The Patriots pass defense has not been good this season. They have surrendered at least 300 yards passing in every game and rank last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. Now, they have to go up against one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Julio Jones.

Jones has not had his normal production yet this season. He has been limited by a hip injury, catching only 25 passes for 367 yards. He has not yet scored a touchdown, but that does not mean the Patriots should take him lightly.

Despite his struggles, it would not be a surprise to see the Patriots game plan to take Jones out of the game. The only receiver near this caliber that the Patriots have faced was Mike Evans, and they did very well against him; Evans finished the game with five receptions for 49 yards. Can they scheme to limit Jones as effectively?

It will be something to keep an eye on. If Stephon Gilmore is out, Malcolm Butler will have his hands full trying to slow down Jones by himself. Jones has not yet gotten going this season, but it is only a matter of time until things regress to the mean. The Patriots are hoping it is at least one more game before that begins.

Home/Patriots News