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NFL Atlanta Falcons

Robert Alford Will Be X-Factor For Atlanta Falcons In Week 6

By @Paul_Jackiewicz

Robert Alford Falcons

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The Atlanta Falcons will have a tough task this Sunday when they take on the Chicago Bears and their high-powered passing offense led by quarterback Jay Cutler, who has thrown for 1,295 yards, 12 touchdowns, six interceptions and has a quarterback rating of 94.9 through five games so far this season. The one player who will be the x-factor and will need to step up for the Falcons is second-year cornerback Robert Alford.

Alford has had an up and down season so far. In Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints, he ended up playing great after being targeted three times by quarterback Drew Brees, and giving up one catch for three yards.

In Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Alford made a big mistake while gambling on a pass play where he was covering Muhammed Sanu that ended up turning into a 76-yard touchdown reception.

In Week 3 at home against the Tamp Bay Buccaneers, Alford didn’t do a bad job against Vincent Jackson, even though he gave up a touchdown on a play in which offensive pass interference could have been called. He also made some nice plays and knocked away a couple of passes that came his way.

Over the past two weeks, Alford struggled against the Minnesota Vikings in run support and was almost beat deep if it wasn’t for an overthrown pass by rookie Teddy Bridgewater. This past Sunday against the New York Giants, Alford had a hard time covering rookie Odell Beckham Jr. after being flagged for four defensive penalties and giving up a touchdown.

This week, Alford will have to worry about covering the likes of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Santonio Holmes, depending on where he’s lined up on any given play. He needs to learn that he can’t afford to take too many chances when going up against experienced veterans. Alford needs to play fundamentally sound football if he wants to help the Falcons, who have struggled so far this season and are currently ranked 24th in the NFL in pass defense.

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