The Atlanta Falcons defense enters Week 4 following its best outing of the season, a Week 3 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the victory, Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's crew limited the Bucs rushing attack to 64 yards. Fast forward to this Sunday's road game in Minnesota, where the Falcons will likely see RB Matt Asiata, who has taken over for Vikings RB Adrian Peterson after he was placed on the NFL's exempt list.
If you're wondering what the Falcons know about Asiata, aside from his 30 games played in three years, including 27 carries for 81 yards, as well as 9 receptions for 41 yards and 1 TD in 2014, they know plenty.
"He's a good runner and receiver," Falcons DE Kroy Biermann said. "He's there for a reason. He's going to come ready to play and ready to prove a point, so we're going to have to be ready to roll."
In Week 3, Asiata showcased running and pass-catching abilities, including a 41-yard reception from Vikings rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater, another player the Falcons are currently preparing for.
"He's a rookie," Falcons DE Jonathan Massaquoi said. "This is his fourth game in the National Football League; we have to get after him. (Besides Sunday's game against the Saints), we have some college film on him. He has a strong arm and can get it out there and has his legs as weapons, so we have to contain him and get after him."
