Julio Jones Will Be X-Factor For Atlanta Falcons In Week 7

By Brandon Daniel @Brandon_Rant on October 15, 2014

The Atlanta Falcons are at critical mass when it comes to the 2014 season.

The team has lost three in a row, the latest a humiliating showing at home against the Chicago Bears. For all the talk about being tougher, stronger and more dominant at the point of attack in the offseason, these Falcons look much more like the 2013 edition than some new and improved team. Now, they face a must-win situation on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.

The X-factor for this week has to be Julio Jones. My first thought was a defensive player, because someone on that side of the ball needs to step up. That’s a pointless thought, however, as there is not one player on the defensive side of the ball capable of taking over a game.

Which leaves the young, star wide receiver. Jones is far and away the most talented player on this roster. His combination of size, speed and athleticism is unmatched by anyone in Flowery Branch and almost anyone in the league.

For the Falcons to turn this around and march back towards .500, they are going to have to score 30 points a game. The only way that happens on this team is if Jones is the centerpiece of the offense. They need to find a way to get him 10-15 touches against the Ravens this Sunday.

Jones turned in a disappointing game against the Bears, and if he disappoints along with an offensive line not blocking well the Falcons’ offense is stymied, which means they lose big. That can’t happen again this week. There is no time left and no margin for error.

Quarterback Matt Ryan needs someone who can help him, as he is getting killed again this season. He needs Jones to step up and make some big plays in space, because they will get few shots down the field with the way the line is blocking right now. Ryan needs Jones to get open quickly and do something once the ball is in his hands.

If Jones has the kind of game we are accustomed to seeing from him, the Falcons could come away with a big, much-needed road victory. If the Ravens’ defense finds away to shut him down, the Falcons will be headed for a fourth straight loss and possibly another top 10 draft pick.

Jones and the offense need to figure it out in a hurry. Otherwise this season could be headed for disaster, with Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff looking for new jobs at the end. He’s the X-factor and the one the Falcons’ 2014 hopes are resting in.