We knew James Starks could hit the hole hard and gain positive yards. I don't think many felt he'd top 100 yards against the Eagles. I like Starks, the way he punishes the tacklers, falls forward and of course his velocity toward the hole.

I do not think he'll get 100 yards today, even though Falcons average 105 yards a game on defense to the run.

---

I think he'll go for 80 yards on 15 or so carries.

---

if he tops 100 we win. count it.

---

Scanning some stats on ProFootballReference.com I came across a few interesting things.

First off, Atlanta has had the 2nd fewest rushing attempts against them. Only Pittsburgh was run on less, in regards to attempts. Interestingly, though, they give up an average of 4.6 yards per carry. Green Bay is similar in stats, giving up the 6th fewest rushing attempts and allowing 4.7 yards per carry. It would seem that both are accustomed to teams not getting a lot of carries but having some success when they do.

I wonder what accounts for teams running it so sparingly against Atlanta? If you look through their schedule -- by no means an easy one, what with games against New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Philly -- you don't see a ton of blowout wins.

Atlanta is a very steady team. They are very efficient. They don't have dramatic swings in any direction it would seem. If Starks can open things up a little bit maybe we can push them towards the edge. That said, I don't see him getting 100 yards -- not with how thoroughly we were controlled in the run game last time around.

---

I don't think so. I am not going to get excited about Starks before this game. We ran well against Philly in week one, too. And not just Ryan Grant. I hope I'm wrong. I don't like to let myself get set up for disappointment though... RP would probably say that makes me a loser. lol

---

Unless he breaks one, I don't see a 100.. but who knows.. maybe we get the run game going early and pound it.

---

As much as I love Starks, the Falcon's D is worse against the pass than it is against the run. Knowing MM, we're going to be throwing against the Falcons.

One big warning though is as a team, the Falcons are pretty good at picking off passes. They're one of the more complete teams in the NFL this year. They really don't have a "weakness."

---

Where do the Falcons rate among the NFL in interceptions this year?

---

He'll have 4.6 per carry, but won't get more than 10 carries.

---

I think the weather is supposed to be pretty nice inside the Georgia Dome tonight. Yeah, I'll think we'll be throwing the ball quite a bit.

---