Tell me if you've heard this one before...The Falcons are preparing to deal with an ultra-athletic tight end who has the ability to out-run linebackers, run past safeties, and post up smaller cornerbacks.
Atlanta has grown used to dealing with the likes of Saints TE Jimmy Graham over the years. But experience has not always equaled quality results. This week, the Falcons travel to New York for a matchup with the Giants and their newest toy, TE Larry Donnell.
The tight end position has been one that hasn't given the Falcons much trouble so far this year. While Jimmy Graham went for 8 catches and 82 yards in the season opener, no tight end has managed to surpass 33 yards receiving against the Falcons defense. If there is one area of concern, opposing tight ends have caught 20 passes on 25 targets thus far (80%).
In steps Giants TE Larry Donnell, who had a breakout performance against the Washington Redskins in catching three touchdown passes. Donnell has four touchdowns on the season, to go with his 25 catches for 236 yards. What makes Donnell such a touch matchup for this weekend is that he combines size (6'6' 265lbs) with the ability to run receiver quality routes. Against the Redskins, the Giants dictated matchups all over the field with Donnell's alignment.
Donnell lined up slot-right, but tight to the formation during the first scoring drive for the Giants against the Redskins. The Giants were looking to get Donnell isolated on a linebacker. On this play, Donnell caught a five yard pass vs. LB Perry Riley. The Giants went back to this formation on the very next play.
This time, the Giants got the same coverage against Donnell. Riley does a better job of sticking with the athletic tight end, but Donnell's ability to adjust to the ball in the air makes this play an easy five yard touchdown reception.
On the Giants second scoring drive, Donnell was used to give the Redskins defense a different look. On the play, Donnell lined up in the backfield and momentarily took a pass blocking posture. As the Redskins linebackers were held by the play action, Donnell took off down the has mark and made the 14 yard catch in front of the Redskins safeties.
Larry Donnell also lines up as a traditional slot receiver. On the play, the Giants expected a blitz from the Redskins. Donnell became the hot receiver and quickly made a catch for a four yard gain.
Once the Giants get near the goal line so far in 2014, Donnell is often split out wide in order to take advantage of his size advantage against NFL cornerbacks. The Giants passed for a six yard touchdown by using this alignment and also used it effectively against the Detroit Lions to open the season.
And to conclude this enemy lines piece, Donnell also lined up as a traditional in-line tight end in order to beat Redskins S Brandon Meriweather on the goal line. For good measure, Donnell also lined up wide against CB David Amerson and beat him inside for a 14 yard reception.
For the Falcons this weekend, they will have to vary their looks and the way they cover Larry Donnell on the field. The Giants have proven so far in 2014 that they will adjust to any predictable coverage against Donnell and find a way to get him open for a big play.
-los