On Arnold Ebiketie, Mykal Walker, Marcus Mariota and how to fuel an upset vs. Rams

Jimmy Foster from Sugar Hill, Ga.

Give me someone who isn’t a star player who will have to play really well to help us beat the Rams?

Bair: Great question, Jimmy. It’s one I had to ponder before coming up with an answer. I’m going with inside linebacker Mykal Walker. We saw his effectiveness as a blister last week, and he forced a fumble that the Falcons recovered. Those are big plays the Falcons will need more of against the Rams. They’ll also need a steady presence in run defense, someone who can make tackles near the line of scrimmage when guys up front are getting double teamed.

Walker has a lot to do, including pass coverage in the middle of the field, on third down especially. All that sounds like key components to stopping the Rams. If he’s active, effective and involved, that will significantly help the Falcons upset bid.

Daniel Weaver from Chatsworth, Ga.

Hi Scott, I really enjoy your articles every week. I’ve been and still am a loyal Falcons fan since the days of Steve Bartkowski. I think if they can keep Mariota healthy, they will be closer to the playoffs than the top of the draft order comes year end. They ran the ball well and except for a great performance from Winston would have won the game on my opinion. from what I saw I don’t think many in the league would have stopped him. Back to Marcus, he seems like he’s trying to get himself hurt not avoiding the hits better. Am I just a hopeful fan wishing for the impossible?

Bair: I don’t think so, Daniel. And, you’re right. The Falcons would LOVE it if Marcus Mariota slid more and took fewer hits. He’s also a hard charger who fights for extra yards. You can’t fault that impulse, even if you might hold your breath when he pushes the envelope a bit.

Here’s what he had to say on the matter Wednesday afternoon:

“I’m a competitor,” Mariota said. “I’m going to continue to play like I’ve always played since I was a kid. I think there’s certain situations where I would love to have slid, especially on the turnover but at the end of the day, it’s the nature of the beast. You learn, you live, and you grow and that’s what I plan on doing.”