The X-factor: Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant

ajc.com

Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant needs to shake out of his late-season slump.

He will be the X-factor in the divisional playoff game against the Eagles on Saturday.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods caught nine passes for 142 yards, including a 38-yarder with Trufant in coverage, in Saturday’s wild-card game.

“We won,” Trufant said. “He made some plays. They caught some balls. It is what it is. We won at the end of the day. And, I’ll just take it.”

Also, against the Saints in the regular season, the speedy Ted Ginn Jr. got open for a 54-yard touchdown catch.

The Eagles feature Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor, who each had over 700 yards in receptions.

“We just have to be physical with them,” Trufant said. “Make it hard for them. Challenge them on all throws. They have a different mix of guys. They’ve got some big guys and some quicker guys, too.

“We just have to challenge them at the end of the day. The (defensive) line is going to get some pressure, and we’ll be all right.”