For seven years, John Abraham has provided an essential force off the edge for the Atlanta Falcons. He's needed at the top of his game more than ever facing electric quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the punishing San Francisco 49ers offensive line.
The Falcons defensive end has told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he will indeed play in the NFC championship despite aggravating an ankle sprain in the divisional-round that had given him a "questionable" designation on the injury report heading into that contest.
Abraham played only 15 of Atlanta's 68 defensive snaps last week before he was sidelined for the remainder. Without their most dominant pass-rusher the Falcons allowed Seattle to surge back as the Seahawks rallied from a 20-0 deficit, including four touchdowns in their first five second-half possessions.
Atlanta must fix the kinks that allowed Wilson to pass for 241 yards after halftime if it hopes to slow down a man who just ripped Green Bay for 444 yards on his own. Kaepernick also will hand the rock to thousand-yard rusher Frank Gore and right in Abraham's direction. His "A" game will be necessary to combat the Niners' All-Pro left side comprised of tackle Joe Staley and guard Mike Iupati.
The 13th-year vet out of South Carolina remains one of the NFL's most destructive forces off the edge, even at age 34. This season marked the fourth time in the past seven years that he notched double-digit sacks, while adding in six forced fumbles and seven pass deflections.
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