Breaking Down the Falcons at Packers

Posted by Matt Loede on October 2nd, 2008 filed in Opinions, Picks
     


The Atlanta Falcons are one of the surprise teams in the league at 2-2, and have a shot to improve over .500 on Sunday if the Pack has to turn to backup QB Matt Flynn when the two teams meet at Lambeau Field. The Falcons fell for their second straight road loss last week to the Panthers, but continue to show signs of being a team that is clearly no push over.

As far as the Pack goes, there is general concern over a spot they never had to worry about with Brett Favre there - that being QB. Aaron Rodgers has not thrown yet this week, and it appears that the team is getting rookie backup Matt Flynn ready, as Rodgers sprained shoulder looks as if it may sit him down for this game. The Packers also want to get back to winning ways, as a cheery 2-0 start now has faded as they are 2-2, tied with Chicago for the lead in the NFC North.

The Falcons with first year head coach Mike Smith are doing a lot of things right. They have a power running game in motion, with Michael Turner and company averaging 181.8 yards per game. They want to slow the game down and send a message up front with their running game. That means they have to get off to a fast start. Matt Ryan is a very good QB with a lead, but like last week when the Falcons get behind, Ryan seems to play much like the rookie QB that he is.


For Green Bay, they are 23rd in the league rushing, and Ryan Grant has not been the same back he was a season ago. With a rookie QB in his first game in Flynn likely getting the start, getting that running game going might be the biggest key of the game. Atlanta is allowing 131.3 yards on the ground, and the Packers will look to get to that point plus more on Sunday.

Look for Atlanta to try to do what they have done in their two home wins, but this time on the road - get a lead and use the running game to their advantage. The Packers are hoping to get a push from the home crowd, but have little else to fall back on with their 26th ranked defense and a QB that is going to simply try to call the plays right in the huddle.

Just a hunch, but the Falcons seem to be learning from their losses each time, and they will use that experience to pull off the upset and drop the Pack to 2-3.



2 Responses to “Breaking Down the Falcons at Packers”

  1. Robert Greenfield Says:
    October 3rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    The Packers might give up a few yards here and there, but we force the turnover. We lead the league with 8 picks (3 for TDs). The Falcons are 20th in pass defense against bottom-tier quarterbacks so far this year. Here’s your first true test. The bottom line: the Falcons only chance is if Flynn starts, and even then, it might just level the playing field. If Rodgers goes, expect a 10 point loss minimum.

  2. Tom Brabec Says:
    October 6th, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    I love it! I am a life long Packer fan. But this year what they did to Brett was shameful. Go Jets with Brett. Aaron isn’t bad but he is like the fighter with a glass jaw. He was in three games prior to this season and got hurt in two of the games. This was their year… with Brett. Not a-hole or whatever they call him. They make such a big deal on how “tough” he is. Why? Because he’s not in my opinion. Gee lots of pics for a boy who is the perfect dink n dunker, mistake free football. And to all the Packer fans with their “Brett Who” signs shows no class. Yeah the train left the station with the three stooges on board Ted, Mike and Aaron. Notice how Mike is lost without Brett telling him what to do on the sidelines. Mike is actually Charlie McCarthy, the perfect stooge for Ted. Now Ted is a very good GM. For the most part, drafts well especially 3 and below. Should’ve taken Olsen 2 years ago instead of PT (part time)Harrell. He put together a great team. Too bad he felt he resorted to the my dick is bigger and I’ll do as I want because I can syndrome. Green Bay would have been a true playoff team this year. I love the fact they are blowing it already. It pains me to say this but the Bears will destroy this team led by “Dude Time” Rodgers. Nice butt block against Dallas. And some real courage to try and prevent that td their defense scored. The gay blade of Green Bay.

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