The Green Bay Packers defense promises to get a stiff challenge today from the Atlanta Falcon’s solid receiving corp, but Aaron
Clay Matthews
Rodgers and the Packers promise to give the Falcon secondary a solid test of their own. The result could be a good old-fashioned shootout at the Georgia Dome tonight.
The Falcons (2-2) remember the thumping the Packers (4-0) put on them in last years divisional playoffs (48-21) and they’ll likely be looking for payback.
Atlanta couldn’t stop the Packers in that playoff game last January. In fact, the Packers never had to punt that day. But instead of trying to improve their defense in the April draft, the Falcons traded away four picks to move up in the draft and pick high-flying Julio Jones. Jones hasn’t disappointed, but the Falcon’s problems on defense haven’t gone away.
The Falcons best bet will be trying to outscore the Packers. The way Green Bay’s pass defense (ranked 31st in the NFL) has looked so far this season, they might be able to match the Packers.
Atlanta also has motivation on their side. The Falcons under QB Matt Ryan are 22-3 at the Georgia Dome (playoffs included). They don’t lose much at home. To be embarrassed at home by the Packers will likely have them breathing fire by the time this game rolls around tonight.
Besides, the Packers have to lose sometime don’t they?
The undefeated question was rolling around the Packers locker room this week and most players weren’t biting. To a man, every player was concerned about one game only, tonight’s matchup against the Falcons.
Green Bay enters the game with the #1 scoring offense in the league, averaging 37.0 points a game. Aaron Rodgers is playing better than at any time in his young career and remember, he’s won a Super Bowl. So Atlanta may have motivation on their side, but will they be able to stay with the hottest offense in football at the moment?
I’m looking for a shootout and I’m looking for the Packers to win. My prediction: Packers 38, Falcons 27
Look for the Packers defense to show some improvement as well. Everyone seems concerned with Clay Matthews 1 sack in four games. Look for him to add to that total tonight.