Glad you've come around on the ineptness of the Falcons D.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

When it comes to the Packers @ Falcons game, all the talk is about passing the ball, but the path to victory very well might be to get the running game going, especially for the Packers.

The Falcons defense seems to be all about pass and getting after the passer and they showed how they can put pressure on the QB even if they get out of the pocket by using a speed LB as a spy (even if they dislike that term). With the Falcons' focus on the pass plays, they are giving up an average of 6.9 yards per attempt , which is 11th best in the NFL.

But since they focus on the passing game so much (and surely will with Rodgers at QB), that leaves them open for the running game. NFL lives showed some tape of the Falcons where they had odd DL placement which left them with horrible position for run defense with a DL inside the C and another outside the OT... but at the line it was basically a 4 on 2, which 2 LBers there to battle the OL and tackle the RB... one great block or one broken tackle and a RB could (and they showed) where off to the races.

Which is why the Falcons defense was 26th and one of the only 7 teams that gave up over 4.5 yards per rush attempt. This game could be all about how well the Packers are able to get their running game going and keep the Falcons offense (and Packers defense) off the field with long scoring drives. Not allowing Matt Ryan to get into a rhythm and pressure up the middle if the coverage can hold long enough.

There was a reason Rip had his second best game running the ball against there guys, and if healthy and ready to go, hopefully Monty and Michael could have even bigger days especially if they can catch them with their run defenders off the field and then go no huddle.

Also while it's labeled a 4-3... their defense seems like it's a 4-3/3-4 hybrid like the Seahawks used to run (and I think the Broncos still do). Basically one DE is a former 3-4 OLB, and the power DE is a former 3-4 DE (and good run defender), with the OLB in Vic Beasley being the edge guy on that side. But if the Packers can run the ball on them, it could be an extremely long day for the Falcons.

Originally Posted by: beast 

Like what you are saying.
Going to be up to Aaron to look over the D and check to the correct call.
He does that well.
I'm thinking Atlanta will also try and establish their run game early.
They will want to keep Aaron off the field as much as The Packers want to keep Ryan off.
If it all breaks down then look out, we may get to watch a shootout.
I still favor The Pack in that scenario.
Good to once again be one of the final 4 standing.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan 

I don't know if you have watched Atlanta this season. Their DL is quite good against the run.
They have a bad secondary and their best safety (Neal) plays better if he can play close to the line.
By running you only make them use their players in their best configuration.

I want Neal defending the pass, it's like Burnett covering deep, you can imagine it.

I would only run if they are in dime and it is 1st or 2nd down.

Originally Posted by: luigis