porky88
  • porky88
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
10 years ago
Monday night’s victory over Atlanta wasn’t the thoroughly dominate performance we’re accustom to seeing from the Packers at home, but it counts as a win nonetheless.

Green Bay improved their record to 10-3 this season, fending off a late charge from the Falcons. The Packers led 31-7 at the break, but Atlanta flexed their offensive firepower in front of a national audience, scoring 30 second-half points. The final score was 43-37.

It’s hard to believe Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan picked apart the same defense that allowed just 21 points to New England quarterback Tom Brady just a week ago.

Behind a makeshift offensive line, Ryan carved up Green Bay’s secondary for 375 yards. He had total command over the offense, calling his own shots at the line of scrimmage. The Packers played a lot of zone, and their performance was reminiscent to their late-season struggles in 2009, when they allowed major passing numbers to Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Arizona’s Kurt Warner.

The secondary had no answer to receiver Julio Jones, who caught 11 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown. His 259 yards is the most single-game receiving yardage allowed by the Packers in team history. Atlanta used motion and bunch sets to get the matchups they wanted. The Packers made very few adjustments, opting to live and die with their zone coverage.

In the end, though, Green Bay prevailed behind the arm of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Falcons opted to play coverage rather than bring pressure, a tactic not very different from what New England used last week. Unlike against the Patriots, the Packers converted in the red zone.

The defense should be on alert following their lackluster play. However, despite what the final score says, the Packers were never in real danger of losing the game.

Turning Point

Atlanta’s biggest misstep came in the second quarter when they were trailing 17-7. On the second play of the drive, safety Morgan Burnett intercepted Ryan‘s nonchalant pass toward the sideline. Burnett returned the ball 32 yards to the 15-yard line, setting up a touchdown for the Packers who extended their lead to 17 points.

Stud of the Game

Rodgers went 24-of-36 for 327 yards and three touchdowns, yet the star of Monday’s game was on the other sideline. Julio Jones routinely won his one-on-on matchups, catching everything thrown his way. While he was unable to finish the game, he was the primary reason the Falcons were able to make it interesting in the fourth quarter. The debate over the best receiver in the league normally centers on Dez Bryant, A.J. Green, and Calvin Johnson. Last night, Jones proved he belonged in that class.

Play of the Game

The offense had a rather methodical night through the first three quarters. Instead of relying on explosive plays, they were content with spurts of 10 to 15-yard gains. That all changed on one play, though. Nursing a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, Rodgers found receiver Jordy Nelson for a 60-yard touchdown off play action. Nelson beat his man with a double move, and the safety help was late coming over the top. It was the seventh time this season that Nelson had a touchdown of 60 or more yards. All of them have come in Lambeau.

Looking Ahead

The numbers may suggest otherwise, but this is the best Green Bay’s offense has played in the Mike McCarthy Era.

In previous years, the offense was dependent on passing. No longer is that the case, as the running game is performing admirably, and the offensive line continues to exceed expectations. The latter is a huge development.

The Packers are finally playing well in the trenches. In fact, this is the best the unit has played during Ted Thompson’s tenure as general manager. They’re moving defenders off the ball in the running game, and keeping Rodgers upright in the pocket. They also don’t commit many penalties.

That could all change on Sunday. The Bills have arguably the nastiest front in the AFC. Two of their defenders, Marcell Dareus and Mario Williams, have double-digit sacks. They’re also respectable against the run, allowing just 3.9 yards per carry.

The Packers have a good offensive line. The film confirms this.

They’ll need to be great if they’re to come out of Buffalo with a victory.

Please visit Row12.com  for more coverage on a wide range of sports.
Zero2Cool
9 years ago
I miss reading these every week.
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dfosterf (4h) : It's my one day deal complaint dept. on shareholder meeting day
dfosterf (5h) : Probably a homer access credential intimidation kinda thing
dfosterf (5h) : Meathead "journalists" skip this, concentrating on operational revenue when convenient. They switch when net revenue is more favorable.
dfosterf (5h) : Resulting in an actual drop of net revenue of 12.5%. She is from Minnesota. Just sayin'
dfosterf (5h) : Any plans to hold Maureen Smith (CFO) accountable for a 95% drop in investment revenue?
Mucky Tundra (5h) : In your face, HBO!
Mucky Tundra (5h) : @ByRyanWood Mark Murphy: “A great source of pride of mine is that we were never on Hard Knocks.”
Mucky Tundra (6h) : *years
Mucky Tundra (6h) : @mattschneidman Mark Murphy says he anticipates “many Packers games” being played in Germany, Ireland and/or the U.K. over the next 5-10 yea
dfosterf (6h) : *cafeteria* I have hit my head also, so I sympathize
dfosterf (6h) : Possibly hit his head leaning into the glass protecting the food in the cafateria
dfosterf (6h) : Maybe a low flying drone
dfosterf (6h) : Did Savion Williams run into a goalpost or something?
Mucky Tundra (6h) : also, no bueno when a guy starts getting concussions right off the bat in his career
Zero2Cool (7h) : Concussion is worse. Banks probably vet off day via back booboo claim
Mucky Tundra (9h) : @AndyHermanNFL Jordy Nelson out at camp today. No word if he’s in play for one of the two open roster spots ; )
dfosterf (9h) : Is that better or worse than Banks bad back?
Zero2Cool (10h) : Savion concussion ... not good.
packerfanoutwest (24-Jul) : Aaron Rodgers’s first pass of first team period was picked off
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : tbh I didn't hear of his passing
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Cosby Show. Malcom Jamal Warner I think is real name
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : I was thinking of Ozzy and Hulk
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : Who's Theo?
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : How is Theo alliteration?
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : Bad week for people whose names are alliterations
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Hulk Hogan gone too.
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Oh, it's toe injury
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Hope it's not serious. that would stink
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Sounds like an ankle not a knee for Fields
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Ya Flaccp on Browns
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Maybe Tyrod Taylor instead
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : He's on Browns, right?
dfosterf (24-Jul) : They would probably go with Flacco is my guess if Fields out
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Fleece 'em again!
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Malik Willis might be someone Jets come after
packerfanoutwest (24-Jul) : Packers introduce 1923-inspired classic uniform, leather-look helmet
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Both LB Quay Walker and Rookie DB Micah Robinson have passed their physicals
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Happy to see site feels more snappy snappy
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : No sir. I did not.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : You didn't get free childcare when you were at work?
wpr (23-Jul) : These guys make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Pay for their own childcare.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : 2nd issue. Number 1 issue was no gameday childcare. 1 of 3 teams not providing it
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Suppose if locker room is main issue, we sitting pretty
wpr (23-Jul) : I thought so Mucky. In those useless player polls GB always rates high overall. Locker is a part of it.
Mucky Tundra (23-Jul) : Wasn't the locker room just updated like 6 or 7 years ago?
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I have forum updated on different site. We'll see how this one goes before going to that
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Elgton Jenkins has a back injury, is expect to end contract dispute
wpr (23-Jul) : It's funny the PA complained about the locker room. It wasn't that long ago it was top shelf. Things change in a hurry.
wpr (23-Jul) : The site is much more better.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : NFLPA report said Packers lockerroom needed upgrade. Whining bout where you change?
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