The Green Bay Packers must come ready to play against an ascending Falcons team. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has molded this team into a tough team to beat. The Falcons do not turn it over much, and they will establish the run.
The Packers have an excellent chance to show who they are and what would be considered a statement win. They can improve to 2-0 and establish themselves in the front of the NFC.
Here are the three keys to success.
Green Bay Packers Interior Offensive Line
The Atlanta Falcons strength of their defense is their defensive tackles. Their defensive line is led by standouts Grady Jarrett and Calais Campbell. They’ll need to establish the run to have Jordan Love be successful.
Through the air, the line will have to give Love time. Week 1, the Bears didn’t get to Love much, but this is a much better pass rush. For the Packers to win this game, they need the line to be on top of their game.
Green Bay Packers Defensive Line
NFL games are won in the trenches, and that will be especially true in this game. Atlanta’s game plan is about establishing the run and easy throws for the quarterback. If the Packers can stop the run on early downs, they can get to Ridder.
Desmond Ridder has never turned over the ball in his five NFL starts. Against Carolina, he had thrown one ball over 30 yards and averaged 4.2 air yards per attempt. His biggest weakness is his pocket awareness. In his five games as a starter, he has taken 13 sacks.
If the Packers can get to the quarterback, they will be in a position to win.
Containing Falcons Running Back Bijan Robinson
The running back out of Texas is a special player. In his debut, he had ten carries for 56 yards, six receptions for 27 yards, and a touchdown. At 5.6 yards per rush attempt, it will be hard to get the Falcons off the field. They will find ways to get him the ball in space. The defense must know where he is at all times.
The Packers defense is built to handle these situations. Between the investment in the defensive line and the linebackers, this is what they were brought in for. This is a big game for the Packers defense, and it is hard not to be excited.
Final Thoughts
The news is out; Aaron Jones and Christian Watson are doubtful to play. Two significant players for this Packers offense. It is time for AJ Dillon to have a game. The Packers need to find ways to get him north and south.
As for the defense, they need to build off of their momentum from last week. With all the talent on the defense, they should be ready for the challenge.
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