Sixteen Players To Watch: Falcons at Packers
The Falcons hit the road for the second consecutive week, heading to Wisconsin for a matchup with the Packers. Take a look at players to watch for from both teams.
CB Desmond Trufant set a franchise record for passes defensed by a rookie with 14. How many game-changing plays will he have against the Packers?
With CB Sam Shields finally healthy and having a team-leading two interceptions, how much pressure will he put on the Falcons receivers?
C Joe Hawley has provided a much needed spark to the Falcons offensive line. With the Packers have a strong defensive line, can Hawley protect QB Matt Ryan?
LB A.J. Hawk has shown great potential with his pass-rushing skills. He also has a QB taekdown and a forced fumble under his belt. Will the Falcons stop Hawk from adding to his stat sheet?
The last time these two clubs met, DT Corey Peters got a sack on Aaron Rodgers. Will Peters be able to deliver that blow to the Packers QB again?
LB Clay Matthews forced a fumble by Lions RB Reggie Bush in Week 13. Does that add pressure to the Falcons for ball protection?
Peter Konz will be the Falcons starting right guard for Week 14, according to the depth chart. Will the move from center to guard help the Falcons offensive line?
QB Aaron Rodgers is still questionable to start for Sunday's game. If he does return, what impact will he have for the Packers offense?
QB Matt Ryan was sacked six times by the Bills in Week 13. Can the Falcons' offensive line keep Ryan upright long enough to make explosive plays against the Packers secondary?
Packers offensive line has been struggling, but when G Evan Dietrich-Smith got injured in Week 13, it got worse. If he's healthy, can he help an ailing o-line improve?
RB Antone Smith has accumulated 145 yards on 5 carries with 2 touchdowns. Can Smith find the end zone in Week 14?
RB Eddie Lacy is averaging the 10th most yards on the ground per game in the league, at 74.7. Lacy has rushed for 100 yards 3 times this year, will he have that success against the Falcons?
WR Roddy White had his first 100-yard game of the season against hte Bills in Week 13. How many times will QB Matt Ryan connect with White against the Packers?
WR Jordy Nelson has been scorless for five weeks straight. Nelson has 67 yards or less in four of the give games Rodgers hasn't played in. If Rodgers plays, how explosive will Nelson be?
P Matt Bosher is having an amazing season, having punted 48 times for 2,206 yards with 17 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Will Bosher's magic on special teams continue?
WR James Jones has done fairly well without QB Aaron Rodgers at the helm. He's managed 159 yards over the past two games. He may be the receiver the Falcons secondary should keep their eye on regardless of who is throwing the ball for the Packers.
