Storylines: Falcons At Packers
The Digital Media staff for the Atlanta Falcons meets every Monday morning to discuss potential storylines for the upcoming game. Here are the items the staff is looking to cover this week.
The Digital Media staff for the Atlanta Falcons meets every Monday morning to discuss potential storylines for the upcoming game. Here are the items the staff is looking to cover this week.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been sidelined over the past four games with a collarbone injury. His status is yet to be determined, but the Falcons are preparing as if Rodgers will suit up on Sunday.
Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters was able to pentrate the Bills' offensive line last Sunday and registered six tackles. Peters will look to have the same success against the Packers this weekend.
The last time the Falcons visited Lambeau Field was during Matt Ryan's rookie season in 2008. Ryan and the Falcons were able to pull out a 27-24 victory in that game and will be looking for a similar result this Sunday.
The Packers are in desperation mode if they want to make the postseason after going 0-4-1 over their last five games.
Rookie running back Eddie Lacy has amassed more than 800 yards rushing yards this season and is the leader of the Packers powerful running game. If Rodgers is unable to play Sunday, Lacy could see even more touches.
The entire Falcons special teams unit put up a solid performance last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Weather will be a factor Sunday against the Packers so the unit will be looking to deliver a similar performance in order to keep the Packers at bay.
The Packers offensive line allowed seven sacks last week against the Detroit Lions. Will the Falcons defensive line be able to have the same success?
The Falcons are looking to keep the momentum rolling as they look for back-to-back victories after defeating the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez only needs 79 more receiving yards to become the first tight end in NFL history to amass 15,000 career receiving yards. Will he reach this milestone Sunday?
Rookie cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford continue to make plays on the defensive side of the ball, including a key fumble recovery last Sunday agaisnt the Buffalo Bills.
Safety William Moore had a phenomenal game against the Buffalo Bills after recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter and then forcing a fumble in overtime.
The Falcons had their most successful day of rushing the ball last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills which included two touchdowns by Steven Jackson.
The Packers are 26th in the NFL in opponents rushing yards per game. The Falcons will look to use this to their advantage and build off of their performance last week.
Wide receiver Roddy White had his most successful day of the season last Sunday against the Bills after collecting 10 catches for 143 yards. White will look to continue his December dominance against the Packers on Sunday.
Quarterback Matt Ryan took more chances last week against the Buffalo Bills and they paid off as he was able to complete five passes of more than 15 yards.
Offensive lineman Sean Locklear continues to get acclimated with the offense and could be in line to see some playing time in the near future.
Cornerback Robert McClain came up with a huge forced fumble late in the fourth quarter which allowed the Falcons to beat the Buffalo Bills in overtime last Sunday.
Running back Antone Smith continues to be one of the most explosive players for the Falcons this year and is currently averaging 29 yards per carry.
The Packers present one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL with Clay Matthews leading the group.
Tony Gonzalez isn't the only Falcon close to accomplishing an important milestone. Wide receiver Harry Douglas is only 94 yards away from recording his first 1,000 yard receiving season.
