Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons What to Watch for

Tonight, the Green Bay Packers will travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The Packers enter this game surging, they haven’t lost a game in their last 10 tries (the four in the playoffs, the two last regular season preseason games in 2010, and the first four in 2011). The Falcons on the other hand look to be struggling as they are transitioning away from being a power running team (Turner is averaging three less carries per game through the first four games of this year, and Matt Ryan is averaging more than 40 throws per game). The Falcons transition started, many believe, when they couldn’t score enough points to keep up with the Packers in the playoffs. The Falcons will be looking for revenge today, will they be able to get it?

As always, well focus on the younger guys.

Green Bay Packers Injury report. Out: Bryan Bulaga, Mike Neal, Nick Collins, Frank Zombo. Doubtful: Andrew Quarless

Atlanta Falcons injury report. Out: Cliff Matthews, Todd McClure

Julio Jones vs the Packers Secondary

Julio Jones has yet to get in the end-zone this year, but he has 342 yards receiving (at 14.5 yards per catch) and is coming off a 11 catch 127 yard performance. The Packers have one of the most talented cornerback duos in the league, but they have struggled to stop the pass this year, they are giving up 335 yards per game through the air. Roddy White and Julio Jones might put up huge numbers this week.

Sean Weatherspoon vs the Packers quick slant game

Last year the Falcons drafted Sean Weatherspoon in the first round of the N.F.L. draft. The linebacker was eased into work last year as he played more and more as the season went along. This year Weatherspoon has started every game and leads the team in tackles with 38. Weatherspoon has the athletic ability to play sideline to sideline and the speed to be a factor in the coverage game. The Packers like to throw a lot of slants and then let Jennings and Jordy Nelson rack up the yards after catch. If Weatherspoon (or other linebackers and cornerbacks) don’t make the first tackle it’s going to be a long, long night for the Falcons.

Randall Cobb some more prime-time magic?

Last time Cobb played in prime time (week one on Thursday night vs the Saints) he exploded onto the scene with 2 receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. He also had a special teams return touchdown. Since, then he’s only added 5 more catches on the season. Cobb is a crafty player who is buried on the Packers depth chart, if he can make the most of his opportunities the Packers offense is nearly unstoppable.

How much longer can Peria Jerry stave off the bust label?

It’s not fair to call Peria Jerry a bust yet, but he has to show the Falcons more. he’s battled injuries for much of his career, but hasn’t put up the numbers the Falcons hoped for when they drafted him in the first round. Jerry has two sacks in his last 20 games played and only six tackles this year with four games started. Those are not the numbers off a first round defensive line pick (when you compare them to the likes of a Jason Pierre Paul: who has 22 tackles, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and 2 passes deflected at the line of scrimmage through four games of this season). Jerry is going to have to get in Rodgers face if the Falcons have any hopes of slowing down Aaron Rodgers and the potent Packers offense.

How Good is Morgan Burnett?

I haven’t focused in on Morgan Burnett while I’ve been watching Green Bay Packers, but maybe I should be. Burnett in his second year and is off to an absolutely monster start this year. He has 34 tackles and 3 interceptions, and 5 passes defensed in his first game. Burnett was considered a second round prospect by draftniks heading into last year’s draft, but he eel into the third round where the Packers scooped him up and so far that looks brilliant, based on the stats. I’ll have to watch to see if he has so many chances because he’s been out of position a lot, or if he’s just playing so well that he’s flying sideline to sideline making plays.

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