OFFENSE:
- Hide the Quarterback
Regardless of whether or not Aaron Rodgers plays (and with McCarthy saying today that Rodgers is a game time decision, I’m more convinced than ever that he won’t) look for McCarthy to call for a gaggle of three-step drops and a bunch of off-tackle running plays. The Packers want no part of their old teammate Grady Jackson, who is still as stout as ever on run plays in the middle of the Falcons defense (and who could have been had at the end of July for a song. I’m sure Thompson was doing much more important things…like dealing with prima-donna quarterbacks) If there’s an opposing team with whom the Packers can get away with having a conservative gameplan on offense, it’s the Falcons. Flynn and/or Rodgers simply need to limit their mistakes and minimize the chances they take. I know I’ve been railing on and on about McCarthy needing to open up the playbook - but this isn’t the week to do it.
- Flood the Falcons Zones With Multiple Receivers
Looking at the Falcons game against the Panthers, the Falcons are playing a lot of zone. I mean a LOT of zone. Now, every team in the NFL uses zone coverage more than man to man. (The Packers are a rare exception) but the Falcons are running zone coverage almost exclusively, regardless of down and distance. With the expected return of James Jones, the Packers will be able to run their multiple receiver package with much more confidence than they have the last two weeks. The key will be getting into favorable down and distance. If the Packers can make hay on first down, setting up second and shorts, they can then spread things out a bit and run Driver, Jones and Nelson/Martin over on one side, and put Jennings at split end on the other. If the Falcons counter by trying to shade their safeties to the multiple side, Jennings will exploit them backside. If the Falcons try to play them straight-up, Driver and Jones will have plenty of room to work the high-low route combinations McCarthy loves.
DEFENSE
- Take Away Michael Turner - But Beware Of Jerious Norwood
Packer fans can’t like the prospects of yet another bruising runner with breakaway speed coming into Lambeau, not after the beat-down Marion Barber put on the Green and Gold two weeks ago. Bob Sanders simply has to run blitz the hell out of the Falcons offensive line. The unit has overachieved so far, but it is simply not that talented. Poppinga or Barnett should be sent on a run blitz every single first down to disrupt the Falcon blocking schemes. It will also be vitally important for Michael Montgomery to set the edge on first and second downs. He got caught inside during the Cowboys game on Felix Jones’ 60 yard touchdown run. He simply can not allow Turner or Norwood to get outside. Speaking of Norwood - the Packers can’t fall asleep on this kid on third and long, or he will kill them on a draw or a screen. Discipline needs to be at an all time high for the secondary, especially Charlie Peprah, who will most likely start for ailing Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse. Norwood is a big play waiting to happen, and losing focus on Norwood even for one play could be the difference between getting off the field on third down and six points for the Falcons. But really, the main focus is stopping Turner on first and second down. He is the entire offense for the Falcons. If they can make rookie quarterback Matt Ryan have to try to beat them, the Packers should win.
He Who Is Right, said in October 4th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Oh, I’m just poking fun at the Favre situation. I know they kicked the tires on Grady and talked about bringing him back. Just wish they would have pulled the trigger.
