Clipping Their Wings: Packers pass rush must Limit the Soaring Falcons

A freight train probably couldn't slow down Matt Ryan and his high-powered Falcons offense this year. On all accounts, many believe this is the year Atlanta finally houses the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

Sunday won't be the first time they get a look at this Packers team, who is still cycling through the motions with their "next man up" philosophy due to reoccurring injuries. 

Green Bay was bruised and battered as its players and coaches ventured into Atlanta for their final regular season game in the Georgia Dome back in October. Seven starters were out due to injury, two of them being wide receivers. As a result, Trevor Davis, Geronimo Allison and Jeff Janis all caught touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers. However, the front seven was without star edge rusher Clay Matthews, who has since been through the ringer with rotating in and out of the starting lineup as well as battled through an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder.

He's healthy now, as is opposite outside linebacker Nick Perry - or at least as healthy as he could be.

Perry has been playing with a bulky cast securing his left hand and wrist, relatively limiting him in most situations. Despite the blockade, Perry has recorded four sacks in his past four games, including two in his first game with the cast on Christmas Eve against the Vikings. He was also responsible for the crucial third-down bat-down of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's pass attempt. It couldn't have been done without the pressure put on by Matthews, who rushed in on a well-executed stunt by Julius Peppers, who took left tackle Tyron Smith out of the equation and gave No. 52 a clear shot at Prescott.

With 37 seconds left on the clock, the rest is history that is still being written by the Packers.

Against Ryan, who will more than likely have All-Pro receiver Julio Jones at his disposal despite Jones missing Wednesday's practice with a nagging toe injury, the similar pressure put on by Matthews and the energized group behind him would be almost vital to a Houston road trip.

Keeping the heat turned up on the league's likely leading MVP candidate in "Hotlanta" could be too much to ask for. The Falcons have given Ryan an average of 2.64 seconds to throw this season which is ranked as the 17th-most of 50 qualifying quarterbacks. 

If veteran experience was needed in this group, the newly-turned 37-year old Julius Peppers can provide that as an outlet. He out-played Perry against the Cowboys in defensive snaps 45 to 37, and was just four shy of eclipsing Matthews' 49. The Packers had worked on keeping Peppers on a limited pitch count for a majority of the season until the latter few contests in which he shined. 

Even with a limited amount of action, Peppers finished with the third-most amount of defensive snaps out of all of the Packers linebackers. He was on the field 56.9 percent of the time and even played 31.6 percent of all special teams snaps.

It's unlikely the Packers will need to turn to reserve edge-rusher Datone Jones, whose season has been far from abysmal despite what his empty box score would say.

His new transition into the "elephant" role on the edge has bode over well with the coaches, including linebackers coach Winston Moss. It was an experiment intended to give Jones more of an opportunity to utilize his athleticism standing up, rather than down in his much-accustomed three-point stance. He played just 31 snaps last week against the Cowboys.

The Packers have the talent off the edge to keep Ryan's engine moving and have him on his toes for four quarters en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Pair in the tremendous and well-documented growth of defensive end Mike Daniels who still doesn't seem to obtain the rightful praise he deserves for being an anchor on the Packers defensive line, there's more than enough talent inside as well. Nose tackle. Fellow defensive end and rookie Kenny Clark and nose tackle Letroy Guion provide more beef that can match up against the Falcons offensive line and potentially overpower the group that has been a driving force in giving Ryan hoards of time to throw the ball in 2016.

Clark was responsible for a not-so-talked-about read on a screen pass in Dallas late in the third quarter. He followed Prescott's progressions and soon honed in on Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott once the ball was dumped off his way. Clark wasted no time in keeping pace with Elliott and soon making the open-field tackle for a loss of two yards. 

The stage is set and the job is on the table for the Packers, who aim to continue running it. They'll need a tremendous effort from their defensive group as a whole on Sunday.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (35)

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Bearmeat's picture

January 19, 2017 at 05:28 am

It'd be nice, but I definitely don't expect our pass rush to do anything against that OL. We're going to have to just limit the big plays, keep teams to field goals and try to get a couple of punts and/or turnovers from here on out.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:33 am

Atlanta's OL is good but they aren't Dallas's OL. Packers front 7 should be a bit more active this week.

But I do agree with you that the key will be limiting the offense to FG's and try to get a few punts and/or turnovers.

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NickPerry's picture

January 19, 2017 at 05:48 am

Another game against an excellent O-Line, an excellent QB, and the #5 rushing game in the NFL. Tevin Coleman didn't play in the first game against the Packers so that's one more weapon the defense will have to worry about. Ryan isn't a runner, not really so the Packers IMO will need to be able to get a good push up the middle and get in Ryan's face to slow the quick passing game down. Daniels NEEDS to punch someone in the face this week, he needs to be a factor (Like 2 Sacks). Don't talk about it Daniels, Just Do It!!

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porupack's picture

January 19, 2017 at 06:22 am

Wonder what Raji is thinking these days. How nice would his veteran presence be in the rotation. Think regrets might be there? Bet TT is regretting letting hayward go.

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:27 am

Not at all. I suspect that being in that position means you don't spend your time looking back.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:37 pm

97 car picking up the slack

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PETER MAIZ's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:09 am

Has anyone found out if Burnett will play? He's disappeared from my radar screen and would be invaluable in stopping the run.

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:36 am

Wednesday's practice report:

http://www.packers.com/team/injury-report.html

Peppers never practices on Wednesdays, and Starks and Tretter have been DNPs for awhile. Four new DNPs: Adams, Allison, Burnett and Crosby. Not practicing on Wednesday is not a big deal...let's see if they practice on at least a limited basis today. Another DNP is a pretty bad sign. No one else is new on the report.

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chugwater's picture

January 19, 2017 at 08:52 am

Allison on the list took me by surprise and was quite disheartening. It would be interesting to know when he tweaked his hammy. Was it late in the game? Early, but played through it? I never noticed signs while he was on the field Sunday.

I suspect (or blindly hope) that MM is being extra cautious given the length of the season and no bye since week 4. Presumably he's resting everyone who doesn't absolutely have to practice with the expectation Tae and G-mo will be productive Sunday.

I still maintain AR could score on this ATL defense with four receivers from the local flag football league. I just don't want to get to the point where we have to test the theory.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:13 am

One play that doesn't get talked about enough is the play that Clark made on that screen pass. If he doesn't get down the line and stop Elliott for a 2 yard loss, that likely is a huge play.

Clark also pushed his OG back into Prescott's face a few times. Clark could be one to watch in the middle of the DL to create pressure on Ryan.

I heard before the Cowboys game that if the Packers made it to this week that Elliott would be able to play. If he can play, I'd like to see him get some snaps on defense. He can provide a game changing type of play, and the defense needs more of those.

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NickPerry's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:20 am

Ryan was sacked 37 times, actually more than Rodgers. Rodgers himself said the O-Line wasn't "At Fault" for the 4 sacks the Giants had early in the game 2 weeks ago because he does hold onto the ball much longer than any other QB in the NFL. Much of the Falcons game is those all those short passes, bubble screens, slants, anything Ryan can get rid of the ball quickly

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NickPerry's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:20 am

Ryan was sacked 37 times, actually more than Rodgers. Rodgers himself said the O-Line wasn't "At Fault" for the 4 sacks the Giants had early in the game 2 weeks ago because he does hold onto the ball much longer than any other QB in the NFL. Much of the Falcons game is those all those short passes, bubble screens, slants, anything Ryan can get rid of the ball quickly

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Handsback's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:43 am

For Green Bay to stay in this game the Dline/LBs have to make some more splash plays then they did against the Cowboys. Rodgers can only play with the guys that are healthy and that number keeps going down. The DBs can only play with the guys who are healthy and again that number keeps going down.
What's left? The Dline and LBs have to make a difference. Unlike the Cowboys that have 5 stone pillars, Atlanta has an Oline that isn't made from stone but of wood. If the Packers find a way to break through that wooden fence....they can turn this game to their advantage.

One last thought... at the beginning of the season I imagined that Green Bay would make it to the SB with the team they had assembled. The fact that they have had all the injuries (again) they have sustained and still made it the Conference Championship game is a testimony to many who believed that this is a very good team and coached by very capable men. No matter the outcome of the next game, they have proven themselves to the league and the fans that they didn't give up and have allowed us the privilege of imagining what they could have done if they were as healthy as say New England or Dallas.

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chugwater's picture

January 19, 2017 at 09:06 am

Agreed. This team has done well despite being banged up all year long. Just imagine how much more formidable this team would be if we had had Sam Shields in the secondary all year long.

I still think they're playing with the swagger of a champion. Our offensive pillars (QB-OL-TE rotating WRs) give us a chance every Sunday. The defense seems to make just enough plays to get it done.

I'm expecting a win on Sunday.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:41 pm

Just a reality check. The fact the Packers are even in this game is amazing.

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cuervo's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:50 am

If the seahawks couldn't provide disruptive pressure on Ryan, I don't know why anyone would think we could.

This game will be a track meet....similar to the playoff game against the Cardinals years ago. neither defense will be able to stop the offense. If Adams can't go, or is limited....it will be up to Janis and Davis to pick up the slack making our task even harder. If we win this game with all the adversity, the super bowl is ours.

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croatpackfan's picture

January 19, 2017 at 09:50 am

Sea... who? If you are talking about Seattle, guys are overrated. Esspecially that Bennett - he only knows to yell and fight if things do not go how he imagine they should go...

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Savage57's picture

January 19, 2017 at 08:03 am

Death move against the Falcons? Use a lot of DB blitzes to try and get pressure. That cheesecloth back end needs as much help as they can get.

Only solution available is for the 2 guys who eat up $24M of the payroll to maybe make some plays commensurate with the bank they make.

35 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 2 FF between the two of them is quite a bit short of what you'd expect for that kind of spend.

Yeah, I know, 'injuries'. But when hasn't the fragile Paytaker been injured? Time to man up, princess.

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Bearmeat's picture

January 19, 2017 at 08:52 am

... He's not wrong.... CM3 hasn't been an impact player since at least 2012. With him being so close to Cushing at USC, his sudden impact out of nowhere his senior year, and the constant injuries, I really kind of suspect that PEDs were fueling his rise in the first place....

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2017 at 09:19 am

Those questions have always dogged CMIII...same was true of Hawk when he came out of OSU.

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Bearmeat's picture

January 19, 2017 at 09:32 am

Yes, but Hawk's career arc wasn't so up and down. It was a slow rise to a good player around 09-11, then a quick fall to a bad player by 14. And he was always healthy. CM3 was a super star in 09. He was a game changer in 10/11. He was very good in 12. Then... nothing and lots of injuries. Highly suspicious.

Look, I'm not saying I know he did PEDs. I'd be surprised if at least 1/3rd of players don't. I'm just saying it looks suspicious.

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4zone's picture

January 19, 2017 at 08:29 am

A tough game coming up. Can't call it, too close and too many unknown factors. Our D has put up a heck of a fight this year in spite of a ton of injuries. It hasn't looked pretty at times but just enough to make it this far.

On paper, we have no business being here, let alone a chance to win, yet somehow we keep on winning. Even if we don't win it all, or even this week, this team has learned something very important. 1. Just how hard you have to work to go the distance, and 2. They are good enough to beat anyone IF they play all out every game.

The last 8 weeks have been a pleasure Pack. Thanks for taking us all on the trip with you all. Ya got one more game, one more chance to keep the train rolling. Looking forward to at least one more haul. If we end up with a ticket to the Big One, great. If not, Thanks for the show, it's been great.

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4zone's picture

January 19, 2017 at 08:29 am

A tough game coming up. Can't call it, too close and too many unknown factors. Our D has put up a heck of a fight this year in spite of a ton of injuries. It hasn't looked pretty at times but just enough to make it this far.

On paper, we have no business being here, let alone a chance to win, yet somehow we keep on winning. Even if we don't win it all, or even this week, this team has learned something very important. 1. Just how hard you have to work to go the distance, and 2. They are good enough to beat anyone IF they play all out every game.

The last 8 weeks have been a pleasure Pack. Thanks for taking us all on the trip with you all. Ya got one more game, one more chance to keep the train rolling. Looking forward to at least one more haul. If we end up with a ticket to the Big One, great. If not, Thanks for the show, it's been great.

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croatpackfan's picture

January 19, 2017 at 09:53 am

Nice post... Definitely deserves double post! And I'm not sarcastic!

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 19, 2017 at 10:11 am

I agree...
You never know how the ball bounces in games. The last 2 games the Packers DB's have caused some tipped balls, but they went away from where another DB was standing fall incomplete. If one or 2 of those bounces to the DB's, that can change a game.

Going from 4-6 to 10-6 to the NFC Championship game has been one hell of a ride. That is for sure.

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Bearmeat's picture

January 19, 2017 at 10:48 am

I have learned never to doubt the great AR and his excellent sidekick, MM. ;)
I still quibble with TT. Look at what Cook has done. Why not more like him??

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 19, 2017 at 12:34 pm

Completely agree.

I'm not saying he has to go out and break the bank. But there have been players available that would have helped.

The other question I have is, why did it take so long to find a good TE after Finley's career ended.

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2017 at 03:55 pm

Quality players (or speculative players) available at positions that are undervalued in the league (RB, TE, OG, S, ILB) where your dollars can go further and allow you to focus on the money positions (CB, edge, OT, QB, WR, DL) in the draft. That would be my formula as a GM...

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mrtundra's picture

January 19, 2017 at 09:56 am

Our DBs are going to have their hands full so players like Datone Jones need to step up this week. I haven't heard his name called much the past few weeks. Matthews and Peppers need solid games, too. The Packers kept Peppers out of games early in the season so he would be rested and ready for games at the end of the season. Well, it's the end of the season and it's time to give it all.

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Since'61's picture

January 19, 2017 at 05:54 pm

Just like Rodgers, Monty, Cook, Adams and the OL have stepped up during the 8-0 streak, it's time for our star defenders to step up as well. Daniels, CM3, Peppers, D. Jones need to step up this week. Hyde has stepped up so far in the playoffs and Perry, Dix and Burnett have made their presence felt as well. This week we need our front 7 to take over the game. First they need to stop the run and then they need to pressure and disrupt Ryan. Make him move, knock down his passes, hit and harass him all game. That is our best chance to slow down the Falcons offense. On the other side we need to get more of a ground game going than we did against Dallas. Keep Ryan off the field. This will likely be another game where our best defense will be our offense playing keep away from Ryan. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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Lphill's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:00 pm

Again COW refers to Rodgers as 12 , what should 12 do in camp next year expert? The Falcons played 10 dome games this season, they beat some pretty bad teams , the packers had to beat some good defenses outdoors in the elements not in perfect weather in a bubble. Advantage goes to the Packers and "12" .

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2017 at 10:35 pm

Nobody played as many 2016 playoff teams as the Packers did...7 games. Packers were 5-2 in those games (wins over NYG, Det(x2), Hou, Sea; losses to Dallas and Atlanta).

By comparison, Atlanta played 4 games against playoff teams and were 2-2 (wins over Oak, GB; losses to Sea, KC).

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Since'61's picture

January 19, 2017 at 10:49 pm

Dobber - in addition to defeating 7 actual playoff teams the Packers also defeated the Eagles and Vikings during their "run the table" streak and both of those teams were still alive for a playoff spot when the Packers defeated them.
Thanks, Since '61

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Dzehren's picture

January 19, 2017 at 10:22 pm

The key defensively is to contain Freeman (Coleman) Plug the gaps w/ safety & ILB blitzes in the inside gaps. Davante Freeman should be blitzed/ targeted on every play & hit in backfield whether he has the ball or not limiting his pass catching ability. OLB's ( peppers- CM3- Fackrall- J Elliott sack master- Perry) must keep containment on outside in run support & pressure Ryan.

Stopping Freeman is paramount while pressing, disrupting timing patterns & hittimg Julio Jones off line of scrimmage & double him as much as possible is the other key.

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al bundy's picture

January 20, 2017 at 08:38 pm

Best luck to the packers. They will go out and play hard no matter what. Wish they were healthier but it is what it is. Ted needs to spend a little next yeat on some free agents. Cook is a good example of what frzt and dev wnt do for you. Go packers.

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