Packers Question of the day - Four More Quarters.

The Packers last met the Falcons in the playoffs en route to their apperance (and eventual win) in Super Bowl 45. 

However, things are different this time around.

Both teams are as hot as it gets, ensuring a guaranteed shootout in the Georgia Dome's final game. What match-ups are you aiming to be the determing factors in the NFC Championship game?

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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 (66)

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dobber's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:01 am

"...the determing factors in the NFC Championship game?"

Who has to settle for FGs and who scores 7s.

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LayingTheLawe's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:22 am

The Packers have scored 38, 30, 38, 31, 38, and 34 points in their last 6 games. Four of those games were against teams in the top 6 of points against for the season. Last week they really seemed to embrace the idea of throwing it and throwing it, running a total of 15 carries for the game. Now they play the 28th ranked passing defense in the league, the number 29 ranked points against defense in the league. They scored 32 on this D earlier in the year before they were hot. The last team they scored 40 + on was the Falcons last year. I see 40 + in this one as the Packers know they can't sit on any lead with this defense and have to go for it.

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Dzehren's picture

January 18, 2017 at 07:55 pm

Thumbs up- we need Davante and / or Jordy back to score 40 points

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zoellner25's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:28 am

I love our matchup in a dome in the ATL. ARod loves domes, and we can expect Crosby to have 60 yard range.

I'll be most worried about our DBs on Julio Jones.

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Razer's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:33 am

This is going to be a drag race. Atlanta did to Seattle what the Packers did to Seattle. It will be last man with the ball again this weekend. If there is an edge, it may be our pass rush against their O-line. We could tilt the field if we get constant pressure on Matt Ryan. Beyond that, it will be good offenses against suspect defenses.

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croatpackfan's picture

January 18, 2017 at 02:55 am

Yea 36-20 vs 38-13 with TD in the garbage time... Those 2 teams did same to Seattle?

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MarkinMadison's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:42 am

To me the determining factor is health. We need Morgan back if at all possible. Bakh and Adams both left the Cowboys game with injuries. Bulaga got dinged too. Getting Jordy back would be a huge help. Ditto on Rollins. How many of these guys are there, and how close to 100% can they be? To me, that will dictate the outcome of this game.

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Bert's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:55 am

Agree. I think getting Burnett back is a big key. We really depend on our safeties to pick up the slack from our CBs. I'm not sure we can score often enough if Burnett is out and our CBs are left holding the bag on their own.

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zoellner25's picture

January 17, 2017 at 10:53 am

Pick up the slack. Well said, Bert

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fthisJack's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:10 pm

whoever wins the TO battle, if there are any. both teams seem to take care of the ball extremely well so any pics or fumbles would be big in this game.

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chugwater's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:51 pm

Adams has me worried a little. I hope his ankle isn't as bad as the high ankle sprain from last year. If he's close to 100%, I don't know how ATL stops us. If not...

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dobber's picture

January 17, 2017 at 01:16 pm

It would be nice to have Nelson back, but I just don't see it happening this week. At this point, he'd be nothing more than a decoy and I suspect they'll get better production and play out of one of the other WR.

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4zone's picture

January 17, 2017 at 02:55 pm

Jordy would be an idiot to play this week. Fractured ribs are a serious thing. Human bodies aren't like shoulder pads or helmets, you can't just snap off the broken part and replace it. Be smart my man, let this thing heal.

Burnett is the only guy right now I'm worried about. We need all the secondary talent we can muster.

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Hematite's picture

January 18, 2017 at 07:49 am

I don't believe Jordy will be able to be a contributor even if he is able to take the field and I don't think Rollins makes our defense better.
We do need Burnett back and he does make our defense better.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:53 am

Someone already said health, so I'll say pass rush--for both teams.

Matthews and Peppers must reverse the disappearing act they put on in Dallas, and Perry must bring more consistent pressure.

Vic Beasley is a nightmare, but he'll need help in limiting Rodgers--who ain't no Russell Wilson.

Whichever team brings the heat and sets the tone, wins.

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chugwater's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:34 pm

I'm to the point where I don't worry about any one-on-one match up for our tackles. Bulaga and Bahk have taken care of Everson Griffin, Ziggy Ansah, Olivier Vernon, and everyone else the league has thrown at 'em. Beasley will be just another victim.

Rodgers has to be giddy with Cook and Ty playing in this rematch.

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dobber's picture

January 17, 2017 at 01:10 pm

Someone posted that Clayborn is out for Sunday. How effective would Peppers and Matthews be if Daniels wasn't inside? I think the sledding will be a little tougher for Beasley on Sunday without the inside push.

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holmesmd's picture

January 17, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Clayborn is out. His biceps exploded.

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Razer's picture

January 17, 2017 at 10:11 am

BTW - Whoever dug up the story about Rodgers and his family and got his father to chirp was pretty low. AR's personal life has nothing to do with the race to the Super Bowl is really none of anyone's business. Nothing like generating a distraction when you are trying to focus on the toughest games. Complete asshole reporting. We should get Putin to put a hit on the guy.

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Norm's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:11 pm

Putin is a Patriots fan I'm sure.

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pooch's picture

January 17, 2017 at 03:03 pm

Thats bullshit to run that story now,same for Zeke Elliot.Couldnt ru n those after Super Bowl

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Otto's picture

January 18, 2017 at 12:27 am

Rodgers eats that stuff and uses it for powder in his cannon on Sundays. He's needed something to piss him off for a while now. Ever since he got over being dissed on draft day, he hasn't played with the same edge. I hope his mom calls him a rag-arm on Saturday in the news.

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Handsback's picture

January 17, 2017 at 11:38 am

Atlanta has two very good RBs and three good WRs. Their Oline is ok, but not anywhere at the same level as Dallas. So I don't see Atlanta banging the run like Dallas could have done all day but didn't. The difference is Ryan. He makes Atlanta much more explosive and uses those WRs and RBs as viable game breakers. If Green Bay can make them one dimensional (same thing I said before the Dallas game) then you could be trading TDs with FGs.
Atlanta has a better talented defense than Dallas, but they don't have their #1 pass rusher or #1 cover guy. They also don't play as well as a unit as Dallas does on the defensive side.
So as long as Rodgers can continue to make the plays as in the Dallas game.....Green Bay goes back to the SB. I see a winning point spread of 7+ points or more.

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Finwiz's picture

January 17, 2017 at 11:58 am

Not what the stats show dude, better go check them out. Dallas has a better team defense. Atlanta is nothing special. ATL yards allowed per game: 371.2, 8th from bottom; GB 363.9, 11th from bottom; Points allowed ATL: 25.4, 6th from bottom; GB: 24.3, 12th from bottom.

Yards allowed per game Dallas 343.9, 14th best, points allowed per game 19.1, 5th best. All reg season statistics.

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chugwater's picture

January 17, 2017 at 01:12 pm

I agree Dallas's defense is better than Atlanta's.

In the last six games, ATL has given up 20.6 ppg, but they played atrocious offenses. If you take out the cupcakes (LA, SF, And CAR) the number jumps to 27.0 versus NWE, KC, and SEA (a very middling offense at best).

I was slightly pessimistic going into the Dallas game. I'm feeling much better about this matchup.

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dobber's picture

January 17, 2017 at 08:07 pm

I actually liked the Packers chances against Dallas better than Atlanta. Atlanta plays fast and their strength offensively goes at the throat of the Packers greatest weakness on defense (the depleted secondary). Teams like Dallas are always riding a thin line in a passing league between winning and what happened to them on Sunday. I don't see much difference between the two defenses (Atlanta and Dallas) except that Atlanta will be figuring out how to deal with losing a key player on their defense on the fly.

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croatpackfan's picture

January 18, 2017 at 03:28 am

I agree with you, Dobber. I'm more afraid of Atlanta than Dallas. Dallas have better D than Atlanta, but Atlanta has, schematically, similar D to former Seattle D, which was somewhat tricky for Packers in the past. Luckily they do not have Seattle talent on D. Also, Matt Ryan is scary good this season, while Dak Prescott is average QB at the moment. He may develop to first echelon of the QB with time, but he is not anywhere near Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady and, of course, Aaron Rodgers...
Good things are: Matt Ryan is, mainly, pocket passer, Atlanta's OL is somewhat worse than Dallas' OL and Adrian Clayborn is already ruled out for the NFCCG...
After all, I believe Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers will make good game plan which will lead to another Packers victory!

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:17 pm

I think the most important matchup is Gunter on Jones. I doubt the defense is going to be able to bracket Jones much. So Gunter is goong to have to limit him to no more than what he allowed Dez Bryant. I think he can if he says in position to contest every catch.

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Finwiz's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:21 pm

Important matchup Gunter vs. Jones is an understatement. Gunter no way no how can cover Me and Julio down by the school yard without safety help. Hopefully Capers doesn't have a senior moment and try it of they will be burned.

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chugwater's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:47 pm

If I'm Dom, I'm thinking that Gunter should jam JJ at the LOS on every play since JJ has a bum wheel. It plays to Gunter's strength and takes advantage of Julio's predicament.

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Bert's picture

January 17, 2017 at 05:33 pm

I like Gunter as he competes on every play. No quit in him at all. But he just cannot cover Jones by himself. Gonna need a healthy Burnett so he and Dix can help the CBs. Jamming JJ may work now and then but when it doesn't.........ugh.

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croatpackfan's picture

January 18, 2017 at 04:07 am

And who will cover Sanu? Or your genius plan is to play cover 2 with 2 deep safeties to help to contain both of the Atlanta weapons? Who will stop the run, than? Ah...

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Denver's picture

January 17, 2017 at 12:56 pm

I had a good feeling about the Packers finding a way to outscore the Cowboys. Not so much the Falcons unless they find a way to keep Randall off the field. I know he's hurt (seems to always be), but my Lord he's painful to watch.

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chugwater's picture

January 18, 2017 at 07:24 am

Much of the conversation right now is how dominant the vaunted ATL offense is against our banged up defense, but I don't see anyone condemning the ATL defense nearly as much.

They've been a middling defense all year. Their only brand name player is Beasley who we neutralized the last time we played to the point where they just used him to shadow Rodgers. Their best DL tore his bicep last week and is out. Their secondary is pedestrian. There's not a Rhodes, Slay, or Jenkins in the bunch. The Seahawks offense could make any average defense look like the '85 Bears.

All we need is Dom Capers to dial up a turnover or two, or a Peppers sack...

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stockholder's picture

January 17, 2017 at 01:58 pm

This team is ready to party! The packers have to do what ever it takes to get to the super-bowl. MM said he has all the faith in his offense, to move the ball. Every player needs a chance to contribute. It just makes A-Rod that much better. It also removes any pressure. The veterans will lead the defense. And this defense is playing for more than they realize. OC Kyle Shanahan needs his resume wrecked! They can help A-Rod get the MVP Award by making it hell for Matt Ryan. And for some, it will just put money in their pockets. Keep it FUN!

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croatpackfan's picture

January 18, 2017 at 04:36 am

MVP is already selected, but it will not be announced before NFCCG... So, game in Atlanta and possible SB game will have nothing to do with NFL MVP voting...

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PETER MAIZ's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:37 am

That's right Croat, and Ryan will probably win.

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2017 at 07:45 am

I suspect you're right. Hopefully that will put that extra oomph in ARod's game, wanting to outduel Ryan.

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4zone's picture

January 17, 2017 at 03:00 pm

Can Dom come up with a way to get 110% from our secondary without letting ATL RB's run all over us.

I think this one will come down to the defense that can make the stop when needed.

It's kinda odd but am I the only one out here who doesn't think AR had his best game last week? I saw several badly missed throws out there. Not saying he was awful or anything, but was certainly not in the zone. Hope that improves this time cause there will be points to be had on those deep throws this week.

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holmesmd's picture

January 17, 2017 at 10:52 pm

Can you turn water into wine?;)Lol. That's what you're asking Capers to do with out secondary. The man should get an award for going this far. I'm serious, they may have trouble covering me and I'm almost 49 y/o!:)) Lol

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croatpackfan's picture

January 18, 2017 at 04:48 am

Dom Capers did wonderful job these season when you are looking how bad D was plagued by injuries... So I believe and expect Dom will make very good game plan which will suits available Packers personnel... I doubt that many DC would be able to do what Dom Capers did with this group of players...

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Bearmeat's picture

January 17, 2017 at 03:15 pm

We didn't have Randall, Ty or Cook in the last matchup. Nor Randall, Rollins or CM3. And that was when the offense was still not in sync!

We may give up 45 to that offense, but we're going to drop 50 on them.

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chugwater's picture

January 17, 2017 at 03:50 pm

The thought of a 50 burger came to mind earlier. For us that is...

I think we have enough on D to slow them down a series or two.

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jh9's picture

January 17, 2017 at 04:14 pm

I don't think their defense can stop our offense, and I don't think our defense can stop their offense. This game could become the highest scoring game for a Divisional Championship in history.

Whoever turns it over the least will have a clear advantage. But I suspect the game will be decided on the last possession. It will be a real nail-biter.

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carusotrap's picture

January 17, 2017 at 03:29 pm

Look, we were 4-6. McCarthy was about to be fired. Rodgers was done. We had no running back. Ted Thompson was about to be fired. We were talking about who we were drafting with the 4th pick. And now?

This. Is. Gravy. I plan to enjoy it from a B&B in northern Scotland and celebrate a remarkable turn around and highly successful season, regardless of the result. Yes, our D could give up 250 yards to Julio Jones. Or someone else. Whatever. Gravy.

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dobber's picture

January 17, 2017 at 04:09 pm

Look at it this way: two years ago they gave up a bazillioon yards to Julio Jones. This year they gave up 200+ yards to Adam Thielen and what's-his-name from the Lions. What's the common thread? Packers still won those games.

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croatpackfan's picture

January 18, 2017 at 04:52 am

I said before Dallas that I do not care if Elliott will have 200 yards or Bryant would have 150 yards, just we need win. Well they both have their part in more than 250 yards together in the game and guess who came out with victory? Packers...

I say here gave them 1000 yards all around, just score more points. I do not care!

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Dancing Eddy's picture

January 17, 2017 at 04:20 pm

My question is, when was the last time STeams blocked a kick , either punt or place,of significance? Blocked kicks r game changers, we need to get one. It always seems the opposing kickers have an easy time of it. St could step up for once.

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Dancing Eddy's picture

January 17, 2017 at 04:23 pm

I would take a kick return also!!!!

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4thand1's picture

January 17, 2017 at 04:33 pm

Rodgers in the Georgia Dome.
record 2-2
338 YPG passing
10 td's-0 ints.
125+ passer rating.
He likes the dome, how the hell did they lose twice?

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Bearmeat's picture

January 17, 2017 at 07:40 pm

Both games were last second affairs that we lost by 1. 2010 and this year. We atoned for 2010. This year's comeuppance happens on Sunday. :)

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Point-Packer's picture

January 17, 2017 at 05:57 pm

Cow - please predict a big Packers loss. And explain why, in detail, the Packers don't have a chance. Thanks.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 17, 2017 at 07:11 pm

He finally has some purpose.

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Lphill's picture

January 17, 2017 at 06:51 pm

as long as COW calls for a blowout for Atlanta then the Packers will win.

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Oppy's picture

January 17, 2017 at 07:06 pm

I don't have the faintest idea how this game is going to go down, but it seems like when MM and AR are asked about the Falcons rematch, they are barely able to contain themselves and have to quickly wipe a smile from their faces before delivering their measured, professional responses.

I get the feeling like the Packers have been prepping for this game since their first meeting, and have come up with a game plan that they feel is going to exploit and expose the Falcons in grand fashion.

Can't wait to see what the big secret is.

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Bearmeat's picture

January 17, 2017 at 07:42 pm

I concur 100%. GB is going to expose that defense something fierce. I also cannot wait!

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EdsLaces's picture

January 17, 2017 at 08:24 pm

I wanna bring something up that I haven't seen on here yet I don't think. He never gets any love cause he's so slow, but the move Rich Rod put on SEAN LEE was absolutely ridiculous. Plus it was a nice catch right over Sean's shoulder.

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pacman's picture

January 17, 2017 at 09:50 pm

I'm hoping that MM and AR are not too giddy to think they can do anything. Move the chains when we need to and don't go long on every 3rd down. Take what the defense gives you. Remember that AR was short on the throws to RR and the INT. Yeah, his last throw was one for the HOF videos. But win the game first. When you are up by 3 scores, then open it up for target practice rather than slowing it down. Up by 5 scores, slow it down to be polite<g>!

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marpag1's picture

January 18, 2017 at 12:07 am

I'll go out on a limb and say that the key matchup is the Green Bay Packers against the Atlanta Falcons. Whoever gets the best of that will win.

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Dzehren's picture

January 18, 2017 at 07:59 pm

And whoever has the ball last- concerned about Davante injury-

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Dzehren's picture

January 18, 2017 at 08:00 pm

Never thought I would say that after last year lol

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lecko's picture

January 18, 2017 at 04:07 am

I think this game wil be tougher to win than the potential Superbowl. I think the only way PAck prevents Atlanta form scoring of evety drive is tournovers.

For SB Players would have 2 more weeks to heal . And neither Patriots nor nor Steelers looks so dominant on pfense as Atlanta at home.

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Dzehren's picture

January 18, 2017 at 07:58 pm

Atlanta is no New England - Matty Ice is no Brady and Quinn is no Bellichek

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lecko's picture

January 18, 2017 at 06:03 am

On that latest analysis it looks like Dalas #30 got a small piece of Crosby s final kick to turn it mor einto knuckleball and maybe it was enough to chnge it from missed to good

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Norm's picture

January 18, 2017 at 08:56 pm

With two explosive offenses and inept defenses, it very likely could come down to who can steal an extra possession. That could come in one of several ways: turnover, stop on downs, or a double-up at the end of the first half/start of the second half. That is why we need to win the coin toss and defer, and with good fortune get the last possession in the first half and milk the clock all the way down and score (end of the first half is the rare case in this game where a FG would be a win).

Whoever gets the ball to start the first half better do their best to ensure they get the last possession of the first half. We might want to deactivate Schum for this game, as good as he's been lately we sure better not need him (okay, he can hold for PAT's).

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