Defensive coordinator Dom Capers characterized the Green Bay Packers defense as having its best performance of the season. "At least it was according to defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ tried and tested grading scale," writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "Capers developed a system in which he grades every play as either a win or loss then totals the percentage of winning plays. Sunday’s game hit a season high of 73 percent." The defense is on a hot streak right now that puts it among the NFL's elite.

The Packers are ranked no. 1 in the league in points allowed. "When it comes to giving up points, the Packers and Chicago Bears are the stingiest teams in the NFL," writes Gary D'Amato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Each has allowed 146 points in 10 games (14.6 average); the Pittsburgh Steelers rank third at 165 (16.5)." And really, points on the scoreboard is the only statistic that matters. Never mind that the Packers are 12th in the NFL in yards allowed.

Statistically, the Packers are also improving greatly in the penalty department. "Entering Sunday’s big NFC showdown with the Atlanta Falcons (8-2) at the Georgia Dome, the Packers (7-3) have committed the sixth-fewest penalties (53) in the league and have been assessed just 415 penalty yards," writes Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin. "Only Miami (349) and Houston (408) have had fewer yards marched off against them." It's a stark contrast under McCarthy's first couple seasons when the Packers were among the most heavily-penalized teams around.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has made quite an individual turnaround. "After a four-game streak of passer ratings of 75.7 at Washington, 84.5 vs. Miami, 84.8 vs. Minnesota and 59.7 at the Jets, Rodgers has posted ratings of 131.5 vs. Dallas and 141.3 vs. Minnesota," writes Bill Huber of Packer Report (subscription required). "(Offensive coordinator Joe) Philbin joked that the expectation is that Rodgers posts a rating in the 150s at Atlanta — a perfect mark is 158.3. During the four-game slump, he threw four touchdowns and four interceptions. In the last two games, he’s thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions." Rodgers has been a huge reason the Packers' turnover margin has improved leaps and bounds over that same time period as well.

Safeties Atari Bigby and Anthony Smith sustained injuries on Sunday that make them unlikely to play this upcoming Sunday against Atlanta. "The absences leave the Packers extremely thin at safety, as was witnessed Sunday," writes Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "Starter Charlie Peprah missed some plays because of cramps, and cornerback Jarrett Bush was forced to man the position. Bush received significant practice time at safety after starter Morgan Burnett and Derrick Martin were placed on injured reserve. That was also before the team traded a conditional seventh-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Smith and Bigby came off the physically unable to perform list." I don't foresee the Packers making a roster move. Bush will back the safeties up and perhaps a Charles Woodson or a Brandon Underwood will practice at the position in case of emergency.

Running back Dimitri Nance's stock is on the rise after the Vikings game. "The rookie free agent ran tough and smart against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday," writes D'Amato. "He protected the ball, was decisive, hit the hole hard and didn't go down easily." One thing I noticed is that he has to get lower when preparing for contact. If he's going to be the short-yardage back, he needs to lower the boom and fall forward after getting hit.

Mike McCarthy said he was disappointed to learn Vikings head coach Brad Childress was fired on Monday, although Jason Wilde details the bad blood between the two men. "Several players interviewed both before and after the Packers’ victory acknowledged as much, saying that the events of the past several years – the Packers’ tampering allegations against Childress and the Vikings during the 2008 offseason relating to quarterback Brett Favre; Childress’ snubbing of McCarthy for the post-game handshake after the 2008 season-opener at Lambeau Field; Childress’ insinuation during a 2006 speaking engagement that the Packers’ job was his for the taking and he opted for the Vikings instead – had upped the ante for McCarthy and the staff even before Favre joined the Vikings in 2009," writes Wilde.

Al Harris took out a full-page ad in the Journal Sentinel to thank Packers fans during his career in Green Bay. "In the cutthroat world of professional sports, it’s refreshing to see an athlete acknowledge the community he was a part of in a move that he didn’t have to make," writes Brad Biggs of the National Football Post.

Film review is conducted by Cliff Christl and Eric Baranczyk of the Press-Gazette.

Total Packers notes how two head coaches have been fired after facing Green Bay.

Ol' Bag of Donuts compares Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan.

Sunday's gameday experience is chronicled by Max Ginsberg of Purple Pants Green Jersey.