Interesting that Atlanta is 12-5. They've played 7 games against teams with a winning record and 8 teams with a losing record. The Packers are 12-6. They've played 10 games against teams with a winning record, three teams that went 8-8, and just 6 games against teams with a losing record. The Falcons are 6-3 at home. The Packers are 5-4 on the road. The Packers lost 33-32 at Atlanta during their four game losing streak, without Randall Cobb, Jared Cook, Ty Montgomery, and Clay Matthews (but with Jordy Nelson). Atlanta led the league in scoring, but the Packers are scoring at about the same rate as Atlanta during their winning streak. Statistically, the Falcons defense is worse than the Packers (in points/game, yards/game, 3rd down %, fewer sacks, fewer interceptions). This game is pretty much a tossup. The Falcons are at home, but Ryan has a giant monkey on his back. The Packers have momentum.
"There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson
Ok, I'm finally sober from the game. Time to start drinking to get ready for Sunday.
Seriously, I really really want this game. Seeing the Packers in the SuperBowl again before I die would be very very cool...
I missed the Dallas game in 2013 so it's actually 12-14 since 2009, .462 ranks 3rd best in that time.
Kacsmar is trying to say that the Packers don't do well in shootouts (Packer D allowing more than 26 points) when underdogs.
More generally, Packers are 16-38-1 when allowing 26+ points. Falcons are 17-40.
http://pfref.com/tiny/n2Up4
Kacsmar wants you to believe the Packers won't fare well as underdogs. I think that may the wrong question. As these numbers guys say, sometimes splits happen.
I don't think 5 fewer wins as underdogs in this scenario means much given the overwhelming chance of losing such a game (need to score 4 TDs just to be competitive). Since BOTH teams are in this boat, I don't think underdog comes into it much UNLESS its proven the Falcons are clearly a superior team.
I think the earlier game this year disabuses that notion. I think the Packer D will be more effective than people think.
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
I'm sick of all the jabbering. It's a great day for a ball game.
let's play two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
I kind of agree fritz, but I'm still gonna hope!
Fritz, Gunter's hurting? I hadn't heard that. What's up with him?
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
Atlanta's defense more active since first meeting with Packers
It's very hard to see them replicating this against Rodgers this weekend.Since their Week 11 bye, the Falcons’ defense has generated 13 turnovers in the last seven games, including last week’s divisional playoff vs. Seattle. That win, combined with Green Bay’s victory in Dallas, has set up Atlanta to host Sunday’s NFC title game against the Packers.
The turnover surge has been a huge factor in allowing only two of their last seven opponents to top 20 points after some much rougher defensive outings earlier in the season, including against Green Bay in a last-minute, 33-32 victory in Week 8.
“We’re much closer to the style and vision we’d like to play, playing with that kind of speed and intensity and tackling,” Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn said in a conference call with Green Bay media on Wednesday. “It came from experience. We needed more turns together, and the communication has picked up.”
M3 Wednesday Presser
Wes Hodkiewicz @WesHod 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy: Jordy Nelson will be working with the rehab group today #Packers
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on Rodgers’ improvement: We’ve improved as an offense. We changed direction how we start games, emphasis with how used no huddle.
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on Kenny Clark: Played well. See snaps have gone up. Last six weeks taken a big jump. Happy with progress.
Wes Hodkiewicz @WesHod 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy: Morgan Burnett will be working in the rehab group today #Packers
Packer Report @PackerReport 5h5 hours ago
MM on Crosby's struggles in 2012: "We always believed in the man and obviously you can see why."
Green Bay Packers @packers 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on @crosbykicks2: He's the ultimate professional. His mental toughness is unique. I think that's what separates him.
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on Jared Cook: He was here as much as could in off-season. Definitely a transition. Look at him now, he’s playing great football.
Packer Report @PackerReport 5h5 hours ago
MM on Atlanta's offense: Playing great and have done so all year. Most consistent offense. Starts up front, Ryan having MVP-type season.
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on Matt Ryan: Always been a fan. Had to make some changes with offensive systems. Composed, always handled tough situations well.
Michael Cohen @Michael_Cohen13 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy said Bakhtiari/Bulaga will work in a limited fashion. Rollins is close to clearing concussion protocol. Adams in the rehab group.
Michael Cohen @Michael_Cohen13 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy said Joe Thomas is a young player continuing to improve at inside linebacker. "Joe has probably taken two steps this year."
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on depth: Young players played early and often. We’ll need them this week. This is the NFL.
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on WR coach Luke Getsy: Just look at the results. Every one of those young guys has improved a lot. Davante taken a big step.
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on Micah Hyde: Don’t know position he hasn’t played outside offensive and defensive line. His personality fits locker room.
QUARTERBACK?
Packer Report @PackerReport 5h5 hours ago
Can Adams play on Sunday? "We'll see," MM says. Maybe will practice on Saturday. So that's not a great response.
THAT'S NOT PAWSITIVE
Green Bay Packers @packers 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy on Rodgers: Aaron's competitiveness never turns off. It's all day every day. Most competitive player in our building.
Wes Hodkiewicz @WesHod 5h5 hours ago
McCarthy said he doesn't expect Davante Adams to practice until Saturday. Want to see him move throughout week #Packers
SLIGHTLY MORE PAWSITIVE?
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
SPOON SUMMARY
Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein 5h5 hours ago
#Packers injuries: Nelson, Burnett, Adams not practicing. Adams will practice Saturday at earliest. Nelson a ? again. Bakhtiari, Bulaga, OK.
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
Jeezus, I wonder if Janis has another Arizona game in him. They are going to need it.
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Montgomery lining up more at WR this week.