Official Packers vs. Falcons Discussion Thread

[mraynrand]

Ticket prices for this game are dwindling like an Enron stock on Stubhub.

I just purchased tickets for myself and my escort. For those of you too weak to weather the frigid Russian-like winter, look for me on TV. I will be sitting next to a hot chick, wearing a Favre jersey and holding up a sign that reads:

Elf's
Sports And
Playboy
Network

"Fire Ted Thompson!"

you ain't gettin on TV with that sign, but it will impress your date. Have fun.

[Cheesehead Craig]

I remember reading that early in the season. Something about how Peppers pointed something out that Capers hadn't considered or something like that.

Yep, I thought back then that this was part of the improvement of Capers' defense in that a respected defensive player points out things and forces changes to be made for the better.

Beat the dirty birds!

[Maxie the Taxi]

Here's three reasons [other than the trap game argument] why the Falcons are not going to be pushovers next Monday Night:

1. The Falcons record since their bye week is 3 wins and 1 loss. Two of these wins were away games at Tampa and Carolina. Besides the Cardinals, they beat Cleveland in Atlanta. In the game prior to their bye they lost to Detroit in Atlanta by 1 point. The point is the Falcons have been getting progressively better over the past several weeks.

2. Look at their depth chart. On offense they have talent at the skill positions: WR Julio Jones, Roddy White, Harry Douglas; RB Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman; QB Matt Ryan; TE 6'8" 265 lbs. Levine Toiolo.

Jones, Douglas, Jackson and Ryan had big games vs the Cards. Toilolo had a TD catch. Jones had 189 yds and a TD on 10 catches. Jackson rushed 18 times for 101 yds. They controlled time of possession 37 minutes to 23! Roddy White was inactive but is expected to play against the Pack. (Atlanta's weakness seems to be their OL where two rookies and a 2nd year man are starting.)

[Atlanta is dead last in total defense and pass defense. Still, their secondary came up with 2 interceptions and a forced fumble last week.]

3. Devin Hester. He's back! I don't have to explain this one to Packer fans. Hester has gashed the Pack many times over his career and you can bet he'll be sky high next Monday Night in prime time. Even if he doesn't return a punt or a kick for a TD, he'll present a problem for the Pack in field position.

Do we try to kick deep on him in cold weather and risk a return? Do we squib it? Bloop it? Directional kick it and risk out of bounds? Will Stubby be tempted to onside kick?

Our Packers MUST stay focused for this game. It's no gimme.

[mraynrand]

Besides the Cardinals, they beat Cleveland in Atlanta.

They did?

[mraynrand]

Maxi, any given Sunday and all that, but the Cards O was gawdawful at ATL. I mean it was terrible. Hester did return a kick for a TD (that was wrongly called back due to a face mask by Hester after he scored), so he is still dangerous.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Maxi, any given Sunday and all that, but the Cards O was gawdawful at ATL. I mean it was terrible. Hester did return a kick for a TD (that was wrongly called back due to a face mask by Hester after he scored), so he is still dangerous.

I watched a few Atlanta games this year because they televise them down here. They have had a bunch of injuries and play very inconsistent. Common denominators are Hester and Jones, who are always good, bonehead D and Ryan who can look like an elite QB one week and Duke Carlisle the next.

I don't think Ryan and company are in awe of Lambeau. Didn't they come up here a few years ago and blow us out?

[mraynrand]

I don't think Ryan and company are in awe of Lambeau. Didn't they come up here a few years ago and blow us out?

no, they did not. In 2008, they won 27-24. 12 years ago in the playoffs, they won handily, but that was pre-everyone on the current rosters and staff, except maybe some equipment guys and docs.


Cleveland 26, Atlanta 24.

[Maxie the Taxi]

no, they did not. In 2008, they won 27-24. 12 years ago in the playoffs, they won handily, but that was pre-everyone on the current rosters and staff, except maybe some equipment guys and docs.


Cleveland 26, Atlanta 24.

Oops! 2002 seems just like yesterday. And I must have brain farted on the Cleveland game (and usually at my age that's not pretty).

Good thing I have a reliable fact checker.

[mraynrand]

Oops! 2002 seems just like yesterday.

and breakfast was just 5 minutes ago. That and failing eyesight, etc. etc. - getting old sucks.

[Maxie the Taxi]

and breakfast was just 5 minutes ago. That and failing eyesight, etc. etc. - getting old sucks.

Actually, the 2002 blowout is still vivid in my mind. But breakfast? You don't have any information on what I had, do you?

[channtheman]

Agree with this. Atlanta is coming off a good win against a 9-2 opponent. They put up 500 yards against that defense. The Packers are coming off a squeaker at home where they totally failed in the red zone. There's plenty to keep the Packers focused on this game. And if there is any hint of a let down, MM just need to say 'Did anybody get a ring for winning last Sunday? Did we clinch home field advantage for the playoffs? No, then we have a lot of work to do."

I was going to come and mention this. We beat the Patriots, but we didn't play perfectly by any means. The defense did well but had it's miserable moments with tackling. Our red zone offense didn't even play. Rodgers was errant on more than 1 throw. If Sir Michael John McCarthy can't get this team focused when we are fighting for a #1 seed, than we are doomed already.

[channtheman]

I kinda like "Fat Mike." It reminds me of "Fat" Tuesday Weld.

Sounds like a movie... or maybe it was a NOFX band member.

[Joemailman]

I don't think trap games really happen on Monday Night. I think teams still get fired up for playing in front of the national audience. Besides, I don't think it's a trap game when your next game is with Buffalo. Just don't see the Packers getting caught looking ahead to Buffalo.

[ThunderDan]

I don't think trap games really happen on Monday Night. I think teams still get fired up for playing in front of the national audience. Besides, I don't think it's a trap game when your next game is with Buffalo. Just don't see the Packers getting caught looking ahead to Buffalo.

I was just going to post the same thing. Buffalo? Overlooking Atlanta for Buffalo? I don't think so. If there is a trap game left it is TB before the Lions game to finish the season at home.

[Bossman641]

I don't think Atlanta will put up much of a fight on a cold Monday night. Packers should activate Tolzien so he gets some second half garbage minutes

Pack 37 - Atlanta 17