Packers vs. Falcons Preview

            The 1-0 Green Bay Packers are heading down to Atlanta to face the 1-0 Falcons as their week two matchup.

            The Packers historically have an all-time advantage over the Falcons with a 19-16 record. The biggest win in recent memory came in 2010 during the NFC playoffs divisional round on the Packers' journey to their most recent Super Bowl victory.

            Atlanta has always put up a fight against Green Bay, since 2008 the record between the two teams is almost split at 6-5 in favor of Green Bay. The record with Green Bay playing in Atlanta is a different story however in favor of Atlanta 11-6 all-time. The most notable Packer loss came in 2016 in the NFC championship game where the Packers got absolutely spanked.

            Since then, the Falcons have moved on from their former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, and hall-of-fame receiver Julio Jones. It’s been a hard reset in Atlanta, but they have acquired a lot of young talent in the NFL draft including Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and most recently Bijan Robinson.

            The Falcons opened their season up against the Panthers in a game where Atlanta’s pass game was almost non-existent, but the run game was extremely successful. Robinson and last season’s starter Tyler Allgeier combined for 177 total yards of Atlanta’s team total of 221 yards.

            After last season, most Packer fans are scarred from the fact the defense couldn’t stop the run. This Sunday is a big test, we’re not playing the sorry Bears, we’re up against a young Falcons team in their home stadium who are going to run the shit out of the football.

            The faith should be there in Green Bay’s secondary, but up front is where the questions still remain. Rashan Gary’s snap count is something to keep an eye on, with him on the field, the Packer defense is even more impenetrable.

            Injuries are going to play a factor big time for Green Bay. Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, David Bakhtiari, and Quay Walker are all listed as questionable heading into Sunday's game. With the possibility of no Aaron Jones, I expect the Falcons defense to dare Jordan Love to use his arm far more than he did against the Bears.

            Atlanta's secondary contains some great players including recently signed free agent Jessie Bates III and Jeff Okudah who is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Bates is coming off a great game against the Panthers after coming up with two interceptions and a forced fumble.

            Although Green Bay has struggled to play in Atlanta over the years, a win against the Falcons would be a monumental one in Packers history. The Packers have never started a season 2-0 with two straight road games. A win on Sunday would carry a lot of momentum going into the home opener in week three against the New Orleans Saints.

            This game may look like an easy win on paper, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is a slow physical game where both defenses are the focal point of the game.

            After last week's showing, Green Bay is carrying high energy and momentum that should guide them to victory. Matt Lafleur's gameplan is always solid and as long as the execution is there by the players, I expect a Green Bay win on Sunday.

            Real Packer fans know🧀