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Packers at Falcons
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| Our Expert |
When Packers have the ball |
When Falcons have the ball |
Prediction |
Jeff Falconio
Studio Anchor, Packers Gameday
Host, Wisconsin Sports Weekend
Contributor, Sportsbubbler
More |
Offensive line.
Offensively, the Packers have not looked cohesive, especially the last two weeks with a lack of a running game and pass protection. Keeping John Abraham out of the backfield will be key to setting up the pass.
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Stopping the ground game.
Atlanta ranks first in rushing yards, and Michael Turner has proven twice that if he can take over a game, the Falcons can win. But, in Atlanta's two losses, Turner rushed for a combined 98 yards.
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Green Bay 17, Atlanta 13.
To scratch out a win, the Packers will need a lot of defensive and special teams help.
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Jim Ganzer
Editor, Sportsbubbler
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Communication with the offensive line.
They need to work as a unit to be effective. Communication is the key.
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Interior line.
Michael Turner can kill you, but he can be stopped. The Packers need the line to occupy the guards so Green Bay's linebackers can be effective.
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Green Bay 27, Atlanta 14.
The Packers get their focus back and get back on the winning track.
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Bill Michaels
Host, Packers Gameday and Sports Central
Contributor, Sportsbubbler
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Opening lanes, closing defensive access to the quarterback.
The offensive line has got to protect whomever is under center, and they must establish the running game.
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Who is going to take over for Cullen Jenkins?
The Packers' most dominant defensive lineman is gone, and now someone, anyone needs to step up. Injuries have plagued the defense and the depth is really going to come into play. By the way, watch Brian Finnerean. He seems to beat up the Packers for whatever reason.
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Green Bay 24, Atlanta 17.
It's simply because they are at home, and either the defense or the special teams will come up with a big play.
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Jay Sorgi
Postgame Anchor, Packers Gameday
News and Sports Anchor/Reporter, 620WTMJ
Contributor, Sportsbubbler |
Aaron Rodgers' medical doctors or Matt Flynn's sports psychologist.
If Rodgers can throw with some level of effectiveness, the Packers can go to their full arsenal. If not, Green Bay throws a quarterback into the fire who has no reason for confidence with the way he's thrown in game situations in a Packers uniform.
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Someone on the defensive line to actually tie up blockers while stopping the run.
With the so-far dominant Cullen Jenkins laid up for the year due to injury, Pickett and Jolly have got to play nearly superhuman, and KGB/Colin Cole have to get their motor on the same end, or Michael Turner will gash the Packers' run defense like Marion Barber and Warrick Dunn did previously this year, which will also make life easier for Matt Ryan at QB.
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Green Bay 20, Atlanta 17.
But that is contingent upon Rodgers starting. I have no reason for confidence if Matt Flynn is the guy behind center. He'd lose in the battle of Irish Matthew's.
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Todd "The Llama" Welter
Producer, Sports Central
Reporter, 620wtmj.com
Contributor, Sportsbubbler |
Get back to running the football.
Atlanta's defense is 25th against the run, so this is the perfect time to get the running game going.
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Atlanta needs to run the ball.
The Packers are even worse against the rush (29th) and we've already seen what Michael Turner did to the Lions' defense (ranked 28th). He could be in for a career day, even with a bum shoulder.
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Green Bay 24, Atlanta 20.
I think the offensive line gets healthy in this one, and the Packers pound the football for a win.
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