Great article, Mark. I really hope our defense is up to the task of stopping the Atlanta running attack. Also, I wonder if D Bakhtari is playing this game (artificial grass) and if the O line can keep J Love as clean this week as they did last week in Chicago.

Sims was clearly the TE they trusted to block. He’s also a pretty good catcher—showed more consistently in the passing game in the Vikings than Kraft did. I could see him easily pass Kraft for snaps as he gets more comfortable in our system, though I think Kraft will eventually surpass him. He’s a little smaller than Kraft, he has a significantly better vertical, similar speed, but he’s not nearly as agile.

Against this D, if he’s ready in terms of system/calls, I think Sims could be busy. We are going to need his blocking. They are going to try to blitz and confuse Love. He will need the outlet/blocking player conceivably. Sims would seem the logical candidate, with the option to run a route from a similar formation too.

We obviously have to stay vigilant against run for the entire game, but not at the expense of playing lax pass coverage like we did last season against the Titans. So hopefully Barry will remember this lesson and be prepared for any surprises the Falcons may have in store with their offensive game plan.

Doubs, Reed and Musgrave may have to be enough on offense. I would love to see another RB not named Jones to step up also. Hopefully our defense continues to take a + step this Sunday. May be a little tougher W this week. If the energy stays up, we should be able to get this done. Stopping the run will be a big test for the Defense. GPG

Funny... I have no worries at all about this game. I hear what everyone is saying and I'm not looking past the Falcons, I just don't have any inkling of a bad feeling. I kinda feel like we might lay a beat down on those guys.

The weird thing about last week is that there really wasn't a wide receiver hierarchy. All five of them got plenty of snaps. This week will be different. Watson appears to have a decent chance of playing, and even if he doesn't, Doubs will probably not be on a limited snap count again. So there will be fewer snaps for Toure, Heath, and Wicks. Those three still need to sort themselves out. Maybe the plan is for them to be treated as equals, with their playing time determined by when their specific skills are needed.

If Watson plays, one of the three will probably be inactive for the game. I expect that to be Wicks.

The Falcons were tied after three quarters. If it wasn't for the turnovers, Carolina might have won. My point is, the Packers will have their opportunities. Both running and passing. Love needs to avoid forced errors and the defense needs to step up the run defense and agrressiveness. Just like last week, the Packers need to play a complete game in all three phases. They will have a chance to win a second game.

This game will have to be won in the trenches. Love needs to be kept clean and AJ Dillon needs to get going. I know many are down on Dillon but I still think he is being used incorrectly and when he is in, we seem to get blown up up front for some reason. He is a back that needs several carries and can wear down a defense. No Jones, likely no Watson. I think the Packers are better up front on both sides. Make Ridder beat you and we should win this game.

I would hope they have Emanuel Wilson on the 53 if Jones is a no go.

So.. what does the narrative on the Packers look like if they go to Atlanta and put together a convincing win without their #1 WR, #1 RB, and without a starting ILB?

I know Atlanta is a team with plenty of questions themselves, but I have to think if Green Bay handles their business, there's going to be some talk around the league.

MLF needs to get Dillon plays that fits his style of play. Up close & quick opening runs. Nothing deep in shotgun. GPG!!!

Stop Atlanta's running backs, make Ridder pass

I want to see the Packers cut LVN loose with some power rushes to put Ridder on his arse!

Without Watson and Jones? That’s not good. I could see this go either way. Wilson only had one big run in the preseason. Dillon needs better run blocking from the line to get going. Taylor is serviceable at best. Doubs is a #2-3 WR and the tight ends are raw rookies. Atlanta has a legitimate run game and that has, historically, been our big weakness.

Colorado…Coach Prime…..had 25 runs for 70 yards and 40+ points. Congratulations to Colorado State on stuffing the run.

Honestly, is there ever a game when anyone feels we have an obvious coaching advantage ( except against the bad news Bears)?
Even the special teams is getting infected now.
The Packers look like they have some decent players, but this staff will never get them anywhere.
Up by 12 with 14 minutes left and a third and long … and that was it.
It’s very tough to watch a MLF/ Joe Barry team constantly get out played, out coached and always, always have less energy than the opponent.
Games like this is how you miss the playoffs.. and in a weak NFC that shouldn’t happen.