Dairyland Express
Fansided

Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons: 5 matchups to watch

By Gage Bridgford

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers on the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 24-17. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers on the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 24-17. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images
Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images /

4. Justin McCray/Byron Bell vs Grady Jarrett

When Aaron Jones plays at his best, he is moving with a full head of steam between the tackles. He has the speed to get to the edge, but he does better going up the middle. This week, the team will be looking to slow down one of the best interior defenders in the NFL in Grady Jarrett. Jarrett’s coming out party happened on the game’s biggest stage in the Super Bowl two years ago, and he has only gotten better.

On the flip side, guards Justin McCray and Byron Bell have continued to trend down all season long. McCray started the season getting manhandled by the Chicago Bears, and things have only gotten worse. Center Corey Linsley has the ability to make up for some of their shortcomings, but he can’t take help on every single play. Bell or McCray, whoever gets the start, needs to show up against Jarrett.

If Jarrett is able to get established early, we’re going to see shades of Aaron Donald on Sunday afternoon. The Packers offense has a lot of long-developing plays, but elite up the middle rushers cause issues with that. Jarrett can restrict Rodgers from stepping up or escaping the pocket as he does so well. If he has a solid game, this offense will have to fight for every yard in his direction.

Home/Green Bay Packers