Green Bay Packers v. Falcons: 5 Big Questions Heading into Monday Night
By Paul Bretl
Will the Green Bay Packers offense score 40+ points again?
After an offseason of the national media and a portion of the fan base doubting this Green Bay Packers’ team, through three weeks, this has been the most productive offense in football. The unit ranks second in total yards per game, second by DVOA, and first in points per game, scoring over 40 in the first two. Well, to put it simply, coming to town on Monday is one of the worst defenses in the game.
You pick a category, and there’s a good chance the Falcons are near the bottom of the NFL in it. A few that I’ve picked out include the 463.3 yards per game that they allow, which ranks 31st, while the 36 points per game they’ve given up ranks last, and they also rank 28th by DVOA. Not to mention that their explosive play rate and red zone efficiency are near last as well.
This is a perfect recipe for Aaron Rodgers – hopefully, Davante Adams – Allen Lazard, Aaron Jones, and everyone else to have another huge night.
Can the defense slow Calvin Ridley?
Calvin Ridley enters Monday’s matchup as one of the hottest receivers in the game. His 349 receiving yards are the second-most in football, and he is the only receiver with over 100 receiving yards in all three games. Ridley is also averaging nearly 17 yards per catch, and his four touchdown receptions are the most among receivers.
Where Ridley has really made his hay is as a deep threat, as evidenced by his 16.6 yards per catch and his 2.77 yards per route run. If Julio Jones is out, Jaire Alexander can primarily lineup with Ridley; otherwise, he could be Kevin King’s responsibility on Monday. Either way, they’ll need their “A” games, and the Packer safeties better be ready over the top as well.
Much like Alvin Kamara, I’m not sure you can stop Ridley, especially if Jones plays, but hopefully, this Packer defense can contain him and limit those explosive plays.