Green Bay Packers v. Falcons: Instant Takeaways from Dominant Win

The Green Bay Packers cruise to another victory, this time over the Atlanta Falcons. Here are your instant takeaways from the win.

Despite not having Davante Adams or Allen Lazard, the Green Bay Packers’ offense continues to hum along behind some excellent play from Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur’s beautifully designed play-calling. Meanwhile, the defense did a nice job of containing what is normally an explosive Atlanta offense.

Heading into a much-needed bye with several key injuries, the Packers find themselves 4-0 with no signs of slowing down. As always, here are your instant takeaways from the game.

• The Green Bay Packers had quite a few key injuries to overcome tonight with Lazard, Adams, Gary, Clark, Lewis, and Kirksey all out. However, they managed quite well.
• A few years ago the Packers signed former Indian State wide receiver Robert Tonyan to the practice squad. They were patient, gave him time to develop, and now, Big Bob has arrived, folks.
• I know it’s only Week 4, but it is time that Matt LaFleur enters the discussion for Coach of the Year. He has been masterful in his play calling. Below, Andy Herman of Packer Report breaks down Malik Taylor’s fourth-down reception.

•  No receivers, no problem. Of course, we’d rather have Davante Adams and Allen Lazard than not, but in this offense, forget the term receiver, there are pass-catchers.
• Aaron. Rodgers. That is all.
• On Darrius Shepherd’s catch at the goal line where he didn’t quite cross the plain, we saw his inexperience as he didn’t run his route quite deep enough.
• Speaking of that play, another series that ends with the Green Bay Packers not being able to punch it in from inside the five-yard line.
• Kevin King left with a quad injury, but there were two plays that he made in the run game at the line of scrimmage. This is turning into a weekly occurrence for King.
• I mentioned Robert Tonyan earlier, but guess which tight end is leading the NFL in touchdown receptions with five?

• We saw something in the first half that we don’t often see, and that was a missed extra point from Mason Crosby. That was just his second miss since Week 5 in 2018.
• I have to say, I absolutely LOVE Matt LaFleur’s aggressiveness on fourth downs.
• The tackling was better than last week – not sure it could have been worse – but ehh.
• It’s not an official game without a Za’Darius Smith sack or two.
• I said it multiple times this week, but this offense is as well equipped as it’s been in years to handle not having two of their top pass catchers.
• A Raven Greene sighting!

• After the defense had given up a field goal to Minnesota at the end of the half, a missed field goal to Detroit, and a touchdown to New Orleans, they finally didn’t let their opponent into scoring position at the end of the second quarter.
• The Atlanta Falcons went 20 plays, eating over 10 minutes off the clock, going for it on fourth down twice, and settled for a field goal. While I understand it could have been frustrating to watch, that was a huge win for the Green Bay Packers’ defense.
• Whether it’s on offense or special teams, when Tyler Ervin has the ball in his hands, it feels like he is so close to breaking a big play.
• We saw plenty of videos this offseason of Jamaal Williams working out and honing his receiving skill-set, and my goodness has it paid off. He looks so much quicker and smoother than last year.
• This is an explosive Falcons’ offense, but the secondary did an excellent job of limiting those big plays.
• Calvin Ridley entered this game with 349 receiving yards through three weeks and the only receiver in the NFL with three 100 yard receiving games. However, it was a very quiet night for him. Jaire Island was on lockdown tonight.
• And overall, especially with injuries to Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan in this game, the defense performed quite well.
• 4-0.