The Green Bay Packers are on a quest to start the season 2-0, and both of these early wins will be on the road. Following their dominant victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 1, they now face a different kind of challenge against the Atlanta Falcons to achieve that goal.
In Week 1, the Falcons managed to secure an ungly, ugly 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This game may prove to be a rare win for Atlanta or the beginning of an unexpectedly successful season. Only time will tell.
What we can be certain of, however, is that the Packers will emerge victorious on Sunday. Here are five compelling reasons why.
Here are five reasons why the Green Bay Packers will move to 2-0 and defeat the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 2.
Packers Will Clean Up the Penalties
Green Bay had an uncharacteristic nine penalties against the Bears, including several of the personal foul variety. That’s unlike a LaFleur-coached team, as the Packers are usually near the bottom of the NFL in penalties per game.
Despite having the youngest team in the NFL, Green Bay will get back to their disciplined ways against the Falcons and make them earn every single yard. That will also help the Packers ensure they’re not working against the down and distance on either side of the ball.
Packers Will Pressure Desmond Ridder
The Packers’ defensive line was unstoppable against Chicago, constantly getting into the backfield, pressuring Justin Fields, and sacking him four times. It was an impressive combination of defenders beating their man one-on-one and defensive coordinator Joe Barry dialing up some good calls. On the other hand, Ridder was also running for his life in Week 1, getting taken down four times.
The news continues to get worse for Ridder, as Gary will likely play more than the 12 snaps he did against the Bears. Gary will still probably be on a snap count, but he’ll likely get significantly more playing time moving forward.
The rest of the Packers’ front seven is dangerous as well. Devonte Wyatt was a menace and looks to be in line for a breakout season. Lukas Van Ness is still figuring out life in the NFL, but has elite athleticism on the edge. Oh, and we can’t forget about Kenny Clark.
Packers Will Keep Jordan Love Upright
Green Bay will continue to exploit their advantage at the line of scrimmage, as they’ll keep Jordan Love on his feet once again. Love, who was only sacked once in the season-opener, had all day to throw, work through his progressions, and find the open man.
The Falcons have Grady Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, on the interior, which could spell trouble for Josh Myers. The Packers will have to send plenty of help Myers’s way in the form of Jon Runyan and Elgton Jenkins.
If they can handle Jarrett, however, there are few pass-rushing weapons on the edge they need to be worried about. Zach Tom and whoever ends up being the other tackle against the Falcons will dominate and make life easier for Love.
Packers Will Shut Down the Passing Game
The Falcons passing game will resemble what the Packers saw Fields and the Bears execute in Week 1. It will be full of screens and short passes designed to get the ball out of Ridders’ hands as soon as possible and limit the damage he can do to his own team. This was the game plan last week, as he completed 15 of his 18 passes, but they only went for 115 yards.
The Packers will be more than happy to allow these short passes and throws behind the line of scrimmage as long as they can wrap up the ball carrier and bring him down. Bijan Robinson is a nightmare in open space and will test the tackling abilities of the entire team. However, they’ll have to use a pack mentality, rallying to the ball and ensuring it’s a team effort to bring down the Falcons’ offensive weapons.
Packers Will Benefit From Explosive Plays Again
Green Bay was a playmaking machine in the season-opener, ripping off big play after big play. We can expect to see that again, as it will lead them to this victory.
Aaron Jones is listed as questionable on the injury report and will be a significant factor in the Packers’ explosive plays. He was as dynamic as ever last week and the Packers need him on the field to help carry the offense.
Christian Watson is also questionable after missing last week, but looks to be in a better position to suit up than Jones. Getting him back changes the entire dynamic, as defenses must always know where he’s at. That opens up the field for his teammates, giving them more space to work with.