Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons: View from the other side
By Josh McPeak
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Blogging Dirty: While I think Matt Ryan has been unfairly scrutinised in the media, his struggles on the road are well documented and pretty apt. His numbers and wins outside of domes, but particularly outside the Georgia Dome, are significantly less impressive than those at home and, as you say, the Falcons aren’t built like other first placed teams. That said, Julio Jones just torched one of the best corners in football for his best game in the NFL, and Harry Douglas finally looks healthy himself. While it wouldn’t shock me if he has 300+ yards and a few TDs, I’d also pencil in a few picks as I think he may struggle in the weather.
Falcons fans are familiar with the ‘best receiving corps in the NFL’ discussion, but the Packers’ receiving options are truly some of the best in the league. For a group that’s seen threats such as Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley in recent years, where do you rank the current receiving corps. Furthermore, how has the addition of Davante Adams helped the group, and do you feel that Jordy Nelson is overlooked in #1 WR conversations?
Lombardi Ave: I’m glad you asked that question. Not to take a single thing away from our current receiving core, but Aaron Rodgers likely makes each member a substantially better player. Randall Cobb is one of the best possession wide receivers currently in the NFL. He will catch the ball anywhere on the field, and can turn it into a big play at any second.
Jordy Nelson may be one of the most underrated players outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin in the entire NFL. At 6 foot 3 and nearly 220 lbs., he can run with the fastest receivers in the league. It doesn’t seem like he has had a bad game since Super Bowl XLV. The chemistry between himself and Rodgers has become a special thing to watch.
Jordy Nelson snares a touchdown catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller during the first half at Soldier Field Sunday. Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Ted Thompson has an eye for offensive talent like no other. I was ready to cut Davante Adams after the preseason. Boy, was I ever wrong. It appears Thompson has struck gold yet again. Adams will definitely benefit from being the third-wheel in this group. Green Bay knew on Sunday New England would try everything possible to contain Nelson and Cobb. Adams picked a great time to have a breakout game.
Steven Jackson was almost a member of the Packers before landing in Atlanta. The main weakness this season for the Pack has been their ability to stop the run. Can Jackson have a huge game on Monday night or perhaps Devonta Freeman has his coming out party?