RANTS&RAVES
RANT:
Lack of depth on the offensive line ranked as one of the Packers’ major concerns coming out of training camp, and it became a cold reality Sunday when starting tackles David Bakhtiari (hamstring) and Bryan Bulaga (ankle), and backup Jason Spriggs (hamstring) all were ruled out. It only got worse, with do-everything defensive lineman
Mike Daniels (hamstring) and Nelson sidelined in the first quarter, and safety Kentrell
Brice (groin) in the second. Cobb left with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter. It’s no excuse — the Falcons also had some key injuries, including the loss of right tackle Ryan
Schraeder (concussion). But losing both their starting tackles plus Daniels from the defensive line was too much to overcome.
RANT:
Rodgers threw seven touchdown passes in two games against the Falcons last season, both in losing efforts. This was another case where his stat sheet looked better than the actual result. This just wasn’t his night. Two poor plays stood out: the uncharacteristic interception late in the half, and a play on the opening drive of the second half in which Rodgers lost the ball after being leveled by Falcons linebacker Vic
Beasley. It was ruled a lateral and the wayward ball was returned 15 yards for a touchdown by Trufant. Rodgers kept battling and ended up 33-for-50 for 343 yards and two touchdowns, with a passer rating of 90.7.
RAVE:
The Packers needed Ty Montgomery to get off to a better start Sunday than he did against the Seahawks, when he was bottled up in the first half but played key roles both running and receiving during the second half. Montgomery again was a dual threat against the Falcons, gaining 35 yards on 10 carries and 75 yards on six receptions while scoring twice.
RANT:
The Packers utilized Martellus Bennett in multiple ways against Seattle, rarely showing the same look with their 6-6, 270pound tight end to keep the defense guessing. Bennett figured to play a pivotal role against the Falcons, with his skills as a blocker helping to offset the absence of Bakhtiari and Bulaga. But Bennett struggled early, dropping several passes and being flagged for a costly offensive pass interference penalty on a pick play. He finished with five catches for 47 yards.