Ask the expert

Packers beat writer Ryan Wood answered questions from readers Monday, a day after Green Bay’s loss to Atlanta. Read the transcript at jsonline.com/packers.

Q: The Atlanta game shows to me that the team is not any better than last year's team. We can blame it on inju- ries but the fact is Atlanta is better on defense and about the same as the Packers on offense. So what does Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson need to do to give the Packers a chance to get to a Super Bowl?

A: Hope David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga can stay healthy. No team is reaching the Super Bowl playing backups at tackles. That's just reality of this league. Q: The only reason

Thompson has a job is number 12

A: It's people like this, who get so worked up during Week 2, that concern me. Not great for your long-term health.

Q: Silly me, I thought Charlie Brown would finally get to kick the football and I thought the Packers would have a good defense. Looks the same as last year, should I give up or keep hoping?

A: You should keep in mind the Packers defense was better last night than in January. Two touchdowns last night were set up by the offense. The one thing this defense has to figure out against the Falcons is how to cover Julio Jones. He was the difference again, making big plays that win games. Considering they've tried everything, I'm not sure where that answer comes from.

Wood