On paper, an offensive onslaught
Matchups for the NFC Championship Game on Sunday between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons:
When Packers have the ball
Aaron Rodgers couldn’t be hotter. After predicting the Packers would rise from 4-6, the quarterback made sure they did with some magnificent work. Expect him to throw plenty against a defense that can rush the passer, thanks to All-Pro Vic Beasley Jr., who led the league with 15½ sacks. Atlanta ranked 28th against the pass. Even if top targets Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams are sidelined, Rodgers will expect to find wide reciever Randall Cobb, running back Ty Montgomery and tight ends Richard Rodgers and Jared Cook, he of the miracle catch against Dallas.
With the emergence of Montgomery as a running back after a move from receiver, Green Bay has some balance to its offense. It needs a recently improved offensive line anchored by left tackle David Bakhtiari to continue its progress.
Atlanta figures to be aggressive against Rodgers, knowing that a conservative defense could get chewed up. Rookie linebacker Deion Jones, Brooks Reed (coming off a big game against Seattle) and a host of unheralded defensive backs will be tested.
When Falcons have the ball
This is as mighty an offense as the NFL has, thanks to All-Pro quarterback Matt Ryan throwing to All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu and breakthrough wideout Taylor Gabriel. Ryan, who led the league in passing, also has running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman as targets.
Ryan might be the best deepball passer in football (though Rodgers is no slouch), and the Packers are vulnerable in an injury-battered secondary. Expect Atlanta to test the likes of Damarious Randall, Micah Hyde, LaDarius Gunter, who struggled mightily against Dallas, and, if they’re ready to go, Quinten Rollins and Morgan Burnett. Only safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has been truly reliable in the secondary.
The Falcons certainly will be balanced with the ball, probably much more than Green Bay is. Unless, of course, the Packers can stymie Freeman/Coleman with the work of linebackers Clay Matthews, Nick Perry and Jake Ryan.
Perry and Julius Peppers will provide the pass rush, along with Matthews at times. Atlanta gave up 37 sacks, so Ryan is reachable. His main protectors, as well as blockers for the run game, are right tackle Ryan Schraeder, center Alex Mack and left tackle Jake Matthews, who is Clay’s cousin. Injuries: Packers receivers Nelson, Adams and Geronimo Allison did not practice and were listed as questionable.