FALCONS PASS DEFENSE VS. PACKERS PASS OFFENSE

ADVANTAGE PACKERS

FALCONS: The emergence of outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. in his second season has improved the pass rush significantly, as he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks. The Falcons also pressured Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson a whopping 20 times. Otherwise, the numbers don’t look good. The Falcons rank No. 28 against the pass, allowing 266.7 yards per game, although it should be remembered that opponents have frequently had to throw a lot against the Falcons. A season-ending shoulder injury to cornerback Desmond Trufant made a starter of second-year pro Jalen Collins, and the Falcons lost their second-leading sack man last week when end Adrian Clayborn (4.5 sacks) went down with a torn biceps muscle. Speedy cornerback Robert Alford has had his best season as a pro, and rookie strong safety Keanu Neal has been a revelation, though chiefly as an enforcer. Similarly, undrafted rookie corner/slot Brian Poole has been a pleasant find for a unit run led by steady free safety Ricardo Allen. If the Falcons are to break even in this matchup, it likely will be because of the force they play with.

PACKERS: Rodgers is on a tear, surpassed by no player in the NFL save perhaps Ryan. The two-time NFL MVP ripped the Falcons in Game 8, although he didn’t throw deep often. He completed 28 of 38 for 246 yards and four touchdowns — all of less than 10 yards. The guy can wing it deep with the best of all-time, however, and may be unmatched on Hail Mary passes. Oh, and he can improvise, as when he made up a play in the final minute last Sunday and threw a 36-yard pass to tight end Jared Cook — who didn’t play against the Falcons — to set up a game-winning field goal as time expired. His pass protection is well above average, and Rodgers holds the ball longer than most. He’s lethal out of the pocket with numbers that far exceed all other NFL passers. The Packers rank No. 7 in passing offense (262.4 ypg), and Rodgers has thrown an NFLhigh 40 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. Keep an eye on injuries. Green Bay’s two leading wide receivers, Jordy Nelson (cracked ribs) and Devonte Adams (ankle), are dinged and questionable to play.