Poll time: Who’s most important Falcon vs. Packers?
John Abraham has led the team with 13 sacks.
But his car slid off I-985 Monday.
Assuming I can get my car out of the garage, I’m off to Flowery Branch this morning for Falcons practice and a column later. If I can’t get out of the garage this morning, I’ll be live blogging off of “Curb Appeal” or some fabulous gemstones on QVC.
The subject of the intended Falcons piece likely will be John Abraham, assuming he can make it to the team’s facility safely after he slid off the road on Monday and had to be rescued by Kroy Biermann. (Nice teamwork.)
Loading ...Abraham, with 13 sacks, is having one of the best seasons of his career — even while near the end of his career. I’ll get into the whys and hows of that more later.
But here’s this morning’s question. Who’s the single most important player for the Falcons in this week’s playoff game against the Green Bay Packers?
The reflex action is to say Matt Ryan, simply because he’s the quarterback. But we’ve seen the Falcons win games this season when Ryan had only average, but mistake-free games.
The Falcons also don’t win this game if they can’t get some pressure on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who probably is playing as well as any quarterback in the league right now, other than Tom Brady.
So I’ve put up a poll of five Falcons. Pick one and tell me why he’s the most important. And don’t tell me you don’t have time to comment because I know you’re skipping work again.
By Jeff Schultz
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116 comments Add your comment
Buck Commander
January 11th, 2011
8:30 am
First on a snowy day.
Buck Commander
January 11th, 2011
8:41 am
Morning Jeff, I chose Matt Ryan since I think the players around Ryan will bring it to the Packers. If Matt plays average and with few mistakes or has a great game then the Falcons can win. If Matt has a sub-par game I’m worried that the Packers will win since they dont need any help from the other team and they are playing very good right now. It should be a great game. GO FALCONS!!!!
Buck Commander
January 11th, 2011
8:45 am
Jeff you made some good points in your blog. I guess it could come down to a lot of different things or players when it comes to winning in the playoffs.
Willy
January 11th, 2011
8:46 am
A smart sportswriter would have scraped his driveway of snow and ice YESTERDAY.
Just kidding, good luck Jeff.
FalconUGAFan
January 11th, 2011
8:49 am
Jeff..I’m going to flex here and say Ryan…His game has been a little off of late. Its true that he is a good QB, but he needs to take the next step. Maybe its MM or maybe it is his skill set, but the champion teams are usually carried on the shoulders of the QB. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy as our QB but want to see him reach his potential.
Buck Commander
January 11th, 2011
8:49 am
Jeff, we must be the only two people left in Georgia with power and internet service this morning. Guess the snow and ice got everyone else. Have a great day and be careful if you hit the roads.
bob
January 11th, 2011
8:49 am
The most important group is the offensive line. If every QB had the protection Brady has they would all be all world. Sometimes he has 4-5-6 seconds to find a receiver. Give Ryan that kind of time and
watch the game he would have.
suwaneefalcon
January 11th, 2011
8:51 am
Turner. Control the clock, control the game, win the game. Keep Rogers on the sideline and force him to have to pass when he is in. Abe becomes the second most important Falcon from there.
Buck Commander
January 11th, 2011
8:52 am
Hey, We are not alone, there is still life out there.
mountain_jim
January 11th, 2011
8:55 am
I also say Turner, who needs to see and hit the holes better than he has been of late. Pounding them is good, but we need first downs keeping Rogers off, as suwaneefalcon says.
mountain_jim
January 11th, 2011
8:56 am
And Turner needs to stop fumbling in the red zone – one more of those could kill the season!
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 11th, 2011
9:04 am
since the entire offensive line wasn’t a choice I will go with robinson/grimes .
GO FALCONS!
truth
January 11th, 2011
9:06 am
This aint the Falcons of 2001-2006……it’s not one man, but the entire team is important.
Larry
January 11th, 2011
9:06 am
Jeff,
I think you left out one important “Falcon”–coach Mike Smith!
The Falcons have had some really good game plans (like the first game against New Orleans, the offensive game plan against Baltimore and the defensive game plan in the 2nd game against New Orleans) and some bizarre and highly questionable game plans (like the Offensive game plan against Pittsburgh and the second game against New Orleans). I think Mike Smith’s game plan on BOTH offense and defense and his in game decision making on key 4th downs will be the biggest factor of all.
Our team is rested, healed and ready to defend the Dome! If the game plan is sound and Coach Smith doesn’t make a bonehead call (like punting to Brees with under 3 minutes left and behind) then we should win this game by 7-10 points. However, if BVG sends three pass rushers against Rodgers too often and at the wrong time; if Mularkey keeps Ryan handcuffed with poor 3rd and long calls; if Turner keeps trying to bounce outside like he’s Barry Sanders; and if Smith coaches without courage, intelligence, logic and wisdom, we are done!
Coach Smith’s instructions to his coordinators and his in-game, situational decision making is the key to this game. The players are rested and ready…just like the 1980 Atlanta Falcons were!
FrostyBird
January 11th, 2011
9:08 am
Coach Smith and staff….Don’t get outcoached like in Philly!!!! Our staff seems to have BIG trouble adjusting to anything new. Hope they can adjust quickly this week. If we get a good start, the fans will make sure we win.j
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 11th, 2011
9:09 am
I still like men. Please forgive all of my past rambings about Mike “CHOKE” Vick. I am a g@y tool.
JJ
January 11th, 2011
9:11 am
I say Ryan. Packers will put 7/8 in the box UNTIL Ryan makes some plays in the secondary. If he doesnt connect on those plays, we cannot run. Breakout game (he’s had several already) on the big stage, then Turner will pound them in the 2nd half.
Jeff D.
January 11th, 2011
9:11 am
Enter your comments here
socialssea
January 11th, 2011
9:12 am
Defense, defense, defense.
JJ
January 11th, 2011
9:13 am
Ignore the twisting worm and dont take the bait!
Knoxville Falcons Fan
January 11th, 2011
9:13 am
I think the question is flawed. I think the Falcons’ strength is precisely that no one player is the “most important.” Ryan, Turner, and Roddy all make each other better. You said yourself, Jeff, that we’ve won even when Matty has had average or bad games, usually because other players on the offense have stepped up and picked up the slack. The long drives the offense has put together, along with holding onto the ball (3rd in turnover margin) have let the defense stay fresh.
The defense keeps points off the board and keeps teams from getting in position for easy scores (5th in scoring defense, top 6 in opponents’ redzone opportunities), so the offense is rarely in the position of having to come back from large deficits.
And the return teams are giving the offense good field position, although we did put together a 99 yard drive against tampa bay this year.
I think the question works for a team like green bay, which – despite Starks’ day against the eagles – runs the ball like it weighs 7 tons. Would the packers really have gone anywhere this season without Rogers? Now, don’t get me wrong with that reference; I’m not saying that we could do without Ryan, or that we would be where we are without him or Roddy or Abraham or any other single player. I just think that among the remaining playoff teams, the components of our team fit and work together better than pretty much anyone else. Almost everyone else – even new england – seems like a one or two-trick pony. I don’t believe you can say that about the Falcons.
Paul in RDU
January 11th, 2011
9:14 am
Matt Ryan – In the NFL the QB is always the most important player on your team.
Jeff D.
January 11th, 2011
9:14 am
Sorry about the blank. That was a list of what’s open in Downtown Atlanta. I like Abe in the poll. I’d vote for whoever is captain of the defense. If we can contain Rogers and co. like last time I won’t worry about the offense.
Matt
January 11th, 2011
9:14 am
Eric Weems.
Wayne in Decatur
January 11th, 2011
9:15 am
Great question Jeff…with all of our weapons both offensively and on the defensive side of the ball..(drum roll please).. I choose Michael Jenkins…simply put the guy is a very good blocker in the run game..but in this game and for games hearafter,we need him to play just as his 6′4 frame suggest…his play would have a domino affect on Roddy,Tony G,and the run game…it would put the Packers in a pickle if they couldn’t play a safety over the top of Roddy,then that would give Tony the opportuinty to work the middle area…and lastly but certainly not the least..it would open up our sledge hammer of a running back Michael the burner Turner…it would force the safety out of the box and then we could gash them with our run game..So wake up Michael Jenkins the fans are calling you as well as your teammates…GO FALCONS ALL THE WAY TO DALLAS AND WIN
Turnertheburner?
January 11th, 2011
9:21 am
Turner’s gotta exert of a lot better effort than of late. If, and that’s wait and see, he does, then I also agree Turner is the main guy the Falcons need to lean on. Note to Turner, try not crumpling to the turf so easily in this game when you are first hit. Also, less east-west running and more north-south, and with more explosiveness between the tackles. Certainly not easy to do, but if Turner has significant improvement, Ryan and the receivers should do well. Hopefully, Turner will not fumble in this game. Since football is a game of averages and Turner has mostly avoided fumbling this year, hopefully he corrected this problem, and gets back to holding on to the ball.
NCBravesFan
January 11th, 2011
9:22 am
Hard to pin it down to one player, but here goes … It looked to me like the defensive line of the Packers did a really good job in the Philly game. The match-up with the O line of the Falcons, and how Ryan responds if the Packers win the line of scrimmage will tell the tale of this game IMO.
svewfrmtop
January 11th, 2011
9:23 am
I say Abraham. The Falocons will score on the Packers. The issue will be stopping them from scoring and the Falcons will need to tackle the qb on there blitz. You miss the tackles and he will find the wholes left by the blitzer. They missed alot of tackles on there blitzs agaisnt the saints, You cant do that against the packers in this game.
TheAntiMe
January 11th, 2011
9:23 am
I’ll be a radical and say Strong Safety William Moore. I say this not only because the Packers are a very pass-oriented team but also because QB Aaron Rodgers can burn opponents when he takes off and scrambles and often times it is up to the defense’s Strong Safety to spy on a running QB.
Falcons
January 11th, 2011
9:24 am
Every analyst is so high on GB. I’ve never seen a team (falcons) get such little respect. Funny how when we lost to the saints, in what was really a meaningless game, they all came out saying how we just were’t at the same level as the packers and saints and how we would lose to them. that’s you banks, dilfer, etc, never mind the fact we were 2-1, shoulda been 3-0 against them. and when the bears lose a meaningless game to gb, no one says oh wow they lost. just win it all and shut these clueless idiots up. they obviously know nothing with their saints going to the nfc champ.
vafalconfan
January 11th, 2011
9:24 am
Jason Snelling because Turner has lost a step and we need a back that can attack the line of scrimmage..if MUlarkey keeps running Turner left and right into a wall of flesh this will be a long night for our Falcons and their fans..I’m just saying..
Chip
January 11th, 2011
9:30 am
Just hope Turner doesn’t have any more fumbles.
Sid
January 11th, 2011
9:30 am
The defense in it’s entireity. No one player got us here but if the D can have a solid game (and special teams) we can notch this game up and wait for Da Bears and possibly even the Seahawks!
robertussen
January 11th, 2011
9:32 am
all those things are pretty important jeff. cant we have them all
eddiedawg
January 11th, 2011
9:33 am
Dunta is my choice. Time for him to earn his money. He needs two picks. Got to stop their passing attack.
Close second is Turner-he HAS to get off.
31-17 Falcons.
GO BIRDS OUR YEAR!
perspective
January 11th, 2011
9:33 am
THE DEVIL MADE HIM DO IT: TUCSON SHOOTER’S TWISTED SKULL SHRINE…
Described by Classmate as ‘Left-Wing Pothead’…
Family of suspect blocks FBI access to house…
Shooter Smirks in Court, Smiles for Mug Shot…
Was registered independent; Didn’t vote in Nov. ‘10 election…
JR
January 11th, 2011
9:34 am
If we do lose, I hope Seattle wins and hosts the nfc champ game. That would be hysterical.
Buckeye
January 11th, 2011
9:38 am
The kicking game.
Remember, the punt is the most important play in football.
RobbE33
January 11th, 2011
9:39 am
Everyone on the roster will have to play inspired, mistake-free football to win. As they have all season, it’ll take an team effort to bring home the “W. One for all and all for one,” is how they’ll get it done.
Reid Adair
January 11th, 2011
9:41 am
It will take an overall team effort, but for the sake of your poll, Jeff, I’m going with Michael Turner. The running game is going to be critical for the offense, both to control the clock and open up the passing game.
Mitch (the one in Rome)
January 11th, 2011
9:42 am
D-Line as a unit. Someone in the front four must, and I emphasize MUST pressure Rogers and contain him while dropping 8 sometimes to force incomplete passes and picks and even fumbles from hitting Rogers. We do that and the O will put a beat down on the Pack. Not worried about the O. I want to see a dominant D get some press.
Of that D-Line I’m going to say Babs or Abe.
No Tiptoes Through The Tulips
January 11th, 2011
9:52 am
If Turner can return to form and hit the holes with authority, that will open up our passing game for Ryan, Roddy, Tony G and company. Long sustained drives keep the Packers major weapon on the sideline and that’s their passing game. Wearing down the D with possession will also help. I hope Turner is well-rested! Let’s Go Falcons!
Plano BirdDawg
January 11th, 2011
9:52 am
Jeff – Where my mind goes with this poll is not quite as much who is the most important, but rather, who is the the biggest question mark. Or whose production are we most concerned about. It seems that’s the way the poll is shaking out too, so far. Turner is the most up and down performance-wise this year. Conversely, Roddy White is currently at the bottom of the poll. But White’s the biggest star on the team and possibly the best receiver playing right now. I think that White is getting the least clicks because he has been so consistent this year and we view his miracle plays as a given. What say you to this?
tony
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
THE FUTURE? Greg Romeus-DE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtR-GHikncs
‘
Daniel
January 11th, 2011
9:58 am
I think that Jason Snelling and Harry Douglas are the most important players, because the Falcons need to improve on their short passing game, and both players can be potential game changers.
bob [THE ONE IN POWDER SPRINGS]
January 11th, 2011
10:04 am
we MUST be able to run the ball,our pass rush [Abe,Babs,Beerman] MUST get after rogers.Sat nite crowd could be the difference maker GO FALCONS
Chris
January 11th, 2011
10:10 am
It has to be Grimes and Robinson. If they cover well the pressure will be there. They will also need to create a turnover. Whether it be due to their coverage and they get a sack and fumble, or they get a pick. Preferably a pick six. Grimes has played pretty well this season, now he needs to step up in the playoffs to show others that they need to start looking at Dunta’s side. When that happens, turnovers will start to happen more often. Right now I think Dunta has been exploited on the deep ball since no one ever throws it to his side. When he is expecting them to throw to his side, he will be ready for whatever they throw at him.
5 Card Chuck
January 11th, 2011
10:11 am
Let’s prove the ESPN idiots wrong and garner some well earned respect while we’re at it. We aren’t flashy or sexy like the Saints offense or the Packers offense, but let’s keep doing what works and what got us to 13-3 and the # 1 seed. We’re well coached, smart and disciplined in all facets and once we beat GB ( AGAIN) everyone will know who we are and the lazy national media will have no choice but to give us our props. Kick some @$$ Falcons!!!
Ivan
January 11th, 2011
10:14 am
This one is easy. The D line as a whole must be able to get in Rogers face all game, with or without the blitz.
Look at the way the Packers came back on the Falcons in their first meeting. The Falcons rushed 3, dropped 8, and Rogers had all day to throw. He threads a needle in the back of the end zone for a touchdown as a result.
If the Falcons aren’t in his face, Rogers will pick them apart.
Paul H
January 11th, 2011
10:23 am
Ryan
Abraham
Turner
White
Section 346
January 11th, 2011
10:26 am
Matt Ryan is the key. Great QB’s make plays even when the running game is being shut down. Right now Ryan is a very good game manager, but he has yet to prove he can take over a game with his arm like Brees, Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Rivers, or even Tony Romo, I like Ryan and hope he develops into a great passer. Right now, though, he is more like Ben Roethlisberger, except without the benefit playing with a top-ranked defense.
idot
January 11th, 2011
10:27 am
The whole team, from coaches to special teams.
idot
January 11th, 2011
10:29 am
What was Abraham driving, a Grand Marquis?
idot
January 11th, 2011
10:30 am
They need to get all of those Falcons to the compound, before somebody gets busted up in a car wreck.
F-105 Thunderchief
January 11th, 2011
10:31 am
It ain’t Turner, folks. The line is getting no push and letting the defenses get penetration.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 11th, 2011
10:31 am
Did Kroy get ABE preggers too? LOL Never trust Kroy. He has sex with Kim Z from the RHOA. That is just scary.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 11th, 2011
10:34 am
Schultz
Where is SPUD WEBB of the NFL in your POLL?
Grimes has to have a HUGE Playoffs. QBs are going to pick on SPUD for sure. He better be ready and get the ball using his Hops.
birds1
January 11th, 2011
10:36 am
i say turner,it starts with the running game to set up the pass,if the falcons cant get the running game going, long day for ryan. packers will blitz alot, plus turner coming off 2 fumbles needs to focus on getting behind ovie. and get those big wholes open,if falcons get 120 yards on the ground we will win.
KimZ'spackage
January 11th, 2011
10:40 am
Don’t be hate’n on Kroy. He made sure John wasn’t Tardy for the Party. And what is wrong with Me? I am damn Hot and Talented too.
ijonathan
January 11th, 2011
10:44 am
Guys, Najeh Davenpoop couldn’t make it to this blog yet, something about going through his old Football Digest magazines from 1997 to work on some statistical models or something.
But he asked me to send in his ballot for him on the most important Falcons vs. the Pack, in this order.
Turner
Mughelli
McClure
Baker
Abraham
JA98
White
Clabo
Dahl
Gonzalez
Blalock
Beirmann
Babineaux
Bryant
Peele
Finneran
Weems
That QB guy
tony
January 11th, 2011
10:47 am
Bliz Bliz Bliz! They must bliz 90% of the time if they are going to win this game.
jfreak13713
January 11th, 2011
10:49 am
I am sick of the lack of respect the Falcons get from those at ESPN and other sports outlets! They pay more attention to the packers who have a worse record and the Falcons have already beat this year! Nobody knows who will win this game but this Flacons team deserves credit and national attention for the season that they’ve had.
I think Weems will be the critical player in the game by giving Atlanta good or poor field position. Shorter field with sustained drives spells points and time of position which favors Atlant. Turner will need to have solid game but everybody knows that. Ryan will be fine but if Turner isn’t running the ball well that forces Atlanta to throw more which puts Ryan at risk for pressure from Packers. This will have to be solid team effort this week if the Falcons want to win. No one player will mean more than another in my opinion. But Flacons unlike Packers are a complete team and can play as a unit to win a close game. The Packers have to rely on Rogers and if he has a bad game the lose. Even if he has a good game they still lose because there really is nothing else but him on offense!
Falcons win by 10!
JASon
January 11th, 2011
10:50 am
Whoever is blocking clay matthews
honest_abe
January 11th, 2011
10:51 am
tyson clabo. need further explanation? see winston justice.
birds1
January 11th, 2011
10:52 am
1998 superbowl the falcons got there running the ball with jamal andeson,1836 yards that year,smash mouth football,i remember the game, nfc title game with the vickings.we won. thanks to jamal and chandler and kicker anderson
honest_abe
January 11th, 2011
10:52 am
najeh davenpoop is still b*tching and moaning about shultzies vick articles.. hahahahaha
honest_abe
January 11th, 2011
10:54 am
sure the lack of national respect can be irritating. but i think its a good thing. i’ve never seen a number one seed in either conference overlooked quite like the falcons. on the bright side being angry and bitter beats overconfident which im sure the falcons won’t be saturday night.
Die Hard Falcon Fan
January 11th, 2011
10:56 am
Michael Turner because the Falcons are at their best when they have good balance between run and pass. If Turner doesn’t have a good day, it could be a long day for the Falcons.
mountain_jim
January 11th, 2011
10:59 am
The game plan does need to have more screens and draws for Snelling. And it Turner does not find and hit the hole with authority, give Snelling more of this carries. I agree with the poster above that poor game-planning and coaching were huge in the 3 defeats this season. I don’t want to see a fold like that Dallas game 30 years ago, from getting too conservative with a lead.
ijonathan
January 11th, 2011
11:00 am
Easily, the answer is Ryan/Mularkey/O-line. The Pack will likely play the run hard, because everyone buys into the meme that “if you stop fatty…err Turner…you stop the Falcons”. The Ravens tried that, and lost. You can put it in Ryan’s hands and win…IF Mularkey takes off the chains, goes up-tempo/no huddle and forces the action — from the start. None of this 3-yards and a cloud of crushed recycled tires. Sure, run it some, but mainly the pas/no huddle. And, make 3-4 downfield throws. Contrary to another meme, Ryan can throw the ball deep enough to stretch the defense, they just choose not to do it very often.
JSS
January 11th, 2011
11:01 am
None of the people you mentioned: Babineuax, DeCoud, Moore, Baker, Clabo, and McClure.
Green Bay exploited or attempted to exploit those portions of the Falcons game plan last time. Since the 2nd half of the Bears game, the Packers have been determined to run the ball 2) attack the safeties 3) get their running backs, Donald Driver, and tight ends into space. Defensively, they’ve used Matthews to draw double teams and let the strong safety or the strong side linebacker to attack the passing game. Dom Capers rarely makes the same mistake twice.
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January 11th, 2011
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Joey
January 11th, 2011
11:07 am
Mike Mularkey.
Old School
January 11th, 2011
11:08 am
The Offensive Line. If we run the ball, we keep it away from Rodgers and keep the defense fresh.
JSS
January 11th, 2011
11:08 am
ijonathan
January 11th, 2011
10:44 am
“Guys, Najeh Davenpoop couldn’t make it to this blog yet, something about going through his old Football Digest magazines from 1997 to work on some statistical models or something.”
What in the heck is that?
What about the 12th man baby?
January 11th, 2011
11:13 am
just asking
hjones
January 11th, 2011
11:17 am
The most important aspect is which offensive team plays. If the Matt Ryan oriented offense plays, then we will win. If the Michael Turner run- into-brick-wall offense plays, then we have no chance. So the outcome of the game depends upon the choice of Mike Smith and Mike Mularkey. We have the players to win; it depends on the choice of the coaches to put an offense on the field which is adaptable. If we start seeing Michael Turner have runs of 0, -1, -2, -4 yards, etc on multiple first and second downs, the coaching staff has failed.
If you were fat, would you name your son Michael Turner
January 11th, 2011
11:28 am
It does not seem to make any sense, but there is direct correlation between being able to run and hitting the wall.new poll——– is MT overweight ? yes or no
TheMediaTrainer
January 11th, 2011
11:29 am
No question Michael Turner is the critical fulcrum to the Falcons’ game this Saturday. If he’s running well, the offense opens up beyond one dimension and the Packers have much more to worry about.
Tom Pridemore was tough
January 11th, 2011
11:39 am
Michael Turner is the key clog to the offense Sat. nite….we need him to bang out yardage and keep GB off the field….
extremus
January 11th, 2011
11:59 am
Well, win or lose the credit and/or the blame tends to get spread around, and usually rightfully so. A quarterback who directs the traffic can do so expertly and without flaws only to be undone by a butterfingered receiver or an offensive lineman who lets his guard down even just a single time. Ditto with the defense; it’s a TEAM effort. So with that in mind, I don’t believe there is a “most” OR “least” important Falcon in this or any other game. Every man has to come ready to give his absolute best effort and leave everything on the field if we hope to advance.
Dr Henry
January 11th, 2011
12:00 pm
Easy!! Matty Bryant, being as this will probably be a OT game
BJH
January 11th, 2011
12:05 pm
gotta be the corners. we showed against the saints that we can get pressure, but we still couldn’t get the sacks. sticking with their great receivers down field will be key. I know our offense will put up points. Its up to the secondary to win this game
DawgDad
January 11th, 2011
12:17 pm
The safeties, DeCoud and Moore. They have to keep the game in front of them, not get suckered on play action or jumping check-down routes, and they have to keep an eye on the tight end. Green Bay can and will go deep, and those plays need to be shut down.
I understand why the mainstream sports press loves Rodgers and the Packers, but looking at this game as objectively as possible I don’t get the lack of love for the Falcons. Falcons bring something in ALL facets of the game, and they are tough as nails at home. TG has played a long Hall of Fame career waiting for this opportunity; he and Abe won’t leave anything in the locker room. Pack rallies late and makes it close, Falcons win 23-21.
Smashmouth
January 11th, 2011
12:20 pm
Schultz- Right question, wrong list of answers. A game like this of two evenly matched teams that are familiar with each other from recent match up will likely not be determined by the usual suspects. Both teams are good enough to scheme & focus to contain/take out the other teams primary focus forcing adaptation. My list of keys for ATL would be: Gonzalez (key 1st downs), Snelling (big plays after he catches the ball) Jenkins (dude’s going to see single coverage all day) and some combination of Finneran, Douglas & Peele catching GB with pants down. On D, Babineaux (rush up the front/run stuff), Bierman (doing his thing), Peterson (dude makes plays when we need them) & William “the hitman” Moore (GB already drops a bunch of should catch passes, wait until they’re wondering about his whereabouts on routes).
The loss to NO & Turner fumbles will have taken some pressure off of us by ending the win streak. The Smitty era has shown how this team handles adversity and I’d say being a dog to #6 seed at home as the #1 qualifies. Team will be focused and DEFENSE wins this one for us with run stuffing and overall disruption. RISE. UP.
D man
January 11th, 2011
12:32 pm
The Defense is the most important. We need to pressure Rodgers so he will make bad throws. Also need to do a better job containing him. Plus, the offense will be our best defense by keeping the Packers offense on the bench.
D man
January 11th, 2011
12:33 pm
The key to winning this game is turnovers and penelties. Lets win that battle and we should win.
JeanE
January 11th, 2011
12:33 pm
I voted for Ryan but it is a flawed question. They all need to play together and minimize mistakes. That’s what it takes to succeed, even if that’s not the “sexy” pick or choice. I want to see more intensity out of Michael Turner, guy needs to be a bit more ferocious and play to his size. Balance is the key! Spread the ball around and don’t be overly stubborn about the run game. Pressure Rodgers big time. Feed off of the crowd, go Birds!!
D man
January 11th, 2011
12:34 pm
It doesn’t matter. I’m just excited that we are still playing football. GO FALCONS!!!
Falcon Jim
January 11th, 2011
1:27 pm
Freddie ! ! !
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 11th, 2011
3:32 pm
CHOKE is a JOKE and always will be chasing Flacco, Sanchez and Vick’s playofff wins.
The only loser bigger than CHOKE are the ones that make up excuses for a 25 year old player, soon to be 26 that couldn’t duplicate the 22 year old former franchise qb that got his 1st playoff win
bighed
January 11th, 2011
3:33 pm
stop leaning so much on the run game, defenses are picking up on us running all the time. we have the weapons to throw to, lets use them
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 11th, 2011
3:35 pm
Joe Flacco….. 4 playoff wins (Never missed the playoffs)
Mark Sanchez….3 playoff wins (Never missed the playoffs)
What’s up CHOKE
Oh that’s right, you have been awarded a “bye” playoff win
MarjahMarine
January 11th, 2011
3:37 pm
Dunta Robinson/Brent Grimes (Coverage is key) (23%, 202 Votes)
Simple, you win the turn over battle and you are probably going to win the game. Rodgers does well against the blitz, so its up to the coverage unit to make a play. I doubt we will see Rodgers make the rookie “Favra like” mistakes that Brees made and turn the ball over to linemen.
Anil
January 11th, 2011
4:50 pm
I don’t think it matters who steps up from the Falcons side. Green Bay is playing on a different level. I think Greenbay will take this one easy. GREENBAY SUPER BOWL BOUND!!!
Falcons' Abraham excelling, even with thoughts on mom | Jeff Schultz
January 11th, 2011
5:03 pm
[...] – Poll time: Who is most important Falcon vs. Packers? [...]
ATL2SB
January 11th, 2011
5:15 pm
The entire linebacker corps. Gotta cover underneath routes, tackle, stop the run, and get pressure on Rodgers in blitz situations. GO FALCONS!
fabulous flying patrinos
January 11th, 2011
6:27 pm
every time i see a short bus it reminds me of the retard atlanta fans…lmao at you idiots…pack 38 turdbirds 2..(mercy saftey)
The spirit of Lombardi
January 11th, 2011
7:15 pm
You have a fine team Bird fans. Facts: Pack D will NOT give up more than 21 pts in this game. Your Off production will not determine the fate of the contest. Rested and potentially rusty Falcons must do two things to compete: Stop our precise slant patterns(young secondary?); Disrupt throwing lanes of ARod with interior push. I expect it to be a tight game(See Vegas line, they are always right) Turnovers will likely decide the fate of what I think will be the NFC representative in SB. Watch out,though, we are battle tested and on a roll!
the Boss
January 11th, 2011
7:30 pm
Hey “Anal”, woops sorry “Anil”, who gives rats ass what you think. Be sure to come back on Saturday late night and Sunday a.m for the Crow you will be eating.
“Choke” what happened? Your loser felon is out, everything you wet dreamed about is not gonna happen, now your biggest nightmare will be watching the Falcons advance. And by the way, nice job avoiding my great offer for FREE admission to Falcons/Panthers that was accompanied by a signed Vick jersey, your dream boy. LOSER. Now get back to work, the fries are done and the drive thru is slammed!
kaminari
January 11th, 2011
7:40 pm
Abraham. The only way to beat Superman Aaron Rodgers is if he’s down on his arse, compliments of Abe.
the Boss
January 11th, 2011
7:42 pm
Good point “Spirit’, I agree on most points. Not so sure about point total.
Should be a great contest!
kaminari
January 11th, 2011
7:45 pm
Oh, it’s also funny that any Green Bay fan would actually come onto an Atlanta Falcon board and say that they’re team can WIN the Super Bowl, when they just barely survived the divisional round and the Falcons thoroughly beat them. This is the same kind of attitude that a cocky Rodgers showed the last time he was in the dome. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. You’d think nobody would know that better than a bunch of country bumpkins from Wisk-yawn-son. LOL
David Voss
January 11th, 2011
8:26 pm
The Packers are playing so well right now, even if they just bring their B game, they will win by at least 10. The Packers played their D game last time they were in Atlanta and lost on a last second field goal. Face the facts – Packers 31, Falcons 17. No one, and I mean no one, scores more than 20 on the Pack defense if they just play AVERAGE. Right now, they are playing STRONG for 3 weeks in a row.
ATLER (ramblin wreck)
January 11th, 2011
9:25 pm
The key to a win is Micheal Turner. Establish a running game and the passing will open up. If anyone say Ryan or Roddy, their just plain dumb…………………………
Far_East
January 11th, 2011
9:47 pm
Give it up Choke; LOL. Your prized QB started this year’s playoff being Sacked and ended the game with an interception. Nice bookends if you want to lose the game, ROFL. BTW, I like Vick and I’m one of those who are happy that he was given a second chance which I think everybody deserves.
Anyway, I think the key would be the Offensive and Defensive lines. OLine must be able to open up holes for the running game and the DLine must be able to make ARodgers uncomfortable in the pocket. If they don’t win the battle on the line of scrimmage then it would be a long night for the Falcons. I think they’ll be OK though. They’re well rested and at home.
GO FALCONS!!!
Samuel
January 12th, 2011
5:57 am
Although Turner is key against the Pack, Matt Ryan simply put has to pass the ball. It’s hard to win without good quarterback play.
jalex49
January 12th, 2011
7:51 am
Polls are fun but they really don’t tell the whole story. I go with the Falcons as a complete team. The team must play “lights out” to win. I watched a few sports a.m. programs yesterday(my day off from work)ESPN, NFL Insiders, Scott Van Pelt show, The Experts, and Mike and Mike in the morning and not a single commentator gave the Falcons a thumbs up to win!
I don’t understand this except to say, I don’t think thay feel the Falcons are a for real contender and will fold in the playoffs.
I’m not sure how this attituide will change unless the Falcons accomplish exactly what they don’t expect them to do? They must see something about the Falcons play that causes concern? I don’t get it, I guess that’s because I am a die-hard Atlanta Falcon Fan!!!
Falcons- I don’t care if you win by 21, 14,7 0r 1… Just win ! And let the story tell the truth about you guys and the franchise.
Where is “Who Dat”… At home eating hot-dogs ! Please don’t let this happen to you.
Paul Hornung
January 12th, 2011
9:18 am
Doesn’t really matter what the Falcons do, because the Pack is primed and ready to clip yo’ wings in this one.
Rhonda
January 12th, 2011
12:08 pm
The play calling will win or lose the game for our Falcons. We need to have some tricks up our sleeves. No huddle needs to be used most of the game.
Bojangles
January 12th, 2011
2:43 pm
Its gonna take all of the above in the poll to win the game. But I think Roddy White is the key player. He had a poor game against the Saints and they lost. In all the Falcons wins Roddy White made the biggest plays.
Bojangles
January 12th, 2011
2:45 pm
I agree about the no huddle offense. It keeps the Packers defense from substituting but it speeds up the game and Atlanta might want to take time off the clock to keep Aaron Rodgers on the sideline.
Pack Is Back Jack !
January 12th, 2011
2:55 pm
We should have beat the Falcons last time but we had no running game. Everyone knew Aaron Rodgers was throwing the ball every play and Falcons defense couldn’t stop him. Now they will have to guess if we will run it or let Aaron pass it. And face it, Dunta,Moore,& Grimes can’t match up with our Jennings,Driver,and J.Jones one on one at all.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 13th, 2011
12:11 am
“LIKE I SAID – GAME MANAGER”
Atlanta’s playoff run depends on Turner
January, 12, 2011 Jan 1211:13AM ET
By Pat Yasinskas
When the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers meet in the Georgia Dome on Saturday night, the most important man in the building might be Falcons running back Michael Turner.
Take a look at his numbers through his history with Atlanta and they usually are a pretty good gauge of how the Falcons are going to fare. Turner has been virtually Atlanta’s entire running game since his arrival in 2008, and the Falcons are 19-2 in games where they’ve had a 100-yard rusher in that span.
Michael Turner rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown in Atlanta’s Week 12 meeting with Green Bay.If you want something more recent and even more directly relevant, just look back to the Week 12 meeting between the Falcons and Packers. Turner carried 23 times for 110 yards and a touchdown in that game and the Falcons won 20-17.
There is a lesson to be taken from that.
“That we can be successful against them,’’ Turner said. “The game’s probably going [to be] tougher next time we play against them. They’re probably going to adjust and do some things differently. We expect that. We just have to be on our toes and be ready for whatever they bring.’’
The formula is very simple: When the Falcons are able to run the ball, they have success. But there are a couple of things that could complicate that and the Packers know it. In Atlanta’s three losses this season, Turner didn’t top the 50-yard rushing mark
LIVE BLOG: If Falcons win, it could be Super Bowl dance | Jeff Schultz
January 15th, 2011
3:14 pm
[...] – Poll time: Who’s most important Falcons player against Packers? [...]
LIVE BLOG: If Falcons win, it could be Super Bowl dance | Blogging Master
January 16th, 2011
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