The Green Bay Packers picked up an impressive victory in Week 1 over the Chicago Bears, winning 38-20 on the road. They will be heading on the road again in Week 2, this time heading south to take on the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons also picked up a good win over a divisional opponent in Week 1, beating the Carolina Panthers 24-10. This game could be very important in the long run as both teams have playoff aspirations this season. Having a head-to-head tiebreaker victory is helpful when it comes to seeding.
Who will have the edge come Sunday afternoon? Here are three key matchups to watch for that will help determine a winner between the Packers and Falcons in Week 2.
3. Packers Offensive Line vs. Falcons Defensive Line
The Packers’ offensive line did an excellent job against the Bears. They were able to keep a clean pocket, enabling Jordan Love to make big plays in the passing game. In fact, Green Bay was the best pass-blocking team in the NFL in Week 1 with a PFF grade of 85.3.
They should have the advantage in Week 2 as the Falcons’ pass rush was below average in Week 1 with a grade of 61.6. Love should once again have a clean pocket to work from to make plays to his young, talented group of pass catchers.
In run blocking the Packers ranked only 14th, while the Falcons were 12th in run defense. That is where the game could be won; whichever team controls the line of scrimmage in the run game will be a major factor.
2. Aaron Jones vs. Linebackers and Safties
Last week the Packers used running back Aaron Jones sparingly. He had only 11 touches, nine carries and two receptions, but he made the most of them. He had two big chunk plays in the passing game, gaining 51 yards and 35 yards on his receptions, with the latter going for a touchdown.
He did come up a little lame on the touchdown, grabbing at his hamstring and not returning to the game. That could have been a product of the score, as the Packers were blowing out the Bears.
Heading into Week 2, his matchup against the linebackers and safeties will be one to watch. Can the Falcons contain his explosiveness and big play ability? Atlanta did not tackle well last week, ranking 21st in the NFL. Missed tackles against Jones will turn into huge plays for the Packers’ offense.
1. Falcons Run Game vs. Packers Defensive Line
This matchup could very well determine the game. Falcons’ head coach Arthur Smith wants to run the ball early and often, relying heavily on the ground game. Second-year back Tyler Allgeier and rookie Bijan Robinson are already staking their claim as the best running back duo in the NFL.
Last week, they combined for 131 yards on 25 carries. Allgeier scored twice on the ground while Robinson added a receiving touchdown as both players made an impact in the passing game as well.
The Packers’ biggest weakness in 2022 was their run defense. They were excellent last week against the Bears with an 80.4 grade, ranking 4th in the NFL. A repeat performance will be needed against the ground-heavy offensive attack the Falcons use.
