Sports Report 360 NFL Playoff Breakdown: Packers vs. Falcons

The Packers come into the game fresh off of a playoff upset of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers appear to be peaking at the right time of the season with excellent balance on offense and defense. The Falcons come into the game rested, but feeling like a disrespected number one seed. Many analysts have predicted that the Packers will easily upset the Falcons.  However, the Falcons know how to win at the Georgia Dome. It is going to be a great game.

January 15, 2011
Green Bay Packers (6) vs. Atlanta Falcons (1) at Georgia Dome 8:00 pm EST

Offense: Matt Ryan is confident at home and will play very well. Since Roddy White will be well covered by Charles Woodson, expect Tony Gonzalez to catch a lot of passes during the game. Michael Turner will not be stopped.

Defense: The Packers did an excellent job of limiting the effectiveness of Mike Vick last week. There is going to be a lot of pressure on AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews to find a way to get Michael Turner on the ground this week.

Special Teams: Eric Weems gives the Falcons a big advantage on special teams. Weems’ return ability helps give Matt Ryan and the offense a short field, which will translate into many easy points for the Falcons.

Coaching: Coach McCarthy comes into this playoff game as an unproven playoff head coach. Can he continue to take the Packers on the road in the playoffs and win games? This is an important question that needs an answer. Coach Smith led the Falcons to the best record in the NFC at 13-3.  The best chance he may get to lead the Falcons to a Superbowl is right now. Coach Smith is going to be pumped up.  The Falcons feel disrespected and will beat the Packers by at least a touchdown.