The Packers’ defense held up on its own last weekend against the Chicago Bears in the 38-20 win. This week, they will have a totally different challenge when facing the Atlanta Falcons on the road. As of Wednesday, Quay Walker was still in concussion protocol, and it would be a huge loss for Green Bay if he was not able to play this weekend.
If Walker is out, Eric Wilson or Isaiah McDuffie would get the start in his place for the Green Bay Packers. What is the potential challenge that this defense will face this weekend when they face the Falcons’ Offense?
Packers’ Biggest Challenge Will Be Trying To Stop the Atlanta Falcons’ Running Game and Good Luck
Last week, Green Bay held Justin Fields to 59 yards rushing on nine carries and Khalil Herbert to 27 yards rushing on nine carries. The Packers didn’t give up the big play in the running game last week, and it will be different this weekend.
The Falcons offense not only has one home run hitter but two home run hitters in the backfield. They only passed the ball 18 times, but ran the football 26 times. Tyler Allgeier rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. Rookie Bijan Robinson rushed for 56 yards on 10 carries and also caught six passes for 27 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Atlanta was running back-heavy with their offense last week and will be again this week. The Atlanta Falcons are a run-first football team looking to set up play-action. Green Bay’s run defense is going to have to be stout this week if they are going to pull out another win on the road. The Falcons want to keep Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense on the sidelines.
If the Atlanta Falcons running game gets going early, it could be a long day for the defense. It is very important for the defense to win the line of scrimmage.