This is it! This game will determine who represents the NFC in Super Bowl 51. On Sunday January 22, the Green Bay Packers march into what will be the last game at the Georgia Dome to face the Atlanta Falcons for all the NFC marbles.
The Atlanta Falcons have soared under the radar for much of the 2016 NFL season but now the whole nation is aware of these dirty birds. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has had in my opinion his best season as a pro. Ryan has lead these Atlanta Falcons to a record of (11-5) all while earning a possible MVP trophy and a chance to play in Super Bowl 51. On the year, Matt Ryan has thrown for 38 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions for 4,944 total yards. Ryan has also thrown a touchdown pass to 13 different receivers this season.
The Falcons one,two punch of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman has been domainate all season long. Freeman rushed for over 1,ooo yards on the year and Coleman added 529 yards on the ground. The two running backs combined for 19 rushing touchdowns on the season and will need to add to that total today if they want to advance. This high octane offense has been deadly in the passing game too. All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones has caught 6 touchdowns this year and more than 1400 receiving yards. The Falcons defense is young with most of their starters being either rookies or second year players. Their motto of playing “Fast and Physical” is one Falcons head coach Dan Quinn preached in his time as Seattle’s defensive coordinator and he has brought that edge to this Falcons team.
The Green Bay Packers are led by NFL MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers and he simply continues to amaze football fans and his teammates. Last week, Rodgers led his Packers to one of the greatest postseason victories we had ever seen. On top of that, the Packers are here in the NFC championship game after winning 8 straight games after Rodgers told the media after week 10 that the Pack would run the table. The Packers were (4-6) at that time.
The Packers offense comes into the game today with several injuries. Packers star wide receiver Jordy Nelson is a game time decision with a rib injury and Packers WR Davante Adams is lumping into the game as well. I expect this game to be a high scoring affair at the final game in the Georgia Dome.
Today look for the Falcons and Matt Ryan to come out rushing the ball. The Falcons goal will be to test the Packers running defense and see if they can keep Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense off the field. Falcons running Freeman and Coleman will rush for a combined total of 150 yards and a touchdown a piece. Freeman will also be a factor in the passing game accounting for 60 passing yards as well. Julio Jones will be a factor but more of a decoy. The Falcons offense will be rolling today, the question here will be how does the defense play. If the young Falcons defense can get to Aaron Rodgers, the Falcons will be headed to Houston. Matt Ryan will pass for 327 yards and 2 touchdown passes.
For the Packers all I need to say is Aaron Rodgers. His play today will determine if the Packers advance or go packing home. Packers wide receiver turned running back Ty Montgomery was key against the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 Divisional round. If the Packers get their running game going, that will open up the play action passing game. Look for Ty Montgomery to run the ball over 25 times including 2 touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers to Jared Cook will be the matchup to watch today. Rodgers and Cook will test rookie Keanu Neal and see if he has the coverage skills to stay with Cook. Rodgers will pass for over 300 yards with 3 touchdown passes.
Aaron Rodgers is a bad man, but the Falcons are a complete team. This game will be determined by turnovers. Whoever controls the ball and time of possession will advance to Super Bowl 51. I believe in Dan Quinn and what he is building but oday I’m going with the road team. Stay tuned to HHS1987. Follow @eldorado2452 on Twitter and Instagram for all your NFL and sports news.
Packers 31 Falcons 27
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