Match Start:
Date:15 January,2011
Time:8:00PM ET
"Matty Ice" Ryan will have to rely heavily on his top receiver Roddy White, but he also has the benefit of having one of the best tight ends in the history of the league: Tony Gonzalez (70 rec, 656 yards, 6 TDs). Turner will keep the pressure off the passing game by making his running the major distraction in this game. Unlike Ryan's experience against the New Orleans Saints in week 16, clock and game management will be more refined if this one goes down to the wire. His poise at home is incredible, and Green Bay's Charles Woodson (92 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 INT, TD) and the rest of the secondary will have to be at their best to give Aaron Rodgers and his offense a better chance to win. Turner will have to be neutralized by Green Bay linebackers Clay Matthews (60 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 Int, TD) and Desmond Bishop (103 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 Interception, TD) with a little help from Defensive End Cullen Jenkins (18 tackles, 7 sacks) for the Packers to keep the Falcons grounded.
Look for Green Bay to contend but fall short in this epic match. Don't blink in the 4th quarter, because this one could and should be tight to the final whistle. With the chance to take another step closer to the Super Bowl in the balance, this game could certainly come down to special teams. The kicker could be the MVP for whoever wins when the dust settles. A punt or kick return could seal the deal as well. Green Bay has more of a veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, but Matt Ryan might actually have the more intense, raw and natural talent. He's also got the hot hand at home with a record that's hard to bet against. The Falcons ought to win by at least one score, a field goal or a touchdown.
Still, this is a hard game to bet on, period. It's tough to analyze and come out with a definitive winner, but Atlanta's strengths outweigh all their weaknesses going into this battle. As long as the defense plays up to par and Matt Ryan is his usual self, the Falcons will be soaring on toward the Super Bowl and awaiting the winner of the Seahawks vs. Bears game.
