The Lass Word: Victory Over Falcons Could Be a Launching Pad. Again.
Pack has history in Atlanta.
By KenLass
The date was November 28, 2010. The Packers were playing the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. My son and daughter had surprised me with tickets to the game a few weeks earlier. So there I was, wearing my Aaron Rodgers jersey, sitting at about the fifteen yard line on the Green Bay side of the field.
The Falcons had won four in a row, were 8-2 and had the best record in the NFC. The Packers were 7-3 and in hot pursuit, having also won four straight. The Falcons fans around me were brutal. They let me have it verbally every time I stood up to cheer. Especially the guy seated directly behind me. “Hey Cheese face. You should have stayed home” he would jeer when the home team did something good.
It was a terrific game. All tied up at 10-10 going into the fourth quarter. Michael Turner’s one yard run into the end zone gave Atlanta a seven point lead. In the closing minutes Rodgers led the Packers on a 16 play drive, culminating with a ten yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson in the corner of the end zone right in front of me with 1:06 left to play. I was ecstatic. For the first time, I felt the courage to turn around and hand some abuse right back to that Falcon fan. “That’s the way we do it in Titletown” I sneered at him.
Unfortunately, the Packers then gave up a big kickoff return, and six plays later, Matt Bryant booted a 47 yard field goal on the final play to give Atlanta a 20-17 victory. I expected to get hooted out of the stadium by my nemesis behind me. But much to my surprise, he shook my hand. “That was a great game” he said with respect in his voice. “See you in the playoffs.”
Seven weeks later, January 15, 2011, the two teams did indeed meet again in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Falcons had gone on to post a 13-3 record and secure the number one seed. The Packers had finished 10-6 and squeaked in as the final wild card. Once again the game was in the Georgia Dome, but this time the outcome was very different. Rodgers threw three touchdown passes and ran for another. Tramon Williams had a 70 yard interception return for a score, and the Packers stunned the top seeded Falcons 48-21.
Sadly, I was unable to be there, and I always wondered if that feisty Atlanta fan who sat behind me was in attendance. I would have given everything to have been able to turn around and say “I don’t have to go home because the Packers just took ownership of this place!”
For me, that playoff game was the first real confirmation that we had a special team with a special quarterback. As you probably know, Green Bay went on to beat the Bears in the NFC championship, and then the Steelers in the Super Bowl.
Whenever the Falcons come up on the schedule, I think of that November game I attended, and that incredible season. This Sunday, Green Bay travels once again to Atlanta. Much has changed since 2010. The Georgia Dome is no more, replaced by the elegant Mercedes-Benz stadium. The Falcons are far from the best team in the NFC. They haven’t won their division since 2016. In fact, they haven’t had a winning record in five years. They are starting a new era with a young quarterback, Desmond Ridder, and a young team loaded with promising talent such as receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson and an aggressive defense that held Carolina rookie quarterback Bryce Young to 146 yards passing.
Hmmm.....inexperienced new starting quarterback, a stable of promising young talent, improving defense. Remind you of anyone?
Yes, the Falcons and the Packers seem to be roughly at the same crossroads. Both teams building something new, something exciting. Both sides encouraged by week one victories, albeit over bad teams. Much was made of the comparison between Jordan Love and Justin Fields last week. But the more accurate early measuring stick for this young season will be Love versus Ridder. Both young signal callers will face a stern pass rush. Both will have a strong running game to support them (assuming Aaron Jones can play). Both will have youthful receivers loaded with potential to throw to.
When I walked away from the Georgia Dome after watching the Packers play the Falcons that November day thirteen years ago, I was convinced we were on the cusp of a successful new era. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if I come away from this game feeling the same way.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (28)
splitpea1
September 14, 2023 at 03:55 pm
Random notes:
I would look at a victory as a sort of confirming launching pad, because it means we probably did a good job stopping the run (again), winning on the road poses no problem (again), our OL can neutralize interior pressure (again), and our new QB isn't a one-game wonder (not that I ever thought that anyway).
The teams aren't really that similar, especially in offensive style (ours is infinitely better). The Packers are youngest team in the league, while the Falcons are the 10th oldest. Grady Jarrett and Calais Campbell on the DL are 30 and 37 respectively. We have a whopping 17 rookies on our active roster while they have 7. The Falcons' safety situation is also a bit more settled, although Savage's play the last few games has been encouraging.
We did have a pretty successful season in 2009, so to be that was the beginning of that era.
As for your friend, it's easy to be a gracious winner; probably wouldn't have had the same reaction after losing in the playoffs. I didn't think we would win that game, but I unequivocally knew we would beat the Bears and liked our chances against the Steelers, but was not nearly as sure. Wow, that was a long time ago--too long.
Packer_Fan
September 14, 2023 at 05:13 pm
The team has started out well. The Bear victory was to me a team victory where offense, defense, and special teams all contributed. The OL did well in protecting Lovel and Love found the open receiver. And the defense, well it was aggressive, and Alexander shadowed the best receiver. The Packers are a competitive team and when all three parts perform well, then victories will be plenty.
Lafleur must have had a serious talking to Barry at the end of last season. For this aggressive style and using Alexander to shadow the best receiver was something we wanted to see last year. l just hope it continues. Atlanta has a young QB, so the defense better be ready to stop the run and be aggressive on passing downs. If Atlanta runs over the defense, it will be a long game.
If this team is on the cusp, then the Packers will adjust and win. Let's hope this happens.
mnbadger
September 14, 2023 at 05:16 pm
Pack 30 - 24.
GPG!
canadapacker
September 14, 2023 at 05:24 pm
It appears that Jones will be out. With the poor performance of Dillon last game and the lack of ( probably ) Watson - maybe we need to get Wilson into the game as well as Taylor . I think that there might be some surprises if Wilson breaks one or two.
Coldworld
September 15, 2023 at 06:06 am
If Jones can’t play, based upon the O we called last week, I would agree. Right now, with Myers inability to run block, we need a runner who can get to the edge or find his own holes. Jones is uniquely talented at finding crevices to squeak through. I don’t see that we can replace that, but Wilson at least gives the potential to break one inside or, more likely behind a T. Without that threat, the O as seen so far will seemingly be much less effective.
stockholder
September 14, 2023 at 06:36 pm
Launching Pad - For who. the Falcons?
Ken- Space X Falcon 9...
Ridder wears #9 for a reason.
But this isn’t one small step for mankind,
We lost 20-17. Then won because of Rodgers.
Love isn’t Rodgers. And this isn’t the 2010 packers.
We're in a Rebuild. No guarantees.
If your going to scream for something. Try Ice Cream.
Because first games are the only thing you can compare.
And the more wins they get. The more chances for Love.
BirdDogUni
September 15, 2023 at 12:24 am
You're right. Love isn't Rodgers... Love has two fully functioning Achilles tendons.
"Space Chimp" comment is ballsy in today's world. There are some who would call you a racist for that, but not me!
I thought maybe you'd wised up while I was away. Obviously not.
stockholder
September 15, 2023 at 07:07 am
thank- you - I missed you.
The comment you referred to was
in line with space comments.
I deleted it as that wasn't the intention.
Being from the 60s you might remember Ham.
jont
September 14, 2023 at 07:07 pm
Atlanta is not good.
I just watched their game-- enduring Robert Smith as the broadcaster (he sounds like Kermit the frog)-- and here's what I saw.
Carolina had three sloppy turn-overs without which Atlanta would've been down by 2-3 scores in the 3rd quarter.
Atlanta's D has trouble holding the edge. A quick Packer RB should get around the corner, and I can see Love breaking contain for a couple first downs. They held Carolina to 10 points, but the Panthers were really poor on offense.
Atlanta's offense is punchless and led by a rookie QB who might have potential but today looks like Justin Fields without any ability to run. They threw downfield only a 2-3 times. Bijan shows flash, but although Kermit talked him up, there was little impact from his 16 touches for 83 yards. I hope he doesn't have his coming out party against the Pack.
If the Packers play as they did last week, it could be another 20 point win. The stadium was half empty; it could be a like Packer home game.
Coldworld
September 15, 2023 at 06:24 am
If they play like last week, they will try to bully us through an aggressive D. On O it was more like a college team: try to get the ball to a handful of stars and hope they can do something ball in hand, particularly the 2 RBs, who are genuine threats, but also London and Pitts. Ridder is more a functional means to distribute as simply as possible than the star of the show.
It will be a different challenge. They are going to try and overrun our pass pro. I agree, we need speed at RB. We are going to need to slow the rush and not let them ignore the run.
BirdDogUni
September 15, 2023 at 07:43 pm
Well said, jont.
I actually feel much better after reading your comment. (I didn't see or read anything about the Panthers/Falcons game...
Since'61
September 14, 2023 at 07:41 pm
The Packers will face several teams like themselves embarking upon a new era and trying to find/create their identity. How well the Packers perform against those teams will determine their season. If they can win out against the Falcons, Saints and Raiders prior to their bye week they will have an excellent chance to reach the playoffs. The Lions should be the Packers biggest challenge before the bye week.
But it's one play, one game at a time. So let's take the Falcons this week and go from there. Without Watson and Jones, if it comes to that, this game is more of a challenge than it has looked on paper. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
September 15, 2023 at 06:45 am
To me, in my proverbial armchair, the injury to Jones means this will be an interesting test of LaFleur. Will he do what I think we should, and play Wilson (meaningful snaps) if Jones is out, or will we see more of him trying to use Dillon and hoping for some inside blocks? Is LaFleur willing to be aggressive eith young talent or will he just retreat into caution?
When he does use Dillon, will his usage change based upon last week? I think there is a snowball’s chance in hell that Myers is benched, so do we learn and adapt to that by using Dillon from under C and at speed as a ram or again seem to treat him as a bigger Jones like last week?
It will be interesting. Like us, there are questions about their deep center field that have yet to be tested. Their corners are better, but not as good as ours. There are opportunities to win this through the air but I think we need the run game to be credible first.
Since'61
September 15, 2023 at 07:20 am
Coldworld like you I was disappointed to see Dillon taking handoffs from the QB at a stand still. Shows that when it happened in the past that it was not on Rodgers. The question is why? And why does it continue?
As for Myers, who knows how long he will be allowed to continue at Center? We've seen this coaching staff go on forever enabling poor results without making adjustments that are obvious to everyone else.
I think that we will need a similar formula as the one utilized against the Bears. Our defense needs to keep the game close until the offense gets going and builds a lead as we did in the second half against the Bears. Win the trenches again and we should be OK. Also let's see what Wilson can do in a regular season game. The Falcons won't have much tape of him and that can be an advantage. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
HawkPacker
September 15, 2023 at 08:30 am
I am hoping that when they do hand the ball off to Dillon that Love is under center. However, regarding the IOC, Love will continue to handoff the ball to Dillon out of the shotgun formation at least to a certain degree.
mbpacker
September 14, 2023 at 08:11 pm
I'm also interested in how our young team handles success. Beating down the Bears was a good game, but hope they move on and get ready for Atlanta. Saying so is one thing but doing it is another. Am sure the coaching staff will have them ready but you never know. GPG!
SouthernCheese
September 14, 2023 at 10:39 pm
I have lived down here in the Atlanta area since 1999. I was at the game in 2010 and the playoff game in 2011. Ken hit the nail on the head in the first game as the ATL fans were as obnoxious as hell. However, during the later part of the second half of the playoff game, they became really unruly in the section we were in. But, by the middle part of the third quarter, they started filing out and after the game was over, it was literally 15,000 Packer fans running around the concourse of the old Georgia Dome yelling "Go, Pack, Go" I still remember the concession workers looking out with their WTF expressions. One of the most memorable experiences of my life, and my 2 children who were there look back at it as one of the best experiences they had as kids. I will be there this coming Sunday and hopefully, it will be just as fun.
HawkPacker
September 15, 2023 at 08:32 am
We all want to hear you cheer SC.
LLCHESTY
September 14, 2023 at 11:25 pm
I guess LH will have to tell me how the Eagles could possibly win they had less than half of the Vi,kings passing yards while only out rushing them 259 to 28. It's almost like passing doesn't mean as much when the opposing D knows you can't run.
Maybe it's not 7>5 but asserting dominance that is the difference? Like when the Eagles piled 365 rushing yards on the Packers last year. Hmmm...maybe being the More physical team still means something and ol' LH is a fool? Points to ponder. 🤔
Coldworld
September 15, 2023 at 06:00 am
The Eagles have some issues too. In some ways the way they approached Jefferson rivaled ours in our first game last year for incredulity. At least then the Vikings had a credible ground threat, which seems not to be the case so far this year. The Vikings are going to be run at by every team till they can stop it. That may not be this year, based on their first 2 games.
murf7777
September 15, 2023 at 08:48 am
The game was and still is won in the trenches….Great GM and Coaches know this and invest in their lineman and pass rushers. If your OL can push the opposing DL anywhere they want it is easy to run the ball and it doesn’t need to be a great back to do that.
coolhand
September 15, 2023 at 11:33 am
4 turnovers will usually kill any teams chances to win no matter how good they play.
GreenBayAllDay_Spree
September 15, 2023 at 01:42 am
JA shuts down London.
Front seven dominates Falcons O-Line
J Love to Doubs all day.
Musgrave scores his first TD.
Packers roll 30-13.
Go Pack Go!
I'll be at the game with about 60 other Packers fans who live in Atlanta.
Starrbrite
September 15, 2023 at 07:18 am
Say hi to m daughter and her fiancé —they’ll be there, although they live in Savannah.
Go Packers!!!
Coldworld
September 15, 2023 at 05:55 am
With a team as inexperienced and unproven as ours, to a certain extent every game is a launching pad. This week another run heavy opponent, but with a better rush and much more aggressive D. They run a more college style offense, it will be interesting to see how well Barry adapts to that.
Handsback
September 15, 2023 at 06:06 am
As Since61 said, one game at a time. This game is what I consider the start of the season. The first game against the Bears was emotional and well planned. A huge rival that the team was ready for. Now they probably didn't do a lot of prep for the Falcons, so this game will show the Packers how good or/and bad they really are and can set the tone for their season as Ken indicated.
Just MHO
Tater
September 15, 2023 at 09:01 am
Nah, I don’t believe this is a “Launching Pad” game. If the Packers win this week, it will be just like the win over the Bears. They will say we beat a bad team with flaws and an inexperienced QB. If we beat New Orleans, they will say “Maybe NO isn’t as good as we thought they were”. The Detroit game (wk 4), that is the game you should circle. Win that game (hopefully be 4-0), and the Packers have “Arrived”. Beating a legit good team and in control of our division.
Ferrari-Driver
September 15, 2023 at 09:04 am
Ken, an upbeat story. Thanks for sharing.