Packers lose by 1 point in Atlanta

The Green Bay Packers took on the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and came up 1 point shy of a tie and 2 points short of a win. The latter -- as any fan will tell you -- is preferable. The game went down to the wire. On some levels, the fact that the injury-ridden Packers were as close to a win as they were was a testament to the players and coaches. But in the end, not even the stellar play of QB Aaron Rodgers and a gallant-but-not-good-enough effort by the defense, was able to pull this game out.

Yes, we had predicted a Packers defeat in our game preview by a score of 34-27; the final score was actually 33-32.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers congratulates
Falcons QB Matt Ryan on the win.
Photo by Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Without any running game to speak of -- even the Plan B running game of wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb running out of the backfield was moot as both players were inactive because of injury -- the game rode on Rodgers and his receivers outscoring the Dirty Birds. When you score 32 points, you should win, as some of the Packers defenders admitted after the game. Unfortunately, the defense came up short in that regard. Again, the Packers were down in some instances to playing their fifth and sixth cornerbacks against Falcons starters. To be fair, they did hold All-World receiver Julio Jones in check. But given opportunities for stops and turnovers, the Packers D couldn't make the plays.

What's next?
The Packers will take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at Lambeau Field before then heading out for three straight road contests, including Sunday and Monday night games. Now sitting at 4-3, the Pack need this win at home before dealing with the daunting road schedule.

Luckily (no pun intended), the Colts may be just what the doctor ordered. Other than QB Andrew Luck, the Colts don't have too much going for them right now. The Packers defense should be able to pressure Luck; the Colts offensive line is, frankly, not very good. If defensive coordinator Dom Capers can't develop a scheme to get sacks against Luck it's giving the Colts an opportunity they don't need.

We'll have more on the game against the Colts coming up closer to game time.

For now... Go Pack Go!!!