STORY LINES: MATTY FIRE AND ICE: Ryan goes bang or bust early

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan hasn’t exactly eased his way into the first four games. It has either been feast or famine for the Falcons offense.

In three of four games, Ryan has opened the game with some fireworks.

Against Detroit, his first pass in the NFL went for a 62-yard touchdown.

Against Tampa Bay, his third pass was intercepted by Aquib Talib and returned for a touchdown.

Against Kansas City, the Falcons eased Ryan into the game, relying on the rushing attack early.

Against Carolina, his second pass was intercepted by Richard Marshall and was returned for a touchdown, which was nullified by a penalty.

In victories over Detroit and Kansas City at home, Ryan has a quarterback rating of 127.5. On the road in defeats to Tampa Bay and Detroit, he has a quarterback rating of 46.9.

Even without Green Bay starters Al Harris (cornerback) and Atari Bigby (safety), the Packers secondary intercepted three passes last week and didn’t allow a completion of more than 17 yards.

WOODSON AND WHITE

Who’ll be made to toe the line?

Packers cornerback Charles Woodson and Falcons wide receiver Roddy White should be a good matchup.

Woodson doesn’t practice much during the week because of a broken toe, but on Sundays he’s been just fine. He has three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.

The Packers’ corners play very aggressively and use their hands to attempt to dislodge and re-direct receivers.

“Charles is off to a great start with the interceptions and returns for touchdowns,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “We are leading the league in takeaways. That’s been a major emphasis for us and it’s nice to see that our perimeter players on defense are leading the way.”

BREAKING THE BURNER LOOSE

Rushing game a bright spot

The Falcons have an apparent advantage in the critical running game.

Atlanta leads the league in rushing with 181.8 yards per game. Michael Turner is the top rusher with 422 yards.

Green Bay has struggled against the run, giving up 157.8 yards per game (26th) in the league.

“We are very confident in our running game and we think that’s somewhere where we can shine,” Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli said.

The Packers could get a boost if hard-thumping safety Atari Bigby (hamstring) plays.

He’s the safety they like to drop down in the box to stop the run.

STOPPING KAMPMAN

A huge test for tackle Clabo

Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo has a tough assignment with defensive end Aaron Kampman, who leads the NFL in sacks since 2006 with 31 1/2.

“That’s a huge test for me, a huge challenge,” Clabo said. “He’s obviously around the football and plays hard the entire play. I’m going to have to do my best to match his intensity and his effort.”

SECONDARY COULD GET TARGETED

Jennings, Driver tough tandem

The Packers are having trouble running the ball but have two good receivers in second-year man Greg Jennings and veteran Donald Driver.

Jennings, who leads the NFL in receiving yards with 482, will line up on Chris Houston’s side most of the day. Driver, another crafty veteran, could give Brent Grimes fits the week after Carolina’s Muhsin Muhammad had an eight-catch day.

“I see a very active group,” Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “They’re athletic. It’s a group that’s very aggressive. Lawyer Milloy being the veteran of the group does a very nice job. He’s still playing at a very high level.”

If Rodgers, who has an injured right shoulder, can’t play, former LSU standout Matt Flynn will take over. He looked tentative while taking seven snaps last week against Tampa Bay.

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MATCHUP

> Favorite: Off

> Series record: Packers lead 13-11

> Last meeting: Packers 33, Falcons 25; Nov. 13, 2005

> Notes: Atlanta makes its first appearance at Green Bay since the 2002 wild-card playoffs, when the Falcons became the first NFL opponent to win a postseason game at Lambeau Field… . Atlanta has lost both its road games this season. Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has completed 67.7 percent of his passes in two home games and 45.9 percent in two road games… . Ryan and Packers cornerback Will Blackmon were teammates at Boston College. As a senior in 2006, Blackmon switched to wide receiver and led his team in catches and yards receiving… . Green Bay has allowed three 100-yard rushers in its first four games. The Falcons are averaging more than 180 yards rushing per game, the best in the league… . Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ first interception of the season came in the second quarter last Sunday, ending a streak of 157 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, the third-longest in team history. He has a sprained right shoulder and his status for today’s game is unclear. If he doesn’t play, rookie Matt Flynn is expected to start.FALCONS AT PACKERS * 1 P.M. TODAY * FOX * 92.9 FM

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