FLOWERY BRANCH – Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke with the Atlanta media on Thursday.
The Falcons (5-7) play the Packers (9-3) at 8:30 p.m. Monday at Lambeau Field.
Here are some highlights from the conference call:
Q: How big was the win over the Patriots?
A: We feel good about last week, but this is a big one here. You've got two teams in first place in their divisions. Atlanta is always a tough football team. They are very talented and well-coordinated. So, it's Monday Night Football. There is a lot that goes into this game.
Q: What led to the decision to start moving Clay Matthews III around on defense?
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
A: Moving Clay around was more part of our offseason emphasis. (We are) just trying to play as many combinations of players that we can. After the bye week we felt like getting into some packages that we hadn't used yet.
Q: How’s rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix playing for the Packers?
A: He's doing good. He's getting better each and every week. He played some very good football in the month of November.
Q: How difficult was it to make the playoffs last season at 8-7-1 and battle for that spot down to the last game of the season like the Falcons are trying to do this season?
A: We all realize that it's the National Football League and the parity in our league has been evident for decades. I know at least as long as I've been in the league. Every week it is a challenge to find a way to win the game. Everything goes to a different level once you get to December football. Both teams need this game Monday night and that's the way we are approaching it.
Q: What’s been the key to Aaron Rodgers’ play this season?
A: Aaron is having a great year in all aspects of what he means to our organization. I just can't say enough about what he's doing on the field, off the field, in the classroom and on the practice field. Obviously, he's playing the best football of his career.
Q: What do you see from Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones?
A: He's an excellent player. I had a chance to be around Julio at the Pro Bowl and I think anytime that you get to be around guys up close, you even appreciate them even more. He's definitely a game changer. I think last week's game was a pretty good illustration of it.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Q: What’s your relationship with Aaron Rodgers like?
A: It starts No. 1 with our program. Our relationship has always been about the big picture and about what's best for the offense and how do you play the quarterback position. I trust Aaron more than any quarterback that I've every worked with as far as his responsibility. He's definitely earned that and he delivers on a weekly basis. That's obviously important to our success.
Q: How is Julius Peppers playing for you?
A: Julius Peppers has been an excellent addition to our football team. In the locker room and on the field. I just like the way that he's really grown with how we are utilizing him. He's been a great addition. Our defensive line is getting better. I think the continuity that we have now wasn't evident early in the season.
Q: How’s center Corey Linsley playing for the Packers?
A: He's out of Ohio State. He's been playing very well. He got an opportunity in training camp and he's taken full advantage of it. He's still a young player. There are things that he learns each and every week. He's done a very nice job.
Q: What does Eddie Lacy bring to your offense?
A: Eddie is a (darn) good football player. In his rookie year, he was very productive as a runner. Now, I see a complete back. He's excellent in pass protection. He's playing on third downs and he's been good out of the backfield receiving for us. He's very athletic, very powerful and very instinctive player.
FALCONS FAN MAILBAG: We take your questions from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
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