Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is off to a great start in his second season leading the version of the Kyle Shanahan offense that Matt LaFleur installed.
In their second season with Shanahan as offensive coordinator, the Falcons went to the Super Bowl. How the Falcons address Rodgers will be the X-factor in this game, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Monday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
The Saints and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen tried to attack Rodgers via the blitz Sept. 27 in a 37-30 loss. On 33 pass plays, the Saints rushed four men 18 times, five eight times, six six times and seven once.
“There are some numbers that show that (blitzing) helps going against Aaron Rodgers,” Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison said. “You can see why they did it.”
Their blitz rate of five men or more was 42.4%, but more telling was their blitz rate involving six or more, according to Bob McGinn of The Athletic who tracked the blitzes.
The six or more rate was 21.2% and is important. Blitzing Rodgers normally is not a good idea. Just two teams blitzed the Packers in a similar manner over the past decade, and one will be calling plays in this game. In October 2012, Wade Phillips' Houston’s defense rushed six or more (20%), and in November 2011 at Lambeau Field, the Bucs defense, which was called by (current Falcons defensive coordinator) Raheem Morris, also sent six or more 20%.
Given the state of the Falcons' secondary, it may be coaching malpractice to leave them in a lot of man-to-man coverage, but the Falcons are 0-3 and have nothing to lose.
Morris likely will take a more measured approach after consulting with Falcons' secondary/passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. He was with Rodgers and the Packers for 11 seasons (2008-18).
“Aaron has been such a good player for such a long time,” Morris said. “Joe Whitt knows him probably as well as anybody, having worked with him and practiced against him.”
Rodgers will be without wide receiver Allen Lazard, who had core surgery. He caught six passes for 146 yards and a touchdown against the Saints.
“When you are preparing for a guy like that, you know you have to be ready to throw him your best shots,” Morris said. “You have to understand that you have to make some plays. When you don’t make those plays, that’s when he hurts you.”
Falcons' next four games
Falcons at Green Bay Packers, at 8:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5
Panthers at Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
Falcons at Vikings at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Lions at Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 25
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