Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers: 3 X-Factors for the Falcons

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Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) tries to break away from Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) after catching a pss in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Julio Jones

The Green Bay Packers have not embarked on a smooth road when it comes to injuries. Most notably, they are missing two of their top three cornerbacks in Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins who are both suffering from groin injuries. While this may be surmountable for a team ranked fourth in total defense, the team is facing a monster this week and they are well aware of it.

Julio gave the Packers utter nightmares two years ago as he annihilated the Green Bay defense, receiving for a jaw-dropping, then personal best, 259 yards and a touchdown. He torched the Green Bay secondary which allowed the Falcons to put up 37 points and lose by less than a touchdown in the bitter cold of Lambeau in a game they were heavily predicted to get blown out.

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Two years later, the Packers are facing a much better and explosive Atlanta Falcons football team at the Georgia Dome and the absence of two of their starting corners surely doesn’t help. While it may be difficult to run the ball as Green Bay ranks first in rushing defense only allowing 71.8 rushing yards per game, having a weapon like Julio can open so much for the offense.

Julio has proven that he can put up astounding numbers against whoever, wherever, whenever, and however. A big day from arguably the best wide-receiver in the league allows the Falcons to have the ability to compete against anyone and this very thing is a prominent factor in gaining the edge against Green Bay this Sunday. We’ve all seen the danger Julio can do to teams this season.

If the Falcons can get Julio going early, they can surely effect the mindset of the defense who will be on their heals trying to find some possible way to control him which then will result in the other explosive players of our offense being open. With Tevin Coleman probably sitting this one out with a hamstring injury, Julio’s presence will be greatly needed and I believe he will bring his presence to the table Sunday, possibly surmounting 1,000 yards already.

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