The Green Bay Packers hit the road in Week two to face the Atlanta Falcons in what should be one of the best games of the week. Atlanta is unveiling its new stadium and will be looking to start the season 2-0 after defeating the Chicago Bears 23-17 in Week one. Green Bay also enters the contest fresh off a victory, beating the Seattle Seahawks by eight at Lambeau. Both teams look to extend that streak on Sunday night. Below are several Green Bay Packers impact players who will be looking to make a strong showing in week two against the Atlanta Falcons.
Green Bay Packers Impact Players to Watch in Week Two
Ty Montgomery
After an effective, gritty game against Seattle, Ty Montgomery has asserted himself as the clear choice in Green Bay’s backfield going forward. True, 19 carries for 54 yards doesn’t look too flashy on paper but Montgomery looks bigger and stronger than in years prior. He also showcased his skills as a receiver with four catches for 39 yards. Those pass-catching abilities out of the backfield will be a major asset in this week’s game against the Falcons.
During their slim victory over the Bears, Atlanta gave up 186 total yards from scrimmage to running backs. Both Jordan Howard and rookie Tarik Cohen had solid games on the ground while Cohen provided eight catches, including a touchdown reception. Montgomery should see double-digit touches against the Falcons because of his ability to contribute in both the run and pass game.
Mike Daniels
Kenny Clark could be another choice here as he looks to make a bigger impact in game two, but it should be fun to watch how the Packers defensive leader improves upon his dominant performance against the Seahawks. Mike Daniels had perhaps the best game of his career in the Packers 2017 season opener. He totaled seven tackles, combined for one sack with Nick Perry, and had the game-changing play when he forced a Russell Wilson fumble within the Seahawks own five-yard line.
The Bears front seven looked much improved against a typically impressive Falcons run game, holding Atlanta running backs to just 53 yards on 20 carries. Daniels must be licking his chops after watching the Bears interior linemen repeatedly pressure Matt Ryan. If Daniels plays as well as he did last week, the Packers defense should continue to impress. Julio Jones has been nearly impossible for Green Bay to cover in recent years, so it will be up to Daniels and the pass rush to make up for deficiencies in the back end of Green Bay’s defense. Daniels was limited in practice Thursday but should be in no jeopardy of missing Sunday’s game.
Right Tackle
With starting right tackle Bryan Buluga still recovering from an ankle injury, Kyle Murphy will most likely make his second career start against the Falcons. After being overmatched in Week one against defensive end Michael Bennett, Murphy turns his attention to 2016 sack-leader Vic Beasley and company. The Packers must protect Aaron Rodgers this week before the first game played in the Mercedes-Benz stadium begins to look like last season’s NFC Championship.
Rodgers was sacked four times in the victory over Seattle. He was running for his life the majority of the game. If Atlanta is able to attack the right side of Green Bay’s line like Seattle did, Rodgers will be in big trouble again. This is a game where the Packers need to start fast. Sacks killed several promising drives early in Green Bay’s win last week. Whether a hobbled Bulaga is able to play or second year tackle Murphy makes the start, the Packers must find a way to slow down Atlanta’s pass rush.
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