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**wayne1218** · 01-14-2011, 05:42 PM

After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Packers-Falcons matchup.

1. Handle a tough place to play: Five of the Packers' six losses came on the road this season, and they have essentially played three playoff games in a row to qualify for the postseason. Now they are operating on a short week. Atlanta lost only one game at home this year and should be quite fresh for this contest. The Falcons were 3-3 against 2010 playoff teams, but they do have a substantial special-teams advantage. Only two teams turned the ball over less than Atlanta. The Falcons were the least-penalized team in the NFL this season, and Green Bay was not far behind. These teams met in Week 12 in Atlanta; the Falcons won 20-17 on a Matt Bryant field goal with nine seconds on the clock.

2. Neutralize Atlanta's defensive line: It doesn't get a lot of publicity, but Atlanta's defensive line is a real handful to deal with. The Falcons use a lot of bodies up front and do a nice job of keeping their guys fresh. John Abraham, Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Babineaux are excellent players. Jamaal Anderson also is an exceptional run stuffer who has a very prominent role in this rotation. RG Josh Sitton and C Scott Wells are Green Bay's best linemen, but RT Bryan Bulaga is a liability and could be exploited.

3. Put Ryan on the ground: With the exception of LT Sam Baker, the Atlanta offensive line is very solid, and Matt Ryan is a difficult quarterback to sack. LB Clay Matthews had one of the Packers' three sacks in Philadelphia, but he will usually line up on the opposite side of Baker. The Packers' defense is very difficult to prepare for and will use a lot of different personnel groupings. This is a very tough defense to keep a quarterback clean against.

4. Stop White: Wide receiver Roddy White is likely to see Charles Woodson more often than not this week. But Woodson is used in a wide variety of ways. He is a great blitzer, tackler, run defender and stripper of the football. Tramon Williams might actually be the superior pure cover man at this point. Woodson has the size and strength to battle White and should receive excellent safety support from Nick Collins, one of the best free safeties in the league. The Packers have been exceptional defending the pass outside the numbers, but White is an elite wide receiver whom Ryan feeds with great regularity.

5. Matchup to watch: Packers WR Greg Jennings versus Falcons CB Dunta Robinson: Jennings caught only one pass for 8 yards last week, but there probably is not a wide receiver who had a better season. He also had a big game in Atlanta Week 12. The Falcons have a very good set of corners in Brent Grimes and Robinson. Grimes is the better player of the two. But the rest of their secondary can be had and could struggle when Green Bay goes to its sub packages with extra wideouts on the field. The Packers use more four- and-five receiver sets than just about any offense in the league, and Aaron Rodgers was exceptional at spreading the ball around last week.

6. Rattle Rodgers: Green Bay does a lot of substituting of offensive personnel and will use a wide variety of formations. They are difficult to prepare for. Rodgers is very bright and well-prepared and has an extremely quick release. He is exceptional against the blitz. The Falcons should try to get to him with just their defensive line, but they have been much more willing to bring extra pressure as the play of their secondary has improved as the season progressed. Quarterbacks have not had much success against this defense lately. But Rodgers threw for a whopping 344 yards when these teams met last and also was very effective as a runner.

7. Stop the run: The Falcons allowed 4.6 yards per rushing attempt this season. Only five defenses were worse. Led by James Starks, the Packers rushed for 138 yards and averaged 4.3 yards per carry in Philadelphia. Starks looks like a find. He has fresh legs at this point of the season and has more natural ability than any of the other Green Bay runners. Even without the threat of run, Rodgers is exceptional at selling play-action. With a run game, he could be lethal against an aggressive, free-flowing Atlanta defense.

8. Hit big plays: The Falcons have converted very few long receptions. In fact, they ranked last in the NFL in completions of 30 or more yards. Ryan's 6.5 yards per attempt average was good for only 26th amongst quarterbacks, while the Packers allowed just 6.5 yards per attempt. But Green Bay has really struggled against tight ends, and Tony Gonzalez could have a big role this weekend. The Packers might choose to put Woodson on Gonzalez and Williams on White. Green Bay's defense is exceptional in the red zone -- an area where Gonzalez thrives.

9. Be more physical: Often considered a great rushing offense, the Falcons are more of a volume running game. They are persistent about sticking with rushing calls, often from heavier personnel. But the Falcons averaged only 3.8 yards per rush for the season. The Falcons always look to be the most physical team on the field, and their well-coached offensive line plays with a real nasty streak. Atlanta will use a lot of heavier run-personnel groupings and have good blockers in their skill position players. The Packers have some excellent run defenders in B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and Desmond Bishop. Raji in particular has been nearly unblockable.

10. Matchup to watch: Falcons RB Michael Turner versus Packers run defense: Turner doesn't offer a lot in the pass game, but he is the foundation of Atlanta's offense and can wear down the opponent. Turner has put the ball on the ground lately, but he doesn't have a long history of fumbles. Jason Snelling is also one of the best backup running backs in the league and should see plenty of action as well. The Falcons are better running to their right.

Prediction

Green Bay 27
Atlanta 24

**wayne1218** · 01-14-2011, 05:43 PM

After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Seahawks-Bears matchup.

1. Offensive balance is a must for Seattle: We have seen more vertical throws when Matt Hasselbeck is at QB and defenses are forced to sit back and play honest. That really opens up the run game, and when the Seahawks are running with success, it sets up an excellent play-action package. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll seems more committed in recent weeks to a more physical run game to go along with Hasselbeck's passing. Chicago has a tough run defense, but the Seahawks must keep their rushing attempts up, even if they are not producing big Marshawn Lynch plays in their right-handed run attack.

2. Does Seattle blitz or play coverage schemes? When these teams played each other in Week 6, the Seahawks really came after Jay Cutler and his slow-developing passing game. They sacked him six times, had 10 more QB hits and controlled the game with their pressure schemes. In recent weeks, defenses have been attacking Cutler off the slot with blitzes. The OL and RBs do not do a great job picking them up. This is a different Chicago offense right now -- shorter passes and quick releases by Cutler. It is also a different Seattle defense -- fewer blitzes and less gambling. But it won't be surprising if the Seahawks heat up the pressure in this game.

3. Can Seattle's defense get off the field on third down? This is not a good overall defense in most categories, and it is especially bad on third down. That keeps offensive drives alive and forces the defense to stay on the field too long. The good news for the Seahawks is that Chicago is not much better in third-down offense and neither team makes enough big plays in this situation. This game could come down to how many plays each offense has -- and that comes down to success on third down. Seattle needs to play good run defense on first and second downs and then blitz out of nickel scheme on third down to frustrate Cutler.

4. Can Seattle protect a suspect secondary? The Seahawks' pass defense is not great, especially on seam routes, and they do not match up really well in tight man schemes. They must use a variety of looks and pressure to compensate for a lack of talent. The Seahawks do have two underrated edge rushers in DEs Chris Clemons and Raheem Brock. They have a chance to really be productive off the edge -- that is where the Bears are vulnerable. Chicago has used some multi-TE formations in recent weeks to improve edge pass protection, but a successful front four pass rush would allow Carroll to mix up his pressures and coverages without being forced to blitz on every down. How Seattle chooses to attack the Bears' offense is a big part of this game.

5. Could this game come down to special teams? Two of the best return specialists in the business face off in this game -- Seattle's Leon Washington (three kickoffs returned for touchdowns) and Chicago's Devin Hester (three punts returned for touchdowns). Both have explosive big-play ability that can turn a game around, and at the very least they can give their offenses good field position. Washington is a no-nonsense north and south guy; Hester has great instincts and rare change-of-direction moves to go along with an excellent burst. Chicago probably has an edge in this area with better cover teams, but both of these units must play with lane discipline. They also must break down and tackle well.

6. Did Chicago shore up pass protection during the bye week? This offense gave up 56 sacks during the regular season, but don't blame the offensive line alone. At times, Cutler holds the ball too long; at other times his backs and tight ends don't always pick up the blitz. Defenses are now blitzing him off the slot. That pressure comes quickly, and if the Bears don't see it and if the OTs are late coming out of their stances, it will lead to trouble. Cutler must coordinate with his receivers on hot reads on those areas vacated by the blitz to negate pressure and create big plays. He can also use more three- and five-step drops.

7. How do you attack the Cover 2 defense of the Bears? The traditional way to come after this defense is to throw in the intermediate perimeter (over the corner and underneath the safety) or deep middle (over the dropping linebacker). However, some offenses are having success with the slant route, going underneath the five dropping front-line defenders with three-step drops. Those are safe throws. The Seahawks could also use play-action to freeze Brian Urlacher, making the deep middle hole a little bigger. There is also the possibility of dumping the ball off to the backs if those holes are well covered. Seattle likes to use the pump fake with Hasselbeck, along with double moves by the receivers, but against this zone defense that may not work. The Seahawks must be patient and find those small but well-designed holes.

8. How will Cutler and Co. attack the Seattle defense? Because Cutler was taking a physical beating early in the season, offensive coordinator Mike Martz made some surprising midseason tweaks. He went to more three- and five-step drops, dump-offs to backs, and -- maybe most important -- more run plays to give the offense balance and force defenses to play more honest. Seattle likes to work out of nickel packages and blitz out of that scheme, which can be effective, but it also opens the Seahawks up to screen passes and deep passing plays -- both things that Chicago likes. Cutler can use multiple-TE sets to help pass protection, but if the Bears can pick up the blitz, he can exploit this pass defense.

9. How will the Bears and Seahawks improve their red zone offenses? The Bears were in the bottom third of the league in this category -- only 23 touchdowns in 51 trips -- and that may not get it done in the playoffs. Seattle is even worse, scoring only 21 touchdowns in 50 trips. Neither offense has consistently pounded the ball in the run game close to the goal line, and neither has receivers who really separate well from tight coverage as the field shrinks. Ironically, both defenses are pretty good in this area despite schemes that do not lend themselves to good red zone stops. Will both offenses use spread formations at the goal line to find good matchups?

10. Matchup to watch: Seattle LT Russell Okung versus Chicago RDE Julius Peppers: Okung is a talented rookie with a great future, but he has been slowed by gimpy ankles almost all season. However, he has great size, good feet and a huge wingspan to counteract Peppers. Peppers had a productive season with eight sacks, and he is so dangerous that offenses double-team him. That gives all the other guys up front good one-on-one matchups. If Hasselbeck has a chance to go deep in this game, it will be up to Okung to protect his backside and contain Peppers.

Prediction

Seattle 13
Chicago 16

**wayne1218** · 01-14-2011, 05:44 PM

After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Jets-Patriots matchup.

1. Prepare for Goliath: The Patriots ended the season with an eight-game winning streak and were undefeated at home. The Patriots also scored a whopping 205 more points than they allowed in 2010 -- by far the best mark in the league. They are 6-1 against 2010 playoff teams. New York has lost only two games on the road this season. The Jets beat New England in Week 2, but in the most recent meeting (Week 13), the Pats utterly dominated play, eventually winning 45-3. In both games, the losing team turned the ball over three times and the winning team did not have a turnover. The Patriots were best in the NFL at valuing the ball, committing only 10 turnovers. And only the Giants had more takeaways than New England. The Jets get the edge here on special teams, but that advantage is marginal.

2. Defend the entire field: New England is fantastic at dictating matchups through formation and personnel. And the Pats throw a wide variety of personnel groupings at a defense. They are also tremendous at attacking horizontally with a precision passing attack that Tom Brady orchestrates with surgeonlike skill. The Jets' defense allowed just 6.5 yards per passing attempt this season and held Peyton Manning to 225 yards through the air last week, but this test will be much more difficult.

3. Disrupt throwing lanes: Although the Patriots will attack the entire field, they focus on the short and intermediate middle of the field. A problem with targeting that area is that defensive linemen can be very disruptive of throwing lanes and can deflect passes easier. Getting to Brady is difficult, but the Jets' defensive front must be very consistent in getting its hands up and being mindful of disturbing lanes.

4. Get Sanchez comfortable: Mark Sanchez misses too many throws, and up until the final drive last week, he played a very poor game versus Indianapolis. New England's pass defense has greatly improved since the beginning of the season and is much better when it blitzes. Opposing tight ends have done very little versus the Pats, but Dustin Keller is Sanchez's safety blanket and will probably be a featured target. That might favor New England. It would be a mistake to overlook how dangerous Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards can be. But Sanchez could do nothing downfield a week ago. The Patriots do have one of the most promising young cornerbacks in Devin McCourty.

5. Matchup to watch: Jets C Nick Mangold versus Patriots NT Vince Wilfork: The Patriots' line uses Wilfork at both nose tackle and end, but his skill set is that of a nose tackle. And he might be the best 3-4 nose tackle in the league. Mangold is the best center in all of football -- by a wide margin. And he might have been the best player on the field last week for either team. This battle will be instrumental in determining the effectiveness of New York's interior run. The Jets averaged 4.4 yards per carry during the regular season.

6. Stop the run: The Jets rushed for 169 yards last week, but it won't come as easy in New England. LaDainian Tomlinson looked much more explosive and quick than he did toward the end of the regular season. He also is still a very effective receiver out of the backfield and could find favorable matchups against the Patriots' heavier linebackers. New England has not allowed many long runs this season, but it needs to improve against running backs as receiving options. Shonn Greene should receive about half the carries. Greene is more of a pounder but is somewhat of a liability in the passing game. New York has run for 288 yards against the Pats this season.

7. Keep Brady unscathed: Brady is a difficult quarterback to sack, and the Jets do not have one superb pass-rusher at their disposal. New York had only one sack last week. The Patriots' protection is exceptional, and Brady is unbelievable with his ability to maneuver around the pocket to buy time while still focusing his attention downfield. Brady has been incredibly good versus the blitz, and New York chose not to blitz Manning often last week.

8. Stay away from Revis: Darrelle Revis held Reggie Wayne to a single catch for a measly 1 yard last week. The Jets have enough cover men to target, so don't expect the Pats to test Revis. Antonio Cromartie is much better in press man coverage than off coverage. He is a superb talent, but doesn't like to tackle and is susceptible to double moves. As a whole, even though they employ as many as seven defensive backs on the field, the Jets are not really deep with quality cover men. That is a massive problem against New England.

9. Keep 'em honest with the run: The Patriots are an excellent timely running team. They employ two very different runners in BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. New York was among the best run-stopping defenses in the regular season, allowing just 3.6 yards per carry. LB Bart Scott is the Jets' defensive leader. He has played great this season and was exceptional in Indianapolis. But New York was very susceptible to play-action last week. Expect Brady to try to exploit this as Manning did.

10. Matchup to watch: Patriots tight ends versus Jets head coach Rex Ryan: No team in the league uses its tight ends like New England. The Patriots go three deep with Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski and Alge Crumpler -- and these three players have very different skill sets. How Ryan labels each of these players will be crucial, as will how he accounts for the multitude of sets his team will face. If he labels these TEs wrong -- or even if he labels them correctly -- New England is very capable of changing formations to dictate coverages to Brady's liking based on the variety of skills that its tight ends bring to the table. It is almost an unwinnable situation for a defense.

Prediction

New York 17
New England 35

**jcheckers** · 01-14-2011, 06:10 PM

Prediction

New York 17
New England 35

Translation: ASS KICKin'...

**bryce** · 01-14-2011, 06:25 PM

Nice read!

**BigWeiner** · 01-14-2011, 10:18 PM

Love New England teased with the over and Packers teased with the over

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