The top two teams in the NFC last season will face each other anew this coming Sept. 17. Both the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons are coming off impressive wins against their respective opponents last Sunday.
The Packers led by Aaron Rodgers are expected to come up guns blazing when they face their nemesis this coming Sunday. Facing off what many analysts consider as one of the most potent passing teams in the league, the Packers will test their newfound defense called Nitro. The Packers will also make some adjustments on the offensive end.
Faster defense
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers officially unleashed the potent power of Nitro during the game against the Seattle Seahawks. The result of their closed door minicamp practicing their new defensive strategy is visible, a 17-9 win over the Seahawks. According to Capers, they used Nitro on 42 of the 49 defensive snaps.
The new defense has a 4-3 alignment instead of the standard 3-4 front. As reported by ESPN, the game against the Seahawks was the first time the Packers used this defensive snap, not even during their four preseason games. Here’s how Nitro defense looks.
The 209-pound safety Morgan Burnett is positioned at the middle of linebackers (two defensive linemen, four linebackers), putting him in a good position to check Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
Meanwhile, hard-hitting Kentrell Brice is positioned next to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The three most used cornerbacks during the game against the Seahawks Davon House, Damarious Randall, and Quinten Rollins.
“It just puts more, I don’t want to say more speed, but it allows us to play just faster, at a faster pace,” Brice said of the new defensive gameplay.
Describing in two words what they’ve gained using Nitro, “speed and athleticism,” the 23-year old free safety said. Brice added that it gives them better coverage against a tight end or a running back. Brice recorded three tackles in 47 snaps for the Packers.
But is Nitro able to keep up and stop Matt Ryan and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons?
Remember during last season's NFC Championship Game, Ryan threw for 392 yards against the Packers – 180 of them to Jones.
Changing of the guards
The Green Bay Packers are also trying to boost their offensive lineup. to In the latest player movement, the Packers replaced two members of their defensive lineup with two players whom they think will contribute on the offense. Released were veteran defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois and cornerback Ladarius Gunter.
Initially, the return of wide receiver Geronimo Allison from suspension was thought to be the reason Francois was released. It was clarified later that Allison replaced Gunter. Completing the 53-man roster of the Green Bay Packers is offensive lineman Adam Pankey who has been promoted from the practice squad.
