ATL-GB 101 ATL-GB 201 ATL
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ATL-GB 101 ATL-GB 201 ATL
ATL-GB 101 ATL-GB 201 ATL-GB 301 • Since the Falcons franchise was founded in 1966, the Falcons have hosted four playoff games in Atlanta, including two at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons are 3-1 in home playoff games and 2-0 in playoff games at the Dome. • This is the third time the Falcons and Packers have met in the postseason. In 1995’s Wildcard round, the Packers won 37-20. In 2002’s Wildcard round Atlanta won 27-7. The all-time series between the two teams including the playoffs is 13-13. • The Falcons have shown an ability to win the close game this season, going 4-1 in games decided by four points or less. This season the Packers are 2-6 in such games and are 2-14 in four-point games since 2008. • Since the NFL moved to the current 12team playoff system in 1990, No. 1 seeds from the NFC are 18-2 in the Divisional playoffs. • Last time out against the Packers, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan tied a franchise record by completing 85.7 percent of his passes. • • The Packers’ 12 NFL Championships is the most in league history. Their 26 postseason victories are third most in NFL history. • Head coach Mike Smith is 2-2 in games played at 8 p.m. Earlier this season against the Packers Ryan had a QB rating of 107.9. He ended the season against the Panthers with a 110.9 rating. When Ryan posts a rating of 100 or more, the Falcons are 16-0. This year they are 7-0 when he accomplishes that feat. • In 11 dome starts, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is 5-6 with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. • • The Falcons have five current streaks in place. Center Todd McClure has a franchise record 151 consecutive starts. Kicker Matt Bryant has his 16 consecutive field goals. Tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receiver Roddy White have 163 and 68 consecutive games with receptions. Ryan has thrown a touchdown pass in 15 straight games. When he last faced the Packers, running back Michael Turner rushed for 110 yards with one touchdown. His 1,371 rushing yards led the NFC this season and he was tired for first with 12 rushing touchdowns. His 39 rushing scores since joining the team in 2008 are the most by any Falcons player in any three-year span. Saturday he looks to make it three games in a row against the Packers with over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. • With Green Bay expected to attempt to shut down White and Gonzalez in the passing game, the middle of the field may be open to screens to running back Jason Snelling. The short passing game to the running back has been effective for Atlanta this year. Against Green Bay in Week 12, Snelling totaled his third-highest receiving mark of the season with 32 yards on four receptions. • Thought neither of them posted an interception against the Packers earlier this season, cornerback Brent Grimes and safety William Moore have had great seasons taking the ball away from the opponent. They’re both tied for the team lead with five interceptions, marking the first time since 2001 two Falcons had five or more interceptions in a season. Cornerbacks Ashley Ambrose and Ray Buchanan both had five in 2001. • • The Falcons faced their Divisional round opponent, the Green Bay Packers, in Week 12, winning 20-17. All four playoff games this weekend are rematches of regular-season games. This season marks the first time Atlanta has had a No. 1 seed in the playoffs since 1980. That season they lost 30-27 in the Divisional round to the Dallas Cowboys.