News & Info/Headlines
Atlanta will need to build on that win to help give the Falcons' defense a chance in Monday night's game at Green Bay.
Led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers rank second in the NFL in scoring. The Packers (9-3) have scored more than 50 points in two of their last three home games. Rodgers has thrown 20 TD passes with no interceptions at home this season.
That's scary for the Falcons, who rank last in the league in total defense and against the pass.
The best hope for Atlanta's defense will be minimizing Rodgers' time on the field. That puts pressure on the Falcons' offense, led by quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons had 500 yards in their 29-10 win over the Cardinals on Sunday.
'I think it gives you confidence that you can go out there and play with anybody in this league,' Ryan said. 'But I think even before last week we had that.'
Jackson ran for 101 yards against the Cardinals - his first 100-yard game in his two years with Atlanta. The 240-pound back gained more than half of his yards on a 55-yard run - his longest since 2009.
Ryan is hoping Jackson and Atlanta's other running backs, Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman, provide offensive balance against the Packers.
'We're a better offense when we're balanced and that's important for us as we move forward,' Ryan said.
The Falcons had the big day against Arizona even without wide receiver Roddy White, who was held out with an ankle injury. Julio Jones was Ryan's top target, catching 10 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown.
White is questionable after returning to practice on a limited basis Saturday. He remains a problematic (for fantasy owners) game-time decision.
Whether White is inactive or if he's playing at something less than full speed, it's worth noting Harry Douglas is coming off a season-best nine-catch, 116-yard performance against the Cardinals. The Packers are likely to focus their attention on Jones after Jones torched the Cardinals for a career-high 189 yards while being single-covered for the most part.
The defense keying on Jones could leave some opportunities for Douglas to step up, though his upside will be capped if White returns from his ankle injury.