Passing fancy: The Packers’ first-team offense did next to nothing in the
first three preseason games. Was that a mirage, or are there some problems
with this unit? The top item on the training camp agenda was getting
quarterback Brett Favre acclimated to his new receiving corps. But projected
No. 1 receiver Terry Glenn missed the first three preseason games, and
neither Robert Ferguson, Donald Driver or Javon Walker distinguished
himself. It may be unrealistic to expect Glenn to be a star immediately, so
someone other than running back Ahman Green must get open for Favre.
Vanquish Vick: Michael Vick is basically a rookie quarterback. That’s the
good news. The Packers’ defense has no idea what it’s in for. That’s the bad
news. Vick is as athletic as he is raw. The strength of the Packers’ defense
may be the pass rush, with Vonnie Holliday, Joe Johnson and Kabeer
Gbaja-Biamila all pushing from the edge. When they attack Vick, though, they
better keep him in the pocket. If Vick escapes contain, the Packers have
nobody fast enough to catch Vick, and the lefty has a rocket arm to make
plays if he buys time.
Patience: If the Packers’ defense is patient, the Falcons shouldn’t be able
to score enough points to win this game. The Cleveland Browns, in the third
preseason game, exposed a few chinks in the Packers’ defensive armor. Browns
quarterback Tim Couch took advantage of the Packers’ pass rush by completing
several screen passes. That flaw should be rectified through coaching by now.
If the Packers can contain Vick and speedy Warrick Dunn, Atlanta will be hard
pressed to mount 80-yard TD drives.