The Falcons are known for their offensive strengths, namely Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. However, the reason the Falcons are the defending NFC champions is about the new faces that play on the other side of the ball.
Here is voice of the Packers Wayne Larrivee's scouting report as the Packers take on the Falcons:
Outside linebacker/defensive end Brooks Reed was to Atlanta's defense last week as Mike Daniels was for Green Bay - in a word, dominant. Reed closed the deal at Chicago with the second of his two sacks.
He is the other pass rusher opposite Vic Beasley, who led the league in sacks a season ago. These are two edge rushers who will stress the Packers offensive tackles.
The Falcons have great speed throughout their defense, but especially at linebacker where #45 Deion Jones has sideline to sideline capability and #59 De' Vondre Campbell has the range to cover running backs or tight ends downfield.
Keanu Neal is a heat-seeking missile who plays both strong safety and in the box. He is quick to everything and wraps up everyone! He'll likely see a lot of Martellus Bennett.
In the secondary, Desmond Trufant is back off a season ending pectoral muscle injury that cost him the last seven regular season games and the post season last year.
He is their best pure cover corner which probably gets him the honor of tagging Jordy Nelson Sunday night.
The Packers just got done playing the best defense in the NFL last week, but make no mistake: the Atlanta defense is the reason why the Falcons are favorites to win the NFC title again.
VIDEO: Cheese 'N' Packers pregame edition from Atlanta
