Packers vs. Falcons: 5 Halftime Adjustments Atlanta Needs to Make

The Atlanta Falcons came into this game needing to prove something.

After a too-close-for-comfort win over Seattle last week and a disappointing loss to Tampa Bay the week before, the Falcons were just looking for some consistency.

So far, so good. Atlanta is up 14-6 against the reigning Super Bowl champs and the team that most people had crowned as the best in the NFL once again this year.

But this thing isn't over yet. Here are five adjustments the Dirty Birds can make to guarantee they come away with the W.

5. Eliminate Stupid Mistakes

The illegal substitution on the first drive of the game didn't end up costing Atlanta too much, but they also had to burn a timeout when Ryan wasn't sure what was going on.

They ended up scoring, but that sort of thing has a tendency to build up and manifest itself late in the game. The Falcons need to nip that sort of thing in the bud early.

It showed up again near the end of the first half when a huge play by Ryan was negated by a dumb holding penalty.

4. Keep Green Bay Off the Field

This isn't so much an adjustment as it is a "keep it up guys." The Falcons limited Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay to just nine plays in the first quarter. With an offense that potent, the more you can keep your offense on the field and theirs off, the better you are.

3. Don't Give Up the Big Play

Atlanta had done a great job of keeping Rodgers in check for most of the first half, but they gave up the big play to Greg Jennings which led to the Packers' first score of the game.

They need to try and keep this explosive offense to plays of 20 yards of less. Bend, but don't break.

2. Bring the Pressure

The Falcons hadn't gotten too much pressure on Rodgers until the Packers were threatening to score near the end of the first half, when they managed to get back-to-back sacks forcing a field goal.

The takeaway here? Put more emphasis on putting Rodgers on his back.

1. Finish Strong

Atlanta did not necessarily finish the first half strong. They got themselves into a 3rd and ten situation and then 3rd and 20 following a penalty that forced them to give the ball back to Green Bay with plenty of time that allowed them to