Packers return to Atlanta where they faced two of last season's toughest losses

The Green Bay Packers return to the scene of two of last season’s toughest losses this weekend when they face the Atlanta Falcons in week 2 of the NFL’s regular season.

Atlanta’s 44-21 win over Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game was the Pack’s second loss inside the Georgia Dome last season, following a 33-32 loss in late October. Green Bay went on to lose four straight games before rallying with eight consecutive victories to force the playoff rematch with the Falcons.

Both teams have started the new season with victories, but did so in contracting ways. The Packers defense dominated Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in a 17-9 win at Lambeau Field, while the Falcons barely held on to beat a Chicago Bears team that could not convert on four straight chances to win the game in the final seconds.

The Pack’s biggest difference in the eight months since the NFC title game is in its secondary. Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins are healthy and progressing as corners, and Kevin King was drafted to help provide depth at the position. The cornerback position has changed so drastically that the man charged with covering Julio Jones in the NFC Championship Game, Ladarius Gunter, was released earlier this week and signed with the Carolina Panthers.

Matt Ryan leads the defending NFC champions on offense, while top offensive weapons Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are back for another season.

The Packers and Falcons battle at 7:30 Sunday night in the first NFL regular season game at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.