This week Gage and I discuss the Green Bay Packers win over the Atlanta Falcons, upcoming free agency, and their matchup in Chicago.

Last week’s win was the Green Bay Packers first since the installment of Dairyland Talk. Aaron Rodgers and the offense moved the ball with relative ease focusing on short passes. They were without three starters on the offensive line, so head coach Joe Philbin made sure to get the backups settled in early. While Rodgers did take four sacks, he threw two touchdowns, rushed for 44 yards, and received a good contribution from running back Aaron Jones.

Jones’ 17 carries against Atlanta tied for the most he’s had all season. Though he only managed 78 yards rushing for the game, Jones capped off a solid performance with a 29-yard touchdown run during the third quarter.

Green Bay’s offense had one of their most complete performances of the year in a 34-20 win. The players responded well to Mike McCarthy’s firing by rallying behind Philbin and for once they actually looked like they enjoyed themselves out on the field.

Corner Bashaud Breeland had a big day for the defense returning an interception for a touchdown and recovering a fumble. When healthy, the 26-year-old corner has been a key contributor in the secondary. The Packers signed him to a one-year deal in September, however, they may be smart to give him another short-term contract.

Breeland remarked that Green Bay would have “first dibs” on him in 2019 free agency.

The team will also have to make decisions on whether to re-sign receiver Randall Cobb, outside linebacker Clay Matthews, receiver Geronimo Allison, right guard Byron Bell, and tight ends Lance Kendricks and Marcedes Lewis among others.

Green Bay could also decide to part ways with outside linebacker Nick Perry and right tackle Bryan Bulaga before their deals expire. Perry is making just under $12 million annually but was having a poor 2018 season before going on injured reserve. Bulaga has also spent a lot of time on the injury report which may push the Packers to overhaul the entire right side of the offensive line.

This week they face a tough test against the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears who are coming off a win over the second-seeded Los Angeles Rams. Rodgers must keep the chains moving and the defense needs to make Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky beat them from within the pocket.

The Packers are now in must-win territory if they have any hope of making the playoffs.