Have The Packers Earned The Falcons Respect Now?

There's so much trash talk and extra hitting in the NFL that I don't think it's a big deal when I see it. It's all part of the game. The Green Bay Packers can take care of themselves on the field, and they don't need a ref to throw a flag any time a play continues after the whistle. 

But the recent games between the Packers and the Falcons have gotten a bit more chippy than usual. Here are NT B.J. Raji's comments via the Journal-Sentinel:

"I wouldn't talk like this, but when people don't respect you, I don't take it lying down. Those people don't respect us, so in turn I'm not going to give them any respect."

...

"Now that we abused them, for the second time in a row, at their home, there's nothing really to do," Raji said. "If they want to play us again, tell them to come up to Lambeau. That's it. That's how we're doing it."

Probably the most notable play was the flop by Falcons C Joe Hawley after a late shove by LB A.J. Hawk. And I like how Hawk handled it on the field: he made a "fierce tackle" on the next play and screamed at their huddle. 

Shutdown Corner has more quotes from the players.