Packers-Falcons rematch makes for a terrific Week 2 matchup

In the 13 days leading up to July 27th, when the Green Bay Packers begin training camp practices, APC is running a series we’re calling “13 in 13.” Over these two weeks, we will closely with a close examination of the major offseason events for each of the Packers’ 2017 opponents. Each team’s information has been provided by our SB Nation colleagues who know them best - the team bloggers for each franchise.

After a week one date with the Seahawks at Lambeau Field, the Packers travel south to meet the Atlanta Falcons in a rematch of January’s NFC Championship Game. This year’s game will be held in the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and will be televised nationally on Sunday Night Football.

Here’s a look at the offseason changes for the Falcons, courtesy of The Falcoholic.

Notable free agent additions: DT Dontari Poe, WR Andre Roberts, FB Derrick Coleman, DE Jack Crawford

Notable free agent departures: FB Patrick DiMarco, DT Tyson Jackson

Trades: N/A

Draft picks expected to contribute as rookies:DE Takkarist McKinley, LB Duke Riley, FS/CB Damontae Kazee

Biggest offseason addition: Poe. He’s signed for just one year, but he’s slimming down and has the talent to be the missing piece for the Falcons’ so-so run defense, plus a situationally useful pass rusher. For a team with very few glaring holes on defense, Poe is a huge addition, especially given the team’s real questions at defensive tackle aside from Grady Jarrett.

Biggest storyline heading into training camp: Can the Falcons rebound from the most crushing Super Bowl loss of all-time? Everyone wants to know if the team has the mental toughness or can-do attitude or whatever you call it to return to relevance and contention in 2017. There’s a rich history of teams falling short the year after a Super Bowl berth, especially when they lose, so Atlanta will have to do more than talk about staying focused (which they’ve done) and show they’re as good or better than they were a year ago.

Under-the-radar storyline heading into training camp: Is the defense ready to break out? The Falcons battered Tom Brady for almost three full quarters in the Super Bowl and quietly played very well down the stretch last year. We know the offense will be good, but can the defense take a step forward on the strength of additions like Poe and their current young core? We’ll see some very early glimpses in training camp.

Notable injuries heading into training camp: Everyone should be healthy, but Desmond Trufant, Adrian Clayborn, Derrick Shelby, Alex Mack, Julio Jones, and Taylor Gabriel are all coming off injuries and will need to prove their health.