LANs » will visit St Marys on Saturday Puel added that he expects to h

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons are two games below .500.The Green Bay Packers might be playing as well as anyone in the league.But, as Falcons coach Mike Smith pointed out Monday, both teams are in identical spots in the standings heading to the final month of the regular season.Theyre playing for the same thing were playing for, Smith said. Theyre in first place in their division. Were in first place in our division. Its no different from this past week.Technically, that may be true.But the Falcons (5-7) will undoubtedly be making a big leap in competition when they head to Lambeau Field next Monday night to face Aaron Rodgers and the streaking Packers (9-3), who have won four straight and scored more than 50 points in two of their last three home games.Its a big challenge for us this week with Aaron Rodgers, Smith said. No doubt, hes playing the best of any quarterback in the NFL right now. Hes got a number of weapons he can get it to. Hes played extremely well at home. I dont think hes thrown an interception at home this season, and I dont even want to talk about how many points theyve scored.Atlanta remained tied with New Orleans atop the NFC South — and holding a tiebreaker edge over the Saints — after perhaps its most impressive performance of the season. Facing the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals, the Falcons raced to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, piled up 500 yards against one of the leagues better defences, and cruised to a 29-18 victory.But they caught the Cardinals at a good time, taking advantage of a team that lost starting quarterback Carson Palmer to a season-ending injury, didnt have top receiver Larry Fitzgerald because of a knee injury, and lost leading runner Andre Ellington to a hip injury early in the game.Arizona didnt score an offensive touchdown until just over a minute remained, ending a streak of more than 11 quarters without getting to the end zone.Scoring has not been a problem for the Packers, who rank second in the league at 31.67 points a game.And its even tougher for opponents to win at Lambeau.Asked what kind of atmosphere he expected, Smith replied with one word: Cold.The Falcons secondary was bolstered by the return of safety William Moore, who forced a fumble against the Cardinals after missing seven games with a shoulder injury. Also, cornerback Robert Alford is being fitted with a special cast that might make it possible for him to play against the Packers; he sat out the last two games with a wrist injury, but could play a valuable role against the Packers high-flying offence.If nothing else, the Falcons are feeling a lot better about themselves after finally beating a team from outside their woeful division, and coming away with their first victory over a team with a winning record.Theyre still right in the thick of the playoff race despite that poor record.The same spot as the Packers, in fact.The goal, defensive tackle Corey Peters said, has always been to handle the NFC South, make the playoffs and go from there.Notes: Smith said the patched-together offensive line continues to make strides, a big reason the Falcons were able to rush for 142 yards — their second-best showing of the season. Atlanta has lost five linemen to season-ending injuries, leaving undrafted rookie James Stone at centre, undrafted second-year player Ryan Schraeder at right tackle, and rookie Jake Matthews at left tackle. ... WR Roddy White (ankle) was close to playing against Arizona, Smith said, and the coach is confident that hell be able to play at Green Bay. ... The Falcons players will get two days off and hold their first practice of the week on Thursday.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Dalton Pompey Jersey .C., won gold in the womens 200-metre backstroke, and Dominique Bouchard of North Bay, Ont. Jesse Barfield Jersey . The Goldeyes (10-7) lost 4-1 to the Saltdogs (8-9) Sunday afternoon before 5,834 sizzling fans at Shaw Park. The loss drops Winnipegs record to 3-4 during this past weeks seven-game homestand. http://www.officialbluejaysgearshop.com/Blue-Jays-Paul-Molitor-Kids-Jersey/ . The last team in the NBA that will have any sympathy for the Thunder is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are showing signs of putting everything together after two years of devastating injuries. Yangervis Solarte Jersey . The club was unable to retain hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, who is bound for Atlanta. Seitzer replaces Greg Walker, who was assisted by Scott Fletcher this season as the Braves finished 79-83. Joe Carter Jersey . - A retired Indiana school principal who was NASCAR star Jeff Gordons drivers education teacher was killed with his wife in a Tennessee crash while returning from watching Gordon race.Southampton manager Claude Puel says Saturdays opponents Liverpool have to be considered among the title favourites. But Puel says his team are more than capable of competing with the Premier Leagues big guns and is expecting them to give a good account of themselves.Saints are 10th in the table, having made a solid start to life under Puel, but Liverpool are sitting atop the standings, with eight wins and just one defeat from their first 11 games. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price They are one of the favourites, of course, said Puel at his Thursday press briefing.Like Arsenal, Manchester City, and other teams, they are at a very good level for this league this season, but my players can play a good game against these teams too.Its important for my team to play our football, our game.We play against a very good team, with good players and spectacular football, but I think we have qualities also.They are first in the table for chances against opponents, and we are in third position with this statistic.We can see a good, open game and I hope we will have a good result at the end for the supporters but its important to stay with our good football and concentrate on this. Charlie Austins goals have rescued Southampton at times this season He hopes the rest of his squad can start to take some pressure off Charlie Austin, who has scored five of thheir 12 Premier League goals this season.dddddddddddd.Hes efficient in front of goal, and its important for the squad. Hes also scored many penalties. Always its important to keep him at a good physical level, Puel added.But I hope other players can score also. Its important other players have the possibility to score: offensive midfielders, defenders from free-kicks. We have a statistic: we are third (in) the number of chances every game, and the least efficient. Free-scoring Liverpool will visit St Marys on Saturday Puel added that he expects to have a fairly fit squad to select from for the visit of the leaders.We will see in the last training session before the game, he said.I think all the players are okay and there wont be any surprises. Cedric has come back to training, [Ryan] Bertrand trained yesterday also.Shane Long also came back to training but I dont know if they are physically ready to play. We will see on Friday.Dusan Tadic suffered a suspected broken nose while in action for Serbia against Wales last weekend but is expected to play with a face mask.Normally he will be available for this game, Puel said. He spoke to the doctor and its OK for him.Goalkeeper Fraser Forster withdrew from the England squad with a slight injury but has been passed fit to line up against the Reds.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Mersons predictions Rodriguez: We deserve better Premier League questions How did your internationals do? ' ' '