Coach speak: area football minds weigh in on Sunday's big game

Sunday's battle between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons will yield a Super Bowl appearance for someone. Check out what some local football coaches have to say about the Green and Gold:

What are two keys to victory for the Packers against the Falcons?

Greg Brazgel, Lake Country Lutheran football coach: The defense needs to defend the perimeter. The sideline in the passing game and the outside alleys in the running game. Force all the offense to the center of the field. Secondly, the offense needs to establish a quick-pass pocket passing approach. Atlanta will be firing hot off the ends, and Aaron will struggle to roll out.

Mike Fink, Kettle Moraine athletics director and former football coach: The defense cannot afford to give up big plays. Also, the offense needs a quick start similar to its start in Dallas.

Justin Friske, Pewaukee football coach: Defensive back play (is key), connected to a consistent pass rush on Matt Ryan. Also, the offensive line needs to establish he line of scrimmage, generate some run game and protect the QB. The obvious answer is “stay healthy.”

Clay Iverson, Mukwonago football coach: The Packers must limit Falcons big plays. The Packers won't stop them, and that will upset fans, but if you can make them work on every possession, you have a great chance. Also, there will be a big non-offensive play in the game (defense, kicking game, etc.), and that team will probably move on.

Justin Gumm, Kettle Moraine football coach: Defensive secondary play and quarterback pressure on Matt Ryan.

John Damato, Sussex Hamilton football coach: Turnover margin and field position.

Who deserves to be NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan or someone else?

Brazgel: My heart says Aaron, but the data says Ryan. He has been great all season, and he has the Falcons to a level where they are considered the greatest offensive threat. That is all Matt Ryan.

Fink: I don't feel anyone is in the same league as Aaron Rodgers.  Aaron continues to make plays that no one else can make. The Packers will go as far as Aaron can lead them.

Friske: Matt Ryan has been the best player for the entire season.

Iverson: I know we are in Packer country and it’s hard to imagine anyone better than Rodgers. I have not seen Ryan take one snap, so I am not the guy to weigh in on this, so I will cop out by saying I am sure both are deserving.

Gumm: Derek Carr. He took the RAIDERS to the playoffs.

Damato: Rodgers. What he’s done is unprecedented the last eight weeks. I also believe he does more with less from a personal standpoint. Besides, what a great storyline this would make. Rodgers predicts running the table behind a MVP season.

What's the major difference you've noticed between the team that went 4-6 and the team that has won eight straight?

Brazgel: Confidence. Aaron is a clear leader. He sets the vision. If he says it, it happens. He had no confidence in what the Packers could achieve early on, and that was echoed by their performance. He just seemed to ridiculously change his mind, made it vocal and everyone believed him and played harder. A true leader.

Fink: How confident every player is and they are working as a true team, not like a bunch of individuals.  Each week a new player is stepping up to fill the void of an injured player. Mike McCarthy has done an incredible job of not allowing the ship to sink nine weeks ago.

Friske: No turnovers, and they have gotten many of their players back who were injured.  Personnel matters!

Iverson: It really seems like they have improved in all three areas. Running the ball a little more, fewer turnovers, a little better defense, kicking game.  Like anything, everyone wants to find the silver bullet, but to be honest, give the players and coaches credit they were able block out negativity, stay together and improve like professionals.   Also, sometimes a team gets hot at the right time - confidence is huge.

Gumm: Offensive line play. The OL has a much more cohesive unit now that looks more sound in pass protection.

Damato: Confidence and unity. All phases are clearly on the same page, and they are riding a ton of momentum, which breeds confidence in each and every game. I also feel they have a stronger sense of purpose as well. They are definitely playing with a chip on their shoulder.