PACKERS
Go Deep
Against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense, it’s no surprise that the Green Bay Packers’ highly touted offense looked very pedestrian. The Packers played into the Seahawks’ plan, using Jarrett Boykin as a placeholder on cornerback Richard Sherman. That effectively took away half the field. The Packers not only need to find the other side of the field, they also need to hit some deep passes. Getting rookie receivers Davante Adams and Jeff Janis involved would be a good idea, as well. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is at his best when he has multiple targets. The team needs more than Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb as options in the passing game.
Settle the Defense
The Packers’ new-look defense was a dud in Week 1. The coaching staff hopes that was just because the players were not familiar enough with the system to make it work. Don’t look for wholesale changes to either play-calling or personnel. About the only starter who could get benched is inside linebacker Brad Jones, who is dealing with a quadriceps injury. The Packers don’t need to have a spectacular day on defense Sunday; just adequate would do. Just enough to keep Packers fans from panicking.
JETS
Ground and Pound
It’s rare that a game plan is so obvious. The Packers gave up 207 yards rushing in their opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The Jets piled up 212 yards rushing in a win over the Oakland Raiders. Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory should get many opportunities to test the Packers’ suspect front seven. Until they prove otherwise, there is no reason to think the Packers will have a better showing than they did against Marshawn Lynch.
Win the Big Plays
The Packers will be looking for a spark early in Sunday’s game. Something to get the team, and fans, going after the disappointment in Seattle. The Jets need to deny the Packers those big plays. Give up short passes and runs if that is what it takes, but keep the Packers in grind mode. When the Packers do try for the big play, the Jets should be looking for the ball. Nothing keeps a crowd down like seeing the other team get the big play.
EXTRA POINTS
Must-See Matchup: Aaron Rodgers vs. Rex Ryan
Jets coach Rex Ryan, who calls his own defenses, has a deep and varied playbook. He’s one of the few coaches that can confuse a smart quarterback like Rodgers. The two will play cat and mouse in this game. While the Packers might have more talent on offense than the Jets have on defense, it’s a good bet Ryan will have some tricks up his sleeve to level the playing field, and possibly the quarterback.
Hot Seat: Packers’ defensive line
The Packers’ defensive line came away from Seattle very disappointed. It didn’t matter if the Packers were in the 3-4 or the 4-3 defense, Seattle ran all over the undersized unit. The Packers’ defensive line has to prove it can slow down opposing rushers or the Packers will be ground into the turf all season long. With the Jets’ talented runners — Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory — coming to town, the line will have another opportunity to show what it has on Sunday.
Hot Streak: Corey Linsley
Rookie center Corey Linsley had Seahawks players praying for him ahead of his first NFL start in Seattle last week. He quieted a lot of doubters, Seahawks included, with his performance. Linsley had no trouble running the Packers’ offense and had only one gaffe: forcing the team to take a timeout after not snapping the ball when Rodgers signaled for it. Linsley, who started in place of the injured JC Tretter, might play well enough to secure the starting job for the season and beyond. The Packers placed Tretter on injured reserve-designated for return after a knee injury in the preseason. He’s eligible to return for the Nov. 9 game against Chicago.
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