Packers
Keep Rolling
The first step for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, facing the Philadelphia Eagles, is to keep doing what they’re doing. The Packers have been rolling, winning five of the last six games. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs to continue playing at a high level. Receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb need to continue to rip the tops off of defenses. Eddie Lacy needs to continue to punish tacklers, and continue his evolution into one of the most dangerous receiving backs in the league. There are very few teams in the league with the offensive firepower to keep up with Green Bay when its offense is clicking.
Prove It, Defensively
It’s no secret that the Packers’ defense has had its share of troubles this season. Heading into the bye, coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers came up with a radical adjustment to try and fix one of the team’s most stubborn weaknesses. With the Packers’ defense ranking dead last in the league in rushing defense, the Packers committed to being more stout up the middle, shifting perhaps their best pass rusher, Clay Matthews, to inside linebacker. The move should improve the middle of the Packers’ defense. The move also gets one of the Packers’ backup rushers on the field, something the coaches have tried to do with different schemes throughout the first half of the season. Matthews will now roam the defense, moving where he’s most needed given the situation. The move surprised and confused the Bears on Sunday. Matthews and the defense will now be tested, as teams prepare for the look and scheme to attack it.
Eagles
Avoid Turnovers
When you compare these two similar teams, there is one difference that jumps out. Turnovers. While the Packers are a plus-10 in the turnover ratio, good for third-best in the league, the Eagles are minus-5, 24th in the league. That’s partially due to injured starting quarterback Nick Foles, who is tied for the second-most interceptions in the league with 10. New starter Mark Sanchez had two interceptions against Houston in Week 9, but had zero last week. In four seasons with the New York Jets, though, Sanchez threw 68 picks. Because Rodgers and the Packers are so good at not turning the ball over, while still being able to get into the end zone, even one turnover can be a dagger.
Score Points
The Eagles are going to need points — lots of them — to get a win in Lambeau Field. The Packers will likely be scoring plenty. The Packers have eclipsed the 30-point mark five times this season. The Eagles have scored 30 or more points in six of their nine games this season. Both these teams want to keep the tempo fast and give their offenses plenty of chances to get points. That could mean a record number of offensive plays are run Sunday. It could potentially redefine the NFL meaning of “high-scoring game.”
EXTRA POINT
Must-See Matchup: Connor Barwin vs. Packers Offensive Line
Eagles Linebacker Connor Barwin is having a lot of success getting to opposing quarterbacks. The Eagles as a defense have 32 sacks. A third of them, 10.5, have come from Barwin. The Packers’ offensive line, still dealing with injuries at both guard positions, have allowed 21 sacks this season. How the Packers deal with the Eagles pass rush will likely dictate how the game goes. Last week the Packers showed that when they give Rodgers time, he’s capable of scoring on defenses at will.
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