Packers
Road Show
The Green Bay Packers have yet to impress outside of the comfy confines of Lambeau Field. All three losses have come on the road. The two wins were a close game in Miami and a solid win over the Bears in Chicago. The Vikings are not the stiffest test, but the Packers should be able to take the high-flying act they’ve shown at Lambeau Field the last two weeks on the road.
Stay (Get) Healthy
The Packers have managed to limit injuries this season. After a complete overhaul of its nutrition and conditioning program, following several years of injury-riddled seasons, Green Bay is relatively healthy. For those on the short (relative to previous years) injury report, the Packers can hopefully build enough of a lead to give them some rest. The health of the team has been an important factor in the Packers’ rise this season. This is the time of year teams have to adapt and adjust, usually because of injury, or face getting eliminated from playoff contention. The Packers’ relative health, for as long as it lasts, is a luxury the team hasn’t experienced in a long time.
Vikings
Slow Things Down
Everything the Packers want to do is speed things up. They want to attack teams, and before the opponent can catch its breath, pour on the points. The last few weeks, that is what the Packers have done to teams. The Vikings need to take their time on offense, make the Packers drive on defense and generally keep the fireworks from going off. That gives them a chance to stay in the game long enough to have a chance in the end.
Win Turnover Battle
The Packers are bringing in the NFL’s best turnover ratio at plus-14. Last week, the Packers had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, and scored two defensive touchdowns. The Packers’ ball-hawking defense is complemented by the lack of turnovers by the Packers’ offense. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t throw interceptions. The running backs rarely fumble. As good as the Packers are on offense, this aspect is what can quickly embarrass some of the teams they play.
EXTRA POINTS
Hot Seat: Special Teams
In a 53-20 win, there isn’t much to criticize, but the Packers’ win over the Eagles was far from perfect. The most glaring miscues came on special teams. Mason Crosby missed a field goal and an extra point. Tim Masthay had a punt blocked. With a huge lead, those kinds of mistakes are meaningless. Maybe the Packers got careless because they knew the game was in hand. The team must execute those plays in a close game, though. The Packers want their season to end deep in the playoffs or in the Super Bowl. In those games, every point will matter.
Hot Streak: Aaron Rodgers
No one in the NFL has been playing better football than Aaron Rodgers over the last two weeks. During that span, he has nine touchdowns. His connection with receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb appears to be unstoppable. He’s making running back Eddie Lacy a weapon in the passing game, and he’s getting throws to the tight ends and young receiver Davante Adams. Rodgers has put himself in the conversation for NFL MVP, and he has the Packers looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The only question is, will anyone be able to slow him down?
Categories
