The Packers are playing their third game in 11 days, when they host the Philadelphia Eagles tonight at Lambeau Field. The Packers will be looking to complete the first quarter of the season 4-0. A big Thursday Night game against a tough NFC opponent, it should be a good one at Lambeau.
Here are 3 things to watch:
Packers Passing game: The Packers are pretty fresh and for the most part, pretty healthy. Against the Broncos in week 3, the Packers rushed 22 times and Rodgers passed the ball 29 times for a quiet 235 times. After the game, Rodgers told reporters that he needs to get better. With those comments, Rodgers seems like a quarterback who is poised for a break out game. Teams have been double covering Davante Adams, this is a perfect game for another wide receiver to step up and become a threat and take pressure off of Adams. The Broncos did not sack Rodgers at all last game, as he pretty much had a clean jersey by the end of the game. I can see the Eagles getting after him a little bit, which may allow more passing lanes to open up.
Run Defense: The Eagles passed the ball 36 times in week 3. The Packers pass defense has been really good to this points. Jaire Alexander has been a lock down cornerback and the defense has been generating turnovers. On the flip side, the run defense has given up big run plays. The Broncos had a 4-yard average running the ball against them last week. The Eagles have some capable backs to have the ability to break free. In quick turn around games like this tonight, the defense tends to be the unit that lacks behind due to being gassed from the previous game. With this unit, I don’t that that will happen. This unit will come out looking to make a statement on National Television and will have an improved run defense.
Davante Adams: I talked about the Packers passing game earlier and how they need to find a number 2 weapon on the across from Adams to loosen up the double coverage on him. In three games, he has yet to cross the goal line, after having 13 touchdowns last season. The touchdowns will come and I am predicting that Adams will get his first touchdown of the season tonight. Lafleur and Rodgers are going to come up with plays designed to free up Adams and open up the passing game.
Prediction: The Packers are relatively healthy while the Eagles depth has been depleted due to injury. It’s at Lambeau and the Packers defense is confident. On a short week, I think the defense will again come up big and the Packers will be 4-0 after tonight.
Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag
