The Green Bay Packers are sitting at 6-6 going into Monday Night Football against the New York Giants. The Packers have immersed themselves in the NFC playoff race after starting the season 2-5. A win tonight would only further increase their chances of playing meaningful football in January. As Green Bay heads to the Big Apple, let’s go over the keys to the game for a potential Packers victory.
As it currently stands, the Packers will be without at least two starters in tonight’s matchup. CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder/back) and WR Christian Watson (hamstring) have been downgraded to OUT. The injury report also includes RB Aaron Jones (knee), S Darnell Savage (chest), and CB Eric Stokes (hamstring, IR) all listed as questionable. Rounding out the group is LB Quay Walker (shoulder) whom is listed as doubtful. Green Bay has been dealing with lingering injuries to key players throughout 2023. As of late, the young guys have been stepping up and making plays while the starters continue to recuperate.
I personally view this game as a bit tougher of a matchup than most other Packers fans. Last week, Green Bay allowed 6 yards per carry to Isaiah Pacheco. With the team’s best tackler in Quay Walker trending towards being out, the Packers will have to combat Saquon Barkley with De’Vondre Campbell and Isaiah McDuffie at linebacker. With that said, I am of the belief that if Green Bay can limit the impact of Barkley and make the Giants offense one dimensional, they have a very good chance at leaving New York with a win. It is imperative that the Packers force the ball into 3rd string QB Tommy DeVito’s hands. In the Packers recent 3-game win streak, the blueprint on defense has been to force opponents into being pass-heavy while protecting a 2+ possession lead. The gameplan is simple: Get an early lead, stop the run, and take care of the football.
