I know, it still stings right? We all wanted to come into Wild Card Weekend with a renewed sense of confidence. However, with a crushing defeat against a sitnky Bears squad, there are many in Packer Nation who are sounding the alarms.
The good news is, we have reached the post season. So it’s time to wipe the slate clean and approach the playoffs as all teams being 0-0.
Here’s 3 ways the Packers could get leverage during their game against the Eagles, and walk out of Philly with a W.
Green Bay Packers Need A Fast Start
The first key to success is getting off to a fast start. Take a list to ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky breaking down the slow start of the Eagles this season.
What I would like to see Matt LaFleur do, is deviate from his strategy all season of electing to receive the kick off. I would like to see them defer the kick and allow their defense to set the tone early, allowing for a possible halftime double up.
If the Packers can get off to fast start and force the Eagles to put the ball in Jalen’s hand vs Saquon’s, they have a better shot.
A fast start will also lend to a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs and some clock draining drives. After a week of the pundits debating on the health of Jordan’s arm, it is crucial that the offense get into a rhthym early and take the pressure off of Love.
Limit Saquon Barkley’s Production
I’ll let these numbers speak for themselves.
This is a task that is certainly easier said than done. The good news is, the Green Bay Packers have SERIOUSLY stepped up their run defense since Jeff Hafley took the helm.
Yup, still seems crazy to say that out loud.
Of all the matchups, the one I’m most excited to see is Saquon Barkley vs Green Bay’s 2 time NFC Defensive Player of the Week, Edgerrin Cooper
Cooper has amazing closing speed and explosive play ability. The key to keeping this game on the rusty arm of Jalen, depends on this man and the secondary shutting down the NFL’s leading rusher.
Quay Walker also returned to practice this week giving a lot of hope that the possible tandem of Cooper and Walker could lead to a stifling of Barkley’s production.
Getting Secondary Back To Form
That man on the ground I think is pivotal to the success of the Packers defense this weekend.
Evan WIlliams absence has been very noticebale as Javon Bullard, Keisean Nixon, and Eric Stokes have been working to shore up the corner positions. With Jaire Alexander being off the field for the playoff push, they will need to have the top end of the defense locked down to thwart the efforts of Jalen’s wideout arsenal.
The pass rush will be key, but at the end of the day the Packers defensive backs will have their hands full with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith on the outsides. If the Packers can somehow overcome the absence of Jaire and generate some turnovers, they have a shot to move on to the divisional round.
Final Thoughts
It all comes down to execution. If the Packers can just get out of their own way with turnovers and penalties, they have a chance. We watched them go toe to toe with the Lions last month, and they have certainly not been blown out in their defeats this season.
While I would realistically still place a Packers win in the category of “upset” this weekend, it’s certainly within reach for them to shock the league and make a run.
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