There has been a lot of talk about this week’s Packers versus Patriots clash as a possible Super Bowl
preview. I think that is putting the cart before the horse. The Super Bowl is a long way off and I fear what might be lost in all such hype is the extreme importance of this game at this point in the season for these two clubs.
The Packers look to maintain their hold on the NFC North division, a division they only took control of this past Sunday with a win over the Vikings. If the Pack can run the table, they are looking at a realistic chance of becoming the first seed in the NFC and we all know how well they play at Lambeau.
The Pats, on the other hand, are fighting to maintain their grip on the AFC and also wield a heavy hammer when playing at home. To me, it is this game itself that is important, especially to the Packers who need it more.
The Packers need to play well at home (something they have done all year so far) to keep up with a Patriots team that runs the ball well, and has Tom Brady at the helm. The Patriots are a couple ranks above the Packers in rushing, passing, and total offense. But again, this game will be played at Lambeau. The Packers rush defense is a concern as it ranks second to last in the league in terms of rushing yards given up. But in terms of overall points per game, and total points given up, the Packers outrank the Patriots.
But here is the problem. The Packers defense has had a tendency to give up a LOT of points at certain times, in certain games, against certain teams. This is especially true against teams with good quarterbacks. The Saints are no longer in the lead in a division that could see a sub .500 division champ and yet they put up 44 points on our defense.
I think we will need Clay Matthews back at middle linebacker to be successful in this game, not that we won’t move him around but we need him against the run. There is no way we can afford not to have our best players on the field in this game. I believe Mike McCarthy played Clay more on the outside versus the Vikings to make sure Bill Belichick and Tom Brady know they must spend quality time scheming for Clay on the outside. I think that we need him in the middle though.
But what do you think? How will this game turn out? What are your “keys to the game?” Let me know in the comments below.
GO PACK!!!
I am not high on stat’s, They do not win games, players win games and I think the Packers have the better team, Everyone is talking about how to stop Brady and Gronk, While they are a great tandem I know Capers will have a plan for them so that leaves the run, I agree they need Matthews in the middle and hopefully Perry can play this game but if not Elliot will do okay on the outside IMO.
Back to the offense as I said above about Brady/Gronk they are good but watch this game closely because I believe all of the Packs TE’s get involved this game “Yes even Perillo” and they will be the surprise weapon’s that Belichick did not plan for.
And let’s not forget Rodgers!!!! He is the best QB in the NFL and he is at home. NOBODY comes into his house and messes it up
This will not be the shootout everyone thinks it is. The Packs defense will come to play this game and will shut down Brady and his high powered offense at least 3 times which will give Aaron 3 extra drives resulting in scores!
With that said Pack wins this one 35-17
I agree that Pack defense is inconsistent and can be exploited. Packers may be one of the best in NFL, part of a tight group that includes up to six teams, (excluding NFC South)but Patriots are best in NFL. The Pack is not there yet and need a few more pieces on defense. I think Patriots win.
i think last Sunday’s game was somewhat of an aberration considering division rivals, familiarity, and all that. Still, that said, a few better thrown balls and fewer dropped passes and it is likely a very different game.
Stopping the run and pressuring Brady will be the keys of this game. Help covering Gronk seems obvious. The Pats secondary may be the best the Packers will see so far this season. Belicek is a master a game planning team to team. To say I am worried about this one, home field or not, is an understatement.
If Rodgers had not gotten injured against the Saints we would be 9-2. He stays healthy in this one and the cocky Pats fans get a greasy sh*t burger to eat. 30-23 Packers win
The key is to give Kuhn the rock