Matchup to look at: Inexperienced Bay’s downfield passing vs. Philadelphia’s downfield protection
Each these groups come into this sport injured, however I’m slightly bit extra apprehensive concerning the Packers’ accidents than Philly’s. Sure, QB Jordan Love harm his elbow, however all reviews appear to result in him taking part in. Nonetheless, WR Christian Watson is finished for the 12 months with a torn ACL. Whereas his palms have been inconsistent, his field-tilting pace has not solely given the Packers a downfield risk, however pried open holes for different receivers. Watson’s 17.1 Common Depth of Goal is second within the NFL amongst move catchers with not less than 50 targets, and even with out being focused, his pace opens up the dig home windows that Love chases after. He’s their most explosive outdoors receiver, somebody Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur calls on once they want an enormous play downfield. Whereas teammates Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs function extra within the in-between areas, Watson is the sector stretcher, and him being out is a matter, as a result of they miss the flexibility to go and do that:
It is a downside in opposition to an Eagles’ protection that wishes to constrict you and power you to play the sport beneath. In a humorous manner, this particular matchup is basically enjoyable philosophically. You might have the Packers’ offense, that’s all gasoline and no brakes when throwing the ball and makes use of the run sport to be environment friendly, going in opposition to an Eagles protection that forces you to be affected person and anticipate the moments to take pictures downfield. Whoever blinks first might find yourself behind the 8-ball, which is why soccer is so enjoyable.
The Eagles’ secondary capitalizes on overaggressive throws over the center, the place they’ve safeties Reed Blankenship and CJ Gardner-Johnson hammering exhausting on any dig routes. Anticipate quite a lot of Blankenship making an attempt to “poach” any in-breaking routes from his different security spot, leaping digs and overs is mainly his specialty. This “poach” method by Gardner-Johnson is what allowed Blankenship to seize an interception in opposition to the Commanders in Quarters protection, as a result of he’s allowed to hammer exhausting on this out-breaker.
With out Watson on the sector, I’m wondering how the Packers will create that outdoors vertical risk, which ought to open up the passing lanes in principle, however it is a Vic Fangio protection so who is aware of what’ll occur. Each of those groups are very totally different from their Week 1 matchup in Brazil, each personnel-wise and taking part in style-wise. Their rematch ought to be a really enjoyable chess match.
Particular person matchup to look at: Packers’ RB Josh Jacobs vs. Eagles’ LBs Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean
