Good, tough game for both teams. I actually think it is more important for the Packers as they are considered a Super Bowl caliber team whereas the Skins are still a work in progress. I expect a decent game. GB has suffered a few injuries to key players (Ryan Grant, Nick Barnett) but they largely rely on the passing game so it should be fun to watch.
I like Rodgers a lot. I really like the way he has handled himself taking over the QB position from Favre and I think he has immense talent and understands his offense and has a good ability to read defense. No question he is a very dangerous QB. Meanwhile, the Skins have had difficulty stopping the passing game this year so the Packers pose a tough challenge for our defense. Keys to the game are as follows:
1. Skins need pressure on Rodgers. The GB O line is not the best but Rodgers is a savvy QB with good talent at his skill positions so I would like to see something similar last week from our defense. Maybe play more of a 4-3 and allow Haynesworth, Orakpo, and Carter to rush the QB with an occasional blitz from Landry. Then play more nickel so we don't give up big plays. Also, allow the CBs to be physical like they were last week.
2. Torain. He has an opportunity to step up with CP hurt. The running game was rejuvenated last week and the Skins best defense will be keeping GB's offense off the field. We can do so by grinding it out and keeping longer sustained drives together. Torain will be key.
3. Short passing game. Again, we need longer drives and we can do this with shorter passes to keep drives alive. We had a good game plan last week and we should use essentially the same plan but not be quite as conservative as we were last week. Would like to see the quick hitters to Cooley and Davis in the flat and then crossing patterns to Moss. Still, like to see a couple of shots downfield as well.
4. Homefield advantage. The home crowds have been pretty good for the Skins so hopefully that continues this week. The crowd definitely had an impact in the Dallas game so we will be counting on Deepie and Scott to get the crowd in a frenzy. If we lose, I will put the blame solely on you two.
5. Special Teams. Thomas and Banks have been close to breaking one and Sunday is a great time to see one of those. Also, the Skins signed Hunter the Punter so that will be a HUGE upgrade over Bidwell.
I think it will be a pretty good game but I feel the Packers are the better team right now. The Skins will put up a good fight but Rodgers will pick apart the defense on the way to a 27-17 win.
7 comments:
Packers 59 - Deadskins 2
The Packers will be sad that they have to beat up on the 'skins so badly that in the final minutes Aaron Rodgers will take a safety after running 60 yards back to his own endzone.
I like your suggestion to run more of a 4-3 defensive front with nickel packages. GB's running game is unlikely to do anything, so it's in our best interest to do whatever is necessary to create lots of pressure.
I also don't see the 'Skins being able to keep up, mostly due to inconsistency on offense. IF the running game is effective with Torain and we can run some play action off of it, we could be surprised. I'm not counting on it though. Packers 23-13.
I won't be at the game so the crowd won't be as loud as it should be.
It's nice that the Packers will show some real compassion towards us.
I think we have a reasonable shot at winning this game. We need to play the same type of defense as last week but we need better passing production than we had last week.
The key will be containing Aaron Rodgers. Again, what impresses me so much about him is that he knows exactly when and where he is going to throw the ball before the play is snapped. He never stares down a receiver and in fact, looks one way knowing full well he is going to throw a different direction but has enough confidence in himself and his teammates that he knows he is going to complete the ball and there is nothing the defense can do about it.
He looks very comfortable out there and his play shows it. I loved in the Bear game how, even down the stretch, when they lined up, he seemed to be staring at Urlacher and just grinning. That just shows supreme confidence and I respect that.
The Skins will also have to be weary of Matthews and their blitzes. We've done pretty well so far this season picking up blitzes and protecting McNabb. This is where we might really miss CP so hopefully Torain can pick up that slack because it will be important.
Again, I think rushing the 4 down linemen seems like the better way to go. We have good pass rushers in Orakpo, Carter, and Haynesworth so let them do their work and allow max coverage to take away the strong Packer passing game.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Colin Cowherd and Sal Pal are picking Skins over Packers as the upset of the week...They're saying without Ryan Grant, Landry can be available for pass coverage, which will take the TE out of the game. Both also like Torain in this game because of matchup between the zone running scheme and the fronts the Packers use.
We'll see. Can't wait.
Two things - I think the Pack will win by about 2 TDs (not 57 points). In the end it will probably be 31-17 Pack.
And, just so you know, it is not "weary" of Matthews, but "wary" of Matthews.
Not trying to be a word nazi, but I thought I would let you know.
Landry is terrible in coverage.
I don't think the Packers are an easy team to run against, and think it will be up to McNabb to make some plays through the air.
Cowherd is an idiot, but I can respect Sal Pal.
Packers 31
Redskins 14
Itll be close in the first half but the Packers will pull away in the second half. They are the better team at this point.
Go Pack Go!
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