Good afternoon, everyone. On Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers will have a chance to go 4-0 against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. I am here to give my thoughts on what the Packers need to do to win Thursday night. Let’s get to it.
This should be a great opportunity for the offense to get back on track, even on a short week of preparation. Even though the Eagles defense is second in rushing yards allowed, the running game (led by Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams) needs to be effective in terms of running the football for positive yards. If they can do that, then it can open up the passing lanes for QB Aaron Rodgers and the receivers. With all of the injuries in the Philadelphia secondary, including Ronald Darby, I think that the passing game will get back on track for Green Bay. It’s possible that a 100-yard receiving game will happen for at least 1 receiver, as long as there are no drops. It‘s up to the offensive line to open up the holes for the running game and protect Rodgers from any sacks. I also think that the backs will be used in creative ways in the passing game. Last week, FB Danny Vitale caught a wheel route pass for what should have been a touchdown. One thing that the Packers need to improve on is converting third downs. So far, the Packers are ranked 30th in third down conversions with 11 out of 45. If they can improve that, then they can sustain more drives and win the time of possession battle. As always, it is important for Green Bay to avoid turnovers on offense. The ball carriers need to hold onto the football and Aaron Rodgers needs to throw the ball with precision and accuracy. If the offense can do well for all 4 quarters, I think that they can score over 30 points for the first time this season.
The defense needs to improve on their run defense after giving up over 140 total rushing yards in back-to-back weeks. If they can shut down the running game, then they can get after QB Carson Wentz. It’s up to the defensive front (led by Kenny Clark and the duo of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith) to get past the Eagles offensive line in order for these things to happen. Wentz might be tough because he can also use his legs to scramble. It‘s important to keep him in the pocket and not let him run for first downs. The defensive backs, which include Jaire Alexander and Darnell Savage, need to make sure that the Eagles receivers are covered well all game long. It’s important for the defense in general to not miss any tackles, especially in the open field. I think that the defense will get at least a couple of turnovers on Thursday night. Whether it be a strip-sack of Carson Wentz or an interception, any turnover can give the Packers more chances to score points. Last week, Green Bay scored 2 touchdowns off of turnovers against Denver. The defense also needs to limit the amount of third down conversions by the Eagles. In the red zone, the Packers need to limit the Eagles to only field goals. As long as the defense has another great game, the Packers should be in good shape.
So far, Special Teams has been a positive for the Packers. They are not making crucial mistakes, like turning the ball over. There have been a couple of penalties, but not as much as in previous seasons. It’s important for Green Bay to continue doing well on Special Teams this week. Punter JK Scott needs to continue flipping the field with his punts in order to give the Eagles terrible field position on offense. Kicker Mason Crosby needs to make all of his field goals and extra points. These things can’t be possible without Hunter Bradley snapping the ball accurately. I think that this week will be a great opportunity for the Packers to get a kick or punt return for a touchdown. Last week, the Eagles gave up a 100-yard kick return for a TD to the Lions. I think that Tremon Smith is capable of pulling that off if the opportunity arises. On the other side, the returns by the Eagles need to be kept in check. One way to do this is for Crosby to kick the ball off for a touchback every time. If that doesn’t happen, then the Packers can’t miss any tackles on the returns. Any blocked kicks or punts will help the Packers win as well.
If the Packers do these things, then they will win the game and improve to 4-0 on the season. My post-game thoughts will be posted on Friday morning, so stay tuned for that. Have a great day, everyone. Go Pack Go!
Comments