Good afternoon, everyone. The Green Bay Packers are looking to rebound after an embarrassing loss in London to the Giants last week. On Sunday, they will take on the New York Jets at Lambeau Field in their throwback uniforms, which are an all-green look. It’s weird to say this in Week 6, but this is a “must win” game for Green Bay. Not only do they need to keep up with the Vikings in the division, but they need to quiet the doubters with their play on Sunday. As always, I am here to give you my thoughts on what the Packers need to do on all sides of the ball to win on Sunday. Without further delay, let’s get started.
On offense, the Packers need to focus their attack on getting Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon as many touches as possible. Each of these backs should get at least 15-18 rushing attempts per game, even if the defense presents an 8-man box. Jones and Dillon will find ways to get some yardage through evading or trucking over defenders. The offensive line needs to do their job in creating the holes for Jones and Dillon to run through. Considering that Aaron Rodgers might have issues throwing the ball due to a thumb injury, it’s time for the Packers offense to be mostly focused on the running backs. Those backs should also be getting some catches in the passing game. In passing situations, the offensive line needs to protect Rodgers from any sacks or pressures. Rodgers needs to find an open receiver and throw it to him, whether it be Romeo Doubs, Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Randall Cobb, or Allen Lazard. Another thing that Rodgers needs to do is to stay away from throwing hero balls when games are close and there is plenty of time left on the clock. Most importantly, the Packers need to sustain long drives for all four quarters. Converting third downs, having a balanced attack, and avoiding turnovers will help the Packers achieve this goal. When they get in the red zone, they need to score touchdowns each time. I hope that Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers will do much better on offense than last week.
On defense, the Packers need to play more aggressively than in the first few weeks of the season. Joe Barry needs to have trust in his players to do their job. The first order of business is to keep the Jets rushing attack on check. With a defensive front that has Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary (hopefully he plays), Preston Smith, and TJ Slaton among others, I am sure that the Packers will be able to do that. Every defender needs to get to the ball carrier and tackle him for minimum gain. If the Packers are able to stop the ground game, including any direct snap plays to the running back, then the pass rush (plus an occasional corner on a blitz assignment) can get after Zach Wilson. Most importantly, Wilson needs to be kept in the pocket and not given plenty of time to throw to any of his receivers. Guys like Gary, Clark, and Preston need to get to him early and often to frustrate the heck out of him and force him to throw errant passes. In terms of covering the receivers, Joe Barry needs to trust Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Adrian Amos, and Darnell Savage to press them more and not allow any easy catches, especially on crossing routes. Most importantly, the Packers defense needs to get off the field by stopping the Jets on third downs, no matter the distance. In the red zone, they need to tighten up and keep the Jets from scoring touchdowns. Another thing that the defense needs to do is to generate more turnovers. The matter in which they get it doesn’t matter. All I want is the Packers to get those turnovers more often. I’m still waiting for that pick six by anyone. Hopefully the defense plays more angry and aggressive on Sunday.
On Special Teams, they need to continue to play well. The line protecting the kicks, including long snapper Jack Coco, needs to keep any punts or field goals from getting blocked. Coco needs to snap each ball accurately to Pat O’Donnell, who has two jobs: punting and holding for Mason Crosby on field goal attempts. I have no doubt that O’Donnell will pin the Jets deep in their own territory when he’s called upon (which I hope is very little). Mason Crosby should be able to make each kick once again. The coverage unit needs to keep the Jets from returning the punts or kickoffs for a big chunk of yards. The easiest way to avoid a long return is to kick each ball out for a touchback. On the other side, whoever returns punts or kickoffs needs to make smart decisions with the ball and follow the blocks for a potential long return (or make a secure fair catch). If there is a chance for recovering a muffed punt, the Packers need to get to the ball and scoop it up. They missed a chance like that last week in London. That big play will happen for Rich Bisaccia’s unit. Hopefully it happens on Sunday.
Overall, I hope that the Packers can turn it around and win on Sunday against the Jets at Lambeau Field. I know that the Jets are also 3-2 on the year and have played better this season. The Packers must take care of business through all four quarters against them in front of their home crowd. After Sunday, they won't be at home for another month with future trips to Washington, Buffalo, and Detroit. Before then, the Packers need to win this game. Most importantly, I just pray that there are no further injuries to any player. I’ll be back for the recap on Monday or Tuesday. Have a great weekend, everyone. Go Pack Go!
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