Good afternoon, everyone. After the blowout loss last week, the Green Bay Packers look to get things back on track against the Houston Texans. I am here to give you my thoughts on what they need to do to improve to 5-1 on the season. Without any delay, let’s get started.
On offense, the key for the Packers is to run the ball. With Aaron Jones being a game-time decision due to a calf injury, it might be time for the duo of Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon to run for plenty of yards. It helps that the Packers are playing against a Texans defense that is 32nd in run defense, allowing an average of 177.5 rushing yards per game. Even though David Bakhtiari is likely out with a chest injury, the offensive line needs to create the running lanes for the backs to go through. If the Packers are able to run the ball well, then there will be less pressure on Aaron Rodgers to win the game for them. I am confident that Rodgers will rebound and have a great game on Sunday. As long as he throws the ball in rhythm and not worry about the rush, I am sure that he will have a great performance. The receivers and tight ends, including Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Jace Sternberger, need to catch every pass that is thrown by Rodgers. Head coach Matt LaFleur needs to come up with creative ways to get the receivers open, including fake crossing routes. The offensive linemen (plus the running backs, when possible) need to protect Rodgers from any sacks or pressures by Houston’s defense, which still has the duo of J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus. What can help the Packers get a win on Sunday is winning the time of possession battle on offense. Running the ball well, converting third downs, and not turning the ball over (plus avoiding penalties) will help the Packers achieve the time of possession goal. The Packers also need to end each of their drives in the end zone for touchdowns instead of settling for field goals (especially when drives get inside the opposing team’s 20 yard line). I have hope that the offense will put up at least 35 points on Sunday. As long as they avoid the mistakes that resulted in the blowout loss (turnovers, sacks, etc), then the Packers will have a good chance to win.
On defense, it all starts with keeping the run game in check. The defensive linemen (plus the linebackers) needs to shut down the run, while not missing tackles in the process. If they can do that, then they can focus on getting pressure on QB Deshaun Watson. With Watson, he can extend plays with his scrambling ability. The defense needs to keep him in the pocket throughout the whole game. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine needs to stop doing soft zone coverages, which can lead to easy check downs for the opposing team. For example, the cornerbacks can’t be played 10 yards back on a third and 2. Also, there needs to be at least 4 defenders going after the quarterback, not just 3. Kevin King is likely out with a quad injury (again). I have hope that Chandon Sullivan and Josh Jackson, in addition to Jaire Alexander, will cover the receivers well and not allow easy catches. In addition to this game potentially being a “get right” game for the offense, I think that it could be the same for the defense. The pass rush should be able to get a few sacks, and there should also be at least a couple of opportunities for the defense to get a turnover (maybe a pick-six). As long as they stop them from converting third downs and limit the chunk plays, I think that the defense will rebound against Houston. Keeping the Texans from scoring touchdowns in the red zone will also give Green Bay a good chance to win on Sunday in Houston. As always, the defense needs to get a few key stops to make sure that the win will happen for Green Bay.
On Special Teams, the Packers need to avoid costly mistakes, which include turning the ball over on kick returns. Whoever fields the ball for kick and punt returns for Green Bay needs to hold onto the ball and avoid turning it over. On the other side, the Packers coverage unit need to keep big kick returns from happening for Houston (on kicks and punts that are not touchbacks or fair catches). When his number is called, Mason Crosby needs to make every field goal and extra point kick on Sunday. JK Scott needs to punt the ball deep into Houston territory when he is called upon (hopefully less than 7 times). Hunter Bradley needs to snap the ball accurately to make sure that every field goal or punt attempt goes smoothly. The rest of the line needs to keep the kicks from getting blocked, like they have done all season long. Hopefully the Packers get a blocked punt or field goal at some point this season. I think that the Packers will be fine on Special Teams as long as no big mistakes are made.
Even though the Texans are 1-5, they play better than their record indicates. They have been a few close games, but they could not get the win. The Packers need to take Houston seriously and get a win on Sunday to get to 5-1. In addition to a win, I hope that there are no additional injuries or COVID-19 cases for either team. Regardless of the outcome, I will be here either on Sunday evening or Monday morning for my post-game thoughts. Have a great day, everyone. Go Pack Go!
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