Matchup to observe: Inexperienced Bay’s downfield passing vs. Philadelphia’s downfield protection
Each these groups come into this recreation injured, however I’m a bit of bit extra fearful in regards to the Packers’ accidents than Philly’s. Sure, QB Jordan Love harm his elbow, however all experiences appear to result in him enjoying. Nevertheless, WR Christian Watson is completed for the yr with a torn ACL. Whereas his arms have been inconsistent, his field-tilting velocity has not solely given the Packers a downfield menace, 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 velocity opens up the dig home windows that Love chases after. He’s their most explosive exterior receiver, somebody Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur calls on after 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 drawback towards an Eagles’ protection that wishes to constrict you and power you to play the sport beneath. In a humorous means, this particular matchup is absolutely enjoyable philosophically. You could have the Packers’ offense, that’s all fuel and no brakes when throwing the ball and makes use of the run recreation to be environment friendly, going towards an Eagles protection that forces you to be affected person and look ahead to the moments to take photographs downfield. Whoever blinks first may 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 arduous on any dig routes. Count on a whole lot of Blankenship attempting to “poach” any in-breaking routes from his different security spot, leaping digs and overs is principally his specialty. This “poach” method by Gardner-Johnson is what allowed Blankenship to seize an interception towards the Commanders in Quarters protection, as a result of he’s allowed to hammer arduous on this out-breaker.
With out Watson on the sector, I’m wondering how the Packers will create that exterior vertical menace, which ought to open up the passing lanes in concept, 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 enjoying style-wise. Their rematch needs to be a really enjoyable chess match.
Particular person matchup to observe: Packers’ RB Josh Jacobs vs. Eagles’ LBs Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean
