Packerholic

After two difficult losses the Packers are at a crossroads. This could be a crucial turning point in the season. If the Packers win the game they should be able to right the ship and we should be in good shape for the rest of the season. If we lose the Packers could be headed into a downward spiral and miss the playoffs. Even though the Falcons aren’t a great team the Packers pretty much need to win this game.

As most people are thinking the outcome of this game will really depend on if Rodgers plays or not. The drop off from Rodgers to Flynn is tremendous at this point. Rodgers inspires confidence in the passing game while Flynn does not. This is at least partially due to the fact that McCarthy will probably not let Flynn throw the football more than a couple yards down field. While we could win the game with Flynn I think it will be much harder than with Rodgers.

Another key to the game is the running game. Both on offense and defense the running game needs to improve. On defense the most important thing in this game is to stop the run. Atlanta has one of the best running games in the league. In four games the Falcons have already gained over 650 yards on the ground. This is troubling for a defense that has had troubles stopping the run. The defensive line really needs to step up this week. After losing Cullen Jenkins, Michael Montgommery and Jeremy Thompson really need to step up in this game and help out the run defense. If we can’t stop the running game this week we will have a hard time winning the game and the season could be in a lot of trouble.

The offense also needs to get the running game going especially if Flynn has to start. The running game has been far from effective this season and really needs to get going quickly. If we can’t get the running game going quickly the Packers’ chances of making the playoffs are in danger. A couple things are pointed towards the running game eventually becoming more effective. First Ryan Grant is finally starting to get over his injury. As he gets more acclimated to the game he should improve. Second the offensive line is finally back to full health so they should finally have some time to gel as a unit. Finally the running game struggled at the begining of last season and improved throughout the season. Finally if Ryan Grant continues to struggle I would give Brandon Jackson an opportunity in order to try something new. I don’t care how it gets done but the Packers really need to get their running game going.

The final key to the game is to not sustain anymore injuries. The Packers have already had too many injuries this season (over 24 current players have either been injured during training camp and the regular season so far). We are currently at the breaking point. If the Packers sustain anymore serious injuries the Packers season will fall apart quickly. No matter how good a team is a team can only sustain a certain amount of injuries. The Packers have already had their fair share of injuries so let’s all hope that there are no more major injuries the rest of the season.

While the Packers are the better team, at this point with the injuries this game should be very close. I think the difference between winning and losing will come down to a few factors.

The Packers will win tomorrow if we do a good job controlling the line of scrimmage. The running game will be crucial in this game. The Packers will need to run the ball effectively while stopping the Falcons. If the Packers are succesfull with both the Packers should be able to win the game. Aaron Rodgers playing should also help since the Packers passing game will be helped out greatly.

The Packers will lose tomorrow if they can’t control the line of scrimmage. If the Packers struggle running the ball (especially if Flynn starts) the Packers chances of winning are pretty slim. Meanwhile if the Packers let the Falcons run free they will destroy us on defense.

So at this point I am not confident making a prediction on the game. If Rodgers plays I think we will win the game but if Rodgers doesn’t play I think the Packers have a very good chance at losing the game.

The battle of bays is back and this game is pretty important to both teams. After a bad loss to the Cowboys the Packers need to have a good game to regain momentum and their confidence. Meanwhile Tampa Bay is coming off a big comeback versus the Bears (thanks again Tampa Bay for that victory). Tampa Bay is right in their with their division rivals so this game is important to them in order to keep their position in the division.

After a sound beating last week I think the Packers are going to win this week. I don’t think it will be a blowout but I am pretty confident that the Packers can win this football game. While I might be underestimating the Bucaneers I hope the Packers don’t overlook them since the Bucaneers are a pretty good team in the NFC. Even though I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on the Bucaneers I do know some of their strengths that the Packers will have to deal with tomorrow.

First the Bucaneers still have a good defense even though some of their most important players are starting to get old. Their corners are very good even though the Bears showed last week that they can be expoited. I really want to see them face the monster which is our passing game. The Bucaneers do have a very good pass rush though so Rodgers is going to have to be careful in the pocket.

As far as their offense is concerned it is hard to judge since it is pretty inconsistent. The Bucaneers have a good running game but I have heard that it is pretty inconsistent. As far as the passing game is concerned it’s hard to get a read on. They do get a lot of yards on the ground but they also throw a lot of interceptions. They also have tendancy to throw the ball way too much which is illustrated with 67 passes last week. That is way too many passes in a game. Finally there is the fact that the Bucaneers don’t have great receivers. Combine that with the fact that Joey Galloway will miss the game.

So now I will explain why I think the Packers can win or lose this week’s game.

Why the Packers will Win

After a big loss last week the Packers will be angry and will like to take that anger out on the Bucaneers. THe Packers really need to prove a lot after last week’s loss and I think they will be up to the task.

On offense Ryan Grant is finally healthy and the offensive line is pretty much back to full strength since Scott Wells will finally be able to start. Both have a lot to prove and I think both will be up to the task. COmbine that with the fact that the Bucaneers run defense giving up over 100 yards rushing every game and I think Ryan Grant will be able to break the 100 yard mark this week.

Meanwhile I think the passing game will be able to suceed this week. The Packers finally get one of Aaron Rodgers favorite receivers (Ruvell Martin) back from injury. Even though the Packers won’t have James Jones for the game I still think we will be able to air the ball out since it is hard for any team to stop our passing game. The Packers can’t rely on the passing game too much or we could get into a situation like last week.

As far as the defense is concerned the run defense is probably pretty angry after last week’s performance. Ryan Pickett even expressed his anger about his play. I think this will lead to them having a good game against the Bucaneers runing game which will force the Bucaneers to focus on the pass.

Al Harris being out of the game will be huge for the pass defense but I think the youngsters will be able to hold their ground. Maybe this week will be the coming out party for our future starters at the cornerback position. With Joey Galloway out the Bucaneers also have one less threat in the passing game so that is always a plus.

Why the Packers will Lose

The Packers will lose if they let last week’s loss get to them. Nothing is worse for a team than to doubt your own ability after a tough loss since that can lead to a downward spiral. If the Packers can’t get over last week’s loss and can’t concentrate on this week’s game we could be in a lot of trouble.

Another factor that could lead to a loss is another poor performance by the offensive line. The play of the offensive line has had a huge impact so far this season. The play of the offensive line was one of the biggest reasons we lost to the Cowboys. If the offensive line can’t get the running game going or pass protect the Packers could be in for a very long game and they could suffer a similar fate to last week.

On defense there are two concerns in the game. First the young corners are going to have to step up. The Bucaneers will surely test them and they need to be up to the challenge. If they falter in their first substantial playing time the Packers pass defense could be scorched. Meanwhile the Packers run defense needs to step up this week since they can’t give up as many rushing yards as they did last week.

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned earlier I think the Packers will win the game. I think it will be much closer than some people think. The Bucaneers are no slouches and they want to win this game as much as we do. I think the Packers are a more talented team though and they also have something to prove after last week’s loss. So what do you think will happen in this week’s game? Will the Packers be able to pull out the victory or will they fall to 2-2?

Sunday night the Packers will face their toughest competition this regular season. The Cowboys are already be toted as the Super Bowl favorites and that won’t change until someone is able to beat them.

Everyone knows that the Cowboys have a dangerous offense. What a lot of experts are missing though is that the Packers have a great offense as well. If the Packers can at least slow down the Cowboys offense a little I can’t imagine the Packers not being able to stay in the game. The Packers defense has their work cut out for them though. The Cowboys are dangerous on the ground and thru the air. Marion Barber and Felix Jones and a dangerous combo at running back. The Packers have done pretty well in run defense this season so hopefully that will continue into this game.

The Cowboys passing game is even more dangerous though. While I personally despise TO you have to admit that he is one of the best wide receivers in the league. He will get his yards but you need to cut down on the big plays since they are what hurt your team the most. The Cowboys other big target is Jason Witten. I am actually just as worried about Witten as I am about TO. The Packers have had a lot of trouble covering TE’s in the past so we better hope that doesn’t happen in Sunday night’s game.

While the Cowboys offense is dangerous I think their defense is exploitable. The Eagles had no trouble whatsoever moving the ball on the Cowboys last week and I think the Packers have just as good if not a better offense. The Cowboys do use a 3-4 though so the Packers will have to get over their recent troubles vs. the 3-4. Aaron Rodgers also had a great game against the Cowboys last season so hopefully that success will continue into this game.

Most experts don’t think the Packers have a shot in this game. While I think the game will be difficult to win I think there is at least a 50% chance that we will win the game. Since I can see this game going either way I have decided to address why the Packers will win or lose the game.

The Packers will defeat the Cowboys

I think there are two major keys for the Packers to beat the Cowboys on Sunday night. The Packers need to at least slow down the Cowboys offense and the offensive line needs to open holes for the running game and keep Rodgers protected.

The Cowboys offense will score their points but the defense needs to stop them enough so our offense can stick with their offense. I think the key will be getting pressure on Tony Romo. Tony Romo has shown in the past that if you get pressure on him he will struggle and make mistakes. I like our chances of winning if we can get pressure on Romo since that will hinder his game. TO will then get fustrated and when you get him fustrated you essentially take him out of the game. We are then just left with stopping the running game.

Meanwhile on offense I think the offensive line will be key. They need to protect Rodgers. If Rodgers is given time I have no doubts whatsoever that Rodgers will be able to move the ball down the field. The offensive line also needs to open holes for the running game. The running game is going to have to be more consistent this week. While our runing averages have been pretty good the last two weeks, we have an inconsistency problem. We have a bunch of bad runs but that is made up for by a long run. We need to have more 4-5 yard rushes instead of 1-2 yard rushes this week.

I think if we can control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the field we will beat the Dallas Cowboys and will have to be considered the best team in the NFL.

The Packers will lose to the Cowboys

I think there are three reasons why we can lose to the Cowboys.

First if we cannot contain Jason Witten or TO our chances of winning are close to zero. They will both get their yards but we can’t let them take over the game. We need to limit the big plays since they are huge for momentum. If we give up a few big plays in a row it will be hard to come back. Hopefully Aaron Rouse will be able to step in for Atari Bigby since we are going to need the help over the top. Aaron Rouse did not play well last week even though it was probably mostly due to his ankle injury. Hopefully he has healed from that since he is going to have to have a good game if the Packers are going to win.

Second the Packers could struggle along the offensive line. If the offensive line gets a lot of penalties this week, can’t keep Rodgers off the ground, or can’t open holes for the running game the Packers are in a lot of trouble. This will be a big game in Rodgers career and the offensive line needs to help him out. I think our sucess on offense this whole season will depend on the offensive line. If they do their job right I don’t think any defense can stop us.

Finally if the Packers give Tony Romo time in the pocket he will tear our secondary to shreds. It is hard to stop Tony Romo if you don’t get pressure on him. The Cowboys receivers will get open eventually and Tony Romo will be able to find them. Expect a big game from Tony Romo and the rest of the Dallas offense if the Packers can’t get any pressure.

Final Thoughts

While this game is important I don’t think it is the make or break that some people think it is. It obviously would be good to beat the Cowboys but it is not necessary. If we end up losing I think the Packers will rebound and continue on towards a good season and another likely NFC North crown. If the Packers win though things might change drastically. If the Packers beat the Cowboys the national media finally needs to recognize the Packers as the best or at least one of the best teams in the NFL. A win will also show people that Aaron Rodgers is for real and this game could put Aaron Rodgers into the spotlight as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Since I am so optimistic I am predicting a Packers victory. I think it will be a high scoring but very close game.

If you look at the Packers and the Lions you can tell that these two teams are not evenly matched. The Packers are obviously the better team since they are better on offense, defense and even special teams. While some Packer fans think this game will be an easy win (it probably will be) we need to realize that anyone can win any game. That is the reason why they play the games in the first place. So here are my keys for the Packers to beat the Lions.

1) The Packers can’t fall into a trap game. While the Packers would like to look forward to the Cowboys game they just can’t. This is how superior teams lose to inferior teams. The Packers need to focus on the Lions since even though they were blown out last week, the Lions can be very explosive on offensive. If McCarthy can keep the team focussed on this week I think the Packers will most likely win the game.

2) The offense needs to get out to a quick lead and hold it throughout the game. The Packers struggled out of the gates versus the Vikings. We had too many penalties which made it hard to move the ball down the field. We finally got the ball moving and took a lead against the Vikings. We almost blew that lead against the Vikings though. This week the Packers need to get out to a quick lead in order to fustrate the Lions. If you watched the Lions game last week you could tell that their team got fustrated after they fell behind early. If we can do that this week I think the Lions will self destruct.

3) The Packers need to get a pass rush going. The Packers got quite a bit of pass rush last week. I think that needs to continue this week. The Lions do have a dangerous passing game. The Packers need to get pressure on Jon Kitna in order to get him to make mistakes. If Kitna is given time in the pocket he could tear our secondary to shreds. Our defensive line needs to do their job and get to Kitna and disrupt his rhythm.

4) The Packers secondary needs to play well this week. The Lions do have some very good wide receivers. Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are two good receivers. The Packers have also had trouble covering big tall receivers in the past (Plaxico Burress anyone?). The secondary doesn’t need to shut them down. They need to slow them down though. If we give up a lot of big plays or long drives of many short passes I think the Packers will be in a lot of trouble and could lose the game.

The Packers will win if:

1. They don’t underestimate the Lions
2. They get out to a quick lead
3. They at least contain Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson

The Packers will lose if:

1. They underestimate the Lions
2. They struggle out of the gates due to penalties or stupid mistakes
3. They can’t contain Roy Williams or Calvin Johnson

So what are your keys to the game? Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.