Pregame Thoughts and Analysis: Patriots Travel to Lambeau for Showdown Against Packers
 The Patriots could rely on the ground attack Sunday, keeping Aaron Rodgers sidelined and taking advantage of Green Bay's 29th ranked rush defense. (USA TODAY Images) |
The New England Patriots will travel to Lambeau field to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots, now 9-2 on the season, are coming off a 34-9 victory over the Detroit Lions. The Packers, 8-3 this year, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 last week.
The Patriots have won seven-straight games, averaging 39.6 points-per-game over that streak. New England has also won 14 straight games against NFC North opponents, including a 3-0 record this season. Here are a few thoughts on the upcoming game.
Pregame Thoughts --
First Impressions: This is one of the biggest games of the year. The Packers have been hot lately, dominating opponents at home. The Patriots have been battle-tested over the past few weeks, facing several AFC contending teams like the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. The Packers on the other hand, are looking to strongly assert themselves into the Super Bowl conversation. With the top two scoring offenses in the NFL meeting, along with two of the best quarterbacks, it will be an exciting game Sunday.
Pressure Without Losing Containment: Aaron Rodgers has great mobility. And even though he doesn't run every down, his ability to pick up a first down with his legs is a threat to Bill Belichick and the Pats. That's why I could see New England using a similar game plan as they did against the Colts.
Using the outside linebackers and defensive ends to contain Rodgers, blitzing Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower up the A gap (on either side of the center) periodically throughout the contest. Also expect the Patriots to use a mix of man and zone, trying to keep the plays in front of them, minimizing big plays Green Bay thrives off.
Don't Let Eddie Lacy Get Rolling: Packers tailback Eddie Lacy is a tank. At 5'11, 230 he can get moving in a hurry. One thing that pops out when watching film, he takes a few yards to get moving, but once he hits a full stride, it takes several defenders to bring him down.
Tackling Lacy within the first five yards will be key. The Patriots edge players and defensive backs will need to stop him early before he's able to pick up chunk yardage on the ground. While the Patriots have had success this season against great offenses such as the Colts and Broncos, neither have a running back like Lacy. This will be a true test for New England's defense.
Getting Off to a Fast Start: The Patriots offense has been a well-oiled machine the past two months. That being said, scoring early Sunday could be huge for New England. The Packers have played exceptional at home and smother their competition early in the game. In fact, Green Bay has outscored opponents 66-0 in the first quarter through five games this year.
Run Right at Them: The Patriots have shown the ability to take advantage of their opponents biggest weaknesses. The Packers are ranked 29th in the NFL, giving up 136.7 yards-per-game on the ground this year. Expect LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray to get plenty of work, keeping Rodgers sidelined and the clock moving.
Final Thoughts: This matchup will showcase two high-powered offenses, but the defensive play by both teams should determine the outcome. New England's defense is much stronger than Green Bay's, but that won't make it a cakewalk. If the Patriots can hold the Packers to field goals, it's a reasonable exception New England will win comfortably. Although if the Packers defense can elevate their play, this game will get much tighter.
The Packers need to win in order to hold first place in the NFC North with the Lions winning on Thanksgiving Day. The Patriots are focusing on closing out the AFC East and locking up the top seed in the AFC, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Patriots and Packers should trade scores, but New England's defense has been much improved this year. Expect the Pats to make a few more stops, squeaking out a tough win on the road this Sunday.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Packers 23
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