Review~ what an absolute ass-kicking.  While I don’t think San Francisco is THAT good, it may be more telling that the Packers may not be as good as their record suggests…albeit, they’re still 8-3 and destined for the 3^rd, 5^th, or 6^th seed in the NFC playoffs.  Should Green Bay win out, they’ll likely get the 2 seed, possibly the 1, but that would be assuming they’d win in Minnesota, which they’ve yet to do since opening that new stadium.  Also assuming Seattle and San Francisco would lose twice more (SF would have to lose thrice more).

What was once considered the Packers’ strength; offensive line…was once again relegated to severe weakness.  Then again, they were dominated in every phase of the game.  The off-putting part of this is Green Bay had 2 weeks to prepare for the biggest game in 3 years and could not have played worse.  The defense somewhat kept them in the game for about 1.5 quarters, but all of the 3 and outs were too much to overcome and the D gave away eventually.  Credit to San Francisco for being well-prepared and kept their foot down to blast the Packers back to an average to maybe above-avg. team.  The next test for Green Bay won’t come until week 16 in Minneapolis, where they’ll likely drop that game too.

Current Standing~ The Packers have an uphill battle (and need some help) to not only get the 1 seed, but just to get a first round BYE.  That’s how big that game was last Sunday.  Instead of being the 1 seed, the Packers find themselves as the 3 seed and a must-win at Minnesota to just keep that.

As it sits right now here’s the current playoff standings:

1 San Francisco 10-1
2 New Orleans 10-2
—————————————
3 Green Bay 8-3
4 Dallas 6-6
5 Seattle 9-2
6 Minnesota 8-3

There’s a monumental matchup next week when the 49ers travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints. The winner will be in the driver’s seat for the 1^st seed, until the 9ers travel again to Seattle, in week 17 for a rematch with the Seahawks—whom delivered SF’s only loss.

All in all, SF seems like the class of the NFC along with Seattle and possibly New Orleans.  The Packers have a chance to solidify themselves up there if they were to win out and garner a BYE.  San Fran likely has 2 losses coming, but that would mean Seattle needs to find a way to lose 2 more too, assuming the Packers win out- otherwise there’s no hope for the 1 seed.  However, should the Packers win out (finish 13-3), that would be an incredible 1^st season for a rookie Head Coach, and would give the Packers an inside track to the NFC title game.  And who knows, if Rodgers and LaFleur forget Adams is on the field, it may not matter because the offense was ROLLING when #12 had no legit weapons, aside from his running back, Aaron Jones.

Preview~ enter a perfect remedy, the New York Giants.  The Giants are arguably the 2^nd or 3^rd worst team in the NFL.  The Giants rank 30^th in turnover differential with -11 and their defense isn’t any better, ranking 29^th in points given up: 28.0/game.  The Packers can key on sensational running back, Saquan Barkley (#26) and force rookie QB Daniel Jones (#6) into beating them, which there should be no way in that happening.

After getting a couple of interceptions and/or strip sacks, the Packers should punch in and capitalize on short fields for much of the day and hang at least 31 on this team.  All gearing up for another easy test against the other crap team from the NFC East, the Washington Redskins.

Packers 34
Giants 17

Season: 6-5
Overall: 49-30

Current Standing—the Packers find themselves tied for the 2^nd best record in the NFC, however hold the tiebreaker over New Orleans (currently) with a better record vs. NFC opponents.  Again, the 49ers have a daunting schedule coming up, beginning on Sunday Night vs. Green Bay.  While you shouldn’t look ahead (fans can do whatever), you can bank on San Fran dropping at least another game or two- or 3- before the year finishes out.  Winning this game would pit you vs. New Orleans and Minnesota for a 1 seed…and if you can’t beat Kirk Cousins in a Primetime game and are a good opponent, you’re not a real contender.

Preview—are the San Francisco 49ers for real?  So far, they certainly seem so, however they can only play who they play, and have done a really nice job putting themselves in this position.  It does seem that both teams could be considered playing with “House Money.”  However, as a Packers fan this is an opportunity to win a Super Bowl without having to have a feeling of “luck” or “destiny” be tagged to them.

The rankings in the chart below are up-to-date prior to the kickoff from the Thu night game of Ind v. Hou.  The Packers are the epitome of a “Bend but Don’t Break” team/defense, as the rankings suggest when compared to their 8-2 record.  Adversely, San Francisco’s rankings fit their 9-1 record.  When you look at strength of schedule played so far, the Packers have played the 9^th toughest schedule vs. San Frank playing the 3^rd easiest.  I believe there’s something to be said for all of that.  Does this mean the 49ers aren’t as good as their record?  Probably, but it will be proven out come Sunday night.

The matchup I typically look at will be the OL vs. DL when both teams have the ball.  The 9ers possess a solid DL headlined by rookie standout, Nick Bosa, brother of Joey Bosa who gave Bulaga all sorts of fits in the Packers’ 2^nd loss of the season in Los Angeles.

Keep an eye on the line surge (if the line of scrimmage moves forward or backward, either way) and overall turnover battle.  I thought the Packers would lose a close game for the last 2 weeks, but may have talked myself into picking them.

Packers 27
49ers 20

Season: 6-4
Overall: 49-29

The Packers enter their week 11 bye in the driver’s seat for the 1 seed in the NFC.  Meaning Green Bay controls their own destiny for home-field advantage, which is a great indicator of whom represents each conference in the Super Bowl.  The importance of earning, not only a bye but, home field advantage is HUGE!

Green Bay currently is tied for 3^rd best record in the NFL at 8-2.  The only teams ahead are New England and San Francisco, both at 8-1, and each losing their last time out.

• Side note—both have been critiqued a bit on whether they’ve actually played “tough competition” so far. Well, we do know that San Fran has their hands full in their remaining 7 games, after they get a decent opponent in Arizona, they welcome another tough opponent in the Packers to prime-time and the Packers will be coming off a bye.

Over the last 15 seasons (30 teams to make the Super Bowl) only 7 teams have made the Super Bowl with 6 of those 7 teams winning the Super Bowl.  What does this mean?  Essentially 77% of the participants of the Super Bowl either had a 1 or 2 seed.  What’s even more telling, is the 1 seed made the Super Bowl 53% of the time, winning 20% of the time.  So just by pure math, over the last 15 years, earning a 1 seed gives you a 1/5 chance of winning the Super Bowl, which isn’t bad considering 12 teams make it—weighing the odds in your favor.

Lastly- the importance of the 1 seed, especially of recent, since 2013 only teams with a bye have made the Super Bowl and all but 3 of those teams (12 teams total) have been 1 seeds.  The nice thing about the Packers potentially getting home field is their finally built (both with players and coaches) to win in the cold.  When Davante Adams went out, the Packers (mainly Rodgers) seemed to follow a true West Coast offense with short passes and a run game to control the clock, which when he’s in rhythm is damn near impossible to stop, regardless of his receiving corps…evidenced by that 4 game stretch where they were blowing teams out and getting off to fast starts.

Rooting interest this weekend without Packer football????  Here’s who WE want to win to help the Packers, again, if the Packers win out none of these matter much, but should Green Bay stumble along the road, these would help.

• Falcons > Panthers
• Lions > Cowboys
• Broncos > Vikings
• Buccaneers > Saints
• Cardinals > 49ers
• Patriots > Eagles

There’s losing/getting beat, then there’s what the Packers did—not show up.  Without even looking at body-language, just the effort and execution (or lack thereof) were very apparent and the Chargers Beat They Ass.  This is what happens when you Roll The Helmets Out vs. a very talented and hungry team, on the road.  Ultimately this falls on the Head Coach, and it’s almost expected to happen with a new coach, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

I figured the Packers would have a letdown, but didn’t think it was coming in this game and didn’t think it would be this drastic.  Hopefully this is a wake-up call, but it doesn’t get any easier as in the next 3 weeks (2 games) are legitimate teams with huge ramifications on playoff seeding.  So, to take away, the “positives” from this game are:

1. If you’re going to lose, might as well be a road game vs. an AFC opponent (tiebreakers don’t come into play).
2. With as low an effort (none) as Green Bay showed, they did not commit a turnover at all.

Review—Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram were able to get to Rodgers, sometimes without even getting touched by either Bakhtiari or Bulaga.  The odd thing is the tackle combo (considered the best in the NFL) has been just awesome all year and completely didn’t show up this game.  They’re not the only ones at fault, but they had the worst game of anyone else.

The positives?  There weren’t any turnovers and usually everyone has a “clunker.”  However, it’s rare that good teams have one this bad, but it does happen…i.e. the Patriots on Sunday Night Football in Baltimore.

Preview—moving on…a rematch of the 1996 NFC Championship game: Carolina Panthers.

Carolina is good.  They’re just a solid team.  They possess every bit as much talent as the LA Chargers, but it’s in different spots.  Their top two players are in solid spots: HB #22 Christian McCaffrey; MLB #59 Luke Kuechly.  Those two are certifiable studs and that doesn’t bode well since the Packers struggle vs. the rush.  In fact, looking at the table above, the Packers don’t have really any advantages yet they’re favored by 5.   However, the Panthers don’t seem to be a real contender, and the Packers need to prove that out come Sunday.

1. The Panthers rank 1^st in the NFL with 34 sacks and 4^th in opponent QB rating: 77.5. The positives are the Packers rank 14^th in sacks given up (20), and 7^th in QB rating with 104.4.  Couple that with playing at home, in an ideal fall weather, coming off an embarrassment and in a damn near must-win game (that is if you have Super Bowl aspirations), it’s the Packers’ game to lose.
2. Per usual, this game will come down to 2 things, QB-play and turnovers. I’ll throw in a 3^rd, O-line play.  Bakhtiari and Bulaga need to step their game back up to the standard they’ve set this year vs. a formidable front 7: McCoy; Poe; Butler; Addison; Thompson; Kuechly; Irvin.  Those guys can’t take over like the Bosa/Ingram combo did last week.  So running the ball is imperative!
   1. The Panthers were able to give QB Kyle Allen a clean pocket vs. Tennessee, last week, and he proved to be very accurate. Let’s see what the Smith Bros. can drum up in terms of consistent pressure.
3. The Panthers’ Kicker, Joey Slye, had some issues last week in perfect conditions. He missed a big extra point (to increase the lead to 17, a 3-score game), and missed a 49-yard FG.  The Packers should have a distinct advantage in the kicking game, considering Green Bay has 2 of the best (Crosby and Scott) and are used to kicking in Lambeau which is a tricky wind stadium.

Huge Game—the only opponents remaining on the schedule reside in the NFC.  Three of those teams have winning records, and it all begins with Carolina.  Hopefully the Packers aren’t looking ahead to the BYE or to the following week @ San Francisco.  Take care of business at home, and get rested at 8-2 heading into the Bye.  After that, the season will really be in Ramp Up time, and really start to get fun.  Lose?  Then it’s another Just get in the playoffs and see what happens type season…we know how that all works.

Panthers 28
Packers 31

Season: 5-4
Overall: 48-29

What should be most-alarming about the game is a backup QB along with a Chiefs team missing 5 other starters (their MVP QB and top 2 pass-rushers) had the lead at halftime and gave the Packers everything they could handle.  It seemed the patience of Mike Pettine paid off and it resulted in another Packers win.

At least to me, Pettine seemed to play the game of Your QB has to outplay mine.  Neither QB turned the ball over, however Rodgers did get away with 2 throws that very easily should’ve been intercepted—conversely, he made up for those 2 bad throws with 2 of some of his best throws…ever.  Both throws came on 3^rd down, and each resulted in the drive ending in a Touchdown.  Rodgers won that game, again.  He made the throws when they mattered, even to close out the game on 3^rd and 5, to Aaron Jones.

My concern is with the potential return of Davante Adams, Rodgers and the offense may key on him vs. keeping the balance which they’ve showed since his exit.  LaFleur and Hackett have done a great job showcasing the talent of Aaron Jones, as he’s been super productive and has been borderline unstoppable.  The optimist in me thinks that with the insertion of Adams, the offense will get another boost from a dynamic playmaker, thrive, and be even more difficult to get off the field.

Tom Silverstein wrote a great article this week, about how the Packers’ offense (LaFleur and Rodgers) has hit strides w/o the presence of Adams.  My thinking is that it forced the QB to trust other players and forced the other players to produce or get cut (i.e. Shepherd).

Review—the Packers won, yet again, playing far from their best.  This could be looked at two different ways: A. they found a way to win when not playing well – OR – B. they didn’t play their best, again.  Why not be optimistic here?  No team ever plays a (or near) perfect game. The Packers keep finding ways to close out games.  This was a team closeout win.  The defense forced a punt, with the lead and 5+ minutes left.  The offense never relinquished control…love it.  Always love the Victory formation, best formation in football.

Current Status—at the midway point of the season the Packers find themselves at 7-1, which is somehow good enough for only the 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture.  Yes, it’s not too early to begin looking at the playoff picture as gaining as many home playoff games is essential to getting to the Super Bowl.  How has Green Bay gotten here?

After Davante Adams went down in week 4 (Thu vs. Philadelphia) with turf toe, the Packers struggled to find an offensive threat for the remainder of that game.  However, since then, the Packers have gone 4-0 averaging 32.5 points/game over that stretch.  Aaron Jones has been woken and has been the primary target of the offense avg.: 19.25 touches; 138 yards; 1.75 TDs over that same span.  Ideally the Packers getting Davante back will only add to the dynamic vs. reverting back to forcing him to get the ball.  Either way, Adams isn’t a Diva, or as long as Rodgers keeps running the offense as efficiently as he’s done over the last 4 weeks, this team is going to give their opponents fits.  Tom Silverstein wrote a great article explaining this in great detail.

Preview—don’t let the Chargers’ 3-5 record fool you, this team is loaded with talent and are a season removed from being 12-4, tied for the best record in the AFC, but lost out to KC for the division (and 1 seed) based on tiebreakers.  They eventually fell in New England in the playoffs, but this team has had talent up and down the roster since the days of Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson, to now.  It’s no different.  They have pass catchers that can kill: WR Keenan Allen #13, Mike Williams #81, and Hunter Henry #86, and out of the backfield is Austin Ekeler #30.  On defense they have the older Bosa (Joey Bosa #97) whom already has 7 sacks and a forced fumble.  The guy is a problem, on the other side of the D is Melvin Ingram #54, whose recent return from injury has further helped.

While I was way off on the score last week, I still figured it’d be a tough game, this seems no different.  Again, per usual, this should come down to the QB-play, and the Packers have the better one.  Lastly, this might be a home game for Green Bay- should be 75%+ Packer fans in the stands, even more than the Rams game last year.

Packers 27
Chargers 24

Season: 5-3
Overall: 48-28

Review~ an overall solid performance from the offense.  The defense created the 1 huge (2 total) turnover(s) at the right time and the offense capitalized on it, and turned it into a 2-for-1 (scoring right before half then getting the ball after half).  Rodgers played about as well as we’ve seen him play.  Not just the stat-line, but he kept the offense in rhythm, both in-and-out of the huddle, but after the snap too.  A few plays he held the ball when Oakland dropped into coverage, but managed to get a few huge plays from that as well.  Hopefully that doesn’t become the norm again, but either way, LaFleur called a brilliant game and the QB executed it about as well as you could have.

The defense did just enough, but the offense really suffocated the Raiders’ offense and put all the pressure on Carr to hang 5+ TDs, which he simply isn’t going to do.  The Raiders “outgained” the Packers by 3 yards with 484 total yards, and looking on a stat line, it was essentially an even game.  The difference being the Raiders’ 2 turnovers took 14 points off the board for them and the Packers converted those turnovers to 14 points of their own.  That momentum is too much to overcome, especially if you’re an inferior opponent.

Preview~ what normally is the toughest place to play, Kansas City, likely (hopefully) won’t be that tonight.  The Chiefs (my Super Bowl Champion pick) are going to be without QB Patrick Mahomes (reigning MVP), DT Chris Jones (solid player), CB Kendall Fuller (solid player), LG Andrew Wylie (starter), and DE Frank Clark (leading pass rusher).  Anti-Packer fans will say the Packers are getting lucky for the 3^rd consecutive week (refs vs Detroit, fumble ruling vs Oakland, and now injuries at Kansas City), but knowledgeable Packer fans know this is just another example of something evening out over the past decade + of stuff that Green Bay has endured.

It’s tough to really say what type of opponent the Chiefs will be with, possibly, their top 4 players missing, but they’ll still have their top 3 pass catchers playing in TE Travis Kelce, WR Tyreek Hill, and WR Sammy Watkins.  Those 3 could pose a problem, if Matt Moore can get some time to throw and make some good throws, so again it’s a huge opportunity for the defense to take control of this game and generate some pass rush, and not allow the screens and draws to gash them too bad.

Look for the Packers’ QB to outplay the Chiefs’ QB, especially because the Chiefs defense can’t seem to stop anyone, and since they’re going to be missing their top 3 defenders (Jones, Ford, and Fuller) look for Rodgers to be very productive again.

Packers 31
Chiefs 13

Season: 4-3
Overall: 47-28

While the nation pushes the narrative that the refs dictated the outcome of the game, it’s funny that when the Packers finally benefit from a controversial call, that the nation is up in arms vs. the Fail Mary, Jerry Rice’s fumble, etc. etc., just “ahh it happens, too bad.”

Review~ The Packers played as ugly a game as they could—losing the turnover battle by 3, which is an automatic loss for any team vs any team.  The biggest takeaway I had was the Packers defense “gave up a touchdown,” which couldn’t be confirmed and held Detroit to settle for 5 field goals.  That’s how teams lose, kicking 5 field goals.  The only time I can remember a team winning a game kicking field goals was a Packers @ Cowboys in 1996 where Dallas kicked 7 field goals and won 21-6.  Keep in mind that Dallas team was LOADED, so it said more about the Packers’ D than the ’96 Cowboys.  Either way, the Packers keep showing signs of a good team, winning ugly.  On top of winning ugly, they’re doing it in a balanced manner.

Rodgers, again, managed the game beautifully.  He doesn’t have nearly all of his weapons, which usually makes him a better QB, because he’s forced to hit the open man, check down, throw it away, or take the sack.  Having complete trust in the defense while knowing he can’t force it to any 1 player (because the lack of trust) brings out the best in the QB.  He’s still accurate enough, making 2-3 great throws/game, and extremely careful, is the best balance to win.

Preview~ enter the, better than anticipated, Oakland Raiders.  Oakland is 3-2, coming off a nice win in London over the Bears.  That was a game they controlled for 3.5 quarters, and the half quarter Chicago took control? Scored 21 unanswered points.  The Raiders CAN play, they have a capable QB, solid defense, and rookie running back that is a hard runner with good vision.  If the Raiders win the turnover battle, I doubt they settle for kicking 5 field goals and chuck it deep/in the end zone.  This is a great test/tune-up game for Green Bay.  Oakland is hungry, coming off a bye, and opened some eyes with their win on global television in London over Chicago.  I’d be surprised if the Packers weren’t ready.

Nice pick-up:  Ryan Grant.  For some reason I really love this pick up.  He’s the type of WR many were clamoring for (veteran, sure-handed, good route-running) the last few weeks, and at the right price—gave up nothing.  He should fit well in the slot position, so well that when Adams returns it can be a nice Adams, MVS, and Grant in the 3-WR sets.  That should give LaFleur plenty of ability to open the full playbook, beginning this week.

Check for Aaron Jones to get back on track after his awful performance last week, and for Ryan Grant to get a few targets, maybe 2-5, to get him on the same page with Rodgers.  It may be a “muddy” game, but one that fits the Packers well.

Raiders 17
Packers 27

Season: 3-3
Overall: 46-28

Review~ The Packers put together their most complete game in Dallas a week ago.  While it seems the defense may have allowed the Cowboys back in the game, late, it certainly was still in control for the entirety.  Jason Garrett, and Kellen Moore (Dallas’ OC), played right into Mike Pettine’s plan: we’ll allow the run, but will focus on getting a sack and/or interception when you pass.  For some inexplicable reason, the Cowboys put the game in Dak’s hands and showed America what walking into a (well-known) mouse trap looks like.  This was more of a Look at how Dumb Dallas Is than Wow, the Packers Really Bounced Back Nicely game.  Now, what the Packers do get credit for is sticking to the run and executing an offensive gameplan of their own that shredded the Dallas defense.  That credit goes to LaFleur and Rodgers for establishing, sticking to, and executing it.

The troubling side of the game was the huge plays Dallas was able to get when the Packers were in a “Don’t give up huge plays” defense.  It’s unclear and tough to tell that was due to the injuries, but I’ll go with that since taking off Za’Darius Smith and Darnell Savage, Jr. will cause a drop off in production, AND Dallas was in 100% pass mode.

Preview~ Enter the Detroit Lions, sitting alone in 2^nd place of the division at 2-1-1.  This is about as big a game as it could be.  The Lions rank 18^th in defensive points (23.8/game) and aren’t that dynamic on offense: averaging 24.2 points/game; scoring 30 in a home loss to Kansas City.  They have been consistent scoring 27, 13, 27, and 30 in their first 4, but after having a decent sample size to see their opponents, that may be misleading.  The best opponent they’ve played (and beaten) seems to be Philadelphia, and even the Eagles have been a Jekyll and Hyde-type team so far.

Look for Detroit to feed running back Kerryon Johnson and work to get some big plays to WR Kenny Golladay.  QB Matthew Stafford has thrown 2 INTs and lost 2 of his 3 fumbles, so there’s an opportunity to get 1-2 from him tonight.  Again, it’s not that hard to watch for, but winning the turnover battle will likely be the determining factor in this game.  2^nd is time of possession- which was lost in last week’s dominant performance—Green Bay held the ball for over 36 minutes.  When that happens, it usually means you’re playing Keep Away, and your defense is resting.  All good things.  I see more of the same tonight.

Lions 17
Packers 28

Season: 2-3
Overall: 45-28

Review ~ there’s not much else other than that, outcoached and out-executed.  It’s been documented that Mike Pettine’s defensive scheme (from the Rex Ryan philosophy) is to limit big plays, which typically come from the passing game.  In order to do that, a defense needs to have a good secondary and a legitimate pass rush.  The Packers possess both, however the trade-off is giving up yards on the ground.

The idea behind it, is Pettine is betting the opponent won’t commit to the run for the entire game, thus needing to stack four to five 10-play + drives to score over 20 points.  Credit Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz for sticking to the plan AND executing it about as well as possible…and even then, the Packers had the ball with a chance to tie AFTER Rodgers was strip-sacked essentially giving all momentum to Philadelphia.  How’s that for an optimistic point of view?

Through the ¼ mark of the season, the Packers rank, defensively, 10^th in yards and 7^th in points given up.  That is a solid trend, and 57% of their yards given up are through the air, meaning the opponents have been playing into Pettine’s plan of trying to beat Green Bay with the pass.  This is where sacks and interceptions occur, makes sense.  The one opponent that kept to the ground and actually had more rush yards than pass yards was Philadelphia…

Preview ~ now enter the Dallas Cowboys, possibly the best team in the NFC, well at least that’s what most think.  To use the NCAA football term- strength of schedule– I believe the Cowboys rank dead last.  The only opponent they’ve faced of any quality held their “high-powered” offense to 10 points on 257 yards while committing 3 turnovers.  The Packers may be able to emulate what the Saints’ defense did to Dallas, however that will commit to stopping the ground game, which is Dallas’ strength.  New Orleans was also able to execute this due to having 36 minutes of possession, thus keeping the ball away from Zeke.  The Cowboys rushed 20 times for 45 yards- they cannot win with a 2.3 yard average.  Should the Packers hold Dallas under 4 yards/carry, it should result in victory.

As you can see Dallas is one of the elite teams in the NFL, based on rankings alone.  However, they’ve faced the Giants (terrible until they started Daniel Jones), Redskins, and Dolphins prior to finally seeing legitimate competition in New Orleans—and even then, they faced backup QB Teddy Bridgewater and LOST.  So there’s hope that Dallas isn’t as formidable an opponent as initially thought.

With that, their OL is still incredible and they do love to run the ball because in a big game Dak has yet to win them a game (sure, they beat Seattle in the playoffs last year, but let’s not get started on Russell Wilson and how overrated he is).  I can see victory, but don’t think it will happen.  GO PACK GO!!!

Packers 23
Cowboys 24

Season: 2-2
Overall: 45-27

With a quick turnaround, at home, the advantage completely falls onto the Packers’ side.  The main reason I picked against Green Bay in week 1 is travelling to a good team, on the road, in primetime is a recipe for disaster…add on short rest and it spells even a worse outcome…usually.  This is a good opponent, quality that’s struggling, to gear up for long rest before heading to Dallas to face the best team in the NFC…arguably.

Recap~ Turnovers.  That is all.  That was the difference in this game.  The Packers forced and capitalized on 3 turnovers.  The biggest coming on the 3^rd play of the 2^nd half, Jaire Alexander snatched the ball from rookie TE Noah Fant (the tight end I would’ve been happy taking in this past year’s draft).  From there the Packers took four plays to punch it in the end zone and assume control of the game.  Otherwise it seemed the Packers were in decent control and should win, but it was a 7 point game and the Broncos driving.  The biggest issue coming away from the game was time of possession.  The turnovers were the ultimate equalizer, but the Packers only had 41% time of possession.  Coming up on a short week, that’s a bit scary.

Preview~ like the previous 2 games, the Packers improved a bit from the game prior on offense, while the defense essentially controlled the entire game AND closed it out.  Again refreshing, and yet again another opponent with a better QB than the week before (although there may not be a difference between Mitch and Cousins).  Carson Wentz has all of the tools and demeanor to come into Lambeau on a wild primtime night and get a victory.  Here’s why that could happen.

• Philadelphia won the Super Bowl in 2017 and maintains much of that roster.
• Head Coach (and former Packers backup QB) Doug Pederson isn’t afraid to take risks.
• They have an all-world defender in Fletcher Cox, on the D-line that gives everyone problems.—However, he’s been almost non-existent this season.
• They’re pissed coming off a home loss to the Detroit Lions where Patricia’s defense held on at the end of the game.

Now that we’ve covered the major topics, the Packers open up as favorites (as they should) and the injury situation isn’t nearly as bad as recent years, Green Bay should be in the driver’s seat all game and pull out the victory.  To expect the defense to hold the Eagles to < 20 points may be a bit aggressive, defenses usually are gassed on short rest.  The flip side to that is the Packers offense may finally crack the 30 point mark for the first time this season, and they may have to in order to win this game.

Look for Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams to get a decent amount of work- at least let’s hope they combine for > 22 carries like they did last week.  Jones was stymied pretty much all day, even the 2 TDs he scored he had to work for.  The opposition may have the same gameplan towards the Packers offense that Mike Pettine takes toward the Packers’ opponents’ offense: make the QB beat you with his arm.  Fortunately for the Packers, again as much as I “criticize” Rodgers for, he’s outplaying his opposing # and he may be good enough again for the 4^th straight week.

Like always, take a look at the line of scrimmage and that will dictate who forces more turnovers/negative plays, and which QB ultimately plays better.

Eagles 23
Packers 31

Season: 2-1
Overall: 45-26