Much like my other series, Five Matchups to Watch is making it's momentous comeback this week. Hopefully for the Packers, it's just in time to save Green Bay's sinking season.
Green Bay (5-7) is now two games back of the division-leading Minnesota (7-5), and will need help to claim their second straight NFC North championship. The Packers will welcome the Houston Texans, who are also 5-7, to Lambeau Field Sunday for the Texans first game at the historic site.
The Packers won the only other meeting with Houston, beating the Texans 16-13 in 2004 at Reliant Stadium.
Five matchups to watch Sunday:
1. Packers' cornerback Charles Woodson vs. Texans' receiver Andre Johnson
To many league experts, Johnson has firmly established himself in the upper echelon of NFL receivers. So far in 2008, Johnson has caught 88 passes for 1,146 yards—both tops in the NFL. He blends a big frame with deceptive speed, and ESPN analyst Steve Young went as far as to compare Johnson with his former teammate and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
The Packers' Woodson will most likely get the daunting assignment of covering Johnson. Woodson has struggled the past two weeks, so it's imperative that he rebounds in a big way this week. While Woodson did struggle to stop the Saints' Marques Colston and the Panthers' Steve Smith, he has enjoyed one of his finest seasons in 2008.
Johnson is one of the Texans only offensive weapons, so if Woodson can neutralize him, it will make the Houston offense much easier to stop.
Advantage: Even
2. Packers tackle Chad Clifton vs. Texans defensive end Mario Williams
The Texans took a lot of slack for selecting Williams first overall three years ago, but he is proving to be one of the best defensive ends in the NFL. In the past two years, Williams has registered 25 sacks, and is on pace for around 15 this season.
Clifton will be call upon to block Williams for Green Bay. Clifton has seen and beaten dominant pass rushers in the past, so don't expect Clifton to be overwhelmed. However, he will need to stay focused all day long over Williams will take advantage. Williams has the size and speed to either bull or speed rush, but Clifton has displayed good power and lateral quickness to counter Williams' tools.
This will be a battle all afternoon. The winner of this matchup will go a long ways in deciding who wins this game Sunday.
Advantage: Texans
3. Packers defense vs. Texans running back Steve Slaton
Slaton has shown his dynamic ability numerous times this season, and has performed at a high level for being a rookie. Houston will need to control the clock and the football, and Slaton will be asked to shoulder the rushing load for the Texans. Slaton is averaging nearly 120 yards rushing in his last three games, and the Packers suspect run-defense could be liable.
Green Bay will also need to keep on eye on Slaton out of the backfield, as he caught two passes for 52 yards in the Texans win over the Jaguars last Monday night. The Packers have been burned by backs out of the backfield before in 2008, so keep your eye on who is covering Slaton when he ventures out of the backfield.
The Packers defense has struggled all season long stopping good running backs. Either by rushing or receiving, Green Bay is going to have problems stopping the Texans' speedy running back Sunday.
Advantage: Texans
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