Giants vs. Packers: Why New York's Pass Rush Will Give Aaron Rodgers Fits

At their best, the New York Giants can terrorize the opposing quarterback with their four-man pass rush.  They bring relentless pressure by way of their remarkable speed off of the edge, highlighted this year by rising star Jason Pierre-Paul. 

Against the Falcons, Matt Ryan never had a chance, as he was harassed and beaten down by the famed NASCAR-like front over and over again.

Against the Packers, the New York pass rush is unquestionably the key to the game, just as it was the last time the Giants met up with an all-time great offense in the playoffs when they beat the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

But getting after the statuesque Ryan is a far cry from effectively bothering Aaron Rodgers.  Rodgers is among the most mobile quarterbacks in the NFL, and he’s just as deadly rolling out of the pocket as he is when he stays in it.  The Giants pass rushers will have to take it to another level today if they want to swing the game in their favor.

There is reason to believe, however, that the Giants can succeed in limiting Rodgers with their pass rush.  It has been 21 days since Rodgers last put on the pads and played at game speed.  Getting readjusted to the pace of facing live action in the playoffs could be a challenge, especially since basically no defensive front brings the elite speed to their pass rush like the Giants do.

If the Giants can get after Rodgers early, they might be able to exploit some rust that has built up over the last few weeks.  Furthermore, if they can turn some of that pressure into turnovers, they could get the Giants out to an early lead and let them lean on their powerful running backs who could be very tough for the Packers to handle.

The Giants face a very tall order today taking on the best team in the NFL on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, but if there is any team left in the playoffs that can knock the Packers off, it’s the Giants and their pass rush.  A combination of the Giants getting hot at the right time, and the Packers offense picking up a little rust could create the perfect environment for a giant upset.