NFL Playoffs: What the Green Bay Packers Need to Do to Make a Super Bowl Run

The Green Bay Packers were certainly viewed by most as the best team in the NFL heading into Week 15. That changed after a stunning 21-13 upset at the hands of the Buffalo Bills.

Miscues were the story for Green Bay in all three phases of the game. On defense, poor tackling was the issue. Running backs Anthony Dixon and Fred Jackson generated too many yards after contact.

On offense, Aaron Rodgers was clearly out of sync with his receivers. On several occasions, Rodgers attempted a back shoulder throw to his receivers on the sideline, only to watch the ball sail incomplete out of bounds. Jordy Nelson's drop in the third quarter proved costly as well.

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Finally, on special teams, Mason Crosby had another kick blocked—his fourth blocked kick of the season. The special teams unit also allowed Buffalo's Marcus Thigpen to return a punt 75-yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. 

A poor effort like Sunday's game can ill-afford to happen to a Packers team that is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth. 

Here is what Green Bay needs to do to re-establish its dominance as the league's top Super Bowl contender.

Hand the Ball to Eddie Lacy

Eddie Lacy was the lone bright spot on Sunday. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry but only ran the ball 15 times. In contrast, Aaron Rodgers attempted 42 passes while only completing 40.5 percent of his throws. 

The Bills defense rushed four linemen and dropped seven into coverage nearly all game. The scheme worked as Rodgers had trouble finding any windows to fit the ball to his receivers. Rodgers addressed his poor play after the game but pointed to the Bills physical play. 

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"They were physical with our receivers and got away with more than we expected," Rodgers said, according to Packers.com.

Yet the best way to attack a team that drops seven defenders into coverage is to run the ball. When Lacy carried the ball, he ran with authority. 

Expect Green Bay to see the same type of scheme in Week 17 versus Detroit. Handing the ball to Lacy will force more defenders into the box and open up passing lanes for Rodgers. 

Improve the Run Defense

Too many times, the Bills were able to gain positive yards when the play seemed dead in the backfield. Early in the second quarter, safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix came on a blitz and had a shot at downing running back Bryce Brown for a loss. Instead, Brown slipped through the tackle, gaining 12 yards.

Later in the third quarter, Fred Jackson escaped a Julius Peppers hit at the line and reversed field for a 13-yard gain. Linebacker Sam Barrington and lineman Mike Daniels also had a chance at wrapping up Jackson but were unable to do so.

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

Most importantly, on a critical play in the third quarter, Anthony Dixon was able to power through the Packers run defense on a third down and short, keeping the drive alive. Dixon was hit at the line, but the Packers could once again not make the tackle. Dan Carpenter added a field goal later in the drive.

If Green Bay is fortunate enough to make the playoffs, it will potentially face backs like DeMarco Murray or Marshawn Lynch—and the defense can not afford to miss opportunities against them.

Start Fast

Green Bay's identity is a fast-paced offense that puts up a ton of points. That was its key to success against the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots. Both of these teams are playoff-caliber clubs that the Packers defeated by starting fast. 

Green Bay put up 17 first-quarter points against the Eagles. Immediately, the opposition was in catch-up mode. Trying to play from behind against Rodgers will lead to a shootout-type game. 

The Patriots faced a similar deficit—trailing by 13 points in the first quarter.

In nearly every win this season, the Packers have jumped on their opponents quickly. In the first half of games, Green Bay has scored 286 points. That tied a franchise record set in 2011 in one of Rodgers' finest seasons.

In losses against the Lions in Week 3 and the Bills Sunday, the offense failed to score more than 10 first-half points. 

In Week 17, the Green and Gold will need to put up points early against the Lions and force Matthew Stafford to get into a shootout with Aaron Rodgers.

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The playoffs are approaching. Seattle is getting hot. Dallas is hitting its stride at the right time. 

If the Packers want to make a Super Bowl run, they will need to utilize the ground game while stopping the opposition's. And of course, starting fast is the recipe for success in Green Bay.

Expect the rematch with Detroit in Week 17 (likely for the division title) to be a fair measuring stick for the Packers' chances at a playoff run.