Green Bay Packers vs. Philadephia Eagles: 10 Bold Predictions Ahead Of Sunday
Whether it's wearing brightly colored pieces of foam cheese on their head, or pelting Saint Nick with boos in attempt to show eagerness for football, when it comes to expectations, both Green Bay and Philadelphia fans expect the very best out of their team every year.
In a season that sees the Green Bay Packers reach the No. 3 rank on many people's 2010 power rankings, it's fair to say that the green and gold faithful are expecting old Vince Lombardi to be making a stop over in Lambeau Field in the not-too-distant future.
On the other side of the ball this weekend will be the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that statistically has the odds stacked against them.
They not only have the toughest schedule in football this year, they also have a new and inexperienced starting quarterback attempting to perform miracles.
But as greater expectations that both teams must perform under this season, a tremendous amount of pressure is on the shoulders of both sides. Anything short of a playoff spot would be deemed an utter failure.
However, now that the season has kicked off, we get to see the two teams in action, and quite frankly both have become quite familiar with each other in recent years.
So what should we expect from this very underrated, yet sure to be blockbuster of a game?
Not only should we expect the very best, we should expect many questions to be answered this Sunday.
Therefore, here's a quick look at Ten Bold Predictions to watch out for this weekend, when watching these two NFC powerhouses go at it.
10. Green Bay’s Offensive Line Won’t Be Shaky
1 of 10
It's no big secret that the Packers' offensive line was as weak as Shane Mosley against Floyd Mayweather last season, as Green Bay's starting linemen failed to protect Aaron Rodgers early on in the season.
But as big a disappointment as this was, the Packers were extremely lucky not to see the problem escalate further into the season.
Not only did head coach Mike McCarthy make the necessary adjustments following the shock loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he also drafted young standout Bryan Bulaga to help get rid any problems this season.
Yet as promising as this all is, the Packers seemingly haven't done enough to convince just about everybody that their offensive line really is stable.
For the most part, it remains to be seen whether Aaron Rodgers isn't hurriedly scrambling out of the pocket for air this Sunday against Philadelphia, let alone for the rest of the season, particularly when big name opponents such as Dallas, New England, New York Giants, and Minnesota all appear on the schedule.
Still, have the Packers really done enough to secure any worries?
On paper, yes they have.Bryan Bulaga, who looks to be stepping in at the left guard spot, and although Green Bay aren't noted for their highly explosive offensive linemen, there is considerable talent at each position.
The Packers have been working furiously to fix this problem during the offseason, and it isn't like Mike McCarthy to make a mistake twice. We will see how the Packers do this Sunday, but I wouldn't watch the game expecting a complete collapse.
9. Charles Woodson Will Play Despite Injured Toe
2 of 10
As far as injuries go for the Green Bay Packers, the bug has certainly acclimatized itself to the cold weather in Green Bay this offseason.
On the back of the recent bad news for the Packers surrounding Al Harris and Atari Bigby, Green Bay have now released a statement saying that the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, cornerback Charles Woodson, is listed as probable for the team's match up with the Eagles this Sunday.
According to sources, Woodson jammed his foot underneath a wide receiver during practice, and as a result has been a considerably sore toe.
Now, although this injury doesn't seem at all worrying, I guess it could be rather painful. However, for those doubters who think Charles Woodson will miss the season opener in Philadelphia this weekend, think again, as this guy is as tough as it gets.
Although I'm not the biggest College Football fan, Charles Woodson did attend Michigan in his early playing years. Not only are the Wolverines notorious for promoting mental and physical toughness, Charles Woodson himself has portrayed that in nearly every game during his pro career.
But does that mean that he will play this Sunday? No, of course not.
The means that he will play this Sunday is the fact that the Packers are now in quite a pickle on defense with Al Harris and Atari Bigby absent.
Therefore, Green Bay must have that veteran and experienced presence on the side, if they are to stand any chance against the explosive DeSean Jackson on Sunday.
Any doubters still unconvinced, remember that Dwight Freeney played in the Super Bowl with a sore ankle. While the game against the Eagles is nowhere as big a deal, it is for a team that is trying to push for an all around great year.
A toe injury is nothing minor, but losing Charles Woodson for a week is major. Toe injury? He'll be fine, he may just not be at his best and brightest.
8. Asante Samuel Will Act As a Key Playmaker For The Eagles Defense
3 of 10
Asante Samuel hasn't proven to be a huge impact player for the Eagles this preseason, as he has only played in two total games from the four.
But like the preseason itself, this fact is meaningless, as Asante Samuel's nine interceptions and 39 tackles last season were equally as impressive as Charles Woodson's efforts to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
In the game against Green Bay this weekend, expect Asante Samuel to have his game face on.
As questioned as head coach Andy Reid is at times, the entire Eagles team will be aware of the fact that Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley lurk on the other side of the field, all of whom have the ability to snap a big play at any given time.
Looking around the Eagles roster, it is notably difficult to find talent on the defense.
But like many other teams in the league, we've all seen if a team has one big-name star, they can easily out muscle even the strongest of offenses in the regular season.
Will Asante Samuel make an interception in this game?
Maybe, but it will be difficult to pick off a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, who is as careful as it gets with the football in his hands.
With this in mind though, interceptions aren't first priority for the Eagles defense, stopping Green Bay is.
Not only will the start from great play making and coverage by Asante Samuel, if he gets fired up, so will the entire Eagles team.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
7. Ryan Grant Will Lead off on the Right Foot In Week One
4 of 10
Ryan Grant has had a rough preseason with injury, yet when you consider how explosive he exited the 2009 season, it's easy to favor his chances to have a big game this weekend.
Aside from how Ryan Grant performed last year though, he now seems to have his confidence back.
In Fantasy, he has become one of the more higher-rated running backs, and the fact that he has his quick feet adds that extra dimension to the Packer offense.
But as promising as Ryan Grant's season looks, his stats let him down a little. In 2009, Grant rushed for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns, decent stats, but far from impressive for the main ball carrier up north.
Ahead of this weekend's game, the Packer rank above the Eagles in rush yards per game with a 117.8-to-102.3 advantage.
Positively, this looks fantastic for the Packers' chances against the Eagles, and it is vital that Green Bay utilize Ryan Grant early, so that they can successfully obtain the two-headed pass plus run attack.
More importantly, the Eagle defense doesn't have the defensive standouts that are capable of totally shutting Ryan Grant down.
With this in mind though, the team did rank ninth in rush defense last season, so that shows that they can get the job done just as well.
For the Packers, it's simple. If Ryan Grant gets going early, there chances of winning on the road become that more likely.
If he shows shades of his old 2- to 3-yard rushes similar to last year, then Green Bay will have to rely on Aaron Rodgers all that much more.
6. DeSean Jackson Will Give The Green Bay Defense Trouble
5 of 10
Call him a diva or call him a star, DeSean Jackson is one of the most talented wide receivers the game has to offer.
In preseason football this year, DeSean Jackson has appeared to be on his game.
Given that the talented star did only play in three of the four games, it is obvious that head coach Andy Reid was comfortable enough to rest him ahead of this week's showdown against the Packers.
This is quite favorable for the Eagles right now. Last season saw No. 10 complete the year with 1,156 yards and 9 touchdowns, considerably impressive stats for a receiver that is as young as DeSean Jackson.
But what is more concerning yet also promising, is the fact that DeSean Jackson has never played against the Green Bay Packers.
So what's concerning about it?
Well I guess the fact that Jackson hasn't experienced the hard-hitting ways of Green Bay could be taken as a disadvantage rather than a benefit.
Secondly, it could also be said that DeSean Jackson may struggle a little against a top notch 3-4 defense, even though he has managed quite well in past games.
And what's positive about it?
This one's easy, the Packers are without two of their stars. Al Harris and Atari Bigby are absent, leaving all of the work for the likes of Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Nick Collins and young rookie Morgan Burnett.
The thing that separates DeSean Jackson from other young receivers is that he exposes weaknesses well. With a rookie safety in for the Packers, expect to see Jackson target that area, and go for a few slant routes.
Whether it works remains to be seen, but you'd have to give the upper hand to DeSean Jackson right now against a limited Packer defense.
5. Aaron Rodgers Will Hook Up with Greg Jennings More Than Once
6 of 10
Forget Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings are the epitome of team offensive chemistry right now in the NFL.
For any fan reading this who is not familiar with this duo, I suggest you go and watch some game tape, as these two are about as formidable as Siegfried and Roy when it comes to partnership and overall results in terms of impressiveness.
Any Packer fan reading this would surely get instant flashbacks of last season's heroics by the two.
But perhaps the most telling one for Green Bay right now is the 2009 Week 1 game that featured an Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings link up in the fourth quarter, which ultimately won the game for the Packers.
Not only was this a great play, it only further highlights how capable these two really are.
So with this all said, it is more or less a certainty that the two will utilize each other against the Eagles on Sunday, even if no touchdowns are accounted for.
At the end of the day, Aaron Rodgers needs Greg Jennings as much as Greg Jennings needs Aaron Rodgers.
The two go hand in hand, and it's fair to say that Rodgers himself wouldn't have cracked the plus 4,000 yard mark last season without trusty ol' No. 85.
This season should be no different, and expect to see it all kick off in Week 1 once again against the Philadelphia Eagles.
4. Expect to See Michael Vick, Briefly
7 of 10
Michael Vick has seen a fair amount of preseason action this year, but unfortunately hasn't capitalized on his chances to impress the Eagle staff and fan base.
However, as poor as Michael Vick's mechanics have looked recently, that is no reason to say that we won't see him at least a few times this week in the back up role to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.
For you see, the situation is simple. Kevin Kolb will play the majority of the game to build confidence, but if things go haywire early on, don't be surprised to see Michael Vick step in for a few snaps to try and get the team back on the right track.
Now, while some Eagle fans may cringe after reading this, it could be said that bringing Vick in to still the water could wind up to be a very smart move.
In Vick's days with the Falcons, he was well known for his running ability.
We have seen glimpses of that this preseason, and if he manages to get past Clay Matthews and AJ Hawk in the Packer secondary, then a 10-yard sprint for a first down could mean the difference between a touchdown or a punt.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Michael Vick will be making many appearances this week, as Kevin Kolb needs to get a feel for the game.
But just expect him to step in a few times, and at least be utilized if things are going a little shady for the Eagles.
3. The Loss of Key Defensive Players Will Not Affect Green Bay
8 of 10
I know that I have said that if DeSean Jackson creates separation, he will wreak havoc, but in the Packers' defense, the loss of Al Harris and Atari Bigby isn't all that meaningful right now.
The way that most Packer fans have chosen to look at this situation is quite right. Instead of worrying about how the team may do, they have rewound back to last year, and realized that the Packers coped just fine without cornerback Al Harris for most of the season.
Unfortunately though, Green Bay did lose Atari Bigby to the PUP list, but once again this loss at the safety position isn't the death of the Packer defense just yet.
Yes, for once general manager Ted Thompson looks smart. Drafting safety Morgan Burnett from Georgia Tech back in April was a great move at the time, but now it looks even better on Thompson's part, as this young player is extremely talented.
Most importantly for the Packers, they have to look at the situation as only a temporary loss.
Six weeks is a long time in football, but unlike some other key injuries to teams like the Denver Broncos, the Packers will get their stars back in a matter of time.
Green Bay had the No. 2-ranked defense last season without Al Harris. Atari Bigby is a big loss, but Nick Collins, Charles Woodson and notable others are still around.
It's far from panic station in Packer Nation right now, and nor should it be. The Packers can easily cope without these two for six weeks, let alone against the Eagles.
2. Kevin Kolb Will Make Home Fans Forget Donovan McNabb
9 of 10
The heartwarming side of this game is the fact that Aaron Rodgers and Kevin Kolb have become quite chummy as of late, seeing as though Rodgers has decided to fill in Kevin Kolb on what it takes to replace a legend at the quarterback position.
Of course, Donovan McNabb is far from Brett Favre's legendary status right now, but the same goes for Kevin Kolb, who has to replace a very stable and talented quarterback this season, and also impress the Eagle fan base.
But call me crazy, I actually have faith in this young guy. He's shown promising signs in preseason, and it seems that these days when a quarterback is under pressure, he normally stands up to the task.
To take Aaron Rodgers as a perfect example, the days looked dull in Green Bay. What would you call the days right now though?
That's right, great, all because the Packers have found a diamond amongst the rough in No. 12.
This isn't to say that Kevin Kolb will turn out the same way, but he has a good program around him.
DeSean Jackson is still with the team, and although the Eagles aren't all that famous for churning out great quarterbacks, they have put forward some impressive examples in past years.
In Week 1 expect Kevin Kolb to be appreciated by hometown Eagle fans. We can't go as far as saying he will be in his "element" just yet in Philadelphia, as it takes time to develop that mindset.
However, at home in Philadelphia and confidence mixed with pressure on his shoulders, expect him to turn out a great game, especially if DeSean Jackson becomes red hot.
1. This Game Will Be an All Out Shootout In The City Of Brotherly Love
10 of 10
These two teams have been involved in a number of shootouts in recent years. Whether it's the Eagles vs. the Cowboys, or the Packers vs. the Cardinals in the desert, both sides no how to rally against an opposition quite well.
As explosive as this game is set to be on offense, it seems that whoever has the better defense may post the W.
When you mix talent and overall persistence to win, the formula normally turns out to be a shootout to remember.
A home game in Philadelphia and a very strong and courageous Packer team should delight fans for all three to four hours, and not only will it be a constant battle between who can get the upper hand, whoever takes the win will have a bundle of confidence.
Both teams want to start the season well, and expect every player to be ready and willing to put their body on the line.
Kevin Kolb gears up in his first ever regular season game, and Aaron Rodgers looks to pursue not only the MVP, but the Super Bowl this year.
Will it be a close-scoring affair? Bet your house on it; these two teams always go hard, no matter who they are facing.
Both sides are close in total yards per game, and on defense total yards allowed are also marginally close.
This game should be the exact replica of these stats, so don't expect to have any fingernails left at the end of it.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")