Green Bay Packers Playbook: What Aaron Rodgers and Company Must Do To Win
Surely they are they NFL's biggest disappointment, sitting at 1-6. But what if I told you the Dallas Cowboys are capable of pulling off the upset in Lambeau against the beloved Green and Gold on Sunday? Well, this is the NFL, and as we've examined the past few weeks, anything is possible.
However, a Dallas victory Sunday against the red-hot Pack doesn't seem likely.
Even with Tony Romo on the sidelines for what looks to be the remainder of the season, Jerry's Boys are bound for a surprise victory in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, the Packers are fresh off a 9-0 victory against the league's best defense. Aaron Rodgers looks to prove his MVP worth this week, and Brandon Jackson is overdue for a big game this Sunday.
What must the Packers do to pull off a victory and improve to 6-3? Let's find out.
Aaron Rodgers
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With Dallas' tumbling defense in a statistical free-fall, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers passing game must get as many good looks as possible.
Consistently getting the ball to Greg Jennings in the flat will certainly help Green Bay's chances. Giving Jennings a solid seven passes will open up things for Andrew Quarless down the middle.
Granted, the Cowboys own the 10th-ranked passing defense in the league, allowing 205.4 yards per game. But Dallas has given up 15 passing touchdowns this season--good enough to be tied for 3rd-worst in the NFL.
Last week Rodgers reached the 2,000-yard mark on the season, and had 170 of those yards last week in New York.
Limiting the turnovers and completing a multitude of passes consistently is exactly what Rodgers has to do on Sunday.
Brandon Jackson
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Rushing for 55 yards on 15 attempts last week against the rough and tumble defense of the Jets was just enough for the Packers to pull out a great win.
With that being said, Jackson's role will certainly take a turn for the better this week, as coach Mike McCarthy has vowed to establish the run game early on in Sunday's match-up against Dallas.
The 24th-ranked run defense of the Cowboys will greatly contribute to Jackson's touches.
Jackson must take advantage of the holes in the Cowboys run defense to secure a victory on Sunday.
Wide Receivers
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Greg Jennings has proved his great worth the last few weeks for the Packers.
Leading Green Bay in yards (471), receptions (32), and touchdowns (5), Jennings' importance to the overall structure of this offense is invaluable.
Aaron Rodgers will make sure to give Jennings his touches come Sunday, so expect a big game (as always) from Jennings.
As for the rest of Green Bay's top-ranked receiving corps, their game plan is simple: catch the football.
Green Bay has five receivers over 200 yards on the season, and their importance is obviously invaluable to the play-calling of Mike McCarthy.
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Offensive Line
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To be brief, the offensive line of the Packers must (obviously) open as many holes for Brandon Jackson as possible.
Establishing the run is one of the first priorities.
However, protecting Aaron Rodgers is the number one objective. Allowing 35 hits on Rodgers is good enough to rank 15th in the NFL.
The offensive line must contain and protect.
Linebackers
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Clay Matthews and the rejuvenated Packers linebacking crew managed to hold Ladainian Tomlinson to 54 yards on 16 attempts.
Should this trend continue for this Packers defense, Clay Matthews will gain even more MVP consideration.
Matthews and Desmond Bishop consistently managed to put pressure on Mark Sanchez, and will need to continue this week against Jon Kitna and Dallas' passing attack.
A.J. Hawk has managed to step his game up the past few weeks--he is one of the many unsung heroes of this Packers defense.
I don't doubt the Packers' ability to shut down down the running and passing game of Dallas, but we'll have to wait and see what transpires on Sunday night.
Conclusion
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The Packers are back on track after last week's victory over the mega-hyped New York Jets, and look to continue their success Sunday night against the inferior (but capable) Dallas Cowboys.
5-3, atop the NFC North sounds good, but not satisfying enough for Mike McCarthy's crew.
Tramon Williams has really made his presence felt over the last few weeks, and the defense has out-shined even the potent defense of the Jets.
The Packers are heavily favored coming into Sunday's match-up against Dallas, but don't expect Green Bay to take the Cowboys lightly.
Increasing their NFC North lead over the Bears is the priority for the Green and Gold the rest of the season.
Prediction: Dallas 14, Green Bay 33
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