Packers vs. Eagles: 10 Potential Game Changers for This NFC Wild Card Matchup
The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles already got a look at each other in their season opener.
The Packers won the game 27-20, and both teams went on to become two of the best in the NFC. Now they get a rematch in today's NFC Wild Card game. It should be heavy on both talent and entertainment.
Obviously, there's the battle of two talented quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick, who has had an MVP-caliber season. Philadelphia is considered one of the NFC favorites, while Green Bay could potentially be a sleeper.
Vick said a lot has changed for both teams since they first met.
"It was Week 1, and this is Week 18. It's the playoffs," he said. "And I'm pretty sure they're going to come with a different scheme, and if they do the same things they did the first time around, then we're pretty familiar with those looks, but we're anticipating some different looks."
Here are 10 factors that could be game changers in today's matchup:
10. Can Green Bay's Defense Get Turnovers?
1 of 10
Green Bay is fifth in the NFL in total defense, allowing just over 309 total yards per game, and second in points allowed (15.0). Part of the unit's success is attributed to takeaways: in their 10 wins, they have forced 27 turnovers, compared to five in their losses.
"Playoff football really comes down to cashing in on big-play opportunities, and that will definitely be something that we'll focus on this week," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told CBS Sports. "They're a big-play offense and we're an up-tempo defense."
Pay attention Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson, last year's Defensive Player of the Year, who is still a threat to opposing quarterbacks.
"His track record speaks for itself," Vick said. "He's been playing for 13 years. (He's) still playing at a high level, which is sometimes surprising with the older, veteran guys. He continues to make plays, year in and year out, and I think the defense feeds off of him and his energy. So, he's definitely somebody we have to account for, and definitely one of the great ones who have played this game."
9. Michael Vick
2 of 10
Let's say it all together now: "Well, duh?!"
The Eagles quarterback has completed over 62 percent of his passes for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed for 676 yards and nine touchdowns.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said it's critical for his team to be fundamentally sound and take Vick down when they tackle him. He also said Vick has changed plenty since he was in Atlanta.
"But the one thing that is constant, he was an impact player back then and he is an impact player now," McCarthy said. "Very dangerous with the football, very competitive, and he has a very strong will. He is the type of player that will try to put the team on his back and carry them. The man is a warrior. I have a lot of respect for him. He is definitely our focus for our defense."
8. Will Green Bay Start Fast?
3 of 10
Strong starts haven't been a strength for the Packers: of their 16 regular season games, Green Bay has scored 10 or more points in the first quarter only three times.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said it isn't a concern and pointed out there other factors to consider, like when they deferred the ball. What's more important, he said, is productivity within each possession.
"...That’s the first thing we go through every week as an offense when we get back together," he said. "We go through the possessions in detail, and the common themes are there. If you’re scoring in the first quarter as opposed to the third quarter, it has nothing to do with what the time of the game is. It’s really the things you’re not doing properly that are holding you back."
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
7. Philadelphia's Offensive Line
4 of 10
The pressure will be on the Eagles' line to protect Michael Vick, who has been sacked 34 times. They'll have to watch out for Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who has 60 tackles, 13.5 sacks, four pass deflections and one interception.
6. Big Plays from Green Bay
5 of 10
Philadelphia has shown it can do that with ease, but that became a problem against the Bears last week for Green Bay, which had just one pass over 25 yards.
5. LeSean McCoy
6 of 10
McCoy must get established and also become involved in the Eagles' passing game, whether it's with screens, draws or passes in the flat. "Shady" has rushed for 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns, but also has a team-high 78 receptions—top among NFL running backs—for 592 yards, along with two touchdown catches.
Green Bay will be pressuring DeSean Jackson enough, so this should provide McCoy with even more chances for a big day.
4. Green Bay's Ground Game
7 of 10
The Packers are going to need more from Brandon Jackson and a ground game that ranks 24th in the league, averaging just over 100 yards per game.
"You don't want a team like that establish the run, because if they do, they're kind of hard to stop while they're running and passing the ball," Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney said. "So, I think that's the main thing you want to do, make sure you stop the run when they do run it and just do your part when they pass. Read your keys and be ready to play."
Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said the goal is to average four yards a carry, and be successful on third down conversions.
"When your attempts are where they need to be and your third down conversions are where they need to be, that’s a positive day for the Green Bay Packers the way we play offense," McCarthy said. "If we’re able to convert the third downs, keep our run attempts up and we’re playing balanced for the most part on first and second down, as a whole—I’m not saying that’s the way we’re going to play this week—but as a whole, that’s the way we like to approach the game of football offensively."
3. Eagles' Special Teams
8 of 10
Green Bay will have to contain DeSean Jackson, and kicker David Akers has made 32 of 38 field goals. Eagles special teams coordinator Bobby April praised Akers (pictured) for his Pro Bowl season.
"I think he's done a very good job for us," April said. "We had a lot of close games and he's kicked field goals in those games. He always has been the top point leader. I've said that before. Whoever has the most points on your team is a valuable commodity no matter how you get them. What he does is not easy."
2. Aaron Rodgers
9 of 10
Rodgers has already established himself as one of the league's most talented young quarterbacks. He finished the regular season completing nearly 66 percent of his passes for 3,922 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for 356 yards as well.
What's missing from Rodgers' resume, though, is a playoff victory.
"Aaron Rodgers needs to be himself," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He’s established a brand of football at the quarterback position that’s pretty damn good, and I’m glad he’s our quarterback. His numbers have been phenomenal for his first three years, and he needs to go out and play to the standard he has set.
"Playoff wins are more team goals, and I understand the way everybody wants to put those types of things on the quarterback. Aaron staying true to his standard of play, his brand of football, everything else will take care of itself."
1. Philadelphia's Momentum
10 of 10
Or is it lack of it?
Philadelphia is 4-4 at home, which is the worst record of any playoff team. The Eagles also finished the year 3-3, including two losses to end the year.
"We're talking about now. It's a game, it's us against Green Bay," defensive end Trent Cole said. "You know, they're coming to our home turf and that's even better. Like I said, we're going against a great team. They have a great quarterback. He's done well against other teams and we're coming in here to stop him to be able to advance to the next game."
.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 🤩")