Who to Watch For: Five Players Who Will Have Big Games For the Eagles Or Packers
Well, it's finally here, Wild Card Weekend. With one crazy day already in the books, it's time for the rest of games, both, sure to be great. But the focus today will really be on the late NFC game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, a match-up of two high-powered offenses and defenses that were almost made to play each other. But with a great match-up like this, who will break out, and who will fall flat? Read on to find out.
Bust: Michael Vick
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All signs point to Michael Vick not having nearly as good a game as people think. With his injuries, declining play, and scary Packer pass defense, Vick may be in for a long night. To put the icing on the cake, his main target, DeSean Jackson is going to be covered by elite cornerback Charles Woodson. Though Vick won't play too badly, he will not have as good a game as he needs to win the game.
Projected Line: 13-30 210 Yards 1 TD 2 INT 7 Rush 30 Yards
Honorable Mention: Clay Matthews
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The only reason Clay didn't crack my list is because it is pretty obvious he's going to go off. He destroyed the Eagles in week one, and now with a less mobile Mike Vick, Matthews won't be stopped in his pursuit for the Eagles quarterback. And this doesn't even include how he will blow up LeSean McCoy and the Eagles run game.
Projected Line: 8 Tackles 4 Sacks
5. James Jones
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Jones is usually the Packers slot receiver, a position that has been key for the Packers. Though his best game came without Aaron Rodgers, he has been seeing consistent action since the bye week. He will also get to go against Joselio Hanson who, though not bad, is definitely not one of the better cornerbacks. If Jones can show Rodgers that he is open early, he will have a big game.
Projected Line: 6 Receptions 73 Yards 1 TD
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4. Trent Cole
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Cole had a big game against the Pack in week one, leading the Eagles with six tackles and adding a sack. However, Juqua Parker also played well, getting two sacks, so the Packers may be preparing more for Parker, leaving Cole open to have a great game. If the Packers try to run to the outside, Cole will be there, and when they pass, which will be a lot, expect Cole to be there too.
Projected Line: 5 Tackles 3 Sacks
3. Asante Samuel
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Samuel will have a good game for all the wrong reasons. It's not because he will shut down Greg Jennings (as you will see later), but because he won't be playing on him. The way the Eagles work is that Samuel plays only on the left, so he will be matched up with Donald Driver, a player who he should easily keep in check. Don't expect a huge statistical game, but don't expect Driver to get any looks.
Projected Line: 3 Tackles 3 Pass Deflections KEY STAT 1 Catch Allowed
2. Charles Woodson
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Talk about a big play cornerback, and Charles Woodson's name will always come up. In his career he has 10 pick sixes, one of them coming this year. He has a knack for being at the right spot at the right time, and though covering DeSean Jackson will be no cakewalk, he is the perfect man for the job. He will thrive off Vick wanting to throw to Jackson, and make him a non-factor, making a couple big plays along the way.
Projected Line: 4 Tackles 2 INT 1 TD 4 Pass Deflections
1. Greg Jennings
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Greg Jennings v. Dimitri Patterson. I don't think Aaron Rodgers could ask for a better match-up. Jennings is one of the best, and hottest receivers in the game right now. Out of his last seven games, he has gone over 100 yards four times and almost had a fifth last week. Combine that with his match-up and the Packers non-existent running game, and you have a pass heavy offense with a receiver fit to have an MVP-like game.
Projected Line: 12 Receptions 124 Yards 2 TDs
Verdict
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The Packers have everything except home-field working for them. With tons of players capable of making huge plays, and having big games, they should beat the Eagles, not by a lot, but the game will be much more of a blowout than the scoreboard will show.
Projected Score: Packers 28 Eagles 20
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