Packers-Colts: Five Matchups To Watch

While the Green Bay Packers might have stopped their three-game losing streak in Seattle last Sunday, continuing their new winning streak this Sunday will be a far more daunting task. That's because coming to Lambeau Field this weekend is the Indianapolis Colts, fresh off their 31-3 drubbing of the Baltimore Ravens.

Indianapolis (3-2) is starting to look like the AFC power they have been in recent years. Green Bay, who has lost two at Lambeau, looks to build on their momentum going into their bye week.

Five matchups to watch Sunday:


1. Packers' T's Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher vs Colts' DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis

Clifton and Tauscher have been staples of the Packers' offensive line, but they might face the best combination of defensive ends they've seen in awhile in the Colts Freeney and Mathis. The NFL's premier pass-rushing duo has accounted for eight sacks and five forced fumbles in 2008 thus far.

The Packers will have to give help to both tackles, or the Colts' pass rush could put up big numbers. We could see a lot more max protection calls from Packers coach Mike McCarthy on Sunday, meaning Packer running backs and tight ends will routinely be helping in pass protection.

We all know that Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will dissect a defense if given the time, but keeping these two pass rushing specialists under wraps will be a big task for the Packers' offensive line.

Advantage: Colts


2. Packers' CB Tramon Williams vs Colts' WR Marvin Harrison

I'm assuming CB Charles Woodson will be lining up against the Colts' Pro Bowl WR Reggie Wayne, but that doesn't mean Harrison won't get plenty of looks. Harrison caught two touchdown passes last week, and he looks like he is regaining his form after a tumultuous offseason.

Williams has played well so far, registering interceptions in all three games he has started since CB Al Harris went down. But in reality, this will be Williams' first big test—he has yet to see a veteran receiver with the ability of Harrison. Harrison has the know-how to trick Williams, and if he doesn't get the proper safety help, Harrison could have the Packers' young corner spinning in circles.

If Williams can keep Harrison in check, however, it will allow Woodson to have more playmaking opportunities on his side of the field.

Advantage: Colts


3. Packers' RB Ryan Grant vs Colts' MLB Gary Brackett

The Packers won't have to deal with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in safety Bob Sanders, but that doesn't mean the Colts' defense doesn't have playmakers. Brackett has been a steady performer for Indianapolis, and Green Bay will have to account for him if they have any plans of having an effective running game.

Grant had arguably his best game in Seattle, registering 90 yards on 33 carries. His increased work load took a lot off the injured arm of Rodgers, and helped the Packers keep their injury-plagued defense off the field.

This Sunday's gameplan shouldn't be any different for McCarthy, as the Colts have actually been worse at stopping the run then has Green Bay.

The Packers will need to keep the Colts' high-octane offense off the field, and Grant will have a big say in that again this week.

Advantage: Packers

4. Packers' WR Greg Jennings vs Colts' CBs Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson

It doesn't matter who lines up opposite of Jennings Sunday, they are going to have their hands full. Jennings leads the NFL in receiving with 653 yards and has been Rodgers' go-to receiver all season.

The Colts will need to avoid the big play, and the Packers usually get their big play from Jennings. The Packers have had a pass-play for over 40 yards in each of their games this season (tying the team record at six games), and Jennings has been on the receiving end of four such passes.

Either Hayden or Jackson will have the task of guarding Jennings, and they must guard against Jennings in a variety of ways. Jennings can beat you on quick slants or the deep ball, and Rodgers has shown that he can get him the ball in each situation.

Rodgers should look Jennings' way early and often Sunday.

Advantage: Packers


5. Packers' LB Nick Barnett vs Colts' RB Dominic Rhodes

The Packers caught a huge break when Colts RB Joesph Addai went down with an injury that will keep him out 2-4 weeks. However, Rhodes has shown in the past that he can carry a rushing load. That was evident last week when Rhodes carried the ball 23 times for 73 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens stout run-defense.

Barnett has admittedly played down from last season, but he showed signs of improvement last week in Seattle and will play a big factor in shutting down Rhodes Sunday. The Packers, as a whole, showed significant improvement in run defense last week, and that will need to carry over against Indy.

When the Colts' offense has become one-dimension this season (see @ Minnesota), their offense becomes very average. QB Peyton Manning can be pressured, and making this offense one-dimensional will create opportunities for Packer defenders to get after Manning.

Barnett and company needs to continue to shut down the Colts' running attack for Green Bay's defense to have a shot.

Advantage: Equal


Green Bay plays host to Indianapolis Sunday at 3:15 CDT, on CBS.