Can the Giants Pull off an Upset Against the Undefeated Packers?

Padraig O' Halloran Dec 3, 2011

Undefeated, unstoppable and the reigning Super Bowl champions. These are some adjectives that best describe the 11-0 Green Bay Packers. The Packers travel to New York chasing perfection, and with Quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm, things are looking good in Green Bay.

Things aren't looking so good for the New York Giants. The Giants are 6-5 and need to win this game if they are to stay in contention for a Playoff spot in the NFC. A defeat in this one would most likely see them two games behind the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East and with just four games remaining, their Playoff hopes would be slim. This is certainly a 'must-win' game for the Giants. I'm now going to examine the keys to a Giants upset. Here it goes.

Run the ball effectively

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The Giants are the worst team in the NFL in rushing and that has to change if they are going to defeat the Packers. Leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw has been listed as questionable for the game with a foot injury.

If Bradshaw cannot play, it will be up to back up Running Back Brandon Jacobs to carry the load. Jacobs and the Giants Offensive Line have to run the ball effectively if they are to have any chance in this game.

Win the turnover battle

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This one is simple. Turnovers cost teams games and the Giants cannot afford to turn the ball over against the Packers defense. The Packers defense has already forced 22 Interceptions this season, and they will be out to do more of the same in this one.

The Giants Offense has to keep turnovers to a minimum and hope that Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has an off day.

Defense must step up

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The Giants defense is coming off an embarrassing Monday Night Football defeat against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in which they gave up 49 points. The Packers have arguably the best Offense in the NFL, and so stopping them will be no easy task. However, the Packers Offense is quite predictable.

The Packers like to spread the field with five Wide Receiver sets and rarely run the ball. The Giants defense backs must cover better than they did against the Saints, and I would suggest playing more Zone Coverage against Rodgers and the Packers.

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Eli Manning must have a big game

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Eli Manning is quietly having a great season. Manning is on pace to throw for 4,000 yards for the fourth consecutive season and seems to have fixed his Interception issues from last year. If the Giants are to win this game, Manning must have a big day and that will greatly depend on his Receiving Corp.

Wide Receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks are both having successful seasons and have combined for 105 Catches and 11 Touchdowns. The Giants must put their faith in their quarterback and expect to see Manning throw the ball at least 40 times in this one.

Get pressure on Aaron Rodgers

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The most crucial key to a Giants upset. If they cannot get pressure on Aaron Rodgers, they simply cannot win. Rodgers has been this season's MVP and will rip the Giants defense apart if given time to throw.

The Giants defense failed to sack Saints quarterback Drew Brees last week and that must change in this one. Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will bring the blitz early and often against the Packers, with numerous players looking to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers. Expect to see Jason Pierre-Paul fired up in this game.