NFL Playoff Scenarios: Why the Green Bay Packers Can Be Taken Down

We saw it happen during the 2010 postseason to three teams: New England, New Orleans and Indianapolis. All three lost in their postseason games, despite having strong passing offenses, because of their vulnerable defenses.

The Patriots finished with the No. 11-ranked pass offense that averaged 240 yards per game. Considering that New England had shown WR Randy Moss the door earlier that season, that's not a bad stat.

Unfortunately, coach Bill Belichick's pass defense allowed 259 yards per game and ranked No. 30 in the league. In the divisional round, the Jets were able to effectively throw the ball while slowing the game down and putting pressure on Tom Brady.

Moving on, the New Orleans Saints finished No. 3 in passing offense and actually were No. 4 in pass defense. The problem lay in their mediocre rush defense that allowed 112 yards per game.

As we saw in the Wild Card Round, Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch ate them alive and the Seahawks mounted an improbable comeback.

Now we come to the Indianapolis Colts.

The first victim of the 2010 New York Jets, Indy ranked No. 1 in pass offense and No. 13 in pass defense. So, for the Jets, it wouldn't be too difficult of a task, especially if they could limit the Colts' offensive possessions.

Which they did with their No. 4-ranked rush offense against the Colts' No. 25-ranked rush defense. Indy lost and we haven't seen Peyton Manning since.

All of this is relevant because the Green Bay Packers are similar to each of these teams.

Their passing offense is quite comparable to those of the Pats, Saints and Colts. So is their defense, which ranks No. 31 in yards allowed (289.4 per game) and allows almost five yards per carry on the ground.

The Kansas City Chiefs proved that running the ball and not turning it over is the recipe to beat Green Bay. Now, obviously that can hold true for anyone against any team, but the recipe never guarantees the outcome, either.

In the playoffs, no matter who they play and where, expect the Packers defense to be challenged on the ground. They have a solid pass rush and a pass defense that loves taking chances (as evidenced by their 27 interceptions).

On top of just running the ball and eliminating interceptions—the way the Giants upset the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII—a pass rush is imperative. Chiefs sack-master Tamba Hali took down Aaron Rodgers three times and got two more QB hits.

That's five pressures from one player; collectively, K.C. had nine (four sacks, five hits). Any team who can apply pressure with two players will limit Green Bay even more. Include a ground game that runs off clock and you have yourself an upset.

To that end, what it really comes down to is field position. The Packers have an excellent kicker in Mason Crosby and return specialist in rookie Randall Cobb.

If a team can minimize Cobb's chances of breaking one and limit Crosby's field-goal attempts to 45- and 55-yarders, the odds will significantly decrease for the cheese. Now, obviously all this is easier said than done, and K.C. also had Kyle Orton, who had done well against Green Bay earlier in the year with Denver, under center.

As long as the Packers' opponent runs the ball effectively, gets a pass rush and forces Green Bay into constant long drives and limited possessions, there will be no repeat in Titletown.

Make no mistake about it, the Packers are the best team in football. But as we've seen many times before, the best team isn't always the one who brings home the Lombardi Trophy. It's the team who can exploit their opponents' weaknesses and capitalize on their opportunities.

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