Packers Chances Against Eagles Slim Without QB Aaron Rodgers
Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws under pressure from Oakland Raiders linebacker Kevin Burnett (94) at O.co Coliseum. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 49-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
4) What would be the Packers’ game plan to stop Chip Kelly’s explosive offense? Nick Foles is playing at a high level and LeSean McCoy is having a career season. Do you believe the Packers will be as effective against that high octane offense like they have been again the rest of their opponents.
DD: Tough question. The Packers defense seemed to be really improving since week four’s bye week, but then Monday night happened. A Chicago Bears offense, led by backup quarterback Josh McCown, really exposed some holes in the Packers defense. They failed to get pressure. They didn’t contain Chicago’s big receivers. And they allowed Matt Forte to beat them on checkdown and swing passes. Their confidence is definitely shaken. Their secondary just didn’t look good. With the Eagles explosive offense coming to town this week, it looks like it could be a recipe for disaster.
The Packers best chance in halting Kelly’s offense is to get pressure on Foles. A lot of pressure, in fact. The Packers may have their two top pass rushers back this week, Matthews and Nick Perry, which could really impact the game. Without these guys I don’t think they have a chance. The Packers have struggled to get good production from their outside linebackers without Perry and Matthews in the lineup. However, if the defense can manage consistent pressure and frazzle Foles a bit, then I think they can keep Philadelphia’s offense from controlling the game.
It will also help if Green Bay’s offense can control the clock and get their running game going. The Packers need to win the time of possession battle and keep the Eagles offense off the field. If the Eagles put up a lot of points early in the game, then I’m not sure the Packers offense without Aaron Rodgers can keep up. The Packers defense just needs to keep this contest from being a shootout.