Football is about matchups. That sounds basic, doesn't it? We aren't trying to insult anyone's intelligence. Sure. we could have begun this with some witty quote, a few Next Gen stats, or some landmark moment seen in previous Philadelphia Eagles playoff appearance.
We didn't because we have learned something over the years. Some of our most complex theories are birthed out of simple statements. So, again... Football is all about matchups.
All week, we have asked ourselves what a Green Bay Packers offense looks like that doesn't have Christian Watson in its lineup. Maybe the better question is this. How does an Eagles offense attack a Packers secondary that won't have Jaire Alexander available?
Then, there are the strengths and weaknesses of each team. We watched a ton of Packers games this week. Then, it hit us. Why don't we ask someone who knows them better?
Also read: Saquon Barkley and 5 other Giants the Eagles have stolen
Packers expert, editor, and writer Freddie Boston allows us behind enemy lines before the Eagles host Green Bay.
Our friend Freddie Boston is the editor and lead writer at Lombardi Ave, FanSided's home for all things related to the Packers. He has written at NFL Spin Zone and on other platforms, notching well over 5,000 stories on Green Bay since we have known him (and, we stopped counting). We had an idea.
Why not ask him about this Packers team?
Our question was a simple one. What is Green Bay's Achilles heel? What are there weaknesses? He was nice enough to indulge us in conversation.
What is Green Bay's biggest weakness on offense?
The Packers' biggest offensive weakness can also be a strength: the passing game. Jordan Love has the arm to find success against any defense, but Green Bay has lacked consistency through the air all year. Love has battled injuries, including the MCL sprain he suffered against Philadelphia in Week 1.
His receivers have struggled with drops. Per Pro Football Focus, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks both rank in the top 10 for most drops. They have combined for 18 in total.
Now, they have lost Christian Watson for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. That will eliminate some of their ability to stretch defenses vertically. This group can turn it on and get hot at any moment, but their lack of consistency is a real concern entering the playoffs.
Here's the biggest weakness of Green Bay's defensive unit.
It's the same story on defense. The biggest weakness could be a strength. Green Bay's run defense has been outstanding, ranking seventh in the NFL. That is important when facing Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. However, teams can get after the Packers through the air.
That is especially true when the middle of the field is attacked. Per PFF, since Thanksgiving, the Packers have given up 77 completions on 101 attempts in the middle of the field (on passes traveling beyond the line of scrimmage). That has resulted in 869 yards, five touchdowns, and two picks.
Good offenses have targeted them between the numbers. Getting Quay Walker back alongside Edgerrin Cooper would help, but this is still a remaining concern. It's hard to gauge what we will get from this unit on Sunday.
Our thoughts: Sounds good to us! Get Nick Sirianni on the phone if you have his number. We've given the Eagles unsolicited advice to usher them to the winner's circle. All the Birds have to do is follow the roadmap.