The birds are back. After a gritty win against Jeff Saturday’s Colts, the Eagles set their sights on a primetime matchup versus the reeling Green Bay Packers and psychedelic enthusiast Aaron Rodgers. This is one of those games where it’s hard to predict a blowout, even if the teams don’t seem to match up evenly. Just how can the Eagles secure the W and maintain a comfortable lead on the top seed in the NFC? Let’s find out.
Packers’ Strengths
Running backs
There is simply so much to unpack with this Packers team. Looking at the roster in a vacuum, however, it’s pretty easy to understand just how lethal the combination of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon can be. Jones poses a major speed and receiving threat, and the birds know this – in 2020, they let up 130 yards to the back, in the game that started Jalen Hurts’ career here in Philly. Dillon is talented in his own right, with the quads of a kangaroo and the power of a semi truck. Making sure to play to each of these backs’ strengths and limit their explosive potential is key to shutting down any potential fruitful Packers drives.
Defensive talent
While the Packers’ defense deserves (and has received) an article by itself, there’s no denying that they have massive amounts of talent in every position group. While Rashan Gary’s injury is a huge blow to the pass rush, the trio of Preston Smith, Kenny Clark, and Jarran Reed all provide a great combination of pressure and stout run defense. The linebacking duo of 2021 pro bowler De’vondre Campbell and first round rookie Quay Walker may have struggled early this season, but both (notably Walker) have played increasingly well recently. In the secondary, Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas are supported by safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, who all have proven themselves very valuable assets over the past few years. With players like this, it really does seem like this should be a top five unit – but we’ll get to that later.
Aaron Rodgers (?)
As much as I like to rag on the guy, Rodgers is a back-to-back MVP quarterback who’s easily a first ballot hall of famer when it’s all said and done. He hasn’t been the best this year, but much of that has to do with what’s been going on around him – and he’ll be the first to remind you of that. We’ve seen what he can do with a good receiver (see Davante Adams) and while Christian Watson might not be on that level yet, he’s also broken out in a major way as his chemistry with Rodgers has grown. You simply have to play Rodgers like he can pick apart your defense at any moment, because he can.
Eagles’ Strengths
Offense
I could overreact and complain how the Eagles only put up 17 points last week, but I won’t. The colts had a top ten defense entering that game, and there were so many opportunities missed by this team because of dumb penalties or freak turnovers. Do our studs need to play better? Yes. Are they still amazing in almost every position group? Also yes.
Defense
Jonathan Gannon impressed yet again last week, who after the first drive of the game only let up 43 yards to Jonathan Taylor the rest of the outing. A major part of that were new additions Jerry Tillery and Ndamukong Suh, who both played extremely well in their eagles debut. This defense seems to have found its solution on the ground, and if it can keep up the lockdown tendencies of this secondary, the D should resume its place as one of the best in the league.
Packers’ Weaknesses
Wideouts
Perhaps the most widely publicized weaknesses of any team in the league, the reality is that the Packers receiving corps is hot steamy garbage. Outside of Christian Watson, who’s only broken out in the past few games, Rodgers really doesn’t have anyone to throw to. Lazard might make a nice WR4, but he has no business being a first or second option on any offense. Romeo Doubs has been quiet these past few weeks, so it’s hard to expect anything from him if he plays – and past him, you have a limping Sammy Watkins and… Samori Toure. Oh, and Randall Cobb!
This room is desolate. It limits itself.
Defensive coaching
Speaking of limiting, it’s arguable that Joe Barry and the defensive coaching staff are holding back this defense from being a top 5 unit. Barry has taken the 2021 Jonathan Gannon route to playing defense, with a soft, grass-covering scheme that leaves gaping holes for opposing offenses to exploit. It’s even more infuriating when you consider the Packers have some of the most talented man coverage players in the league, who could easily hold their own in a more aggressive system. This defense will leave space for you to pick it apart. It’s inevitable.
Injuries
Internet to the game, but no less frustrating, injuries have crushed this packers team. Aaron Jones, Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, Randall Cobb, Robert Tonyan, Elgton Jenkins, David Bakhtiari, De’vondre Campbell, and Rashan Gary are all either out or have been questionable at some point this week. Even if a majority play, it’s a major challenge to have that many players, especially good players, fighting through injuries.
Eagles’ Weaknesses
Self-inflicted wounds
Some have asked why over the last two weeks, the birds’ offense has looked a bit less consistent than it did at the beginning of the year. Is it because of Hurts supposed regression? Well, if you fancy yourself someone who watches the games, it’s pretty easy to see that the real reason for the offensive struggles are self-inflicted wounds. High snaps, dumb penalties, horrible fumbles – all of these things stall drives and limit scoring. Hurts has been extremely good these past few games, and it’s time to start helping him out again.
Keys to Victory
Pressure Rodgers
When the wideouts struggle getting open, the best way to eliminate all threats of an air attack are forcing the ball out quickly. Pressure Aaron consistently and quickly, and he’ll get really uncomfortable; which will hopefully lead to even more turnovers.
Attack Barry
This is another game that will prove Hurts can carry this team with his arm. Attack Barry’s wet paper defense, and points will come.
Limit mistakes
Stop fumbling. Hold on to the ball. Secure the rock.
PLEASE.
Score Prediction
This is easily one of my most anticipated matchups this year. I would LOVE to see the birds lay a thumping on Rodgers, which is exactly what I will predict. Fly Eagles Fly, baby!
Score: 35 – 21 Eagles
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Noah Berger is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Noah, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
