Packers vs. Eagles: Offense, Defense & Special Teams
With the Packers set to open the 2010 regular season, we take a look at what to watch for in each phase of the game...
Here's what to watch in each phase of the game during today's season opener pitting the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles at 3:15 p.m. Lambeau time...
- Offense: Pass protection–The Packers didn't give up a single sack in the 2009 preseason. When regular season opener rolled around against the Chicago Bears, they gave up four sacks on their way to giving up an NFL high 51 on the entire season. The Packers offensive line looked much improved during the 2010 preseason, again failing to give up a single sack. But will it carry over the regular season? As long as the offensive line can pick up where it did at the end of last season with Mark Tauscher at right tackle and the same starting consistent starting five, the peformance of the unit as a whole should be much improved.
- Defense: Rookie defensive backs–It all comes down to this. Safety Morgan Burnett and cornerback Sam Shields showed promise during the regular season, but like pass protection, will it carry over? With Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb likely to avoid Charles Woodson and Nick Collins, the rookies need to be able to hold their own because they're sure to be targeted. Barring injury, Burnett will more than likely play every single snap on defense while Shields will probably be on the field more than 50% of the time as the Packers' nickel cornerback. They will be key to the pass defense playing better than it did a year ago in key losses to the Steelers and the Cardinals.
- Special teams: The Packers punt game was so pathetic a year ago, it's imperative that they're improved. They've changed punters, and it will be Tim Masthay's first regular season action. He needs to show he not only has a decent leg, but can get consistently better hang time than a year ago that will allow his coverage units to get down field. Likewise, the Packers also need to do a better job pinning opponents inside the 20 better than a year ago when they led the league in touchbacks. It will be all the more important today as they face Pro Bowl returner DeSean Jackson. He needs to be held in check.
Comments (5)
September 12, 2010 at 11:26 am
I might actually learn something about the Packers by reading Brian's comments.
Brian Carriveau
September 16, 2010 at 09:38 am
Thanks, Aunt Jean :)
September 12, 2010 at 11:34 am
If our O-line has success against the blitz happy sheagles that will be a great sign moving forward.
I'm expecting Burnett and Shields to give up some plays, but I really think they will play well overall. Find out in a few hours.
ST gotta tackle well today.
WOOT
September 12, 2010 at 01:49 pm
Packers STeamers need to stay in their lanes. It's been such a problem that Slocum demoted vets in the preseason for shucking their lane discipline. All Jackson needs is a glint of daylight and he's gone gone gone...
September 12, 2010 at 02:30 pm
The D needs to get pressure, PERIOD. If not two rookies will invite disaster. Woodson must take Jackson out of the game. If he can do that and the Dline and LB's can put on good pressure the game will be GB's.
Add to that ST coverage. That could also turn this game into something less than stellar. Returners - KO's get it past the 20 and don't fumble - Punts fair catch everything and don't muff.
I think the offense should be good enough to win, if the D and ST's don't collapse.