November
Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants Key Matchups
Packers Offensive Line vs. Giants Defensive Line
This is probably THE key to this game for the Packers. Their offensive line has struggled when all of their regular starters were healthy and in position. Now add to that a shuffled line to account for the loss of right tackle Bryan Bulaga against one of the best front four in the game.
While the Giants defensive front hasn’t had the mind-blowing season like they had a year ago, they are still very formidable. After the success they had in getting to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in last season’s divisional playoff game, they will be looking to duplicate that output. Jason Pierre-Paul, Chris Canty, Linval Joseph and Justin Tuck have accounted for 14.5 of the team’s 25 sacks this season. Throw in four more by veteran end Osi Umenyiora and the Giants have a very deep and talented pass rush.
Dubbed the “NASCAR” package, New York’s front line will be looking to simply overpower and out-maneuver the Packers. They want to collapse the pocket back into Rodgers and try to force a bad throw or get the sack. They were able to wreak havoc on the Packers offense in that playoff game and it led to some turnovers. Rodgers typically fares well against the blitz but the Giants may not have to bring extra bodies if their front four can get a push on their own.
















