Why Packers Will Beat New York and Why They Might Not
Obivously, the Packers road trip to the 49ers was a disaster is just about every way possible.
Not only did Green Bay get beat by San Francisco, the Packers were dominated and embarassed on national TV.
It makes you wonder where they are headed and if they are a true contender in the NFC. But then again, you have to rememeber, it's just one game and in the NFL, a week can feel like a lifetime.
There is no doubt that Green Bay was miserable in a measuring-stick game within the NFC. Yet, there is still plenty at stake this week and plenty of time to turn things around.
Sitting at 8-3, the Packers still control their own destiny in the NFC North and are also two games clear of last wildcard spot.
The schedule also softens up a bit, starting with New York. However, even the 2-9 Giants can be dangerous, especially on the road and here's why the Packers will win, as well as why they might not.
Why Green Bay will win
The fact that the Giants have been one of the worst teams in the NFL has to give the Packers hope that they can travel to MetLife Stadium and get a win.
Aaron Rodgers and the offense certainy can't be any worse than they were against the 49ers and there is no question, the Giants defense is not the same animal.
Losing Bryan Bulaga to injury really doomed the Packers a week ago. They couldn't get the run game going and they couldn't protect Rodgers.
Green Bay signed veteran tackle Jared Veldheer who came out of retirement to join the team earlier this week.
The 6-foot-8 veteran was signed by New England in the offeseason then didn't feel ready to play. But now, he's ready to return and could provide a steadying presence or at least some depth.
No matter who starts, the Giants pass rush isn't the 49ers, so the Packers should be able to protect and if that's the case, Rodgers should torch a defense 29th in points allowed, 27th in yards allowed and has the 27th-best pass defense.
It seems like a perfect opportunity to get him, Davante Adams and the passing game rolling again.
New York has been decent at times against the run, at least in terms of average yards per attempt, but expect Aaron Jones to be a huge priortiy too.
Screens, draws and just a general investment in the running game will be good for the Packers this week and that should payoff in a big way this afternoon.
And while the defense has struggled of late, facing a rookie quarterback in Daniel Jones should have it lickings its chops.
The fact that Golden Tate is going to miss the game should make things even more difficult for New York, which could also be without tight end Evan Engram.
On the road, there are no guarantees, but if the Packers want to be a playoff team, this is the kind of game they need to win, simple as that.
Why Green Bay might lose
The Packers might lose this game and if so, they really are in a troublesome spot with their season.
Losing at San Francisco was costly, but there is no shame in that. The 49ers are a really good team that could wind up in the Super Bowl. New York, on the other hand, is 2-9 with nothing to play for and a rookie QB.
New York still has some talented guys, such as Barkley, who could give the Packers defense fits. A huge game from him is one way New York could steal a win. Another way is if the Giants manage to win the turnover battle.
Turning the footall over, as the Packers learned last week, is an easy way to get behind the 8-ball early and being positive in turnover margin will be essential.
There are a number of legitimate questions about this Packers team, especially on defense. But a win improves Green Bay to 9-3 with Washington on tap next week. That's a good spot to be sitting in and after one of the worst games of his career, you expect Rodgers to go off.
If he does, he should be able to lead the Packers to a road victory. But if the O-line has issues and Rodgers is hit all day, anything could happen, particularly if the defense continues to give up huge chunks of yards.
With five weeks to go, every game is a must-win for Green Bay and after getting trounced a week ago, the Packers should have a chip on their shoulder.
If they carry that into New York, they should be able to dispose of the 2-9 Giants.
However, if the Packers go through the motions like last week or underestimate the G-Men, they could be in for another rude awakening.
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Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru
Comments (20)
HankScorpio
December 01, 2019 at 05:24 am
It's the NFL. Anything can and does happen. But with NYG and Washington up next, I'm putting my money on them being 10-3 as they hit that last run through the division. As long as they put their attention on the game in front of them, that should be the results.
albert999
December 01, 2019 at 07:11 am
I’ll tell ya why they might not
They were 0-14 on third down with Rodgers in the game against 49ers
Hasn’t happened since 1999
Leatherhead
December 01, 2019 at 09:14 am
Very good point. Two popular narratives are both mentioned by the author: Defensive concerns and Rodgers slicing and dicing. In reality, the offense has simply failed to show up 3 times in11 games. 0-14 on third down speaks volumes.
Regardless of what people think about our talent, it’s still all about execution.
carlos
December 01, 2019 at 07:11 am
I hope we beat who we should beat, but like you said- it is the NFL- Murphy’s law seems to shake it’s ugly head concerning the Pack. My confidence has wained more than I expected. Non the less- go Pack!
m159267
December 01, 2019 at 07:21 am
This game may be frighteningly close. Could be a last minute field goal to decide.
The Giants will be really be pumped up reading all the 'Pack rights the ship in NY' headlines.
I really hope I'm wrong.
4zone
December 01, 2019 at 07:25 am
If they lose today, they will free fall the rest of the season. It will start a blame game in the locker room that will implode the team. This one is a must win game if they want any chance at post season success.
RedRight49
December 01, 2019 at 07:43 am
Rodgers has to get his passing game back in rhythm and this game will be his opportunity to do so.
Believe he will spread his passes out among several WRs as well as a few to the RBs and whoever lines up at TE.
That too will loosen up some running lanes and Jones / Williams should be running for yardage.
Be it Turner, Veldheer or whoever lines up at Rt the Pack needs to find out sooner rather than later if they can anchor that position until Bulaga is back.
Expect a tough running game from Barkley to ( again ) test Pettine's D and expect the D to reasonably hold Barkley's yardage down.
If the Pack plays with the the talent that got 'em their 8 wins they should win number 9.
If they bring their California game it's a long day but believe that's in their rear view mirror.
The Pack should win this one by 14 and go to 9-3 en route to securing a playoff berth.
4zone
December 01, 2019 at 09:36 am
Weather at the stadium today could make any passing game dicey at best. This may come down to who can run the ball the best.
packergal
December 01, 2019 at 07:45 am
Mentioned in a prior post--Rodger's has a lifetime 47/48 record in away games; therefore, nothing is certain at NYG.
Also mentioned in a prior TGR post, Rodgers needs to hit the open receivers quickly and give them a chance to turn up field.
Let's hope this one is a W! GO PACK!
Thegreatreynoldo
December 01, 2019 at 07:46 am
Green Bay should win easily. The Giants' offense should be crippled by the absence of Golden Tate and Engram. The run defense is stout, but at least one of the Giants' cornerbacks is playing at a reject level, and the 3rd and 4th CBs would not see any snaps if they played for the Packers. Jabril Peppers is okay at SS but is out for this game.
stockholder
December 01, 2019 at 08:42 am
Rodgers doesn't have to do anything this game. Don't expect him to follow the game plan. The Giants have lost 7 in a row. Thats means Bombs away. Hit the Tes. And let the backs run. This should be a blow out. The packers only need to avoid the penalties. Translation: the refs should be feared more then the Giants.
ALLGASNOBRAKES
December 01, 2019 at 09:03 am
Considering the weather is going to be TERRIBLE with rain and snow, winds around 11 mph, and temps around 38 degrees, I'd expect the Packers to run, run, and then run some more. It just might be a good game to start to use that rookie 3rd round draft choice we made at TE. Maybe get back to throwing those QUICK passes to anyone and everyone wearing a Packers jersey when he's open, and for the love of God STOP throwing 50-yard bombs on 3rd and 8 every other drive.
On Defense LOAD THE BOX. Do not let Barkley beat you or even make it a game, MAKE Daniel Jones beat you. This could be a GREAT game to get like 5 TO's and a blowout for GB. Jones turns the ball over like no other this season. GO get yours and get out with a win. DO NOT give the press more to talk about. BLOWING the Giants out will at least stop the chatter for a week.
Lphill
December 01, 2019 at 09:28 am
The weather here is supposed to get nasty as the day goes on , may be similar conditions as the Panthers game, advantage to Rodgers as far as experience in these conditions.
Lphill
December 01, 2019 at 09:40 am
1030 here rain starting. 33 degrees .
Qoojo
December 01, 2019 at 10:11 am
There should be no way that the packers lose today. The amount of suckage required to lose to the giants is so high, like phone it in and have 4 turnovers, or a bunch of bad injury luck.
TarynsEyes
December 01, 2019 at 10:26 am
Having to play NY and Wash back to back certainly should help the Packers right up until they have to play teams that can and have shown to be able,more than able to defeat them....Chi,Min,Det with the last two on the road.
A loss to either NY or Wash will have the sharks in a frenzy knowing they can be the deniers for GB's quest,whatever that goal might actually be, and undue all or the little that has changed seemingly in GB, less the fact that Rodgers made it through an entire season,so far.
This Packer team can assure us nothing and that includes a win over NY,Wash and especially the last three division games.
They have assured us that on any week vs any team...they can shit the bed with the worst bed shitters in the league and that is not a team secure with holding it's own destiny in it's hands.
Lphill
December 01, 2019 at 10:42 am
Looking back aside from the 49 er loss , Packers should have beat the Eagles at home. Chalk up the Charger loss to poor preparation so should have been 9 and 2 going into this game with a chance to go 13 and 3 .
Fubared
December 01, 2019 at 11:06 am
The Giants have had the packers number over the years but that was with a better team and Manning at the helm. If their QB can make some passes it could be interesting. I have it a toss up due to the weather and field conditions.
Bure9620
December 01, 2019 at 11:18 am
I am wondering if this is a possible game to get younger players involved, namely Kingsley KeKe, Sternberger and the enigma that is Rashan Gary. Cheers and Go Pack Go!
Since'61
December 01, 2019 at 11:53 am
This game has two key variables. The Giants have nothing to play for so they will likely be willing to try anything. However, I think that the bigger factor will the weather. Right now it is 30 degrees with a freezing rain storm. Terrible playing conditions.
Having said that, IMO, the only way the Packers could lose this game is if they beat themselves with stupid penalties and turnovers. This should be a big day for Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. On defense they need to stop Barkley. He's not having a very good season so hopefully the Packers won't let him become Jim Brown or let their rookie QB become Johnny Unitas. Go Pack Go!
Thanks, Since '61