Best plan is to make them one dimensional and force Rodgers to take chances. The Packers don't have a great running game, but they still try to establish it every game. Heck, in the playoff game they had some success on the ground but our secondary played very well. Aldon Smith and the crew will have to be relentless, but I'm a bit afraid of the screen game. Can Rogers contain Cobb in the slot? On the outside we will get tested with Jones and Nelson. Nnamdi will likely get tested a few times deep but hopefully he brings his A game. If our front 7 can stop the run like they usually do without having to bring in a extra guy, it will make Reid's job just that much easier. In the red zone it will be interesting to see if they try to attack Reid the way they attacked Whitner last year.
Offensively, we just have to establish the run game and can't turn the ball over. The Packers will be without Hayward, but they have a bunch of ball hawks even without him. Our WRs will likely have a tough time creating separation against their CBs, but Davis up the seam will be open. We HAVE to take advantage of any match up that involves VD with one of their LBs. The Packers will be ready for the read option but I'm sure we will have new variations that we haven't shown yet. Hopefully we jump on them early and make them play catch up ball. People don't realize just how poorly the Packers play when they are facing a early deficit. One of the worse teams when it comes to play that style. Obviously most teams will have tough times, but other teams with elite QBs usually find ways to get it done. For all of Rodgers greatness, this is one situation he struggles at.
Bowman and Willis on Finley will also be interesting. With the loss of Jennings and Nelson battling an injury, Finley will likely be featured more in their offense. If the two ILBs can hold their own and we won't have to switch the match up, it will benefit us greatly. It will be interesting to see Lemonier enter the game on passing downs. When we go to the nickle, I wouldn't be surprised if we take out McDonald on some plays and plug Aldon in the middle. This way you could have Lemioner rushing from the outside and it could work out great for us.
You just never know what to expect when matched up with a high powered offense, just hope we play very disciplined unlike the playoffs. I will go with a 27-17 win with our defense coming up with a big turnover late in the game.
[ Edited by CullyInTheHouse on Sep 4, 2013 at 2:27 PM ]