Three Keys: New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers
Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback
Tom Brady(12) hands off the ball to running back
Jonas Gray(35) against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Two of the best teams in the NFL will link up at Lambeau Field Sunday afternoon in a possible Super Bowl preview. The New England Patriots (9-2) are seeking their 8th consecutive victory. They’ll have to overcome a hot Green Bay Packers (8-3) squad that’s been dominant at home this season if they have hopes of keeping the win streak alive.
Here are my three keys to a Patriots victory:
1. Establish the run game
Green Bay’s run defense has been atrocious this season. They’re yielding an eye-popping 136.7 yards on the ground per game. With Jonas Gray, LaGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen in the garage and ready to roll, expect New England to pound the football in order to open up the passing game. The play-action pass will became a lethal weapon if they get things moving early and often. It will keep Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews honest, allowing Rob Gronkowski, Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman to get open when Tom Brady does take to the air. Consistently running the ball will also keep Aaron Rodgers on the sideline. Rodgers will be up against it if the Patriots can eat up clock while posting points.
More from New England Patriots
- Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
- 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
- Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
- New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
- Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots
2. Build an early lead
Green Bay is known for its ability to start fast and jump out to insurmountable halftime leads. Forcing the Packers to play from behind will certainly throw a wrench into their game plan. All of the pressure will be on Rodgers. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to orchestrate a comeback with the likes of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner covering his favorite weapons.
3. Win the trench battle
Generating pressure on Rodgers from start to finish is key. Dont’a Hightower, Akeem Ayers, Jamie Collins and Rob Ninkovich have been great in rushing the passer with Chandler Jones out of the lineup. Rodgers can’t be allowed time to progress through his reads. Green Bay likes to set up a lot of deep plays down the field. Rushing him will neutralize that. On the flip side of things, New England’s offensive line needs to be dialed in considering Green Bay’s tendency to use a lot of zone blitz schemes. Blitzes will be coming from all over. Picking them up early will keep Brady on his feet.