The Green Bay Packers offense is in a bizarre state right now: they are hot in the first half but cold in the second. Their lack of offensive production in the second halves of games as them ranked 25th in total yards and 27th in passing yards. The running game is pretty strong ranking 12th. So, while the offense is in the midst of figuring itself out, the defense has been carrying the team to a 3-1 start, which is amazing news because this offense is too talented and lethal not to figure it out. Here are the Green Bay Packers week six keys to victory.
Green Bay Packers Week Six Keys To Victory
Packers Run Defense vs. Ezekiel Elliott
When the Cowboys drafted Elliott fourth overall in the 2016 draft, Jerry Jones sold him to the fan base as the heir apparent to Emmitt Smith, and thus far the promising rookie is living to the hype. On the other hand, the Packers defense is historically good at stopping the run. Thus far into the season, Green Bay is allowing mere 2 yards per carry. Through four games, the Packers have allowed a total of 171 yards running the ball, while facing T.J. Yeldon and the, at the time, exciting new Jaguars, Adrian Peterson, Theo Riddick, and Bobby Rainey. This week will probably be their biggest test yet.
Packers Pass Rushers vs. Cowboys Offensive Line
Through four games the Green Bay Packers have totaled 14 sacks, which ranks fifth behind only the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills. Nick Perry leads the way with 4.5 sacks while Clay Matthews is not far behind with 3. But, opposing them is an offensive line that might be the best and most intimidating unit in the league. Last week, the Cowboys offensive line made the Cincinnati Bengals front seven look like kindergartens. It was simply an unfair fight, and the Bengals have one of the most talented groups up front.
Jordy Nelson vs. Morris Claiborne
In 2012, the Cowboys traded up to the sixth selection to draft Morris Claiborne out of Louisiana State University. They imagined he would become Patrick Peterson, but he failed to live up to the hype, until now. Claiborne, through the first five games of the season, has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and this Sunday will, surely, be matched up against Jordy Nelson. Nelson, on the other hand, is coming into this game as one of the best red zone threat. Despite scoring his fifth touchdowns in four games, Nelson was very critical of himself telling the Wisconsin State Journal, “It was beyond a rough game. That was pretty embarrassing.” Nelson could be in for a big game.
Conclusion
This will be a tough game for the Packers, but ultimately Aaron Rodgers will be able to make one more play than Dak Prescott. The Packers run defense will contain Ezekiel Elliott, and apply some pressure, although they won’t get to Prescott like they got to Eli Manning.
Prediction: Green Bay 20-17 Dallas
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