NFC Game Of The Week
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
Giants: They’ve been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL so far. As I said last week and throughout this season, I see a team that wants to play for their Head Coach. Brian Daboll has implemented a contagious energy in this locker room, and it shows. Also, I see a group that finishes plays now and leaves everything on the field for their coach. To be honest, I haven’t seen this type of effort since the Tom Coughlin days, yes, I took it back there. Another thing I’ve taken away in watching the New York Giants this year is Saquon Barkley. He’s had some issues staying on the field due to injuries. Finally, he’s been looking like the guy the Giants drafted 2nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and he looks invigorated meaning he’s playing with energy and looks fresh now that he has his legs under him. I also like how Coach is making him the point of emphasis with the offense. Don’t put so much pressure on your young Quarterback to bail you out each time. On Sunday against the Bears, Saquon had the best game of his NFL career. 31 carries and 146 yards rushing. The Giants aren’t the high-flying offensive team as so many are these days. They grind games out and finish. It doesn’t matter how you win, all that matters is how you get the job done. They’ll be across the pond on Sunday morning in England.
Packers: I guess you can say it’s Deja vu all over again. After getting punched in the mouth by the Minnesota Vikings in week 1, they’ve won their last 3 contests. I said Deja vu because this is exactly what happened last year after losing their first game of the season, they reeled off several victories in a row, 7 to be exact. This isn’t your typical Packers team and I can explain. They aren’t scoring with ease as we’ve seen in the past. For years, Aaron Rodgers has always had that top receiver to lean on. Remember his days with Jordy Nelson? They were locked in together. With Davante Adams, they made it look effortless and I used to refer to them as “pitch and catch”. Nowadays, he’s still trying to build that chemistry with a revamped core of Wide Receivers. This offense will continue to go through Aaron Jones. Run the football and that will help set up the pass. I will say this though. I like how Aaron is beginning to trust Rookie Wide Receiver, Romeo Doubs. He wants the ball and Aaron attempts to get it to him. He just needs to be better with ball security. A few weeks ago on the radio, I remember saying that even if these young receivers drop the ball or don’t make the play, still continue to get them the ball because not involving them will hurt their confidence. On Sunday, they’ll make the trip to London.
Giants X-Factor: Azeez Ojulari– He was such a bright spot for this defense last season and with the addition of Kayvon Thibodeaux, he’s only going to get better. This tandem could be lethal for years to come. I like how Azeez times his release off the snap of the football. He’s a disruptive force and I like his instincts. Once he forces the ball out, he purses the football and doesn’t worry about the passer. Azeez will be key in getting to Rodgers on Sunday.
Packers X-Factor: Randall Cobb– The Packers decided to bring him back because of his chemistry with Rodgers. He’s that reliable weapon over the middle that you target on short yardage situations or to move the chains. Every Quarterback has that safety valve to rely on. It’s safe to say Randall is Aaron’s safety valve. Randall is also 1 of the weapons Aaron is most comfortable with along with Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan.
Final Thoughts: There’s nothing wrong with some early morning football! Whoever thought this would be 1 of the big-time matchups this week? The Packers will give the Giants their biggest test since week 1 when New York played the Tennessee Titans. Look for Green Bay to use a healthy dose of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon to control the line of scrimmage and I look for Doubs to continue to ascend and become another trusted target for Rodgers. The Giants’ identity is running the football. Against the Bears, they couldn’t create down the field in the passing game, but they were able consistently run the ball. They’ll need that and constant amounts of pressure on Rodgers if they want to pull off the upset. Make Rodgers beat them with getting the ball to these new receivers of his.
Prediction: Packers 26, Giants 17
