AIR SHOW

 

     Whenever I think of the Green Bay Packers playing the Saints, especially in November, I immediately jump to three conclusions: First, Aaron Rodgers is in the same elite ranks as Drew Brees. Secondly, Clay Matthews is a sack monster. And lastly, Jordy Nelson is well….Jordy Nelson.
The mere anticipation of the matchup is like awaiting the Belle Chasse Naval Air Show. And Sunday night’s game won’t be anything short of jaw-dropping. The Saints rushers are limited this week as Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson are out with injuries. Also Brees’s main source of protection, Jonathan Goodwin, is also injured.

The Packers, on the other hand, are fifth in defending the pass. Expect the Packers defense to play Saints receivers abnormally tight.  One person in particular to watch is HaHa Clinton-Dix. For the home team, there’s nothing hilarious about the safety’s performance this season. To date, Clinton-Dix has an interception of the Lion's Matt Stafford. He’s deflected 3 passes and the NFL has a sack on record. Even though, the Pack is ranked low against the run, let us not forget the strength of Clay Matthews. This season, Matthews has batted down a few passes and has an interception return for 40 yards. The Saints offensive line will have their own strength tested as protection is concerned.

‘If there’s any implication of how big this game is for the Saints, allow me to simplify it for you. If the Saints win and sit at 3-4, their playoff chances are still alive and the division is still at hand. If they lose and sit at 2-5, any rant of a post-season run should be ignored.

Keys to the game

Offense:

Control the T.O.P.: Giving Aaron Rodgers the ball is already threatening to a defense; especially a Saints defense. Prolonging the Saints drive and converting on third downs is a must if the Saints want to stay alive.

TUCK AND RUN- With Ingram returning and the other two running backs out due to injuries, it will be important for Drew Brees to make some effort to leave the pocket.

MAKE A STATEMENT- The depth chart in the backfield is thin. GET Kenny Stills AND Brandin Cooks up early. Give him the chance to be man. Get him out deep early in the first. It’s PRIMETIME. Trust fullback Austin Johnson. He showed us in game 7 that he is capable of accessorizing the Saints in the running corp. Cheers to him for a first quarter touchdown against the Lions.  

 

Defense:

DISRUPT THE FOCUS: Getting Aaron Rodgers off his rocker is difficult.  But getting Junior Galette in the guts of Aaron Rodgers is not. Make sure the two meet Sunday night in the ugliest way.

STAY FOCUSED: The Packers have been known to dismantle a defense using the “no-huddle." Make it back to the line of scrimmage and get set for the next play. Sluggish mannerisms set up the play action pass much like the running game.
 

Special Teams:

PICK A SPOT, FIELD IT : Target the 38 yd. line.  Home field advantage is a plus, but not when Drew Brees is backed up at his own 2 yard line in tight circumstances.


SCORE PREDICTION: Saints 31-28


Injuries
 
OUT
C Jonathan Goodwin (Knee/Ankle)
RB Khiry Robinson (Forearm)
LB Kyle Knox (Ankle)
RB Pierre Thomas (RIB/Shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE
Broderick Bunkley
Jimmie Graham
Ramon Humber
Keenan Lewis

PROBABLE
PATRICK Robinson

                                                    Cheers,
                                                      SC