Pegging The Patriots

Can the Pack crack the powerful Patriots?

The Packers face their most challenging opponent of the season this week in the New England Patriots. Fans may be bemoaning the fact that their squad looks more like a mash unit, with 13 players now on injured reserve, but the team is not making any excuses. Whoever is healthy enough to play, better show up to play.

Without getting into the "ifs and buts" of whether QB Aaron Rodgers will be well enough to play after suffering a concussion in last week's taming by the Lions, the focus is on the opponent at hand. For your consideration, here's some bitter food for thought.



An 11-2 record is good for 1st place in the AFC East. The Patriots are the first and only team so far in the entire NFL to clinch a playoff berth

Patriots Offense:

#1 in points scored (415)
#1 in passing TD's (29 - Brady)
#2 in INT's (5 - Brady)
#7 in 1st downs (277)

Scared yet? Sure, they are imposing numbers, but where's the rub? In this case, it would serve our purpose to look at the "2" in the Patriots 11 and 2 record. Yes, lest we forget, New England has lost twice this year - Once to the New York Jets, and once to the Cleveland Browns. The most alarming stat that jumps out, when reviewing the minutes from these two contests, is that 4 of QB Tom Brady's 5 interceptions this year have come in these two losses. While the Jets and the Browns each only managed to sack Brady once apiece, they struck the perfect balance of pressure and disguise to rattle the usually bionic Brady, and cause turnovers. This is something the Packers are certainly equipped for. Packer fans may still be groaning about last week's loss to the lowly Lions, but that was by no means the defense's fault. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers has proven he's a master of taking the pieces he has and putting them in position to make a play. Injuries or not, rest assured Capers will cook up a way to involve LB Clay Matthews and the defensive front in pressuring Brady. Consistent, relentless pressure seems to be the only tonic against Brady's height and poise in the pocket. With Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson patrolling the secondary, any errant throws will be up for grabs. Green Bay has made a habit of shutting down potent offenses this year, and there's really no reason to push the panic button in Foxborough.

There's good news for Green Bay's offense as well. Here's some tastier food for thought

Patriots Defense:

#17 in Pts/G (21.2/G)
#27 in Yds/G (375/G)
#31 in Pass Yds/G (
#32 in 1st downs allowed (22.3/G)

As you can see, these numbers are a welcomed refresher for an offensive unit in flux. Even those low-down Lions rank much better defensively than these powerful Patriots. This is typical for Bill Belichick-coached teams. It doesn't matter if your defense gives up 3 touchdowns per game, as long as your offense can score 4. Gillette Stadium is chilly and windswept in December, which usually means keeping the ball on the ground. The game plan should differ greatly depending on the quarterback, however, as Aaron Rodgers is much better than Matt Flynn at slinging a cold rock on a windy field. If Flynn gets the call, look for short passes, screens, and more rushing duties for rookie HB James Starks. In either case, the offensive line must seek improved fundamentals in blocking. The line will have to bounce back after last week's shameful showing. Whether it's Aaron Rodgers or Matt Flynn behind center, creating a legitimate pocket and adequate rushing lanes will be paramount in the Packers efforts to move the ball downfield.

Before fans get all doom and gloom about this Sunday's matchup, it's important to know your foe. Hopefully, these statistics will prove therapeutic as the weekend inches closer. Have faith, Daily Dopers!

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