Green Bay Packers: 3 Keys to Reaching the Super Bowl
The Green Bay Packers must accomplish these three tasks in order to make their dream of another Super Bowl appearance a reality.
After waiting for what feels like weeks, it’s finally Championship Sunday, as the Green Bay Packers are set to take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Green Bay enters the game as sizeable underdogs despite an equal 13-3 record.
The Packers are still underdogs for a reason. The 49ers are an extremely well-balanced team and can do everything well. Their offense is predicated on establishing the run, as they have a trio of capable backs. Their play-action passing game keys off that and it can make life difficult for defenses in a hurry.
Their defense can get after the quarterback in a hurry and provide extra support to their secondary. It can quickly add up to a nightmare scenario if teams aren’t ready for a fight. In order for the Packers to take them down and advance to another Super Bowl, here are three keys to the game:
Quarterback Play
Gone are the days where the Packers have to solely rely on Aaron Rodgers’ greatness to advance in the postseason. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for Rodgers to bring back some of that playoff magic. Rodgers is getting ready to start his 18th playoff game while 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is about to start his second. That’s a nice advantage that Green Bay can turn in their favor.
Hopefully, Mike Pettine can dial up some schemes to confuse Garoppolo and make him feel the moment. After all, the pressure solely rests on him and his heavily-favored team. Rodgers isn’t as good as he once was, but can he be good once as he ever was?
Control the Lines
The Packers got their butts whooped at the line of scrimmage in the first matchup. Right Tackle Bryan Bulaga left the game in the first quarter and the offensive line as a whole never seemed to recover. Rodgers was running for his life all night and was seeing ghosts.
The Packers have protected him much better as of late and their offensive line should be completely healthy for the game. If they can give him more time to work the offense should reap the rewards.
They also need to win their battles on defense. Green Bay loves to use its natural four-man pass rush and they must be able to hit home with that. If they can play on their opponent’s side of the line of scrimmage more often than not, it will go a long way in determining the outcome.
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Win the Turnover Battle
Green Bay got behind early in the first game following a Rodgers’ fumble on the first possession that immediately turned into a 49ers’ touchdown. That same mistake must be avoided.
The Packers have been one of the best teams at taking care of the ball this season, and for good reason. Rodgers doesn’t make mistakes with the football and the rest of the team is careful not to turn it over as well.
Their defense has also excelled when forcing the other team into mistakes. Hopefully, Jaire Alexander or another electric defensive back can get their hands on the football and turn it into a positive opportunity for their team.