Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to watch in week seven
By Kenny Jilek
Elgton Jenkins vs. J.J. Watt
This matchup could realistically read Green Bay Packers’ offensive line vs. Watt because, like Smith, he moves around so much. He’s mostly on the interior, though, so Jenkins seems like the most likely matchup with the most volume. It could also be Lucas Patrick at the other guard spot, and that’s a scary proposition because while Patrick has played well as the Packers’ replacement to Lane Taylor, he’s a backup, and Watt is one of the most dominant linemen in recent history when healthy.
Jenkins had been an absolute wall at left guard for over a year in Green Bay, but last week, he, like many others, was off and gave up the first sack of his career. He knows he’s got a huge challenge in front of him with Watt, and he’ll need to be locked in all day.
J.J. Watt will face his hometown team for just the second time in his career. The first time, back in 2012, he had two sacks and four total tackles for loss, but his team came out on the losing end. Now, after eight years, the five-time Pro Bowler will get another shot at the team he grew up watching. He’ll want to do some damage again.
Watt is also a great run stuffer, and while outside runs didn’t work for the Packers last week because of the Buccaneers’ linebackers’ speed, they might have to try a similar scheme this week because of how disruptive Watt can be in the interior.
In other players with Wisconsin ties news, former Packer Randall Cobb will be on the field for the Texans, and his matchup with Chandon Sullivan is an honorable mention fourth matchup to watch. This year, Cobb has made 22 catches for 277 yards and two touchdowns as the Texans’ slot receiver.
Even in this passing league, football starts in the trenches, and having a pass rush just to get the opposing quarterback uncomfortable is extremely important, even if you’re not getting sacks. Keeping Aaron Rodgers upright is also a premium priority, and through four games when they did that, he was playing MVP football. This week is about the stars in the trenches and who can limit the other from wrecking their entire gameplan.
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What matchups are you most excited to watch in week seven of Green Bay Packers’ football? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @DairylandXpress.