Green Bay Packers: 5 BIG Questions Ahead of Matchup with Colts
By Paul Bretl
Can the Green Bay Packers play mistake-free Special Teams?
In a recent article where I highlighted my “X-Factors” for Sunday’s game, the Packers’ special teams play was one of them. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen them allow a blocked punt in Houston, a punt return against Jacksonville, and overall they just haven’t been very good. If they bring that kind of sloppy play to Indianapolis, the Colts will take full advantage.
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The Colts have two very good return men in, you guessed it, Nyheim Hines, who’s 151 total punt return yards are the sixth most in the NFL. While on kickoffs, Isaiah Rodgers 537 return yards are the third most, and he also has a 102-yard return, something we don’t often see in today’s game. And last week, when Indianapolis was taking on Tennessee, they had a huge momentum-swinging punt block as well.
This game will likely be a close one that comes down to the wire, and a special teams error could very well be the difference between coming away with the win and heading home with a loss.
Can the Green Bay Packers pressure Phillip Rivers?
Overall this season, we haven’t seen the Packers generate the same pressure rate as they did a season ago. However, the last two weeks against San Francisco and Jacksonville, they’ve been much better. Nick Mullens was under constant duress, and that led to two turnovers and several off-target throws. While against Jake Luton, pressure generated another turnover, and it was pressure that put the game away on Jacksonville’s final drive.
This week is going to present a much more difficult challenge, though. One, because the Indianapolis offensive line is very good, but also due to Phillip Rivers not holding on to the ball very long. As I mentioned above, Rivers gets the ball out quickly, on average just 2.49 seconds to be exact, which is the fourth-fastest time this season. Even with a great push or with sending blitzers, it’s not easy to get to the quarterback that quickly.
While that may be true, the Packers are going to have to find a way to get Rivers off his game and take away those easy completions. If they can do that, it’ll help the defensive front create pressure, and when there is pressure on Rivers, we will probably see a turnover-worthy pass or two.