Green Bay Packers: 3 X-Factors against Philadelphia Eagles
By Paul Bretl
Before the Green Bay Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field, here are three X-Factors to keep your eyes on during Sunday’s game.
Sunday’s matchup will be between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Green Bay Packers sit at 8-3 on the season in complete control of the NFC North with a three-game lead. Meanwhile, even in the lowly NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles can’t seem to put it together at 3-7-1.
The Eagles have won two of their last three games at Lambeau Field; however, this Philadelphia team is a bit different. Carson Wentz is struggling, the offense as a whole is a mess, and major changes are in store this offseason. But as we saw this season when Green Bay faced Minnesota and Jacksonville, even at home, no team should be taken lightly.
So as we look ahead to his game, who are the big X-Factors for the Green Bay Packers? As I’ve mentioned before, I try to stay away from the star players because we know that Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and Za’Darius Smith have to play well, but which non-stars can leave their mark on this matchup? Admittedly, I strayed away from that a bit with one player in particular because, in terms of finishing the season strong, this is a big week for him.
Jon Runyan Jr.
With Corey Linsley out, we will likely see Elgton Jenkins back at center, and that means Jon Runyan will take over at left guard once again. When called upon this season, Runayn has been very solid, even called “Mr. Reliable” by Aaron Rodgers. According to Pro Football Focus ($), in 80 pass-blocking snaps this season, Runyan is yet to give up a sack or quarterback hit and has allowed four hurries.
This week as he makes his first NFL start, Runyan is going to be tested against what has been a very good Eagles pass-rush. Brandon Graham leads the team with seven sacks, but Philly also has three other players, including IDL Fletcher Cox, who have at least four. And as a team, the Eagles’ pressure rate of 25.2 percent is the seventh-best in football this season.
We all know that the name of the game is keeping Aaron Rodgers upright, and as a sixth-round rookie, Runyan is going to be tested against Cox and Philly’s defensive front.