Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to Watch in Week 17
By Kenny Jilek
Christian Kirksey vs. Jimmy Graham
Kirksey has often been the linebacker of choice for Mike Pettine in his dime packages with more defensive backs on the field in passing situations. His play this year is a topic of much debate because Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin have often been more dynamic, and his Pro Football Focus grade is a lowly 40.4, but he has done some things well that have made him higher in other metrics, and he has more coverage experience than the other two.
Last week, Christian Kirksey was the big-play guy on defense, making both a sack and an interception. This week, he’ll be tasked with stopping the run as well as covering the Bears’ tight ends, especially Jimmy Graham.
Graham will get his second chance at a revenge game this week after having just three catches for 32 yards in game one against the Green Bay Packers this season. Graham has been a red zone target for the Bears this season, scoring eight touchdowns, but while having similar yard totals to his years with the Packers. He’s not a dangerous big-play threat, but the Packers have often not been great at middle of the field defense. This week, Kirksey will have to keep Graham bottled up as he tries to get his new team to the playoffs.
Graham is nowhere near the player that he used to be on the Saints when he was an All-Pro and led the league in receiving touchdowns one year. However, he’s still a huge 6’7″ target who can be a difference-maker down close to the end zone. Green Bay’s defense often relies on the bend don’t break philosophy, so knowing where Graham is in the end zone will be a big part of that this week.