Green Bay Packers: 4 Matchups to Watch in the Divisional Round
By Kenny Jilek
Matchup #3: Deebo Samuel vs. Green Bay Packers Edge Defenders
Did you know that the Packers lost to the 49ers in the playoffs two years ago and that it was due in huge part to their insane performance on the ground? I’m sure you haven’t heard anything about that this week.
Well, seemingly out of nowhere in Week 10, Deebo Samuel became a running back. He’s had at least five carries in every game since then, and against Dallas, he had a season-high 10 while only being targeted three times as a receiver.
While he can run between the tackles and does it occasionally, they really want to get him out on the edge in space where he can make some defenders miss and outrun a few more with his speed. This is where the Packers’ edge guys will be so important. The rotation at this position is set to get some huge reinforcements, with Za’Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus both potentially suiting up Saturday night. Combine that with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, and that spot should be in good hands.
Still, Deebo is one of the most explosive players in the league, and Matt Lafleur, in his Wednesday presser, acknowledged that he’s a guy who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, so this is a focal point on defense for sure.