Packers vs Giants: 3 keys to victory in Week 5
The Green Bay Packers will play their first game outside of the United States when they “host” the New York Giants on Sunday.
This matchup promises to separate the contenders from the pretenders as both teams enter with identical 3-1 records. While Green Bay is fortunate to be in this position and is looking to improve, the Giants are ecstatic that they won three of their first four games. That’s the mindset difference.
However, if the Packers want to get the job done and continue their three-game winning streak, here are three keys to victory.
These three aspects will be key if the Green Bay Packers want to leave London with a victory over the New York Giants in Week 5.
Stopping Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley leads the NFL in rushing yards and carries. Daniel Jones is hobbled with an ankle injury. Sterling Shepherd, Kenny Golladay, Won’Dale Robinson and Kadarius Toney are all out at the wide receiver position. It’s clear what New York wants to do.
The Packers have struggled to stop the run this season, ranking 22nd in the NFL rushing yards per game and yards per carry. Kenny Clark can’t do it all himself and the rest of the defensive line needs to step up. Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry also needs to help. Stack the box with an extra defender and dare the overmatched wide receivers to beat their man one-on-one. That’s where it all begins.
Pressure the quarterback
When New York reluctantly decides to drop back and pass, get after the quarterback. Andrew Thomas is PFF’s highest-rated tackle in the NFL this season, but the Giants lack capable offensive linemen alongside him. Rashan Gary should have no issue getting pressure off the opposite side.
Meanwhile, Green Bay’s interior linemen must move the pocket as well. Jones will have limited mobility with his ankle injury and if Clark and company can get a strong push from the middle, it will limit his ability to escape even more.
Run the ball
The Packers have one of the better one-two punches at running back in AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones. I know Aaron Rodgers wants to throw the ball more, but this might not be the game to do that. The Giants have given up the fifth-most rushing yards this season. Let the backs eat.
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Jones and Dillon can open up all sorts of options for this offense. The play-action would be as deadly as ever with the Giants selling out to stop the run. Jones has yet to see an eight-man box this season so the Packers must make them pay for not respecting the run.