Final thoughts before Green Bay Packers take on Jets
By Paul Bretl
Before the Green Bay Packers try to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Giants, here are my final thoughts ahead of their Week 6 matchup with the up-and-coming New York Jets.
– Pressure. Pressure. Pressure. If the Packers want to slow this Jets offense, get after Zach Wilson. This season, Wilson is averaging just 2.9 yards per attempt when under pressure and completing just 18% of his passes with two interceptions. The Jets’ offensive line has also dealt with numerous injuries this season.
– Maybe it doesn’t matter, but does flying to and from London just seven days ago have an effect on this week’s game?
– With the Packers choosing not to elevate any edge rushers, even with Tipa Galeai now on IR, one would think that Rashan Gary is good to go. If not, that would leave Green Bay with only three active edge rushers.
– This Packers defense better be ready for running back Breece Hall, who has home run ability both as a ball carrier and a pass-catcher. Hall is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, according to PFF ($$), and ranks in the top-15 in both average yards after contact and runs of 10 or more yards. He is also the third-leading receiver on this Jets team.
– Joe Barry discussed on Thursday possible changes to this Packers’ defense, specifically in the secondary. This included not playing so far off, varying coverages more to limit crossing routes, and potentially giving Jarie Alexander and/or Darnell Savage more slot snaps, so Rasul Douglas can go back to playing on the boundary. That all sounds great, but do we actually see any of those changes taking place?
– Can the Packers win the turnover battle? They have yet to do so this season, and when speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers said that doing so can help cover up some of the offense’s inefficiencies with more opportunities and shorter fields.
– Speaking of turnovers, this Jets secondary has been very good at forcing them. They rank second in interceptions this season as well as third in pass breakups.
– There was a lot of talk this week about the Packers trying to push the ball downfield against the Giants. And while I agree that the run and quick games should be their bread and butter, the deep ball has to be an element–it just can’t be forced. Green Bay needs to find some success so that the opponent at least respects their ability to convert on those passes. If not, then we will continue to see teams playing closer to the line of scrimmage and condensing the field, just as the Giants did.
– With that said, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon have to be focal points. Jones is the Packers’ best playmaker, and a strong run game opens up the rest of the playbook. If the run game is working, stick with it, and don’t let the defense dictate what you do.
– The Packers offensive line will be tested this week against a Jets front seven that ranks fourth in pressure rate and fifth in yards per carry allowed. The Jets, however, have been susceptible to outside runs, which is also where we’ve seen Jones have a lot of success.
– Let’s continue to see Romeo Doubs playing a key role in the passing game.
– I know Christian Watson hasn’t done much in the passing game, but he does help create running lanes for the backs with the defense concerned about him getting the ball on those jet sweeps.
– With this being Juwann Winfree’s third elevation, after Week 6, if the Packers want him active, they would need to sign him to the 53-man roster, per the 2022 NFL practice squad rules. That would then mean a corresponding cut would have to be made.
– Amari Rodgers is still going to be back there as the punt return man, according to Rich Bisaccia on Thursday. However, he did also mention that they were looking at Keisean Nixon as well.
– The Packers, specifically Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur, are really good coming off a loss. Both in the adjustments that they make and their overall performance.
– With David Bakhtiari practicing every day this week for the first time, does he play the entire game? Also, Elgton Jenkins is coming off his best performance of the season, can he continue to build off of that?