Coming off a meager 1 point loss to the Minnesota there are certainly any number of stats that would have changed the outcome of the game. Three reall...
Coming off a meager 1 point loss to the Minnesota there are certainly any number of stats that would have changed the outcome of the game.
Three really stand out though...
1) 2 safetys on Aaron. If either of these safetys doesn't happen,
the Minnesota don't win the game. And neither of them should have happened.
2) 1 missed field goal. Granted it was from a long distance, but Mason Crosby usually hits those and when the game is on the line he has to hit those. That's what he's paid to do. Come on Mason Crosby, ring that bell.
3) Time of posession: Vikings 36:05 and Packers 23:55. Hey offense. Give the defense some time to rest.
Aaron was only able to find Jennings three times against the Vikings. Bad offensive line play? Poor play calling? Rogers inability to read the defense fast enough? Regardless, Packers has to connect with Greg Jennings more often.
Despite the fact that Packers only had 184 total net yards to the Vikings 361 the Packers defense kept them in the game with 1 fumble recovery, two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and 2 sacks on Gus Frerotte.
But 36:05 is a long time to be on the field.
So, now the Packers are looking forward to playing the Bears.
There are many statistics where the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers match up closely. In these phases of the game this should be a pretty even matchup.
In yards per game, Chicago Bears is ranked 16 with 323.6 yards per game. The Green Bay Packers is ranked 19 with 319.6. In passing yards Green Bay has the upper hand. Ranked 11 in the NFL they average 221.4 yards per game. The Chicago Bears isn't far behind though. Ranked 14 they average 213.0. And in scoring the two teams are completely even. Both are placed 6th with 26.3 points per game.
So, what stats should the Packers be able to capitalize on as they try to draw even with the Bears?
For starters, Ryan is going to have to make something happen this game and his offensive line is going to have to help him out some. Against the Vikings Grant only had 75 yards. That's not going to be good enough against a Bears team that's ranked 4th in run defense and is only allowing 74.9 yards a game.
On the other hand, Chicago is almost dead last in receiving defense. That, coupled with the fact that Chicago is not very impressive (19th) in sacks, which should give Rodgers a chance to find his receivers and get them the ball more.
The problem is that the Green Bay Packer defensive team may end up on the field way too much as this Bears running game is averaging over 100 yards a game (110.6).
This game may be a win because of another interception for a touchdown. And that's not out of the question. The Packers are number one in the league in that department.
