PACKERS’ TURNAROUND HINGES ON RODGERS
There are no calls to relax in Green Bay. With the Packers falling to 4- 5 and the long- term problems piling up, the message has swung to one of urgency.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has acknowledged a significant shift has to take place after last week’s 47- 25 rout at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. If the turnaround doesn’t begin Sunday against the Washington Redskins, the threat of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 becomes even more real.
With an eroding run game and a defense that has surrendered 30 or more points in four of its past five games, Rodgers has been asked to sling the Packers out of their slump. He has thrown at least 42 passes in five of his last six games and is on track for a franchise- record 656 attempts. Yet he is averaging a career- low 6.5 yards per attempt.
But for all their problems, Green Bay stands one game out of first place in the NFC North. And Rodgers used last season’s NFC wild- card win against the Redskins to dispel similar concerns about his trajectory.
Washington has a more favorable outlook in the rematch, as a revitalized defense is better equipped to defend Rodgers. Linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith lead a pass rush that will have to generate consistent pressure, and cornerback Josh Norman will be counted on to slow Jordy Nelson and surging Davante Adams.
Other matchups to watch:
Cowboys’ offensive line vs. Ravens’ front seven
Is the spotlight in Dallas big enough for five offensive linemen? Rookie standouts Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have earned praise during an 8- 1 start, but the dominance of the Cowboys’ front is impossible to overlook.
The line has paved the way for Elliott to become the NFL’s leading rusher with 1,005 yards. Prescott has also been well protected, as his 4.4% sack rate ranks eighth in the NFL.
Despite boasting the NFL’s topranked run defense, Baltimore will be hard- pressed to break through against a line with three potential all- pros in left tackle Tyron Smith, right guard Zack Martin and center Travis Frederick. The Ravens will need their massive nose tackles — 340- pound Brandon Williams and 339- pound Michael Pierce — to set the tone up front.
Eagles QB Carson Wentz vs. Seahawks’ pass rush
A revitalized rushing game helped Philadelphia break out of its slump last week with a win against the Atlanta Falcons. Wentz can’t count on a repeat performance from Ryan Mathews and Co.
The Seahawks have allowed 3.5 yards per rush on the season, tied for second lowest in the NFL. Seattle will likely stack the box and force Wentz to make plays to the outside. Yet Philadelphia can’t afford to fall into obvious passing situations, as Seattle’s formidable pass rush is tied for third with 29 sacks.
Raiders RB Latavius Murray vs. Texans’ front seven
With the Texans ranking No. 3 against the pass, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr might take a back seat to Murray for another week.
The Raiders switched up their offense when facing a similar outlook against the Denver Broncos, and Murray had 114 rushing yards and three touchdowns. That formula might be used against a Texans team that’s 26th against the run.
Houston can’t afford to stack the box against Murray. Carr can take advantage of one- on- one matchups for wide receivers Amari Copper and Michael Crabtree.