NFC: More to matchup than Brady vs. Rodgers

More than 100 players will suit up for Sunday’s NFC championship game at Lambeau Field (3 p.m., CTV/Fox), so try to ignore all those talking heads making mention of only two: star quarterbacks Tom Brady, seeking his seventh title, and Aaron Rodgers. The only time Green Bay (14-3) was overwhelmed this season was a 38-10 loss in October to the Bucs (13-5). Here’s a quick look at the storylines:

BUCS OFFENCE

A decent amount of Tampa Bay’s chances will depend on running backs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones being productive. They have been, particularly Fournette, in recent games. If the offence is balanced, Brady is at his most dangerous. He might occasionally test cornerbacks Jaire Alexander, Kevin King (questionable with a back injury) and Chandon Sullivan with deep throws, but more likely will rely on stud wideout Mike Evans plus Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller on shorter plays that allow them to gain yards after catch. Coach Bruce Arians ruled out the reemerging Antonio Brown because of a knee injury, but a missed tackle on the others by any Green Bay defender easily could lead to six points with help from Tom Brady (photo). Don’t expect the Bucs (nor the Packers) to commit many turnovers, either.

PACKERS OFFENCE

Green Bay doesn’t have the multi-pronged attack Tampa Bay does, but it has the top receiver in this game in allpro Davante Adams. It’s pretty simple when it comes to somewhat neutralizing Rodgers, who is having perhaps the best season of his Hall of Fame-calibre career: Slow down Adams. Few opponents have done so, although both teams in this game have impressive secondaries. Unlike Brady, Rodgers can create outside the pocket, and he’s especially dangerous when doing so. His star running back, Aaron Jones, not only is terrific in the ground game, but he’s a top-level receiver. Few teams run screens to wideouts as well as the Pack — except the Bucs, who rank second in that category to Green Bay’s fifth.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Not special on either side. Veteran placekicker Mason Crosby is solid, making all 16 field goal attempts, but missed four PATs for Green Bay. Tampa Bay’s Ryan Succop, made 28 of 31 field goal tries but missed five extra points.

COACHING

Arians has been around — this is his 46th year in coaching — and his open-minded approach on offence always has matched changes in the game. It took a while, but he has melded the play calls with Brady’s preferences. Matt LaFleur, also an offensive mastermind but more in the workings of the recent schemes, has meshed beautifully with Rodgers. LaFleur put more emphasis on the running game to relieve Rodgers of carrying the entire load.