The Packers are coming off of a tough loss last Saturday Night on the road, and will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens tonight. While they have already clinched a playoff spot, here are five things to watch for.
Packers Helping Former Packers
Former Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who is now a Pittsburgh Steeler, could clinch the AFC North with a Ravens loss tonight against the Packers. Rodgers, and the Steelers, will look for some help from Green Bay after the Steelers were able to beat the Detroit Lions to make Green Bay’s chances to make the Playoffs jump from 70% to 94%. The Minnesota Vikings, and former Packers’ Running Back, Aaron Jones would take on Detroit on Christmas Day. After a long game that saw the Vikings force six turnovers, they would beat the Lions to send the Packers to the Playoffs Officially.
Malik Willis
The Packers will have a new Quarterback under center for this week, as Jordan Love is still in concussion protocol. Malik Willis, who has seen a significant amount of playing time coming into this week recently, will make his first start of the season for the Packers, after not losing a game in multiple starts last year. Willis, a mobile Quarterback, definitely will switch the playcalling to more of a Run/Pass Option type of offense that is designed for boots to roll out Willis so that he can use his legs to his advantage should a pass play break down. One thing to watch for will be how simple Matt LaFleur is able to make this offense, while still scheming up some effective plays. With the amount of talent on this offense, and Malik Willis having the legs to make this offense unpredictable, this should be a good game to watch.
The Defense
With Tyler Huntley set to start for the Ravens, it’ll be the battle of backup Quarterbacks tonight. While Huntley, who has more experience and starts this year, will make yet another start, this offense will run about the same as far as Quarterback designed runs, as they have with Lamar Jackson. Look for this offense to spread the field out as much as they can with speed, to try to get the Packers’ defense into space. While the defense was stout for most of the game last week, they ultimately got burned in overtime on a deep ball touchdown, as well as had zero sacks. The bright side is that even banged up, this defense is LOADED with talented players that can wreck games. The pressures were there, it’ll be about finishing out those pressures this week to turn them into sacks tonight.
Rashan Gary
One of the most vocal leaders on the team in Rashan Gary will need to step up tonight against the Ravens. With Micah Parsons out, the pressure need is a large one for the Packers’ defense. Gary will look to lead that charge once again this week, and turn his four pressures from a week ago, into sacks.
Christian Watson & Company
We’ve seen the connections that Willis has been able to build with these receivers during his time in both starts, as well as Training Camp. One thing to note, is that Willis has a very nice deep ball. This is even more noteworthy considering the Packers take the most shots downfield past twenty air yards in the NFL. With two receivers that have absolute burners with their speed, Christian Watson, as well as Matthew Golden will look to take advantage of that tonight as they head into the game against a very good Ravens’ secondary that has been banged up this year.