Key Battle for Packers vs. Giants: Playoff Edition
The Giants defense is a concern, but for the Packers, attacking New York's offensive line and left tackle Ereck Flowers is the key to victory.
By andrewgarda
Earlier this week, I broke down one aspect of the upcoming Packers-Giants game for Pro Football Weekly—the way the Giants use Landon Collins and the way the Packers might use Jared Cook.
Here though, I’m going to look at a different angle—how the Packers can take advantage of a shoddy Giants offensive line.
While Eli Manning has had a shaky year, a large portion of his struggles have come about because of awful offensive line play. Even though the overall play has improved since guard Justin Pugh came back from injury, the offense is still struggling.
The Giants have not scored more than 19 points in five weeks. When they have won, it’s been on the back of their defense. Now, it is going to be difficult for the Packers to score, but having faith that Aaron Rodgers and the offense will put some points on the board, the team must then focus on shutting Manning down.
That means assaulting him at every turn and taking advantage of the offensive line issues, especially left tackle Ereck Flowers who Pro Football Focus has graded as their No. 59 tackle.
Now, I always say you should take those grades with a large grain of salt – particularly along the offensive line where nobody outside of the players in the meeting room know all the protections and responsibilities.
I mention this grade, though, as it illustrates how bad Flowers has been.
Pugh helps that—last week, Flowers and Pugh (along with the whole line) allowed one sack and very few quarterback hits—but Flowers is still very vulnerable. And if Pugh shifts to prop Flowers up, that means someone has to guard the guy Pugh normally would have.
It allows the Packers to overload a side of the line—and already shaky line—and get at Manning. Manning and pressure have been a bad combination (or good, depending on what sideline you’re on) all season.
The Packers can generate pressure, though they might want to try the odd safety or corner blitz to attack the edge.
Their focus should be Flowers though. While Marshall Newhouse (at RT) should get attention, Flowers is a train wreck.
Take advantage and the Giants will struggle to move the ball.
Comments (31)
jh9
January 06, 2017 at 05:41 am
"Their focus should be Flowers though. While Marshall Newhouse (at RT) should get attention, Flowers is a train wreck.
Take advantage and the Giants will struggle to move the ball."
I like it!
Go Pack Go!
Bearmeat
January 06, 2017 at 05:52 am
Getting hits on Manning (notice I didn't say sacks - he's as "sack averse" as his big brother) WILL lead to INTs. Getting at least 1 turnover and keeping Paul Perkins in check is the clearest path to victory for Green Bay.
If it's a turnover free game on both sides, it's not unwinnable, but it will be a coin flip.
NickPerry
January 06, 2017 at 05:59 am
Flowers was struggling all night long against Perry & Matthews earlier in the year. Both had sacks and the Packers pressure had a big effect on the game. If the Packers can pressure Manning like they did in week 5 and limit OJB like they did, I can see Eli getting flustered again, make Eli pick himself of the ground after every throw. If the Packers do I see at least 3 TO's for the Packers. Give Rodgers a short field a few times and it's game over in most cases.
DrealynWilliams
January 06, 2017 at 12:17 pm
I hope this is the time where we stop dropping so many would-be INT's.
Tundraboy
January 06, 2017 at 09:11 pm
.
Tundraboy
January 06, 2017 at 09:12 pm
.
Tundraboy
January 06, 2017 at 09:11 pm
Amen
Tundraboy
January 06, 2017 at 09:11 pm
Amen
Tundraboy
January 06, 2017 at 09:11 pm
Amen
Bearmeat
January 07, 2017 at 08:16 am
.... Can I get an Amen? :D
NickPerry
January 06, 2017 at 06:23 am
Another key will be Cobb's health. I know the Packers have been doing just fine without him but Cobb had a really good game against the Giants week 5. He had 9 catches over 100 yards and should have had a TD but it was called back. Allison is filling in nicely, but I LOVE Cobb when Rodgers scrambles buying time. Cobb was the one who uncovered in week 5 during those scramble plays. Cobb and Rodgers have a much better chemistry during those plays than Rodgers and Allison just because they've been doing it for 5 years. Be really great if BOTH Cobb and Allison play... Can't cover them ALL!!!
RCPackerFan
January 06, 2017 at 07:06 am
You bring up a great point about Cobb. When plays break down Cobb is one of the guys Rodgers seems to always find.
But its not just Cobb who has been great on 3rd downs. Nelson is and always will be one of Rodgers top targets. Cook since coming back from his injury has caught a lot of 3rd down passes.
The best thing about getting Cobb back and the recent emergence of Allison is that, they now have a lot of people that can make plays. Nelson, Adams, Cobb, Allison and Cook are legit threats as WR's. Also add in Montgomery who is a tough match up.
Giants may have 3 Good CB's. But do they have 5?
RCPackerFan
January 06, 2017 at 06:51 am
Most people will likely say that the key battles are the WR's vs CB's. And to be honest, that will be the most watched battles in the game.
But this game is won and lost in the trenches. And I believe it will be again. The Packers OL has been terrific and has given Rodgers a lot of time. They need to do so again. Give Rodgers time and he will find someone.
If the Packers DL is able to bottle up the Giants newfound run game and is able to get pressure on Manning they will force him into mistakes.
Key battles in the Trenches. Bakhtiari vs Olivier Vernon, Bulaga/Spriggs vs Jason Pierre-Paul. Mathews/Perry/Peppers vs Ereck Flowers and Marshall Newhouse.
croatpackfan
January 06, 2017 at 07:16 am
JPP did not practiced neither on Wednesday nor Thursday... Very likely he will not play.
RCPackerFan
January 06, 2017 at 07:56 am
Thanks for the update. I did not see that. I thought I had heard he was going to play.
dobber
January 06, 2017 at 07:27 am
To add onto Croat's comment, they're saying JPP is not likely to play until the conference champ round if they make it that far. I think he's only 5 weeks removed from sports hernia surgery at this point.
I actually think it will be Daniels v. Pugh. Eli's a statue. You've got to make him use his feet and move him off his spot. No better way to do that than inside pressure so he can't step up. The Packers need to get inside push this week.
RCPackerFan
January 06, 2017 at 07:59 am
Thanks for the update. Like I just said to Croat, I thought I heard he was going to play. I must have dreamed it or something. :)
Honestly, the pass rush up the middle could be huge for the Packers. Getting in Eli's face up the middle will force him into mistakes and won't allow him to step up in the pocket. I wouldn't mind seeing some twists and stunts. Getting Mathews coming up the middle some.
I agree about Daniels. But also keep an eye on Lowry. He has been providing a nice pass rush up the middle late in the season.
DrealynWilliams
January 06, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Dream up some more! =)
Dzehren
January 07, 2017 at 01:57 pm
Correct JPP is out
ironman3169
January 06, 2017 at 06:29 pm
I believe you are absolutely correct. The trench battle will most likely decide the game, as the cold tends to have an adverse effect on the passing game. I believe this game is going to require smashing runs by Rip and speed runs by Monty and Michael.
Dzehren
January 06, 2017 at 08:04 am
Let's attack former Packer Marshall Newhouse as well!
tobinrote
January 06, 2017 at 08:06 am
the idea of a team starting marshall newhouse at tackle and NOT being able to beat that team pretty near defies imagination.
x24
January 06, 2017 at 03:09 pm
Newhouse is playing a lot better than he played here. His footwork is better and he generates better leverage. He was not starting material when he was here, but he has improved
x24
January 06, 2017 at 08:12 am
Our defense has struggled with quick passes in the soft middle and screens- exactly the type of offense that can be expected from a quarterback under pressure.
I hope our secondary does not end up the victim of pressure on Manning.
Manning will throw some bad balls, how we respond to those opportunities will be key
Thegreatreynoldo
January 06, 2017 at 08:39 am
My major concern is how banged up Bulaga is. Bulaga gave up 5 pressures last week to Hyder and what's his name. JPP is definitely out, but Giants fans seem to like his replacement, even if Wynn is a downgrade. I expect GB to score 24+ points.
Razer
January 06, 2017 at 09:09 am
I agree with RCPackerFan - this contest will be determined in the trenches. If we can push the pocket and pressure Manning our secondary will not be as big a liability. Manning under pressure is kind of like Culter. If our O-line can continue its high level of play and we can get a ground attack going, we will disrupt their good secondary.
It all starts up front - we have to win in the trenches. This is what Dallas has been doing for Dak and Elliott. Let's hope that we can practice the formula this weekend and perfect it next weekend.
LayingTheLawe
January 06, 2017 at 12:30 pm
The Giants defense has been tough but so had the Seattle and Viking defenses until the Packers put up 30 on them. If the protection is decent the Packers will score.
And on defense a team with Marshall Newhouse blocking has got to have some big deficiencies :) My impression is that the Giants have made a living throwing 5 yard passes to OBJ and letting him run it for 80 yards. So they need to tackle and limit the big play which has been a struggle for the Pack at times.
Dzehren
January 06, 2017 at 12:41 pm
We need press coverage on OBJ to disrupt him at the line of scrimmage with help over the middle. Let's get in OBJ face & watch him self distruct.
stockholder
January 07, 2017 at 11:45 am
The key to the packers victory will still be stopping Beckham. His one handed catches and route running are still the best of any WR in the Nfl. They must stop the YAC. Push him to the outside where the sidelines can be used. It will also make it nearly impossible for manning to pin point him. Manning still is a good qB. I also would have Peppers blitz from whatever side Beckham lines up on.
PETER MAIZ
January 07, 2017 at 06:57 pm
I agree, the battle of the trenches will decide the game. I'm hoping the Packers stop the run where they have proven to be effective. I believe we'll run the ball more effectively than the Giants.
Dzehren
January 07, 2017 at 11:05 pm
Czar MCCarthy vs protege Ben Mcadoo is an underrated storyline.
Logic seems w/ GB @ home, coach Tom coughlin retired - it has to favor GB W/ a HOT AROD & Offense. Jordy- Adams- Geronimo- Cook- Monty- RIP short yardage- Cobb punt returner & screens