This Could Be a Trap Game

The once safe game against St. Louis has turned into a battle at Lambeau because the Rams are coming off a great game knocking off the previously undefeated Cardinals. This could be a trap game so the Packers have to be on their game to win.

 

Nick Foles

Nick Foles (16-of-24-171) threw three touchdown passes and rookie Todd Gurley (19-146) starting his first game after recovering from a severe knee injury suffered in college couldn't be stopped.

Gurley Man

It was a good thing Gurley debuted last week because one of the negative hallmarks of a Dom Capers defense is the inability to adapt to a change of players. Historically, when the Packers knock out the starting quarterback the No. 2 comes in and lights up the Packers. At least the Packers have a week to prepare for Gurley. Controlling him is key.

 

Tavon Austin is the Rams' leading receiver and he is a dual threat like Randall Cobb. He has 11 catches with 2 touchdowns, but is averaging just 9.9 yards a catch. He has run the ball 10 times for 77 yards and a touchdown.

 

Carson Palmer had a Jekyll and Hyde game against the vaunted Rams defense. He threw for 334 yards (29-of-46), but converted only 2 of 11 third downs. He was intercepted once and threw just one touchdown pass late in the game.

 

The Rams defense gave up 113 yards rushing at a 5.4 yard clip. Former 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson gained 83 yards on 16 carries.

 

Aaron Donald is an inside force

The Rams front four is special with left defensive tackle Aaron Donald (3.5 sacks), right defensive end Robert Quinn (3), left defensive end Chris Long (2) and right defensive tackle Michael Brockers. However last week's leading tackler weak side linebacker Alec Ogletree is out with a broken ankle. The Packers offensive line has to win the fight in the trenches for the Packers to win.

 

As mentioned before Bryan Bulaga will be probably return to the starting lineup at right tackle and will be facing Long most of the time. However strong safety Morgan Burnett (calf), wide receiver Davante Adams (ankle) and safety Sean Richardson (neck) are out for the Packers.

 

With Burnett becoming this year's Casey Hayward with a lingering injury Micah Hyde remains at strong safety and with Richardson out Chris Banjo and Hayward will man the slot. Rookie Damarious Randall continues to impress out Tramon Williams old spot at right cornerback, but he has given up a long pass in each game.

 

Speaking of Tramon he is the one who was called for the off-sides on the missed field goal that led to a re-kick which cost the Browns the game. He said he was just fast, but in the final analysis the penalty was still called. Big mistake. Sam Shields made a similar play against the Bears.

 

To sum it up Aaron Rodgers needs time to make plays. Eddie Lacy needs holes to gain yards and eat up the clock. James Jones, Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery and Richard Rodgers must get open.

The Packers defense absolutely needs to stop Gurley and force turnovers. B.J. Raji must continue to be disruptive in the middle collapsing the pocket and stopping the run. Julius Peppers needs to be force this week and not disappear like he does every other game. Clay Matthews needs to be a pass rusher this week. And absolutely, positively there has to be no communications problems in the secondary and completely crucial no missed tackles.

 

PREDICTION: This could be the first loss, but I think Lambeau Field (I wish the Packers Alumni were back in the attendance) comes through again (Seahawks, Chiefs) and the Packers win 24-21.