Eagles Face Packers in NFC Wild Card Showdown

January 9, 2011

Three weeks ago this match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers would have been considered a very one-sided affair by most NFL handicappers. However, the Packers won both of their last 2 games including a convincing win over the New York Giants, and the Eagles lost both Minnesota and Dallas while scoring just 27 points combined in the process. Sunday’s game is now being looked upon as a virtual pick ‘em by the NFL experts that post point spreads for the sportsbooks.

It was a matter of time before Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick would “hit the wall” due to his dynamic and fearless style of play. He has had a remarkable season, and looked for a while like he was on his way to the MVP award. However, nagging injuries and a poor job by his offensive line over the last couple of weeks may have cost Vick the honor. Vick finished with 3018 yards, 21 touchdowns to just 6 picks, and a passer rating of over 100. More amazing than those stats, is the fact that he did it all in essentially in 12 games.

Being able to escape from trouble, and make plays downfield is part of why Vick was so successful in 2010, but the biggest factor was the arsenal of offensive weapons that he had at his disposal. Jeremy Maclin finished the season 2nd on the team in receiving yards yet he finished just 36 yards short of 1000. The combination of Maclin and DeSean Jackson accounted for over 2000 yards and 16 TD’s, while the rushing attack of LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick contributed another 1750+ yards on the ground and 16 more touchdowns. These 4 players alone are enough to dismantle most defenses in the NFL. Several minor injuries down the stretch have slowed this team down, but the 2 weeks of rest that they received should help them against a red-hot Packers squad.

Green Bay has plenty of top flight players on their offense as well, but the key to victory for them will be on “D”. They finished the year ranked 5th in the league in passing defense allowing just 194 yards er game. This part of their defense may force Phily to change up their plan of attack. There will be plenty of chances for Vick to utilize his legs as he will be constantly pressured from Clay Mathews Jr.

Aaron Rodgers has confessed several times this season that he hasn’t played up to his capabilities, but he still managed to finish with almost 4000 yards passing and 28 touchdowns. The loss of Ryan Grant in the first game of the season has forced Green Bay to throw more often than they would like. Brandon Jackson has been a serviceable back-up, but doesn’t have the field vision and the ability to make tacklers miss the way Grant did. His 3.7 yards per carry are just enough to keep defenses honest, but often lead to long 3rd down conversions. If Jackson can get anything doing Sunday, it could lead to a long afternoon for Rodgers.

Of all the Wild Card match-ups this weekend, I feel this one is the most evenly matched. Check this one out as the winner of this game could very well represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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