In Part I we took a look at the new and improved Packers, in Part II we looked at the declining Vikings, in the third and final installment, we will look at the match-up and why the Packers will be or at least should be victorious.
The Packers advantage lies with the Packers healthy defensive backs covering a Vikings receiver corps missing Berrian, the higher level play from the linebackers and line, the packers receivers playing against questionable defensive backs and the improved offensive line.
The return of Bigby and a much healthier Collins completely changes the Packers match up. In the last match-up, the Vikings exploited the Packers safety situation. An image that burned into my mind was Berrian trotting into the end zone as Harris threw his hands up in frustration at backup SS Derrick Martin’s failure to provide the expected over the top safety coverage. With Bigby back, I feel fairly confident we won’t have to witness that again. Without Berrian, the Vikings are unlikely to run any 4 wide formations. Berrian’s replacement Greg Lewis lacks the play making ability that Berrian has. He can get separation but is not physical, which will not make his day easy with the Packers physical defense. Now that all the Packers starting DBs are back, they should be back in their 2 interceptions a game form. I think we can expect at least one pick from our DBs.
The Packers defensive line has been playing very well and the linebackers, especially Barnett and Matthews, have been playing at a higher level. Even Childress said the Packers are a different team, in thanks to Matthews ascension. I think that once again, we can expect the Packers to be able to minimize Peterson and force the Vikings to be somewhat one dimensional. The only real question is if the base defense is going to get more pressure on Favre than last time.
In Part II, I went over how devastating the loss of CB Antoine Winfield is to the Viking’s secondary. There is no way that Karl Paymah, Winfield’s replacement, will be able to consistently cover Driver or Jennings. Look for NFC Offensive Player of the Month, Aaron Rodgers, to take advantage of this for some big plays. Also, look for the Vikings to struggle covering James Jones, Donald Lee and possibly Jermicheal Finley, who is doubtful as of Friday.
The big question on everybody’s mind is the Packers offensive line. Can tackles Allen Barbre, TJ Lang and center Scott Wells stop the Vikings relentless pass rush? The Minnesota defense rocked Aaron Rodgers last time for 8 sacks. The line has completely changed since that game. TJ Lang has shown himself to be a solid starter in the last few weeks, increasingly so as he has gotten more and more comfortable playing at the professional level. Allen Barbre has played well enough since his terrible start to not be a liability. Barbre, tends to “short circuit” once or twice a game and completely miss his block, but as long as it is just once, he should be fine against the Vikings. Scott Wells is playing at a very high level and should do a good job containing the Williams Wall.
The Packers have the personal and the match-ups to win. They just need to go out there and play at their level and they will win.
UPDATE: Berrian practiced on Friday – it is unknown if he will play or not, or if his play will be affected by his hamstring.
