The Packers are currently 2-1 coming off a signature win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now they head back home to Lambeau Field this Sunday to take on the visiting New England Patriots. It will be the first match-up with the Patriots at home since the last one in 2014 where the Packers came out victorious. The Patriots will be without starting quarterback Mac Jones as he suffered a high ankle sprain injury. Despite him being sidelined, it will still be a tough match-up for the Packers. You can never overlook any opponent in the NFL as anything can happen any given Sunday. Here are the things to watch against the New England Patriots for the Packers.
The Packers Trying to Contain Matthew Judon
The Patriots have a very solid defense this year. It starts with their pass rush led by pro bowler Matthew Judon. Judon has indeed been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL for the past couple of years. Judon has had a great start to the season as he has recorded a sack in each game. He is certainly a game wrecker and the Patriots move him all around on defense to find the best possible match-up. He will look to give the Packers offense fits and make things very hard on Aaron Rodgers.
A Bounce Back Game For Preston Smith
One player to watch is Preston Smith. After a two sack game against the Chicago Bears, he was very quiet against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He did not record any pressures or sacks as he was shut out. Smith will certainly look to have a much better game against the Patriots. Rashan Gary will most likely be receiving double teams and it is up to Smith to take advantage. Look for Preston Smith to have a bounce back game this Sunday after having quiet one in week three.
Will Joe Barry Stay Aggressive?
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Defensive coordinator Joe Barry shows when he is aggressive, it allows the Packers defense to play at a very high level. However, late in games he seems to play prevent defense and stops being aggressive. He did that against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers late in the fourth quarter and it almost allowed them to tie up the game. Barry has to stay on the attack for all four quarters and not let opposing offenses have a opportunity to come back. With Brian Hoyer being named the starter at quarterback for the Patriots, Joe Barry needs to be aggressive on Sunday. This is definitely something to watch Sunday
Yosh Ninjman At Right Tackle?
A decision might come soon on the Packers offensive line. David Bakhtiari seems to be almost at full strength and may not be on a pitch count like he was last week. That means he could be starting this Sunday at left tackle for all of the snaps on offense. The Packers could then move Yosh Nijman, who has played well at left tackle to right tackle. If that happens, the Packers can move Elgton Jenkins back to left guard and move Jon Runyan to right guard.
In addition to Josh Myers at center, the Packers would have a solid interior and a top five overall offensive line on paper. However, the question is can Yosh play right tackle? He has the athleticism to play that position, but has not got a lot of reps there due to David Bahktiari missing all of training camp. It will be a interesting decision if the Packers move Yosh Ninjman to right tackle.
Will The Packers Offense Show Improvement?
The Packers offense is a work in progress as shown in the first three weeks of the season. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they scored 14 points, but did not do much after, especially in the second half. The Packers are still adjusting to life without Davante Adams on offense. They are also trying to get the new young pieces in Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson involved in the offense. It is not getting any easier facing a very good Patriots defense this Sunday and is led by one of the greatest defensive minds of all time in Bill Belicheck. The Packers offense as the season goes along will look to keep showing improvement.
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