Week seven is upon us. Let’s talk X-factors for the Packers against the Houston Texans. The 4-1 Packers will take on the 1-5 Texans in Houston Sunday.
The Packers are looking to bounce back after dropping their week six game to the Buccaneers.
Below I will list four X-Factors who will play a significant role in getting the Packers back on track and getting their fifth win this season.
Let’s Get into it, X-Factors For The Packers Week Seven!
1. Matt Lafleur
Coach Matt Lafleur is now 17-4 as head coach of the Green Bay Packers. But he is 0-2 coming off the teams bye-week in his young coaching career.
One of my favorite qualities about coach Lafleur is his ability to bounce back. Last week his gameplan proved not up to snuff against an excellent team in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I would look for him to have this team dialed in and ready to play this game in Houston. Besides the two 49ers games last year, this team is good at learning from their mistakes and not letting losses or setbacks define them as a football team.
Lafleur will find a way to take advantage of this average Houston defense. Also, I think he will have this team as a whole ready to play and bounce back and get this win!
2. Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark is back and will help this defense in so many ways down the stretch.
How can he make an impact in the game on Sunday? Take up double teams, control his gaps, and create rush opportunities for the Packers struggling pass rush.
Clark may not have a big day in the box score, but his ability to stop the run and take on double teams is the most valuable thing he can bring to this defense.
The Packers have struggled this season to create pressure on the quarterback. This week they get to play a Texans offensive line that has given up the third-most sacks this season (19).
The pass rush will have opportunities to get to Watson, and Clark will be at the center of creating pressure.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers, coming off a tough day in Tampa Bay, threw 2 interceptions and could not find a rhythm in the offense.
There has been a lot of opinions thrown around about him this past week. The last time Rodgers went down to Houston, He was asked after the game, “What do you think you told the critics tonight?” Rodgers replied with a simple and elegant “SHHHHHH” while throwing six touchdown passes in the game.
You have to think he is tired of hearing what the media has to say and wants to show what he can do on a football field.
What does Rodgers have to do? Nothing. What will help? Spreading the ball out to all of his targets, Get the tight ends involved, get the running backs involved, stretch the field with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and use Davante Adams in a way where he can thrive and not just force the ball to him.
Rodgers is at the height of his powers when he is distributing the ball to everyone. Look for him to be in that zone on Sunday.
4. Packers Offensive line
The offensive line did not play great against Tampa Bay last week. It was b far the worst they have played this year.
Whether the Packers want to emphasize the passing game or running game, it starts upfront. And the Packers need to control the line of scrimmage.
With David Bakhtiari out on Sunday, Rick Wagner may need to step up. But even with Bakhtiari out, the Packers still have elite talent on the line with Elgton Jenkins and Corey Linsley.
Get the offensive line moving and going early with establishing the run, and then start let Rodgers cook later on.
Closing Thoughts:
The Packers will bounce back this week. Don’t abandon the run. Get Rodgers in a rhythm early and often. Let the pass rush run wild on Watson. If you do these few things, look for the Packers to take care of business.
It should be a fun game, and expect this game to have a lot of points!
Have a great weekend, and Go Pack Go!!!
As Always
Check out the podcast @Titletownpodcast, follow me on Twitter @Danielmarhanka, and follow us @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here.
