2010 – 2011 NFL Wildcard Weekend Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

All eyes will be tuned into the NFL Playoffs this weekend and there is no better way to conclude the weekend then the fourth and final game on this weekends slate and that’s Green Bay at Philadelphia.

The two quarterbacks, Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Philadelphia’s Michael Vick are worth tuning into this one alone, but while both signal callers will ultimately be under the microscope, there is so much other talent in this one.

First, let’s look at the quarterbacks though.  Before the season began, Rodgers was supposed to be the guy leading perhaps the best offense in the NFL Due to a rash of injuries to skill players, the absence of a ground game, and a rotating door on the offensive line, things didn’t quite turn out that way.

Looking at Vick, very few people expected him to be starting in the post-season when the ball was kicked off in Week 1.  The keys to the car appeared to be firmly in the hand of Kevin Kolb.  While Kolb is certainly capable, give Andy Reid credit for making the change.  Who knows, maybe the Eagles aren’t in this spot had Kolb never been hurt early in the season.

As for Vick, he not only got in the car, he stole it.  Has there ever been a better story of late than Vick’s path to this point through the past couple of years? Not only did he get a second chance, he fully took advantage of it.  Vick is playing at a far better level than he was before he was locked up.  I have often referred to him as “video game like.”"  That actually doesn’t do his season the proper justice.  Most people can’t play video games that good.

While ultimately this game may come down to which quarterback makes the big play and which makes the big mistake, there are so many other factors.

The Eagles have big play potential like very few teams in the league, but the Packers don’t allow the big play.

Looking at the offenses, the Eagles have the edge, but not an overwhelming one.  Philadelphia finished third in the NFL, averaging 27.4 points per game, but the Packers were still the tenth best offense in the league, scoring 24.3 ppg.

One area that Philadelphia should have the edge when we look at the offenses is in the ground game.  If LeSean McCoy becomes a big factor, then huge edge to the Eagles.  Even if McCoy is somewhat effective, that makes Vick even more dangerous with his legs.

When it comes to both passing games, the Packers have a slight edge statistically, but not enough to give them a decided edge.  The Eagles ground game (and that includes Vick) is the biggest factor that can win the game for either team on Sunday.

However, when we flip things to the defensive side of the ball, the edge clearly belongs to the second ranked defense in the league and that’s Green Bay.  When we think of these two teams and talk defenses, most would just assume that the Eagles would have the better one.  An Reid coached team always does.  Not this year though.  The Green Bay unit is clearly better.  That’s not to say the Eagles can’t win this game defensively, because they are capable of doing exactly that.

The Packers have quality corners and linebackers and don’t give up the big play through the air.  If there is a chink in their armor though, it’s that teams can run on them.

We’re back to the key of this game, the Eagles ground game.  Will they commit to it enough for it to be a factor?

So, we give the Eagles a slight edge offensively and the Packers an edge defensively.

What about special teams which likely could determine the winner?  Two quality units.  Two solid kickers and punters, but Philadelphia has the DeSean Jackson factor.  Let’s just make that a non-factor right now.  Believe me, Mike McCarthy will not kick Jackson the ball.  Everyone learned their lesson courtesy of Tom Coughlin.  If he dares do so, then the Packers deserve to lose.  They won’t though, McCarthy will play a field position game and let his quarterback win the game for him late.

Which he will.

This will be a great game.  Both quarterbacks will have their moments.  Both will be under pressure for most of the game.

In the end though, the Packers defense will keep Vick semi-under wraps and they will limit the Eagles ground game, which Reid will shy away from too early. This will be the Eagles toughest match up.  If they get by this one, they could be tough to beat the rest of the way.

However Rodgers will make sure it doesn’t happen. Rodgers will get the ball with slightly under two minutes left trailing 23-21 and will lead the Packers down the field for a game winning Mason Crosby field goal and a 24-23 Packers win.