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Rams DC Staley is a Vic Fangio acolyte. Rodgers vs. Fangio defenses he's 6-6, BUT he's 272/46 (64%), 3013 yards, 23 TD, 5 INT, and an average rating of 100 and has averaged 25 ppg. That includes matchups vs. SF early last decade vs. CHI, and one game against DEN. Rodgers doesn't seem to have much problem with the scheme, but having Donald in his face and Ramsey jumping routes is kind of wrinkle he hasn't seen yet. Reading that article about Staley a few weeks ago, everything is going to be focused on slowing down our passing game. They're going to look to confuse Rodgers, jump routes/take chances, and not let him throw bombs downfield. It's going to be a game where we certainly need commitment to the running game with our full backfield from MLF and Rodgers and honestly running directly at Donald and try to take advantage of his injury. Probably the best defense we've seen this year although Indy was pretty good and Rodgers worked them over well enough.

Comparing the current Rams-Packers matchup with the Pack's Kryptonite in previous playoff defeats since 2011:

A physical, aggressive opponent defense capable of holding GB's offense (at least somewhat) in check = βœ“βœ“βœ“

This is the best scoring D in the NFL with not only the best defensive player but a  number of other solid linemen who can get after Rodgers (especially without Bak), a top CB in Ramsey to guard Davante, and a solid secondary overall.

Above-average, committed opponent running attack = βœ“

The Rams running improved markedly with Akers taking over as the #1 back late in the season (and LT Whitworth is back for the playoffs), but it does not rival what SF did last season and there will be no Kap-like rushing for a record  number of yards by a QB with Dom gone ... right? (Even if Wolford is starting at QB ... right Mike Pettine?)

Poor Packer Special Teams (outside of Crosby) = βœ“βœ“βœ“

A passive and mediocre (or worse) Packer defense = ???????????

The Packer D-Ram O matchup will get far less attention than the matchup of GB's #1 O versus LA's #1 D, but I believe this is where the game will be decided and I believe there is reason for optimism that the D will rise to the occasion.     

There is no reason for GB to play passively, at home, against this Rams' offense. LAs WRs are competent but not very explosive. Jaire and King matchup well with (an injured) Kupp and Woods.

Goff was not playing well before he broke his right thumb. Wolford has played 1 NFL game. And based upon personal experience and discussions with a former Packer QB, do not underestimate what it is like to suddenly switch from sunny So Cal to the frigid tundra (especially for a Cali native like Goff who relies upon a clean pocket and perfect conditions to get his game to average).

As for LA's running game, as discussed above it is solid and ascending, but not spectacular.

If this were mid-season and Lowry, Lancaster, and Adams were the trio eating up all the snaps next to Clark as Pettine continued to emphasize a light box featuring just 2 DL and mostly just Kirksey at ILB, I'd give the Rams a better than even shot of running their way to victory.

However, I am very hopeful that with the addition of snacks at DT, Pettine's increased use of more than 2 DL, and Barnes (and Martin) getting more time at ILB that the defense can contribute, and dare I say lead, the Pack to victory on Saturday.

Go Pack Go!

Last edited by SteveLuke

If you're a subscriber to PackerNews there is a GREAT story on the long trip of Daffney to the NFL, he had an uncle who played six years as an OL in the NFL, a dad who played basketball at UCLA, and he played mostly special teams in college until senior year. He's a humble, hard working, all business guy. Would love for him to get some moments in the playoffs....

I'm not sure if we'll see much from Dillon this game.  His big day against TN was awesome, but he was only in there because of injuries and the fact that TN has no pass rush.  I suspect that Dillon has seen limited playing time because they do not trust him in pass protection.  He barely played against Shitcago in my mind because they have a good pass rush.  I hope I'm wrong and would love to see him have a game like he did previously, but I'm not very optimistic.  

Not sure I see the same comparisons v the 2011 Packers.   They had 4 turnovers in that game v the Giants.  9 dropped passes.  Not to mention the Joe Philbin related situation.

That 2011 defense was awful.  As in allowing 423 yards per game.  Almost 5 yards per attempt on the ground.   The OL was shaky as well.  Allowing 41 sacks that season.  Almost twice as many as this season.  

Can't lose the turnover battle, we can tie in that category and still win because I think we have the better team, but can't lose it. Regarding Donald, their other d-lineman; LaFleur said something in his Bear presser about Hicks that really impressed me. He said that the first time they played the Bears & it was not clear whether Hicks would play or not (he didn't), LaFleur had two call sheets indicating that if Hicks played there were specific plays that we just would not run, that could be run without him in there....I LOVE this! Many times in the MM era he had Don Barclay pass block one-on-one vs. someone like Mack when it was an obvious mismatch, and refuse to give him any help. Same thing in run game when they would try to "reach block" a guy like Donald when it was just an athletically impossible task. LaFeur seems to really help guys who he knows are not going to hold up vs. an all pro type player through play calls, etc. Dominant d-lineman have been pretty quiet vs. us this year.  

@FLPACKER posted:

Can't lose the turnover battle, we can tie in that category and still win because I think we have the better team, but can't lose it. Regarding Donald, their other d-lineman; LaFleur said something in his Bear presser about Hicks that really impressed me. He said that the first time they played the Bears & it was not clear whether Hicks would play or not (he didn't), LaFleur had two call sheets indicating that if Hicks played there were specific plays that we just would not run, that could be run without him in there....I LOVE this! Many times in the MM era he had Don Barclay pass block one-on-one vs. someone like Mack when it was an obvious mismatch, and refuse to give him any help. Same thing in run game when they would try to "reach block" a guy like Donald when it was just an athletically impossible task. LaFeur seems to really help guys who he knows are not going to hold up vs. an all pro type player through play calls, etc. Dominant d-lineman have been pretty quiet vs. us this year.  

EXACTLY!

Rams defense is legit.  Key will be the Packer O-Line. Can they give Rodgers time ? Will they be able to run the ball  ? They have done the job all season. This will be a good test.

On offense, the Rams have some nice skill players in Kupp, Woods, Higbee, etc....they need a QB to make it work. Big opportunity to focus the defense and play aggressively….Hopefully Pettine's game plan isn't too passive.

@DocBenni posted:

I'm not sure if we'll see much from Dillon this game.  His big day against TN was awesome, but he was only in there because of injuries and the fact that TN has no pass rush.  I suspect that Dillon has seen limited playing time because they do not trust him in pass protection.  He barely played against Shitcago in my mind because they have a good pass rush.  I hope I'm wrong and would love to see him have a game like he did previously, but I'm not very optimistic.  

I read accounts post game that said Dillon didn't see much action because they only ran 44 plays on offense and didn't get to that part of the game plan.  We've seen MLF run an offense with either 33 or 30 out of the game and he didn't go to the 3rd RB, he instead spent his time elsewhere on the offense.  I think Dillon was highlighted vs TEN partly because 30 was out but also because of the weather conditions and MLF saw something he could exploit in the TEN D.  Should be interesting to see what his gameplan is vs. this LAR D.

@Boris posted:

I think Packers games everyday is set aside for heaven. Also in heaven, the name Bostic is banned and Elway is a 300 lb slob.

Last edited by Goalline
@DH13 posted:

I read accounts post game that said Dillon didn't see much action because they only ran 44 plays on offense and didn't get to that part of the game plan.  We've seen MLF run an offense with either 33 or 30 out of the game and he didn't go to the 3rd RB, he instead spent his time elsewhere on the offense.  I think Dillon was highlighted vs TEN partly because 30 was out but also because of the weather conditions and MLF saw something he could exploit in the TEN D.  Should be interesting to see what his gameplan is vs. this LAR D.

5 snaps out of 44 plays. I think at least 3 of those were the dual Dillon/Jones formations. Hope to see more of that. Williams only had 12 snaps, too. This was a very Jones heavy week. 2nd in 3 weeks. I think they felt comfortable riding Jones more with the limited number of possessions and knowing they had the following week off with a win.

Week 16 had 66 snaps to go around and I think even if Jones hadn't been nicked up early Dillon was going to see a lot of playing time (20+ snaps) with Jones coming off a 56 snap game vs the Panthers.

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