Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
Packers-Eagles Preview & Prediction
I'm Jumping the Gun on Everyone Else!
The gauntlet was laid down early in the week.
When asked about Aaron Rodgers play this season, Mike McCarthy said "I would say Aaron Rodgers’ season is probably as much in line with the season we had as an offense. We’ve been a little bit up and down at times."
McCarthy later on went to say that Rodgers graded out better than 14 of the 16 quarterbacks they played this year...but clearly, the Head Coach is motivating his quarterback to win his first playoff game in his second try, and come out of the gates stronger, when he threw a pick right off the bat in Arizona, and then got hit, fumbled...and the Cardinals won in overtime.
Rodgers threw for more than 400 yards. Had 4 TD's, but made two crucial mistakes. Two more than Kurt Warner.
In the playoffs, it's that close. And McCarthy in my opinion, is trying to spur his quarterback on to his first postseason marquee victory.
Also interesting is when I asked Rodgers after Sunday's game if he could be the team's leading rusher again (21 yards against the Bears) and have continued playoff success.
Rodgers said no, and when McCarthy was asked about it on Monday, he was clearly perturbed, saying the "Packers have a damn good offense" and "it's on to Philadelphia."
Clearly the coach didn't want to address it, but it will have to be addressed in the postseason...otherwise it's a short playoff run.
With Cullen Jenkins return likely, the Packers have options for Michael Vick. Clay Matthews will be chipped, double teamed, and focused on...so he won't have the 3 sacks and game ending stuff like he had last time. Oh he'll still make plays, but the Packers need push from another source...and that's why Jenkins is so big, because he sacked Vick the last time around. And Vick doesn't handle blitzes well.
Most players still playing, other than Chad Clifton and Donald Driver, don't remember 4th and 26. They weren't around for most of the losing streak. But winning in the season opener, to break a 50-year losing streak in Philly? The team at least knows they can do it.
Even Vince Lombardi lost his only playoff game in 1960, in the city of so called brotherly love. But in this one? Vick's leg isn't 100 percent, he tends to come up small in bigger games...the Packers will have at least one interception, most likely from Charles Woodson, and maybe from Tramon Williams...the offense, bound to be better than against the Bears...and the Packers win 27-24.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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