Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
It's Packers Playoff Time Against the Vikings
Four Keys To the Game
At one point, the Packers won their first 13 home playoff games. That's a perfect 13-0.
Since then, the Pack dropping 4 of their last 6 home postseason contests, including last year's defeat to the Giants, and a loss to a "mooning" Randy Moss.
I say the Packers win 30-20 this time around, but in order to do that, these four things probably need to happen:
1. Contain Adrian Peterson. You're not going to stop him. And the Packers defense isn't going to change overnight, especially after giving up 210 and 199 yards rushing to the possible NFL MVP. But Charles Woodson's tackling and fearless abandon should help keep Peterson more under control.
2. Rodgers arsenal. For the first time since Week 4, the current NFL MVP will have his full compliment of top 4 wide receivers. Randall Cobb, Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jordy Nelson all available. Jermichael Finley has played well in December. And other than the Redskins, the Vikings have the worst passing defense among NFC playoff teams. Rodgers should have a field day, and that would help keep All-Day Adrian off the field, at least for part of the day.
3. Pester Ponder. This time of the year, QB play is huge, and the Packers have a huge advantage. Rodgers plays well in the cold. Christian Ponder threw two picks, both in the red zone the last time he was at Lambeau Field. In cold weather, you need to drive the ball...and Ponder's sore elbow could have cornerbacks sitting on out routes, and ready for a takeaway.
4. No Percy Harvin. To the surprise of some, the Vikings put their one weapon at receiver on IR just before the end of the regular season. He's Randall Cobb with experience, does a little bit of everything. And the last time at Lambeau, Minnesota receivers didn't have a catch until inside of the last 4 minutes when it really didn't matter.
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