The Packers (7-0) will return to action on Sunday to face off against the San Diego Chargers (4-3). Prior to their bye week hiatus, Green Bay defeated the Minnesota Vikings 33-27, surviving a late fourth quarter push by Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson. As per usual, Aaron Rodgers was exceptional tossing for over three-hundred yards and three scores while connecting with nine different receivers. The running game, once again, was largely inconspicuous until James Starks effectively iced the game in the final minutes. The only true concern coming out of the game for the Packers was the defense as they allowed Adrian Peterson to run wild for 175 yards. Aside from a couple glaring miscues that resulted in huge gains, Green Bay’s secondary performed reasonably well against rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, highlighted by two Charles Woodson interceptions. Four of Woodson’s five interceptions this year have come off of rookies (Ponder and Cam Newton), but he won’t have the luxury this weekend. Instead, he and the Packers will exert their focus on Pro-Bowler Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers were predicted to be one of, if not the toughest task for the Super Bowl Champions this season. However, after key injuries and a shocking defeat to their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers seem increasingly more vulnerable. After a quick 4-1 start (bear in mind those wins were against the Vikings, Chiefs, Dolphins and Broncos) to the season, the Chargers lost to the Jets and Chiefs by less than a touchdown in subsequent games. Last week’s game against the Chiefs, which could have given the Chargers breathing room atop the AFC West, was a story of misfortunes. Philip Rivers fumbled away an opportunity (on botched snap, no less) for a game-winning chip shot field goal in the final seconds of regulation and the Chiefs would later clinch the game in overtime. As a result, the Chargers are in a three-way tie with Raiders and Chiefs for the AFC West title. Sunday’s contest is certainly not a “must-win” for either team but both have plenty at stake as the Packers continue their quest for perfection while San Diego tries to bounce back from a devastating defeat. With that in mind, here’s a look at three key aspects of the game to keep an eye on during this intriguing interconference matchup.
Philip Rivers:
Phillip Rivers was being touted as an elite quarterback and MVP candidate coming into this season after an impressive 2010 campaign (30 TDs, 13 Ints, 4,710 yds, 101.8 passer rating). Conversely, he may very well be running away with the “most disappointing player” award (not to mention a strong candidate in the “most disappointing fantasy pick” race) half way through this season. He currently leads the league with interceptions (11), has only thrown 7 touchdowns (tied for 23rd in the league), possesses an 80.7 passer rating (19th in league), and has taken 17 sacks (tied for 9th most). In addition to the decisive fumble last week, Rivers threw a pair of interceptions which solidified what he deemed the “worst day (or “play” depending on which mouth-reading expert you ask) of his life”. His stats this year are a far cry from his career marks and it would be reasonable to assume, if he is indeed as healthy as he claims, steady improvement from here on out. With a strong offensive line, decent run game, and a plethora of talented receiving weapons it’s hard to fathom Rivers’ rapid decline. Luckily for the Chargers, Green Bay’s suspect secondary might provide the perfect prescription for their quarterback’s struggles. He still has the potential to be an elite quarterback each week and I would expect an extremely strong performance on Sunday. The Chargers have historically been a strong-finish team under head coach Norv Turner, so a potential upset against the Packers is clearly not out of the question.
Receiving Trio:
With the health of all three running backs in question (it appears that Tolbert will be available while Matthews and Brinkley will not) the Chargers will rely heavily on the passing game. That’s usually the case anyhow for San Diego and with the dynamic receiving weapons that they possess it’s easy to see why. The “Big Three” of the Chargers (Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates…not Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and Sam Cassell) combined for over 100 receptions and 19 touchdowns last season but have yet to regain that form this season. Despite Rivers’ poor play, they’ve still managed to produce over 1,000 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns combined this season. With all of the receiving talent that the Chargers possess it’s simply a matter of time before Rivers and Co. get into rhythm. Antonio Gates figures to be the biggest matchup nightmare for the Packers as they’ve lacked an answer for him in the past. In two career games against Green Bay, Gates has caught 16 passes for 230 yards. With Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson locked in on Floyd and Jackson, it will take a combination of Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, Jarrett Bush, and the linebacking corps to keep Gates in check. These matchups are clearly not in Green Bay’s favor and it remains to be seen if San Diego can take advantage.
Linebacker rotation:
With the loss of Cullen Jenkins via free agency and the knee injury to Mike Neal (who was supposed to be his heir apparent) the Packers have been left without any significant pass rusher aside from Clay Matthews. Erik Walden, who won the competition to start at linebacker opposite of Matthews, has largely been ineffective at creating a pass rush and has recorded only one sack this season. Aside from his three-sack performance against the Bears in week 17 last season, all of which came on quarterback spy duties, Walden has repeatedly shown that he only excels in containing the run. If Frank Zombo (who had four sacks last season) is healthy enough to return to action this week he will rotate with Walden regularly to try and establish more pressure. Undrafted rookie Vic So’oto may also receive more opportunities as the season wears on if he gets more comfortable with the speed of the game. The only glaring hole that Ted Thompson failed to address in the draft or free agency (I’m not sure Ted is aware that such a thing exists) was picking up a viable pass rusher opposite of Matthews. Ideally, opportunities for creating pressure open up with the attention and double-teams that Matthews garners throughout the game. However, every outside linebacker not named Clay Matthews has failed to make any notable impact all season. Green Bay’s inability to create a consistent pass rush has forced Dom Capers to send exotic blitzes which puts the secondary in tough situations throughout the game. If Walden, Zombo and So’oto remain invisible and if pressure doesn’t get to Rivers quick enough, the secondary could be in for a long day.
The Packers are headed to San Diego as favorites again but this could be their toughest challenge yet. It may appear that the Chargers do not pose a viable threat with the struggles of Rivers, beat up running backs, and back-to-back defeats. However, as the Chargers have proven over the last few years, they are capable of turning things around in a heartbeat. Although San Diego appears more vulnerable, I still believe this is the toughest matchup the Packers face this season besides the Lions. Green Bay will be on the road, coming off of a bye week, and facing a team desperate for a win. All eyes will be on Philip Rivers and if he’s able to perform like the MVP-caliber player he was projected to be the Packers could easily be sent home with their first loss in more than 10 months.