Green Bay at Philadelphia

In between a blizzard of other things that are happening (life as it were, going back to work after several weeks and so on), I've been thinking about the game last week against Seattle and this weeks showdown in Philly.

For Green Bay it's going to come down to their first half offense and second half defense. Good weather would also help (freezing rain or snow will change the tone of the game in ways no one can predict).

If they can get out of the gate early and establish their offensive balance, they have a good chance. Despite what's been said and written this year, the Packers still run a balanced offense. The passing game was more active in recent years but it's still a big part of the plan (we're not talking about Carolina here). When the running games gets bogged down, it's up to the passing game to get things moving (and vice versa). The extended passing game has also contributed to defenses playing more honestly. When you're burned for a long pass play, you tend think twice before trying to cheat again. The steady, consistent play of the offensive line has made it easier for everyone.

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out against the blitzing attack of the Iggles.

If the defense can keep it together in the second half, which has been a problem all season long, they'll have a much better chance. Going up by two or three touchdowns isn't worth much if you're going to give it all back in the last thirty minutes. Once the Pack has a lead, they've got to maintain it. Several times this season, including last week against Seattle, things start going wrong late in the game. I don't have an answer for it (and thus far, neither does anyone on the Green Bay staff), but it certainly make for some nervous times near the end of games.

After watching the second half of the Philly game again, I believe that Green Bay can win. When the defense steps up and does their part late in the game, as they did in Philly, the offense has to step up and do their part by playing keep away for long enough to make sure there are no last chances. I also expect that this will be a hard fought game, in which case we'll be holding our collective breath as things come down to the wire.