Green Bay Packers: Four Downs of Questions
3) Name one player in particular who must step up this week and explain your choice.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) celebrates his second quarter interception. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Korb: An easy choice would be whoever is tabbed to step into the now-vacant ILB spot that Barrington had manned, but I’m going with Datone Jones. The run defense was terrible against Chicago, and Seattle will look to exploit it again Sunday. Why things were so bad had to be in part because the defense was down two of the expected top rotational players in Jones and Letroy Guion. Guion is still out but Jones will either be starting or the top backup on the line, and if he doesn’t manage to make an impact it could be yet another long day of watching Marshawn Lynch rack up yardage in bunches.
McPeak: Sophomore safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He had no doubt the best game of his young career the last time these two teams met, but it isn’t his ball skills that needs to step-up this time around. The kid is an extremely talented prospect, but gets swallowed up on the inside and sometimes looks lost in the run game.
For Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to take the next step and be a star in this league -he has to become a reliable tackler in the run game. If he whiffs against the likes of Marshawn Lynch or Russel Wilson this week, it will result in 6 points for the opposition.
Wright: Sam Shields.
Someone made the joke on Twitter last week, “why is cable Sam Shields playing instead of Directv Sam Shields?” and I was wondering the same thing. Sam had a completely so-so game, but he will draw a tall order on Sunday with Jimmy Graham. Shields will match up with Graham as much as possible, taking away the Seahawks biggest offensive threat.
He will need to bring his A+ game against a 6’6” giant with a propensity for finding the end zone.
Rogalla: I am thinking Morgan Burnett needs to stabilize the young secondary. There seemed to be communication and physical breakdowns in the Bears game. Morgan should provide a necessary calming influence that is much needed.
George: Sam Shields is the first player that comes to mind after a pour outing against the Bears but I’ll go with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix this week. The Packers defense are going to need him in run support and will need him to actually finish when he tackles. Too many times Clinton-Dix puts his head down and completely whiffs. He seems to always be in position, but just needs to finish. Another assignment he might have is covering Tight End Jimmy Graham. I actually think he’ll stay in the box for run support and Morgan Burnett with have that responsibility, but with Burnett not fully healthy, it could be Clinton-Dix. Whether it’s containing Marshawn Lynch or slowing down one of the best tight ends in the NFL, Clinton-Dix is going to have a very important role this Sunday.
Testin: Randall Cobb, he will be Seattle’s main focus when that Green Bay offense is on the field. He will be responsible for taking the top off that secondary and playing his usual game all while nursing an injured shoulder.
Next: Fourth Down