Packers vs. Chiefs: Five key matchups
By Dan Dahlke
Green Bay Packers running back
Eddie Lacy(27) runs with the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bears. Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
4) Eddie Lacy/James Starks vs. Derrick Johnson
The best way to slow down one of the NFL’s top passing rushing units is by running the ball.
The Packers need to get their running game going, and early on. Lacy is listed as questionable going into Monday night, but whether he starts or Starks becomes the featured back, the Packers need to find a way to gash Kansas City’s defense on the ground.
Over the first two weeks of the season, the Chiefs have only allowed 159 rushing yards and have held their opponents to only a 3.7 rushing average.
If the Packers don’t want Houston and Hali to tee off on Rodgers, they’ll need to ran at the outside linebackers and force them to play the run.
To move the ball effectively on the ground, the Packers will have to scheme against Derrick Johnson, who is going into his 11th season, remains one of the NFL’s top inside linebackers. If the Packers can get guards Josh Sitton or T.J. Lang up to the second level and get a body on Johnson, then Green Bay shouldn’t have a problem creating rushing lanes.
Next: #5. Packers WRs have to win one-on-ones