Packers vs. Chargers: Five key matchups
By Dan Dahlke
Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers.
On Sunday, the San Diego Chargers come to town and the Green Bay Packers will look to extend their winning streak to 6-0 before going into their bye week.
The Packers offense will look to rebound after a subpar performance against St. Louis in week five, where they committed three turnovers and only put 17 points up on the board.
Currently, the Packers offense ranks 10th in the NFL, but they have only averaged 236.8 passing yards per game, which puts them 20th in the league. This something you don’t expect with the Packers, especially with someone of Aaron Rodgers caliber under center.
It’s easy to see the Packers have missed Jordy Nelson’s presence on the perimeter, and with second-year man Davante Adams also sidelined, only veteran James Jones has been a consistent presence downfield.
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The Packers need more production from their wide receivers, but they also need to get their running game back on track. This week could be the game they get things turned around offensively, which would be great timing going into the bye week.
On the bright side, the Packers defense has been playing lights out and are a big reason Green Bay currently sits at 5-0. Statistically, they’re the seventh-best unit in the NFL, ranking 4th in passing defense, 2nd in sacks (20), and tied for second in interceptions (8).
The Packers have a chance to prove to the league this week that this is a team to reckon with. If the Packers offense can get going, and if their defense can contain a top-notch San Diego club, led by Philip Rivers, then Green Bay will definitely position themselves as the top team in the NFL.
However, in order to do this, they need to win their position matchups. Here are the top five we believe are key to a Packers win this Sunday.
Next: 1. Clay needs to keep making plays