Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Key matchups

Nick Perry versus Andre Smith

Coming off a marvelous outing that saw the pride of Detroit, MI come up huge in the fourth quarter by recording a sack and a key tackle for loss on 3rd-and-2 play, Nick Perry should see a lot of right tackle Andre Smith when he’s not busy flipping sides with fellow edge defender Clay Matthews.

The 265-pound Perry is a no-frills bull rusher that has the raw strength set the edge against the run as well. Smith, on the other hand, has vine-like 35 3/8-inch arms that helps him force several opponents to the outside and away from the quarterback.

Smith’s performance versus the Titans is one he’d rather put in the rearview mirror. The one-time Cincinnati Bengal had his lunch handed to him by Derrick Morgan and others who beat him to the outside.

Hasan’s report indicates that Smith hurt his offense by giving up a pressure or committing a penalty on eight of 34 snaps in which Shaun Hill went back to pass. During one sequence, the 325-pound bookend allowed pressures on three consecutive plays.

If Smith doesn’t shock his man with an initial punch, his inability to bend prevents him from sustaining his blocks.

Though Hill is an NFL graybeard at 36 years old, he is better at escaping the pocket than the younger Bradford, who could start flashing his trademark deer-in-the-headlights look when Green Bay’s pass rushers penetrate the pocket.

The explosive Perry seems to be playing faster than he has at any other point in his pro career and may put himself in position to win a game ball.

Next: Damaridous Randall versus Stefon Diggs