Green Bay Packers: Best opponents, how they will have an impact

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) during second half at MetLife Stadium. Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) during second half at MetLife Stadium. Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens

Eric Weddle, Safety

The Baltimore Ravens’ strength is on the back side. Eric Weddle is an elite player and has been year-after-year.  Weddle is joined by two other great safeties in Tony Jefferson and Lardarius Webb. The Ravens also have three, not great, but capable corners.

All that to say throwing the ball may be a challenge.

Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The good news is twofold. First, aside from C.J. Mosley, there isn’t much outside of the secondary for which to be afraid. The Ravens lone pass rush is 95-year-old Terrell Suggs and his production fell off two years ago. The defensive interior isn’t much better and if there is anything of promise along the entire defensive line it certainly isn’t their ability to rush the passer.

The second bit of good news resides in the fact that the Ravens’ offense isn’t fantastic. If the Packers can run up the score on the Ravens, the game is all but over. The Ravens will struggle to come back and they will also struggle to stop the Packers from running out the clock.

With that last point, the key to this game is not only drafting a running back, but grabbing a thumper like Samaje Perine. He can get the tough yards when the defense knows with 100 percent certainty you’re running the ball.