Five Packers to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 8 matchup
By Jesse Fry
5. Preston and Za’Darius Smith
The best way to wreck any game plan is with constant pressure. After getting shutout in the sack column against the Raiders, the Smiths will need to make up for a missed opportunity. Jon Gruden’s game plan was to get the ball out quick and use the run game.
The Chiefs’ game plan will probably be similar. The difference will be the Chiefs may be either down two starters on the left side or have two hobbled players. Left guard Andrew Wylie and left tackle Eric Fisher practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and their status for Sunday’s game is still up in the air.
Should one or both not play, it could make for a great opportunity for the Packers and the Smiths. Matt Moore doesn’t have the mobility of Mahomes, and neither does the version of Mahomes that would suit up, for that matter.
Using both Preston and Za’Darius Smith on the left side could spell trouble for the Chiefs if neither is able to play. Chiefs backups have played well in the absence of Fisher, but what Packers DC Mike Pettine has done with these two is a different story.
With or without Mahomes, I can see this turning into a high-scoring affair. The Chiefs showed improvement against the Broncos last week and have had 10 days to prepare.
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But, it looks like Rodgers has found his flow in LaFleur’s offense. If he has, he is going to be tough to stop. Rodgers has gone on hot streaks for long periods of time before. If last Sunday was an indication of what’s to come, Rodgers looks to be ready to go on another streak of great play.