Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 13 vs. Eagles

1. Jon Runyan

It will be a very special Sunday for Packers rookie guard Jon Runyan. Not only will he be starting his first game, he will be doing so against the team his dad made his mark with.

Runyan’s dad, Jon Runyan Sr. played nine seasons with the Eagles at tackle after being selected in the fourth round of the 1996 draft.

Now the younger Runyan will get his chance to shine.

It won’t be completely new to Runyan, he has logged significant playing time coming in as an injury replacement for parts of four different games. But this one is different, he will now get his start. And he’ll get a difficult matchup right off the bat.

The Eagles have one of the best defensive tackles in the game, Fletcher Cox. Cox isn’t 100 percent but even 80 percent Cox is better than most. In addition to Cox, the Eagles have two other very good tackles in Javon Hargrave and Malik Jackson to throw at the rookie.

Green Bay’s offense works through the run game and keeping those tackles in check will be key to getting the run game going.

Runyan has played well when pressed into action but has not been perfect. He has held his own against formidable foes, the Colts and Bears, but he will now face his toughest challenge.

The Eagles have a very good pass rush and if Cox and company can keep Aaron Rodgers from being able to step up in the pocket, the Eagles will have a chance to keep the Packers’ high octane offense in check.