Packers: Five players key to victory in divisional round vs. Rams
By Jesse Fry
Which players are key to victory for the Packers in the divisional round?
The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. A clash of titans. What ever cliche you want to use, this is a big time matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams.
The league’s highest-scoring offense will meet the league’s number one defense in a divisional round matchup to see who earns the right to play in the NFC Championship Game.
Unlike most matchups, this will pit a strength versus strength. This isn’t quarterback versus quarterback, this is Aaron Rodgers versus Aaron Donald, Davante Adams versus Jalen Ramsey.
Four of the best at their positions trying to take down the other.
The Rams are coming off a beatdown of Seattle and looking for more. Los Angeles dominated the Seahawks on their way to five sacks and shutting down the offense. Donald and Leonard Floyd led the way with two sacks each as Ramsey and Darious Williams shut down the Seahawks’ top two receivers.
All was not great for the Rams though as Donald injured his ribs in the game and John Wolford, who started in place of an injured Jared Goff, left with a stinger and did not return.
Goff was then thrust back into action and did not play great. It was obvious that his thumb was a problem as many of his passes were off the mark.
The Rams got hot at the right time and although their offense has had a hard time finding their footing, they did find a running back capable of winning games and putting up big numbers. Rookie Cam Akers ran for 131 yards and a touchdown as LA never trailed in the game.
This Rams team matches up well with the Packers. They can get pressure with their front four and have the talent in the secondary to keep up with Adams and the Packers’ other weapons.
The winner of this contest will definitely have earned the victory.
The biggest advantage Green Bay has working in its favor is the home field. While the Rams are practicing in 70-80 degree weather all week, Green Bay has been outside in the elements that the teams will likely face Saturday.
An unforeseen advantage Lambeau will bring is how it can affect Jared Goff should he be the starter. The ball gets slick in the cold and it will be difficult for Goff to hold the ball with his repaired thumb.
There’s a lot to cover so let’s dive into the five players I think need to come through for a Packers victory.