Packers vs. Buccaneers: Two powerful offenses collide for NFC title
The NFC Championship Game will headline two of the games best quarterbacks ever: Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
After the Green Bay Packers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, they punched their ticket into the conference championship. This will be the first time that Aaron Rodgers will host the NFC title game at Lambeau Field.
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers punched their ticket with a victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The Packers and Bucs have put up phenomenal offensive performances this season. Both teams rank inside the top-three in PPG (points per game). The Packers ranked first (31.8) and the Bucs ranked third (30.8).
So how have these offenses been so special?
Here’s how:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T-4 in touchdowns (59)
The Bucs signed a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer in the offseason, Tom Brady. Brady helped transform the Bucs into an efficient offense. Brady threw for 40 TDs this season which is the second-most in his career.
Brady has been accompanied by Rob Gronkowski, who is his all-time favourite target. He also has the pleasure to throw the ball to star receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Evans has 1,000 yards receiving in each of his seven NFL seasons. Seven-time Pro-Bowler Antonio Brown joined the Bucs halfway through the year.
The Bucs also have Ronald Jones in the backfield. Jones was on pace to being a top-five rusher until he got injured late in the season. For security measures, they signed Leonard Fournette, who in 2019 finished with 1,674 yards from scrimmage.
Lastly, the Bucs have a phenomenal offensive line. Led by Ryan Jensen and rookie Tristan Wirfs, they’ve held opposing defenses to a measly 1.5 sacks per game.
Green Bay Packers: Led NFL in touchdowns (66)
The Packers have been spoiled with a top quarterback and a top wide receiver. Aaron Rodgers and the majestic route-runner, Davante Adams, have been nothing short of special this season.
Adams has been heavily used this year as he ranked first in the NFL in target share (34.1 percent). His opportunities have led to extreme production. One of the greatest offensive seasons ever recorded by a wideout. Historical.
Adams only played 13.5 games and managed to snag a whopping 18 TDs. He also led the NFL in yards after catch (587) and finished second to Stefon Diggs in total receptions (115).
Adams and Rodgers are magical but they also have other pieces on the offense who complement them strongly.
Aaron Jones finished the season with 11 totals TDs and ran for over 1,100 yards. He was voted into the Pro Bowl. Tight end Robert Tonyan emerged as a red zone favorite for Rodgers this season. He had 11 TDs which was the most for a TE in the NFL.
The Packers also had an outstanding offensive line anchored by Pro-Bowler David Bakhtiari. Rodgers was only sacked 20 times this season, the fewest in his career as a full-time starter.
As Davante Adams said after the Rams win, “nobody” can stop the Packers offense.
Next Sunday afternoon will be a glorious day of football. Two prolific offenses will go head-to-head in the battle for the NFC crown.
Lambeau Field will be rocking.