Packers vs. Buccaneers: Three storylines ahead of NFC title game
It’s still only Tuesday? It feels like an awfully long week as the Green Bay Packers prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.
One of the biggest games of the Aaron Rodgers era, it could be a classic in a snowy Lambeau. But before the ball is kicked off on Sunday afternoon, there will be plenty to discuss in the buildup to the game.
What will be the top storylines throughout the week?
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady meet again
Tom Brady had classic postseason battles with Peyton Manning, and more recently Patrick Mahomes and Drew Brees.
Now, for the first time ever, Brady meets Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs, and with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
Rodgers and Brady have battled three times in games they’ve both started. Brady’s team won two out of the three, but Rodgers has the only victory at Lambeau Field in a thrilling 26-21 win in 2014.
It’ll possibly be the one and only time these two great quarterbacks meet in the postseason. It could be one of Rodgers’ career-defining wins if he can outplay Brady and lead his team into the Super Bowl.
Will history repeat itself?
Unfortunately, the Packers’ most recent game against the Buccaneers was nothing short of a disaster.
Outside of the first quarter when the Packers held a 10-0 lead and looked in control, everything fell apart. Rodgers threw back-to-back interceptions, the offensive line struggled, and the defense allowed 38 unanswered points.
The Bucs showed in the divisional round not to look into regular season results too much. After all, they lost 38-3 and 34-23 to the New Orleans Saints before ending their season last week.
But, let’s be honest, the outcome of Week 6 will come up again and again throughout the week.
How will the conditions impact the game?
There could be some snow in the air at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon.
It’s expected to be a lot colder than last week’s divisional round game, playing perfectly into the Packers’ hands. Yes, Brady has played in plenty of games in tough conditions from his time with the Patriots, but the Bucs get to enjoy their home games in much warmer weather.
As we saw with the Titans in Week 16, it can take some time to adjust. Not for the Packers.
How will conditions impact the NFC title game?