Packers vs. Bucs: Predicting statistical performances

The Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face-off in an epic NFC Championship showdown.

Tom Brady is accustomed to the championship game as he has participated in 13 and will be ready for his 14th. Playing in New England for 20 seasons, the cold weather of Lambeau won’t affect Brady.

Remember the infamous tuck-rule game back in 2002, Brady and the Patriots played in heavy snow with temperatures below freezing. Brady still threw over 50 pass attempts for over 300 yards.

Both Aaron Rodgers and Brady have been at the top of their respective positions for decades. Both have been able to play mind games with opposing defenses. Both are Super Bowl champions and league MVPs. Both will come out the gate firing on all cylinders looking for another Super Bowl appearance.

How do I think these quarterbacks and their teammates bode this weekend at the frozen tundra?

Quarterbacks: Both Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady throw 35+ times

Aaron Rodgers: 27-39 for 330 yds, 3 TDs

Aaron Rodgers will need to be the primary source of offense for the Packers. The Bucs’ defensive front is outstanding and will clog the interior, thus diminishing the run game. Rodgers will be successful in finding his weapons in the passing game.

Tom Brady: 25-40 for 350 yds, 2 TDs

In two postseason games thus far, Tom Brady has thrown 40 and 33 pass attempts. When the games matter the most, trust the ball to be in the hands of the most accomplished quarterback of all-time. Brady will be taking deep shots all game looking for the explosive plays.

Running backs: Aaron Jones gets his touches while Ronald Jones is held back

Aaron Jones: 16 att. for 79 yds, 1 TD, 5 rec. for 71 yds

Aaron Jones will need to play as the Pro Bowl level player we all know and love him as. Jones will be looked upon in both the ground and passing game. The Bucs’ defensive front is physical, but Jones will find a way to be successful.

Ronald Jones: 12 att. for 59 yds, 1 rec. for 4 yds

Ronald Jones is expected to play as he was a full participant in Friday’s practice. Jones will be limited as he will likely lose production in the passing game to Leonard Fournette. Fournette will also be the lead back for goal-line touches. Fournette has been running tough lately so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him steal the role as the lead back.

Wide receivers: Davante Adams has a redemption game and Mike Evans plays well

Davante Adams: 10 rec. for 119 yds, 1 TD

Davante Adams will look to redeem himself from the previous matchup against the Bucs. Adams finished the Week 6 matchup with six receptions for 61 yards. That’s not like his typical self. He was getting double-teamed and was unable to get any sort of separation. Adams will be motivated and ready to torch the Bucs secondary like we know he’s capable of.

Mike Evans: 9 rec. for 103 yds, 2 TD

Although Mike Evans struggled against Jaire Alexander in the first matchup with one reception for 10 yards, I expect Tom Brady to be looking his way all game. The matchup between Evans and Alexander will be fun to watch and both players will get the best of each other.

Evans seems to have most of his success in the red zone. His big-body presence is a problem for smaller corners. Evans and Brady will connect twice in the end zone.

Overall, the Green Bay Packers will defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle for the ages.