The Packers lost to the Eagles 7-10 on Monday Night Football. Today they'll take on a 2-8 New York Giants squad. With that being said, here is a look at last week, and a look forward to the game today.
Positives:
Watson needs more plays drawn up for him
He has answered the call every time they needed him so far, and it seems they only go to him when they're in desperation. That being said, with Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Tucker Kraft, and Romeo Doubs now injured with a chest injury, there will be a need for the targets to be filled. Alongside Watson, Dontayvion Wicks showed that he can have value in this offense once again last night besides one drop. While I don't believe Matthew Golden will be out next week, as he was a game time decision this week, the offense will need to feature Watson, Golden, and have Wicks or Musgrave step up, even with Romeo Doubs expected to be "good to go" per Matt LaFleur.
Defense is ELITE
There's not much else to say to this defense besides that they did their job and some extra tonight. An offense of Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley had 10 points and they still lost. With that being said, the Cornerback room for the most part, held up against a good Wide Receiver room that the Eagles have. Not only was the secondary very solid, the defensive line was putting pressure on Hurts all night. In their losses this season, the Packers' defense has been as solid as you can ask for. Carrington Valentine minus one missed tackle, also stepped up big with Nate Hobbs being out due to an injury. Valentine has been putting up good reps, especially recently.
Josh Jacobs played his heart out and held up with no injury
While people complain about running the football, Jacobs made many people miss in order to turn blown up plays into positive yardage. He played his heart out Monday night, and while the the playcalling is becoming too predictable, going forward, the Packers will lean on the reliable Running Back.
Negatives:
Defense gave you every opportunity to go win that game
When you have the ball multiple times from your own 40 or better and can't score, there's a problem.
Management of McManus
If you don't trust Brandon McManus from 57 yards out, why from 64 later in the game? McManus himself said after the game this is the first time he's felt "good about his quad" in weeks. Why has he been kicking recently then? The Packers weren't in a situation where they needed McManus to play through an injury in order to help out the Special Teams, as they had a backup kicker in Lucas Havrisik, who was coming off of a franchise record, 61 yard field goal a few weeks prior. There is not a reason that McManus should have been back out there not feeling 100% about his quad.
Offense is completely flat, partially due to the line
Elgton Jenkins has a fracture, which doesn't help this point at all. The offensive line is letting pressure quickly get through to disrupt plays. Teams are letting Matt LaFleur run into how they want our offense to play because of the offensive line play. First down runs aren't helping anymore either as they are typically leading to 2nd and long situations for the Packers. When the Eagles are calling out your plays with the game on the line, something needs to switch. Going along with the play being called out on the 4th down for the game, when Josh Jacobs admits in the interview they heard the Eagles call the play out, why was there not a timeout to regroup? Both Love and LaFleur should have known to reset.
Extra Notes From Matt LaFleur's Press Conference Wednesday:
When asked if he will give up playcalling duties, LaFleur responded with a chuckle that he "won't be giving up playcalling duties." This comes after a loss against the Eagles in which the Packers put up only seven points.
On Christian Watson coming back from his injury a few weeks ago, and what to think of his performance thus far: "He's done a great job, I have talked many times about how he has been good in the run game, as well as the pass game. He is a big, explosive player that we have gotta continue to find ways that can get him the football to make those plays down the field." This is something that I have mentioned earlier in the article after watching the film as well. Christian Watson is a clear threat to the other team, as the Eagles had Quinyon Mitchell following Watson around a lot of the last game. When you have a need to move a ball, Watson and his playmaking ability are a good thing to bet on when you need that big play.
Today's Game - Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) vs New York Giants (2-8)
Matthew Golden Is Back
The rookie standout Wide Receiver is back in the lineup after being out last week due to a shoulder injury. This is a perfect opportunity to get the rookie involved more and let him showcase his true talent. Along with Golden, fellow rookie Savion Williams will also be active today for the Packers after being Questionable with a foot injury. One noteworthy thing to watch for this rookie duo will be to see how they're being used now that both are active again. Williams didn't see much of the field last week compared to his normal snaps, which in part I would assume would be from the foot injury even if he was active. The offense needs a spark, and these rookies are talented enough to do it.
Christian Watson Needs To Be Involved
Speaking of a spark on offense, Christian Watson should also be getting more looks, as well as being used to open up the offense. It's clear that when Golden and Watson have seen the field together, teams don't know who to shadow, and the Packers should use that to their advantage. Christian Watson has earned the respect of opposing coordinators to put a safety over top of him on the outside, which should give other receivers like Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, and Dontayvion Wicks room to work under him. One thing to watch for is how Watson will be used today now with a healthier looking receiver room.
Sean Rhyan At Center
Another big one to watch for today is the new starting Center in Sean Rhyan. With Elgton Jenkins probably lost for the season with his leg fracture, the Packers now turn to their former draft pick out of UCLA to help weather the storm. Rhyan played good snaps while being thrown in last week, so one thing to watch for is more consistency today.
Jordan Love
Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur have a chance to have a get right game today against a banged up Giants defense. After only putting up seven points last week, something has to change for Jordan Love and the Packers' offense. One key to this is letting Love open up the offense. After paying him 220 million in his extension, it's time to let him throw the ball. With a banged up offensive line, that could look to be more short, but quick routes, or the so called "drive starters". In order to let Love get into a groove, you can't get into the 2nd and 3rd down playcalling that forces deep shots because of the 1st down playcalling losing yards. One thing to watch for today is how Matt LaFleur is able to mix up the pass and run calls differently in order to put this team into position to succeed, because they are too talented to have only seven points to show for in any game, regardless of the opponent.
The Defense
After coming off of a defensive masterclass last week, the Micah Parsons, Xavier McKinney, Rashan Gary, and Edgerrin Cooper headlined defense has a chance to go against an interim Head Coach, and a backup Quarterback in Jameis Winston today. While Winston is a great backup to fall back on for the Giants now that Jaxson Dart is out with a concussion, the defense will have a chance to have yet another good game today.