Three Must-Win Matchups for Packers vs. Rams
The Green Bay Packers will be back at Lambeau Field on Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Rams.
In a season that was supposed to be about progress, the team has regressed while losing four consecutive games. Perhaps last Sunday was rock bottom as the Packers scored 10 points against the Vikings.
That marked Green Bay’s third consecutive game it which it was unable to top 20 points. Its last 20-point output came on Sept. 28 against Detroit, where it trailed 27-3 and was given the benefit of some garbage-time production.
With a gauntlet of pass rushers and better teams on the schedule, the Packers need to get things turned around and fast.
In the past, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's status being in doubt could have chalked up Sunday's game as an automatic win for the Packers. Those days are gone. The Packers recently scored 13 points and lost to the Raiders, who fired their coach and general manager on Tuesday and benched their quarterback this week.
This team is unable to take anyone lightly.
If they're going to snap their losing streak, here are three of the matchups they have to win.
Interior Offensive Line vs. Aaron Donald
The offensive line against opposing pass rushers is likely to be a theme in this thread for the next several weeks.
After a slower start to the season, the Packers are about to face a gauntlet of elite sackmasters. None are more accomplished than Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still playing at a high level. Among interior defenders, he is second in pressures and third in pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus.
“He definitely causes a lot of pause on a lot of things you may want to try to do because he’s such a game-wrecker,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said.
Donald, with his 35 pressures, will be facing a group that has struggled to find its footing all season.
Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Jon Runyan Jr. have allowed 25 pressures between them. Of 34 centers with 165 pass-protecting snaps, Myers ranks 11th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency, which measures sacks, hits and hurries per pass-rushing snap. Of 63 guards, Jenkins ranks sixth and Myers ranks 11th.
Josh Myers leads the way for Aaron Jones
Photo by Jamie Sabau/USA Today Sports Images
It’s unlikely the Packers can decisively win this matchup, but they need to slow Donald down.
Jordan Love and the rest of the offense are struggling enough. He will find it nearly impossible to move the ball if there is immediate pressure in his face.
That's what Donald can provide.
“Aaron Donald is a dynamic player,” Love said.. “Someone that going into this week we’ve got to have a plan for. He’s a game-changer for the defense. He makes plays all the time. He’s somebody we’ve got to be aware of."
Run Defense vs. Rams Run Game
“We're preparing as if No. 9 is playing,” Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry said of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is battling an injured thumb on his throwing hand. “If he doesn't and we get No. 11 [Brett Rypien], I don't think they're going to change what they're doing all the sudden. They're going to run their offense."
Maybe it was coach-speak. Maybe he wasn't trying to be disrespectful with public comments.
The reality is, if Stafford doesn't play, the Rams would be wise to lean into their run game.
The Packers' run defense is coming off what might be its best game of the season. It allowed just 2.0 yards per carry against the Vikings.
The issue, of course, is that game might be an aberration based on how they've performed all season and in past seasons.
The Packers have allowed more than 200 yards rushing twice, both of which came against teams that make no secret about their desires on offense.
The Rams' backfield isn't as decorated as it has been in the past. They recently elevated Darrell Henderson to their active roster from the practice squad. He got the most carries a week ago against Dallas in a game that got away from them by halftime.
De'Vondre Campbell makes a tackle
Photo by Wm. Glasheen/USA Today Sports Images
The Rams are a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of running the ball. They're 17th with 109.5 rushing yards per game while the Packers are 26th with 132.0 rushing yards allowed per game.
Can the Packers slow down a mediocre run game and force a backup quarterback to beat them?
If they can't, it's going to be another long Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
Depleted Secondary vs. Cooper Kupp/Puka Nacua
It wasn't long ago when Barry said the Packers had a “champagne” problem at cornerback.
They had Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Keisean Nixon as their starting trio, an impressive rookie, Carrington Valentine, in reserve and former first-round pick Eric Stokes coming back from injury.
Since then:
Jaire Alexander missed a game against Denver with a back injury and played poorly against Minnesota.
Stokes was injured covering a punt and placed on injured reserve.
Douglas was traded to the Buffalo Bills.
Suffice to say, this group no longer has a champagne problem.
Alexander looks likely to play on Sunday after practicing all week. Valentine likely will join him as the other boundary corner. Nixon has struggled at times, but who else is Green Bay going to play in the slot at this point?
After that, it's all guys they've recently signed off a practice squad.
Even though the Rams might be without Stafford, Rypien is surrounded by two productive receivers.
Cooper Kupp is one of the top receivers in the league when healthy. Puka Nacua has been one of the best rookie receivers in the NFL.
"They’ve got an explosive offense, and it’s a challenge because they’ve got a lot of pieces that they can throw the ball to, and I think they’re doing a good job with their ground game as well." LaFleur said.
Whether Stafford or Rypien plays, there likely will be a temptation from Rams coach Sean McVay to test the Packers' new-look secondary.
The fastest path to the end zone is through the air.
This will be a big test for a group that is reeling from the loss of one of its leaders, Douglas.
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