How Can the Giants Slow Down Packers Rodgers?
Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers is red hot entering Wild Card Weekend. Over his last seven games, Rodgers is experiencing one of the best stretches of his career, throwing 18 touchdowns and no interceptions.
The New York Giants face the daunting task of trying to slow down Aaron Rodgers this weekend at Lambeau Field.
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is fully aware of what he is up against this weekend.
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“Aaron Rodgers is one of the elite and in some regard, you are not going to change that,” Spagnuolo said, according to Newsday on Jan. 5, 2017. “What you have to do is try to affect the other 10, and that is what we are going to try to do.”
So what can the Giants do to keep Rodgers at bay?
Apply Pressure
Regardless of the amount of blitzes Spagnuolo dials up, the Giants will need to make Rodgers uncomfortable.
“We most definitely have to get to him,” Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon said, according to NJ.com on Jan. 5, 2017. ” Staying disciplined at the same time. Just getting in his face, we have to pressure him.”
According to PlayerProfiler.com, Rodgers has a pressured completion percentage of 28 percent this season, the 36th best among quarterbacks.
That number is most likely inflated from the Packers sub par start to the regular season, but still shows Rodgers is susceptible to the pass rush.
With top running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks out, the Giants should look to challenge Ty Montgomery and Aaron Ripkowski in pass protection.
Win in the Red Zone
Rodgers has been spectacular converting in enemy territory this season.
Of his 40 touchdown passes, 33 have come in the red zone.
Statistically speaking, the Giants should be up for the challenge.
According to TeamRankings.com, the Giants have the top team opponent red zone scoring percentage in terms of touchdowns at 39.5 percent.
When they met in Week 5, the Giants held the Packers to two field goals in three trips inside the 20-yard line.
The defense needs to continue its outstanding play in pressure situations, as the game could very well be decided in the red zone.
No Peeking
Rodgers is exceptional at extending the play and forcing opposing defenses to cover for long periods of time.
Sticking to defensive assignments in scramble situations will be essential to preventing blown coverages and big plays down field.
“The most important (thing) is, you’ve got to have eye discipline,” cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said, according to 247Sports.com on Jan. 5, 2017. “Once you get outside that pocket, you can’t be looking to see what Aaron Rodgers will do because like that (snaps) he can throw it off his back foot, 60 yards down field.”
No peeking, especially in a game where one big play could be the difference.