You are as Strong as Your Weakest Link

There are always a lot of contributing factors to determine the outcome of a game. There’s always an angle in every game, and playoff games are no different. They may even be more important in that sense. You must be able to capitalize and execute on the plan set in place prior to the game. For this matchup, I believe the Eagles and the Packers have very similar target areas, meaning they’re both going to be after the same kind of performance. These two teams both finished the season top 10 in both total offense and defense and have played exceptional to close out the season. But the difference, and likely deciding factor, in this game will be how well each team’s QB plays.

Let’s start with Philly. They’ve been arguably the best team in the NFC. They sit at 14-3 and only lost once in their last eleven games. That lose came to the Commanders in OT, after Jalen Hurts left the game with a concussion. This brings me to my overall point; how will Jalen Hurts play? The Eagles’ trajectory is majorly dependent on Hurts’ production. There were grumblings and murmurs this year inside of Philadelphia, that many believed Hurts was not consistent enough and letting the team down. There was clear distaste from Hurts and A.J. Brown, as they were seen at odds on the sidelines numerous games. But Hurts rectified his mistakes and cleaned up his game, having games where he was more dominant as a passer. But that doesn’t clear the issue, as there were numerous games at the end of the season before his injury where Hurts had less than 200 passing yards, (i.e. vs. the Rams, Ravens, and Panthers.) Hurts has only had four games this year where he threw for over 200 yards, had 2 TDs, and 0 INTs. Those games came against Pittsburgh, Carolina, Jacksonville, and Cleveland. They face the 6th best defense in the league, so Hurts needs to channel some good play. Yes, they have Saquon Barkley to lean on, they have a plethora of receivers, and a stellar statistical defense. But this will all depend on how Jalen Hurts plays. He finished the season with only 2,901 passing yards and 18 passing TDs. They go as far as he will take them.

On a different side of the same coin, the Packers will also go as far as their quarterback will take them. The difference is Jordan Love is an exceptional passer, and while he dealt with turnover issues early in the season, those have been swept up. Love finished the year with 3,389 passing yards, 25 TDs, and 11 INTs, but has been more than succinct in the latter half of the season. Excluding last week’s preseason game against the Bears, the Packers have gotten all their losses against current playoff teams, (the Eagles, and the Lions and Vikings twice.) They haven’t lost to a weak opponent with their starters in yet. This game should be a firefight or a stalemate. I don’t think one team will have much of an advantage over the other, outside of the Eagles playing at home. But the Packers are 5-3 on the road this year, they can play in enemy territory. If Jordan Love stays hot like he has, it will open the run game for Josh Jacobs, who had a nice bounce-back year from the Raiders, finishing the season with +1,300 yards and 15 TDs. There are also a slew of receivers to hit, as Love has gotten four different receivers over 600 receiving yards this year. Play some defense on top of that, stop Barkley in the run game, and make Hurts pass. This game can really go either way. I like the Packers more as a team, less team issues and seemingly more chemistry. More calmness in their execution and aren’t reliant upon one player to spark their offense. That being said, the Eagles can run away with this game if they get Barkley going early and Hurts does what he needs to. Two predictions for this game. If the Packers keep rolling and Love is on point, they can put some points up on this team. If the Eagles get behind early and Hurts tries to play hero ball, I like the Packers 24-21. If the Eagles churn with Saquon and Hurts is accurate, and are able to contain the Packers offense early, I like the Eagles 27-21. I’m going to align with the Packers, but both outcomes are well within reach.

POSTGAME:

So now, I have a question about Jordan Loves contract. Was it too much too early? It was only given to him after beating a bad Cowboys team in the playoffs last year. If it wasn’t the Green Bay, it would be someone else. Love played so well all year, especially at the end of the season. But he played like someone who has never played QB well in their life. He had 212 yards but threw 3 INTs for 0 TDs. Brutal. Especially against the top ranked defense in the regular season. I basically saw this game end on the first play of the game. The fumble that led to an extra possession to the Eagles, who capitalized quickly and scored on a free extra possession. Plus, they got the ball at half. Giving Philly an extra possession, inside the redzone, at home, and expecting to win with that offensive performance, is delusional at best. The Packers defense couldn’t stop anything. Jalen Hurts mediocre pass game, (he finished with 131 yards and 2 TDs), their running back committee led by Saquon, or get by them on defense. The Packers suffered some key injuries mid-game to, namely, they lost their starting guard Elgton Jenkins to a neck stinger, and their offensive line fell apart from there. The Eagles took away the run game, made Love uncomfortable in the pass game, and rolled their way to victory shortly after that. They face the Rams next week at home, and if they play like this next week, the Lions may have something to think about if they can get past Washington.