Can we please stop writing stories about what the Packers need to do in order to make the postseason? It’s simply not happening for a team that’s played exactly one good game since the middle of September, and that inspired effort came with a familiar face on the opposing sideline. So unless former coach Mike McCarthy will also be leading Philadelphia, Chicago, the Rams, Miami, Minnesota, and Detroit, it’s difficult to see the Packers winning more than another couple of games.
The only real mystery left in the season is whether Jordan Love will get a chance to start a few games. The third-year quarterback, whom the Packers traded up for in the first round of the 2020 draft, has thrown only 71 passes in his NFL career.
PREDICTION: The Packers have a chance to compete against the Eagles of recent weeks. That team lost at home to Washington and struggled to beat Houston and Indianapolis. Lately, Philly has been turning the ball over on offense and struggling to stop the run on defense. If those two things continue on Sunday night, viewers won’t be turning to Howard Stern’s interview with rock legend Bruce Springsteen at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.
The Packers have no chance to compete against the Eagles of the first eight weeks. That team was precision-like on offense and incredibly opportunistic on defense. Back then, quarterback Jalen Hurts was the most dynamic player in the league, and a ferocious pass rush led to 10 interceptions by a talented secondary spearheaded by corner Darius Slay.
Regardless of which Eagles team shows up on Sunday night, the Packers will need to run the ball, control the clock, and keep it a one-score game for as long as possible. Philly thrives off the energy of the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field, so it’s imperative not to give them a whole lot to cheer about in the first half. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
This preview is shorter than usual because I haven’t had much free time this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. But let’s be honest, this post could’ve been summed up in one sentence – the Eagles are a much better team, and they will win.
Philly is favored by 6.5 points. That seems a little low, which gives me some pause and at least tempts me to pick the Packers to cover. I want to, but I just can’t. PHILADELPHIA 28-20 (Season record: 5-6-0 straight-up; 5-5-1 vs. the spread)
[yop_poll id=”75″]
