The temperature in Green Bay right now is 18 degrees. They are expecting a high of 26 with 10-20 mph winds and it wouldn't be Green Bay without freezing drizzle thrown in. Will the weather be much of a problem for the cold-weather Giants? Nah. Why bring it up? Johnny grew up in Detroit and picking against the Packers at Lambeau in January is folly. Yes, Johnny is well aware of the 2007 playoff game between the Giants and Packers. This is a much better Green Bay team than in 2007. Yes an upset CAN happen but is it likely? Let's break it down...
The Packers give up huge amounts of yards. Yes they have Woodson who seemingly is good for one turnover a game and they have that ferocious linebacker corps to get after Eli today. But still the Packers give up yards. We think time of possession will be key for the Giants today. They don't have to run for 150 yards (but it would be nice), just enough to make Green Bay feel pressure to perform with limited ball possession. Control the clock. Short passes. Make Rodgers sit. Green Bay isn't likely to run the ball much so if the Giants can take some air out of the ball, all the better.
The key today is Green Bay's offensive line vs the Giants front seven. Big Blue has been playing very very well up front the last few weeks. Can they control the line of scrimmage? Can they get pressure on Rodgers? By pressure we don't always mean sacks. Hit him, knock him down. Like former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw once said, every time you get hit your eyes drop a little further from downfield. If you're hit a few times you stop looking downfield and start looking around you. This is what the Giants need today. Oh boy do they. One other task of note, Rodgers can kill with the scramble. There will be a time today the Packers have a third and six at a crucial part of the game, don't let Rodgers run for it, those are morale killers.
Win the special teams battle. There is no reason the Giants can't win this aspect of the game. In fact if you want to beat the defending Super Bowl champs on their hallowed field you MUST win this battle. Lawrence Tynes can't go two for four in field goals. You cannot leave points on the field today. Steve Weatherford must punt into corners. Long snappers must be spot on, even in freezing drizzle. Do not lose the game on special teams and you have a chance.
The Giants won't be intimidated nor scared. They have seen this Packers team this year and played them close at the New Meadowlands. They won't be cold or unable to function as say a southern or dome team might.
So, what does the crystal ball say? Johnny has picked the Giants all year....until today. It's Green Bay in January and the Packers are 13-3 all-time in the playoffs in January at Lambeau.
Green Bay 31
New Jersey Giants 20
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