The NFL Season is only two days away! The Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens will kick off the season Thursday night. The Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles will play Friday night in Brazil. It will mark as the first ever NFL game to be played in South America. Both teams have Super Bowl aspirations on their minds and are seen as two of the better teams in the NFC. Here is what the Green Bay Packers need to do to defeat the Eagles Friday night.
The Green Bay Packer Need to Contain Jalen Hurts
The Green Bay Packers historically struggle against running quarterbacks. When the Packers last face the Eagles in the 2022 season, Jalen Hurts had 100 yards rushing…in the first quarter. Hurts is a capable passer as well. If you lose containment on him, he can easily take off. If you don’t there there in time, he can hurt you with his arm.
It is going to be a tall task for Green Bay Packers first year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, The Packers defense needs to find a way to keep Hurts in the pocket and make him feel uncomfortable. If they can do that, Hurts has shown to be ineffective and can even turn the ball over.
Win the Line of Scrimmage
The Eagles were able to sign former New York Giants and former number two overall pick Saquon Barkley in the offseason. At only 27 years old, there is still plenty of good years for Barkley. He is a bruising tailback who can be effective in the passing game as well. If the Packers let Barkley run over them, it will be a long night.
On the other hand, it will be the first time Green Bay Packers fans see meaningful snaps from Josh Jacobs. He only played the first series in the Cleveland preseason game. Like Barkley, Jacobs is a solid two way running back. Whoever can get their backs more comfortable into the game will likely win.
Make the Philadelphia Offense One Dimensional
If you let the Eagles get into what they want to do on both sides of the ball, they are one of, if not, the best offense in the NFL. With Barkley and Hurts are two 1,000 yard receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Tight end Dallas Goedert is a top 10 tight end in the league too.
I don’t think Hurts wants to throw the ball over 40 times in this game. He is more effective when he can sprinkle in his legs with the passing game. If the Green Bay Packers defense can keep him in the pocket all game. I like their chances in this game. It will be a tough task for corners Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Carrington Valentine. If the front seven can get pressure on Hurts, they should be able to hold up on the Eagles receivers.
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