The 2023 NFL season has been a wild one for the Green Bay Packers. Just a few short weeks ago, no one was giving Jordan Love and company a chance to find their way into the playoffs. Now, after beating the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football in Week 13, they are 6-6 and are currently No. 7 in the NFC playoff picture.
A lot of that turnaround has to do with the impressive play of Love. He has turned things around and is now cementing himself as the face of the Packers’ future. It has been a breath of fresh air after a very concerning and disappointing start to the season.
While there are a lot of things to be happy about in Green Bay, the job has not been completed. There are still games that the Packers need to win. In fact, they likely will need to win four out of their next five games in order to make sure that they get into the postseason.
In Week 14, they have the definition of a trap game on the schedule. They will head to New York to take on the Giants on Monday Night Football.
Let’s dive in and take a look at three keys the Packers must focus on in order to defeat the Giants and move into even better playoff positioning.
3 Keys For The Green Bay Packers Against The Giants
3. Put Pressure On Tommy DeVito
On Tuesday, the Giants confirmed that they will be starting undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito at quarterback once again. He has played well since entering the starting lineup and has earned the job over veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who has been cleared to play again. For the Packers, there is one major defensive key to get the win.
Joe Barry and the defense must find ways to put pressure on DeVito. If they can get to the quarterback, they will have their chances to force turnovers. Should the Packers be able to force turnovers, they’ll set themselves up for a great chance to win this game.
2. Establish The Running Game To Open Up The Pass
Coming into Week 14, the Giants are tied for fourth-worst in the NFL in stopping the run. Green Bay is hoping to have star running back Aaron Jones back on the field, but it seems likely he could miss another week due to injury. Despite missing Jones, the Packers have to find a way to establish the ground game with AJ Dillon.
Once the ground game is established, the Giants are also extremely beatable through the air. Love has started showing the ability to throw the deep ball and that should be there if they can have success running the football. A balanced offense is needed in Week 14 and Matt LaFleur needs to make sure it happens.
1. Green Bay Must Win The Turnover Battle
In trap games like these, the favored to win team has to take care of the football. There is no doubt that the Packers are the better football team on paper. They are the superior team on both sides of the ball.
One of the only ways that the Giants will be able to win this game is if they force turnovers. Green Bay has to find ways to win the turnover battle. They’ve shown the ability to do it this season and they need to do it once again this week.