The Green Bay Packers playoff push begins tonight as they take on the wounded New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
Wide Receivers Finding a Role
It seems like all the wide receivers have found a role in the offense at the right time as the Packers playoff push begins. At the beginning of the season, one of the biggest questions was who would emerge as WR1? Well, with three games left, the same questions persist. However, defined roles have begun to take shape.
It seems as if Romeo Doubs has become the contested catch guy, or someone who you can trust in one on one situations to win you a rep. If he is the go-to-guy in gotta have it situations, does that mean he is WR1? It is quite possible. The offense just looks much smoother with him in the operation.
Christian Watson is the deep ball threat, but he is much more than that. He is also really good in the intermediate area, and middle of the field as well as on rollouts. He does so much and does it so well.
Jayden Reed is the gadget player, the guy who just needs touches and will convert every snap into positive yardage. He gets so many Deebo Samuel comparisons and while they are not the same player, the way they are used is very similar. Jayden Reed needs to get touches, whether that be out of the backfield, or in the slot.
Wicks has improved in the catching department greatly and continues to get better. He is the best route runner on the team and the player who can get open at any point. He just needs to be more consistent with the ball in his hands and he will get the ball thrown to him.
But so far, it is obvious that the top 3 wide receivers are Doubs, Watson, Reed.
Pass Rush needs to stack positive performances
As the pass rush continues to get better, this is arguably the second most important unit that will determine how far the Packers playoff push goes. After Jordan Love at quarterback and the most important player on offense, the pass rush will determine whether the Packers will win the Super Bowl or not.
The pass rush has greatly improved, and a big reason is the improvement from all 4 edge rushers: Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox.
Lukas Van Ness has gotten immensely better since the bye week and his good play has improved the pass rush unit as a whole. Rashan Gary also had an amazing game against Seattle and the pass rush seems to be getting better just at the right time.
But special shoutout to Brenton Cox. From being a healthy scratch for most of his Packers career to being a consistent contributor on defense. The pass rush needs to stack these performances as the games get tougher down the stretch.
Special Teams Needs to Continue Being Good during Packers Playoff Push
Packers fans are well aware that special teams matters in the playoffs as much as offense or defense. This is the first time in years that Packers fans do not have to worry when their punter or their kicker goes out for a special teams play.
The Packers are 14th in special teams DVOA, Brandon McManus has not missed a kick since the second Lions game in the rainy weather, Daniel Whelan has punted really well. As long as the special teams does not make mistakes as the Packers playoff push begins, the Packers offense and defense are good enough to compete against anybody.
Favorite Play from Seahawks Game
This play was so fun. Look at Carrington Valentine keep his eyes on the quarterback, his hands on the player he was guarding, saw the play develop and immediately took a risk to make a play. And he made a play. Great play by Carrington Valentine for his first career INT.
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