The key to either upcoming game is our running game. The Packers rank 24th overall against the run in yards allowed per game, the Colts 29th. The Colts overall D ranks 24th and the Packers came in surprisingly 10th. I thought they were top 5 ranked. If we can get Torain going at or about 20 carries and Portis to spell him 10-15 carries, we could have a chance at either game.
But, if our offense shows up like it did the past 2 weeks and does not give our defense a chance by keeping either high powered offense off the field like we have seen all season long, we are in big trouble!
Thoughts from a Packer fan.
While the statistics would agree with you, I'd think twice about forcing the run issue if I were Shanahan.
In three of the Packers four games, the leading rusher for the opposing team was their QB (Vick-103, Cutler-37, Hill-53). Scrambling QB's have been the achilles of the Packer run defense this year, and McNabb may well add to that. Opponents have not, however, had much success running the ball on the Packer defense in the traditional sense.
Where the Packers are vulnerable, aside from the scrambling QB's, is the defensive secondary. So far our QB pressure has been able to hide that weakness but don't kid yourself, it is there.
Rookie strong safety Morgan Burnett was the starter but went down last week with a torn ACL leaving the Packers extremely thin. Atari Bigby remains on PuP and the two remaining backups are less than stellar. Inexperienced Derrick Martin or journeyman Charlie Peprah will get the start.
Rookie UDFA Sam Shields was inactive last week but should be back in his nickel back role this week. He's talented but raw. Jarrett Bush would play nickel in his place if Shields can't go, and he's a penalty or big play waiting to happen for the Redskins. Ugh.
This game scares me as a Packer fan, to be honest.
The one equalizer is our pass rush against the Redskin O-Line. If the rush continues and the Packers are able to pressure AND CONTAIN McNabb, I think the Packers will prevail. If McNabb is able to get rid of the ball ahead of the rush or scramble to daylight, it could get interesting.
For what it's worth, Laron Landry is a beast. He has quickly become my favorite Redskin and I look forward to watching him in person this weekend.