Category: Latest Packers News

Week 13 film notes: Packers passing game should get back on track in New York

The Packers have an opportunity to get it turned around in the passing game on Sunday against the Giants.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said this week it was time for him to “get hot” and set the tone on offense.

Sunday’s trip to New York to play the Giants offers up a strong opportunity for Rodgers and the Packers passing game to get back on track to start December.

In games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, Rodgers threw two touchdown passes, took 10 sacks, averaged 5.1 yards per attempt and produced a passer rating of 81.9.

Those were fast, pressure-centered defenses with talented front fours. This Giants defense can’t dream of comparing.

James Bettcher’s group doesn’t have the edge rushers, the quick-twitch inside linebackers or the cornerbacks to replicate what the Chargers, Panthers and 49ers accomplished against the Packers during the month of November.

This is a “get right” game for the Packers passing offense. Rodgers should have time in the pocket, and the receivers should be able to win one-on-one matchups on the perimeter and in the middle of the field.

Other notes from watching the last few games of the Giants:

– Veteran Janoris Jenkins is still a competitive battler on the perimeter, but young cornerbacks Deandre Baker, Corey Ballentine and Grant Haley look like big liabilities in man-to-man coverage. It’s possible the Giants will use more of second-year cornerback Sam Beal on Sunday. They need a spark in coverage.

– The Giants’ run game isn’t impressive. Saquon Barkley sure looks like he’s lacking the same kind of instant acceleration that made him great as a rookie, and the Giants get little push from the interior of the offensive line. Everything they do in the run game looks laborious. Kenny Clark could have a big game against center Jon Halapio.

– The Packers still can’t underestimate Barkley. He’s lost some juice, likely due to a lingering ankle issue, but he’s still really tough on first contact.

– Receiver Sterling Shepherd could be dangerous. He’s a subtle route runner and really quick on in-breaking routes. Matchups against Kevin King on the outside could be trouble for the Packers. Darius Slayton has some big-play ability, but he looks like an inconsistent young player.

– The Giants don’t do a lot well on defense, but the interior of the defensive line is solid. Dexter Lawrence, B.J. Hill, Dalvin Tomlinson and newcomer Leonard Williams are strong at the point of the attack and can push the pocket at times. All four are plus players against the run. Running the ball inside might be difficult for the Packers.

– However, if Aaron Jones can get to the second level a few times, explosive runs are possible. The Giants aren’t good at inside linebacker.

– The Giants’ edge pass-rush is almost non-existent. Former Cardinal Markus Golden is probably their best rusher. Even if Bryan Bulaga doesn’t play, the Packers should have time to throw the football Sunday. The Giants often have to blitz to make up for their lack of a rush, and the shaky secondary behind the front often gets burned because of it. The Packers should be expecting plenty of stunts up front on obvious passing downs.

– Aaron Rodgers has to be comfortable throwing to the middle of the field. The Giants don’t have great cornerbacks, and the Packers will like the matchups out wide, but the easiest completions will likely come between the hashes. Watch for Jimmy Graham up the seam and Davante Adams running routes from the slot. Allen Robinson did a lot of damage in the middle of the field against the Giants.

– Daniel Jones and the Giants passing game left a lot of yards on the field against the Bears. There were big plays to be made but the whole operation was always just a little off. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Giants came into Sunday with some confidence about their passing game, even though Golden Tate and Evan Engram won’t play. If they would have finished a few big-play opportunities last week, they likely would have beat the Bears in Chicago.

– The Giants tried to counter the Bears’ pass-rush with a bunch of play-action rollouts. They were hit or miss. Jones moves pretty well but his accuracy is spotty on the move.

– Aldrick Rosas, the Giants kicker, is on his last strike. He missed wide right and then wide left in the first half against the Bears. Neither kick looked good coming off the foot. He’s also missed an extra point in three of the last four games.

– Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith need to come in swiping on Sunday. Daniel Jones is prone to holding the ball, and he hasn’t been good at protecting it against edge pressure. If the two Smiths get around the corner, they should be targeting the football. Jones will make it available.

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Behind Enemy Lines: Giants lack personnel to attack Packers’ weaknesses

Previewing the Week 13 battle between the Packers-Giants with Dan Benton of Giants Wire.

The Green Bay Packers and New York Giants will face off Sunday in a battle between NFC teams going in different directions in 2019.

The Packers, at 8-3 and in the lead in the NFC North, will attempt to take another step toward clinching a spot in the playoffs, while the Giants, now at 2-9 after Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears, are playing for pride and draft positioning.

The big question for Sunday: Do the Giants have the personnel to take advantage of the Packers’ weaknesses?

To preview Sunday’s matchup, Packers Wire asked five questions of Dan Benton, the managing editor of Giants Wire:

Packers Wire: Daniel Jones, like many rookie quarterbacks, has had ups and downs. What good traits are emerging, and what problem areas need to be fixed as he enters the final month of the season?

Giants Wire: When I watched college film on Daniel Jones, one of the things that stood out was his footwork. With almost a full season under his belt, DJ has improved upon that and it’s ironically become one of the most overlooked parts of his game. He also has a much stronger arm than some would have suggested around NFL Draft time, and he’s incredibly accurate with the football, but Jones will still make one or two truly poor reads per game and put the ball in a bad spot. Of course, he also struggles holding onto the football, which is a pronounced problem due to a – surprise, surprise – poor offensive line. More than anything he has to improve upon or perfect, Jones has to learn to curve the fumbles.

Packers Wire: Saquon Barkley got hurt and hasn’t been nearly as productive this season. What’s been the cause? Just the injury? Is he due for a breakout game?

Giants Wire: Barkley was given a 4-to-8 week recovery timetable for his high ankle sprain and he returned in a month. Statistically, there’s no mistaking the contrast between his pre-injury production and post-injury production. He absolutely refuses to accept that as an excuse and insists that it’s not. In that case, there’s one of two arguments to be made: a) Barkley is mired in a legitimate sophomore slump or b) Barkley is suffering from the absence of Eli Manning. Yes, that’s a crazy notion to many, but we covered it here.

Packers Wire: The Giants have some real talent on the interior of the defensive line. Are those guys starting to emerge as a cornerstone of the defense?

Giants Wire: The entire defensive line has been extremely impressive this year. When people look at the statistics alone, it doesn’t reflect well, but when considering the 3-4 alignment and their specific assignment, Dalvin Tomlinson, Dexter Lawrence and B.J. Hill are all doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. Hill’s pass-rushing numbers are notably down, but the unit has collectively played quite well. The addition of Leonard Williams has shaken things up a bit in recent weeks, and he didn’t play well in a loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday, but I think he fits long-term. The biggest issue, as Packers fans will witness on Sunday, is that the Giants have literally nothing behind those three down linemen in the middle of the field.

Packers Wire: The Packers have really struggled to defend the middle of the field. Do the Giants have any weapons capable of exploiting the defense’s biggest issue?

Giants Wire: The simple answer is no. With Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison out on Sunday, the Giants will lean on Scott Simonson and Kaden Smith. Both are consistent talents, but they don’t have the game-breaking ability of Engram. Smith has some potential to create headaches, but he’s still young and unproven. Meanwhile, the Giants have made a habit of using Saquon Barkley incorrectly, so while he may seem like an obvious counter to isolate on some inside guys, you can expect Pat Shurmur to do the opposite of all of that. And for anyone who thinks that’s hyperbole or some sort of sarcasm, sadly… it’s not.

Packers Wire: The Packers haven’t been efficient getting the ball to the WR position since Davante Adams returned. What’s the state of the Giants CB situation entering Sunday?

Giants Wire: The state of the Giants secondary? Specifically the cornerbacks? How would I describe that? Have you seen the dumpster fire meme? Insert that here. Rookie DeAndre Baker is among the lowest-graded cornerbacks in all of football and up until last week, was getting himself called out in front of the team for his – and I directly quote – “unacceptable” play. He’s now in a rotation with sophomore Sam Beal, who had missed more than a year and a half due to injury. Rookie Corey Ballentine replaced Grant Haley at nickel due to poor play, and Ballentine responded by giving up five consecutive receptions for over 100 yards last week. Veteran Janoris Jenkins is a wildcard – he can either be as invisible and futile as the rest or a complete lockdown corner. Thankfully, he sounds motivated for the Packers. Either way, Aaron Rodgers should put up about 500 yards.

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Packers list Bryan Bulaga, two others as questionable vs. Giants

Bulaga, Tony Brown and Will Redmond are all questionable for Sunday against the Giants.

The Green Bay Packers listed offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, cornerback Tony Brown and safety Will Redmond as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants.

Bulaga, the team’s starter at right tackle, left Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers after injuring his knee in the first quarter, but he participated at practice on Thursday and Friday and now has a great shot at playing against the Giants on Sunday.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Bulaga’s playing status will be determined by how his body responds to back-to-back days of practice.

So far this season, 80 percent of the team’s “questionable” designations have gone on to play in the game.

Brown, a key special teams contributor, must his injured his heel at some point during the last two days. Redmond, however, was a full participant on Friday after missing Wednesday’s practice.

No other player was given an injury designation. Tight end Robert Tonyan and fullback Danny Vitale, who were both questionable last week, were removed from the injury report.

Once again, the Packers are the far healthier team.

The Giants ruled out five players for Sunday: receiver Golden Tate, tight end Evan Engram, safety Jabrill Peppers, long snapper Zak DeOssie and tight end Rhett Ellison.

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Giants rule out 3 key contributors for Sunday vs. Packers

The Giants ruled out Evan Engram, Golden Tate and Jabrill Peppers for Sunday against the Packers.

The New York Giants will be without three of their most important players on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

The 2-9 Giants ruled out receiver Golden Tate, safety Jabrill Peppers and tight end Evan Engram for Week 13.

Tate and Engram represent Daniel Jones’ top two targets in the passing game, while Peppers is third on the Giants’ defense in total snaps played.

Engram, an athletic tight end, leads the Giants in targets (68), receptions (44) and receiving yards (467). He would have presented a big problem for a Packers defense that has struggled against tight ends, especially over the last five games.

Tate is a tough, veteran receiver who operates in the slot and can create yards after the catch. He’s second on the team in targets (57), receptions (36) and receiving touchdowns (four). His absence robs the Giants of their top target in the middle of the field, an area the Packers have struggled to defend in 2019.

Acquired in a trade with the Browns this offseason, Peppers leads the Giants in total tackles. He also has five tackles for losses, three forced fumbles and an interception return for a touchdown.

Darius Slayton is expected to replace Golden Tate at receiver. Kaden Smith played the majority of the snaps at tight end with Engram out the last few weeks. Rookie Julian Love, who had an interception last week, could help replace Peppers at safety.

The Giants will also be without top long snapper Zak DeOssie and backup tight end Rhett Ellison.

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 13 at Giants

Predictions for the Packers’ Week 13 matchup with the Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The Green Bay Packers can improve to 9-3 going into the final quarter of the 2019 season with a win over the struggling New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Matt LaFleur’s team is 2-0 after losses this season, and they’re attempting to rebound after a 37-8 loss in San Francisco last Sunday night.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 13 matchup will go down:

Zach Kruse (8-3): Packers 31, Giants 17

A couple of takeaways of Daniel Jones and 2-3 touchdowns from Aaron Jones get the Packers back on track. Keep an eye on the weather. The elements – including the wind – could play a big factor. But the Packers are more talented and have a big advantage at quarterback, and they’ll be refocused after Sunday’s disaster in San Francisco.

Jack Wepfer (8-3): Packers 30, Giants 17

The Packers get right and work to reset the narrative. The Giants are beat up and starting a rookie quarterback. Without many weapons, Daniel Jones will struggle in the face of pressure. The Packers roll with another big game for Aaron Jones. Rodgers also will rebound statistically.

Marty Kauffman (6-5): Packers 28, Giants 13

The Giants will be down many offensive weapons and have one of the league’s lowest-ranked defenses which should provide an easy road win for the Packers. With poor weather conditions a possible factor, expect a heavy dose of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams and the Packers defense to be presented with many turnover opportunities.

Anthony Nash (7-4): Packers 28, Giants 17

The Giants have been stumbling throughout most of the season and will come into this game down many of their offensive weapons. Combine that with a rookie quarterback and one of the leagues worst defenses, and this should provide a great opportunity to right the ship for the Packers. The weather is expected to be poor, so expect a heavy dose of both Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones as the Packers look to get back in the win column.

Nolan Stracke (6-5): Packers 34, Giants 20

Green Bay has a big opportunity to bounce back after the humbling loss to San Francisco last week. The Giants, sitting at 2-9, have one of the worst defenses in the league and will be without several key starters on both sides of the ball. This is a game the Packers or any good team should win, but it could also be a proverbial trap game. The Packers have put together good games against good teams after losses this season, so they should know how to handle the lowly Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Joe Kipp (7-4):  Packers 31, Giants 21

This is a true ‘get right’ for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game. The Giants have arguably the worst secondary in the entire NFL. All week we heard about how the Packers lack the necessary weapons to truly contend on offense. Sunday’s game will provide the perfect opportunity to prove those doubters wrong. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Davante Adams go for over 150 yards and a touchdown, but the real question is who will step up outside of No. 17? The Packers win relatively easy, and the score doesn’t necessarily reflect their dominance in the end.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 31-17 8-3
Jack Wepfer Win 30-17 8-3
Marty Kauffman Win 28-13 6-5
Anthony Nash Win 28-17 7-4
Nolan Stracke Win 34-20 6-5
Joe Kipp Win 31-21 7-4

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Jared Veldheer gives Packers valuable experience at OT

Down the stretch, having an experienced player like Jared Veldheer as a top backup at OT could be huge for the Packers.

Most NFL teams don’t have two capable offensive tackles. It’s possible the Green Bay Packers now have three.

The team officially claimed veteran Jared Veldheer off of waivers on Friday. He’ll begin his tenure with the Packers on the exempt list as he returns from a six-month retirement from the NFL.

Once he’s activated to the 53-man roster, Veldheer should give the Packers valuable depth at both offensive tackle spots.

A third-round pick in 2010, Veldheer has started 91 games at left tackle and another 21 at right tackle. He even has one start at center.

That wide-ranging experience should make him an ideal third tackle for the Packers behind Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari, especially considering Bulaga’s annual struggles with injuries.

The Packers are going into Sunday’s game against the Giants with uncertainty about Bulaga’s status after he injured his knee during the team’s loss in San Francisco last Sunday night. Veldheer probably won’t be ready to contribute on Sunday, but down the line, he’ll provide the Packers with a strong insurance policy against an injury to either Bulaga or Bakhtiari.

Second-year offensive tackle Alex Light came into the season as the team’s No. 3 tackle. He performed admirably in the Packers’ win over the Chiefs in Kansas City, but he struggled mightily during extended playing time against both the Eagles and 49ers.

The Packers needed an upgrade, and Veldheer’s return from retirement provided the perfect opportunity.

Now, the Packers can continue developing Light, keep Billy Turner at right guard and still be comfortable with the situation behind the starters at offensive tackle.

At the very least, Veldheer is an immediate roster improvement over rookie Yosh Nijman, who was promoted from the practice squad earlier this week.

An injury to Bulaga or Bakhtiari would still be damaging because both are top-end players at their respective positions. However, having Veldheer as the No. 3 tackle should lessen the drop off from starter to backup, especially in a high leverage situation such as a road game (the Packers play three of their final five away from home) or in the playoffs.

Imagine Bulaga going down in Minnesota on Dec. 23. Or Bakhtiari hobbling off the field in a playoff game in January. Both would have been doomsday scenarios for the Packers before adding Veldheer, an experienced player who – when ready to play – might be one of the NFL’s best No. 3 offensive tackles.

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Packers vs. Giants: 5 things to watch and a prediction

Five things to watch and a prediction for Sunday’s Week 13 battle between the Packers and Giants at MetLife Stadium in New York.

The Green Bay Packers have a chance to make it three wins in three chances after losses when they travel to New York to face the Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The Packers, now 8-3 after last Sunday night’s loss in San Francisco, haven’t lost two games in a row this season. After losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers, Matt LaFleur’s team responded with victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, respectively.

Another win over the Giants would put the Packers one step closer to the postseason.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Sunday in New York:

1. Turnover time?

Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has thrown eight interceptions and lost 10 fumbles in nine starts this season, helping New York rank 30th in the NFL in turnover differential (-11). Although he hasn’t thrown a pick in three of the last four games, he’s lost at least one fumble in five straight games and in seven of his 10 appearances overall. He’s also thrown a pick in five of nine starts. As a result, the Giants lead the NFL in games with two or more turnovers (eight). The Packers haven’t had a takeaway in two of the last three games and have only five in the last six games. It’s time for Mike Pettine’s group to start creating havoc again, especially against a rookie quarterback.

2. Chance for the WRs

Veteran Janoris Jenkins and Davante Adams will likely battle on the perimeter most snaps, but the other Packers receivers have an opportunity for a big afternoon. The Giants cornerbacks after Jenkins are shaky, at best. Deandre Baker, Corey Ballentine and Grant Haley have all struggled. In fact, the Giants have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and third-most touchdowns to the receiver position this season. This could be the chance for Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow and Geronimo Allison to make a big impact after a disappointing month of November.

3. Stopping Saquon

The Giants could be down several weapons in the passing game, and projected weather conditions at MetLife Stadium might make passing the football difficult. Expect the Giants to feed the ball to second-year running back Saquon Barkley over and over. While the Giants haven’t been good running it this season, the Packers haven’t been good at stopping it, either. If the Packers limit Barkley, it’s hard to see how the Giants can do enough or score enough on offense to win.

4. Interior OL

The big story this week is the injury status of right tackle Bryan Bulaga, but the Packers also need a bounce-back performance from the interior of the offensive line. Corey Linsley and guards Elgton Jenkins and Billy Turner got manhandled by the 49ers’ talented front in San Francisco. The Giants aren’t nearly as talented on the interior, but Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson and B.J. Hill are all good players. They’ll provide a good test – and a chance at redemption – for the middle of the Packers offensive line.

5. Get right game

If there’s an intangible benefit of losing last week in San Francisco, it’s that the Packers won’t have to worry about the “trap game” idea in New York. This should be a humbled, refocused team. That said, winning on the road in the NFL is never easy, regardless of opponent. The Giants are 2-9, with a rookie quarterback under center and the 29th ranked scoring defense, but the Packers can’t fly east and expect to just roll over Pat Shurmur’s team. This should be an opportunity for a “get right” game, but the Packers must start fast, avoid self-inflicted mistakes and take full advantage of the opportunity to win a ninth game in 12 tries. They have more talent, more experience and a better quarterback. No excuses.

Prediction: Packers 31, Giants 17

A couple of takeaways of Daniel Jones and 2-3 touchdowns from Aaron Jones get the Packers back on track. Keep an eye on the weather. The elements – including the wind – could play a big factor.

OT Jared Veldheer claimed by Packers, placed on exempt/commissioner list

The Packers officially claimed veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, who will be given a roster exemption.

The Green Bay Packers officially claimed veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer off of waivers on Friday, confirming he passed his physical with the team.

Veldheer, a third-round pick in 2010 with over 100 career starts, was placed on the exempt/commissioners list, meaning he won’t yet take up a roster spot.

Veldheer signed with the New England Patriots in May but quickly retired from the NFL. He returned this week and was waived off the reserve/retired list by the Patriots, allowing the Packers to make a potentially important late-season addition.

Veldheer has experience at left and right tackle, starting 91 games on the left side and 21 on the right.

Quality offensive tackles are hard to come by in the NFL, and now the Packers have one to back up Bryan Bulaga, who is currently recovering from a knee injury suffered against the 49ers last Sunday night.

Struggling Packers WRs have big opportunity vs. Giants

The Packers WRs have a strong matchup on Sunday against the Giants, even if they’ve been struggling the last month.

The struggling wide receivers of the Green Bay Packers should have an opportunity for a bounce-back game on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Although Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison and Jake Kumerow have produced next to nothing over the last three games, the Giants are a favorable matchup for any group of receivers.

The Giants have a strong case for possessing the worst top four cornerbacks in the NFL.

Veteran Janoris Jenkins is experienced and feisty and will likely provide a capable counter for Adams, but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers should feast on the Giants’ other cornerbacks.

Rookie Deandre Baker has allowed four touchdown passes and a passer rating of 125.6 into his coverage. He is the No. 147 overall cornerback by grade at Pro Football Focus.

Grant Haley has allowed over 80 percent completions and a passer rating of 114.6 into his coverage. He’s PFF’s No. 119 cornerback in 2019.

Corey Ballentine has allowed 10.7 yards per target and a passer rating of 119.4. He’s PFF’s No. 143 ranked cornerback.

The Packers desperately need a matchup like this.

Receivers not named Davante Adams over the last three games have combined to catch 18 passes on 32 targets for only 144 yards, good for 4.5 yards per target and a passer rating when targeted of 67.7.

Lazard: 7 catches, 12 targets, 78 yards
Allison: 8 catches, 9 targets, 36 yards
Valdes-Scantling: 1 catch, 6 targets, 7 yards
Kumerow: 2 catches, 5 targets, 23 yards

Even Adams has been underwhelming, at least efficiency-wise, since returning from a toe injury. He’s turned 33 targets into 202 yards, or 9.6 yards per catch and 6.1 yards per target.

Plenty of factors have contributed to the inefficiency, including the quality of defense faced and the struggles of the offensive line in pass blocking. The offense, while undeniably better with Adams on the field, hasn’t found the right way to reincorporate him back into a passing game that was humming without him in October.

The Packers are really struggling to get the ball to the receiver position in a meaningful, efficient way, especially against good defenses. A matchup against the Giants could be just what this group needs to get back on track.

Packers RT Bryan Bulaga (knee) returns to practice on Thursday

Starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga returned to Packers practice on Thursday, making it possible he’ll play Sunday against the Giants.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Green Bay Packers can be thankful for the unrivaled toughness of starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bulaga – who left last Sunday’s loss in San Francisco with a knee injury – was back in pads and participating during the portion of Thursday’s padded practice open to the media.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday he wasn’t ready to rule out Bulaga for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Thursday’s return to practice – even in a limited capacity – suggests Bulaga will have a legitimate chance to play on Sunday.

At the very least, Bulaga could be a game-time decision against the Giants based on how the knee responds to work this week. If he can’t go, the Packers could start second-year offensive tackle Alex Light or slide starting right guard Billy Turner out to tackle.

Light replaced Bulaga against the 49ers but struggled. Turner has past experience playing tackle and is ready to play there if needed.

Bulaga has started all 11 games for the Packers at right tackle this season.

The Packers will release an updated injury report later Thursday.