Packers At Eagles Wild Card Game Discussion Thread

[Joemailman]

Packers lead all-time series 29-19. 28-17 in regular season, 1-2 in postseason.

Last meeting: September 6, 2024. Eagles defeated the Packers 34-29 in Brazil. Jordan Love threw for 260 yards with 2 TD's and 1 INT before getting injured at the end. Jayden Reed caught 4 passes for 138 yards and 1 TD and had a 33 yard run for another TD. Josh Jacobs rushed 16 times for 84 yards. For the Eagles, Jalen Hurts passed for 278 yards with 2 TD's and 2 INT's. Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and 2 TD's. AJ Brown had 5 catches for 119 yards and 1 TD.

Last playoff meeting: January 9, 2011. Packers defeated the Eagles 21-16 in Philadelphia in wild card round. Aaron Rodgers threw for 180 yards and 3 TD's. James Starks rushed 23 times for 123 yards. For the Eagles, Michael Vick passes for 292 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Jason Avant had 7 catches for 93 yards and 1 TD. Tramon Williams sealed the win with an INT with 33 seconds left.

Eagles come into the game 14-3, winners of the NFCE. Offensively, the Eagles rank 7th in points scored, 8th in yards gained. In 15 games, Jalen Hurts completed 68.7% of his passes for 2903 yards with 18 TD's and 5 INT's. He also rushed for 630 yards and 14 TD's. Saquon Barkley rushed for 2005 yards and 13 TD's averaging 5.8 YPC. AJ Brown caught 67 passes for 1079 yards and 7 TD's. DeVonta Smith caught 68 passes for 833 yards and 8 TD's.

Defensively, the Eagles ranked 2nd in points allowed, 1st in yards allowed. Opponents completed 62% of passes for 2961 yards with 22 TD's and 13 INT's. Opponents rushed for 1771 yards and 9 TD's, averaging 4.3 YPC. The Eagles sacked opposing QB's 41 times, led by Josh Sweat with 8.

Eagles favored by 4.5

Moneyline: Eagles -230, Packers +190

Over/under 45.5

[MadtownPacker]

Packers are gonna win!

[Fosco33]

Take down eagles then lions and wrap it up with the Vikings. Call it the revenge tour. Steelers in the SB and it’ll be a repeat of 2010

[Tony Oday]

Barkley runs for 128 yards for 214 total yards and 4 TDs, Love doesn't make it through the game.

[Fritz]

Take down eagles then lions and wrap it up with the Vikings. Call it the revenge tour. Steelers in the SB and it’ll be a repeat of 2010

This would be my dream scenario.


But can the Packers' defense even slow down the Iggles? God knows the Packer offense is not hitting on all cylinders. Might be firing on two.

MLF's play calling also seems dull.

The whole team just seems kinda stuck in mud. Not what you want heading into Philly.

[MadtownPacker]

Barkley runs for 128 yards for 214 total yards and 4 TDs, Love doesn't make it through the game.Oh so Willis comes in and wins it. That will work.

[Fritz]

Mad, you saw Willis make some plays, but you also saw him not throw the ball away on a play he ought to have, and you saw him unaware of a rusher screaming into him. He's got lots of talent - sometimes I wonder if he could be better than Jordan Love - but he's not ready for playoff football yet. Dude does play physically, and he's got a rocket for an arm.

[Teamcheez1]

The first thing the Packers need to do is defer if they win the toss.
No more of this taking the ball first crap.

[Joemailman]

Jason B. Hirschhorn
@by_JBH

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni confirms that Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol.

[run pMc]

Is Hurts practicing? if he's not, then it's pretty serious. Doubs and Wyatt practiced while in the protocol.
I think Hurts will play. Don't know how rusty he'll be.

After losing to MIN and CHI consecutively, hard to feel optimistic about this game.

[George Cumby]

Man, I wish I could believe. Maybe later in the week I can find some kool-aid.

[MadScientist]

If he can/is allowed to play, he'll play. Concussions are tricky business and can keep a guy out for weeks. He has to complete the protocol.

[MadtownPacker]

Mad, you saw Willis make some plays, but you also saw him not throw the ball away on a play he ought to have, and you saw him unaware of a rusher screaming into him. He's got lots of talent - sometimes I wonder if he could be better than Jordan Love - but he's not ready for playoff football yet. Dude does play physically, and he's got a rocket for an arm.
Who got into the endzone?

[MadtownPacker]

If he can/is allowed to play, he'll play. Concussions are tricky business and can keep a guy out for weeks. He has to complete the protocol.
He might play but doesn’t sound like he will be 100. I am starting to like this game. Can we get someone to set up Siriannin so he throws a shit fit again?

[Bretsky]

This is a team that can't beat the shitty Bears; how could you predict we would beat the Eagles ?

[texaspackerbacker]

The Packers are better now than they were when they coulda/shoulda beat the Eagles in Brazil. The Eagles just might be a little less good.

[Bretsky]

The Packers are better now than they were when they coulda/shoulda beat the Eagles in Brazil. The Eagles just might be a little less good.

Um, did you watch the last couple games ?

Love Sub Par and not accurate enough

Receivers unable to get separation and get open, and it's worse when there is no Watson

Defense, very very average at best.

I don't know how you can feel good about this game if the Eagles have their QB back at full strength

[RandsRevenge]

deleted

[RandsRevenge]

This is a team that can't beat the shitty Bears; how could you predict we would beat the Eagles ?

Hey remember when the Bears coach got fired during the season? The reason was kinda interesting.

[Bretsky]

Hey remember when the Bears coach got fired during the season? The reason was kinda interesting.


Clock management if I recall; well that and about a six game losing streak

[RandsRevenge]

Clock management if I recall; well that and about a six game losing streak

well, yes. But clock management in a game they could have won on the road at Detroit. I know it's fun to say these other teams are shitty, and the Packers should just coast to victory, but they actually play to win and have talent.

[Vincenzo]

Jason B. Hirschhorn
@by_JBH

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni confirms that Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol.
We gotta keep our eye on this all week!

[Fritz]

We all suffer to some extent from recency bias - whatever happened last is what's going to keep happening. When the Packers win in a convincing or relatively convincing manner, we all talk about how good they're going to be. When they lose or they win while playing poorly against weak competition, we think they're a terrible team. So, after losing their last two, we're all Rats jumping off the ship.

I suffer from such bias myself. The defense looks okay, but the pass rush is lacking, and the offense looks rudderless. Receivers dropping balls, Love missing passes, dull play calling from MLF. Special teams looking dazed and confused.

So it IS hard to be optimistic. But . . . they can squeak out a win against the Iggles, if the offense can get untracked suddenly and if the defense can provide pressure on the QB. The offense does have the advantage of Jacobs, who - as we've discussed - can usually get you that third-and-two that you need, and can usually get positive yards, even when he gets hit at the LOS. I also think Doubs's return is big. If the defense can corral Hurts (he's gonna play' I'm just sayin' I don't believe the NFL would allow him to NOT play unless they really really think the Iggles can get by the Pack without him), and generate some pressure without too many blitzes, this team could get past the Iggles. After that, probably not. But they can turn it around - but much of this is on MLF's shoulders. He needs to right the ship, and fast. Let's see what kind of big-game coach he really is now.

[King Friday]

The Packers can certainly beat the Eagles, but it doesn’t mean they will.

Getting Quay back to pair with Cooper would go a long way to helping corral the Eagles run game. Defensively, I think the Packers will be able to hold them to under 24 points. Hurts will be rusty as a passer, which will hinder their ability to gash us through the air. The question is whether our offense can put itself in gear. The game will really come down to one player…Love. If he plays at the top of his game, the Packers are likely to win. The result against the Bears is probably a good thing for the coaching staff, as it will force them to accept they need to overhaul their mentality. I expect a solid game plan this week, so it will come down to execution.

[mgordo]

We all suffer to some extent from recency bias - whatever happened last is what's going to keep happening. When the Packers win in a convincing or relatively convincing manner, we all talk about how good they're going to be. When they lose or they win while playing poorly against weak competition, we think they're a terrible team. So, after losing their last two, we're all Rats jumping off the ship.

I suffer from such bias myself. The defense looks okay, but the pass rush is lacking, and the offense looks rudderless. Receivers dropping balls, Love missing passes, dull play calling from MLF. Special teams looking dazed and confused.

So it IS hard to be optimistic. But . . . they can squeak out a win against the Iggles, if the offense can get untracked suddenly and if the defense can provide pressure on the QB. The offense does have the advantage of Jacobs, who - as we've discussed - can usually get you that third-and-two that you need, and can usually get positive yards, even when he gets hit at the LOS. I also think Doubs's return is big. If the defense can corral Hurts (he's gonna play' I'm just sayin' I don't believe the NFL would allow him to NOT play unless they really really think the Iggles can get by the Pack without him), and generate some pressure without too many blitzes, this team could get past the Iggles. After that, probably not. But they can turn it around - but much of this is on MLF's shoulders. He needs to right the ship, and fast. Let's see what kind of big-game coach he really is now.


Fritz, this is a really good take. I suffer from this a lot of the times as well. We forget this is one of the youngest teams in the NFL and there will be growing pains along the way. After losing a Franchise QB and having so much dead cap against us, this franchise could have went in the tank for a while but we haven't. We've enjoyed multiple winning seasons without AR. I for one, will sit back and root for the GBP and appreciate the fact that we have been entertained.

[MadtownPacker]

well, yes. But clock management in a game they could have won on the road at Detroit. I know it's fun to say these other teams are shitty, and the Packers should just coast to victory, but they actually play to win and have talent.
Every other team is shitty! Just some games the Packers were more.

If you are saying the bears aren’t that bad I agree. Hate them but Nail Salon Caleb has a good arm. I could see M3 pairing well.

[Bretsky]

The Eagles are going to stack the box and make our incredibly rich QB who has taken a step back this year beat them. That is what I'd do if I were the Eagles. Stack the box on Jacobs.

Love needs to be better. Love needs to be more accurate and make better decisions and see the whole field. He's one of the highest paid QB's in the NFL but he's not playing like one.

We might be signing a different tune after the game; but based on how he's looked this year so far it's not likely

[Fritz]

Well, if I were the Igges' defensive coordinator, that's what I'd do. You stuff Jacobs over and over, and your force the Packers' rickety passing game to do the work - Love has to be on top of his game, and the receivers have to have hands of glue and not stone. That has not been the case for a few weeks now, so it'd be their best bet.

And then if you're the Iggles you also hope MLF keeps on a-callin' those jet sweeps.

If MLF leans on Jacobs and he's consistently getting three yards or so, the Packers are probably fucked, unless suddenly the passing game clicks. The Packers' offense is going to have to be patient and take the underneath stuff that Fangio's defense will give. Love can't be heave-ho-ing those prayers up like he's been doing lately.

[texaspackerbacker]

Will they pair Quay with Cooper, though? My worry is that getting Quay back will just mean less plays with Cooper on the field - this is a 4-3 D. Hopefully, they eventually switch Quay to OLB, but I'm not sure they can make that change this sudden.

We should be able to beat the Eagles. We came close in Brazil. The Packers are generally better now, and the Eagles may not be quite as good even if Hurt ain't hurt.

[sharpe1027]

They don't need to stack the box. Give Jacobs short and medium yards and force Love to throw consistent short passes seems good enough to stall out our offense.

[Joemailman]

They don't need to stack the box. Give Jacobs short and medium yards and force Love to throw consistent short passes seems good enough to stall out our offense.

I kind of agree. They won't stack the box unless they feel they have to. The Packer player who hurt them the most on opening night was Jayden Reed. Putting 8 in the box would make Reed more dangerous.

[Teamcheez1]

Can the Packers start fast and put up 30+ points in this game?
Do we have the game plan and can we make adjustments to achieve this?

This game isn’t about how the defense plays.
To win a playoff game Love and MLF need to have their “A” game.

[run pMc]

Eagles are a very very good defense - they do not give up explosive plays and are good vs. the run. They have Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter inside, that will give the GB IOL a lot to deal with. The OL and especially Tom/Walker need to be on their game. Running Jacobs is going to be a thing, but it's going to be tough sledding. Their secondary is also very good - Darius Slay, CJGJ, Dejean, Mitchell, Blankenship are better than GB's secondary. They won't have Watson, so they probably need to find creative ways to get Reed, Kraft and Doubs the ball. Melton can do the stupid motion/sweep crap and save Reed's legs. They are going to probably have to dink and dunk down the field, but that might actually work bc it keeps PHI's O off the field.

If Hurts plays I assume they will play it safe with him and not run him a lot (and probably not want to do a lot of QB shoves) which means Hafley is going to have to dial up pressures. Problem is AJ Brown is a stud and Smith/Goedert aren't slouches. And there's Saquon, who is probably the X factor. If GB can contain him they have a shot.

If Hurts does not play (I think he does) then they will feed Saquon the ball in all knds of ways. GB better defend the screen. Cooper will be important. It's crazy how reliant the team is (and how better they look) with Cooper and Evan Williams out there. When your team depends on rookies to excel, that's saying something.

PHI is favored in this game for a reason. Anything could happen though.

[Joemailman]

‪Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel‬ ‪@tspoon62.bsky.social‬

Packers QB Jordan Love (elbow) is taking part in warmups, but team is making sure media doesn’t see whether he can throw by closing practice after team stretch. Usually get to see individual drills.

S Evan Williams and LB Quay Walker appear to be back.

Also back are WR Romeo Doubs and DE Brenton Cox. S Zayne Anderson and DT TJ Slaton are in the rehab group.

[Joemailman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GgzntJ_WUAEjIKI?format=jpg&name=900x900

[King Friday]

Eagles are a very very good defense - they do not give up explosive plays and are good vs. the run

Yet, our offense torched them week one despite numerous stupid penalties and throws. I actually think our offense matches up well against the Eagles because we can run it against them. They are good against the run, but not great. Our offense can get yards on the ground against them when most others can’t. I think the Packers stopping themselves is a bigger issue than the Eagles defense.

[call_me_ishmael]

Last year I came into wildcard weekend saying with 100% confidence the Packers would win the game.

I don't feel that confident this years. Too many injuries at key spots. They are gonna be really good next year.

Hate to say it - but if we're going out in divisional round either way, I'd rather lose this one and get the higher picks.

[Patler]

Saw today, assuming Hurts starts, the Eagles will have the same 22 starters this week that they had in week 1.

[sharpe1027]

Last year I came into wildcard weekend saying with 100% confidence the Packers would win the game.

I don't feel that confident this years. Too many injuries at key spots. They are gonna be really good next year.

Hate to say it - but if we're going out in divisional round either way, I'd rather lose this one and get the higher picks.

I don't think a couple spots that far down are worth that much.

[Fritz]

Saw today, assuming Hurts starts, the Eagles will have the same 22 starters this week that they had in week 1.

That's quite amazing in the NFL.

[Joemailman]

That's quite amazing in the NFL.

Packers will be without Alexander, Watson and Preston Smith from opening night starters. Don't know for sure about Love, Doubs and Slaton.

[Fosco33]

Feels like one of the healthiest teams we’ve had in awhile across the board in terms of starts lost. Prob a site that would validate that

[MadtownPacker]

They are going to probably have to dink and dunk down the field, but that might actually work bc it keeps PHI's O off the field.Yeah and should have been dinking and dunking the past two months. The pass offense needs to build some steam against a fast D.

[Patler]

Average age of the Packers playoff roster this year is only about a month older than the playoff roster last year.

GB average age is about 18 months younger than Philadelphia.

[Joemailman]

Wes Hodkiewicz
‪@weshod.bsky.social‬

QBs Jordan Love & Malik Willis both participating (and throwing) during Thursday’s padded practice.

DL T.J. Slaton, S Zayne Anderson & WR Christian Watson only guys not practicing on Packers

[Fritz]

Yeah and should have been dinking and dunking the past two months. The pass offense needs to build some steam against a fast D.

They should be dicking and fucking, not dinking and dunking.

C’mon, Mad, it’s the playoffs, baby! Balls to the walls, rock out with your cock out, all that shit.

[Fritz]

Feels like one of the healthiest teams we’ve had in awhile across the board in terms of starts lost. Prob a site that would validate that

I was going to start a new thread, but not sure it's worth it.

Basically, my idea is for kind of a reverse-Barney Fuckdoggle effect. Instead of unheralded, lowly players who come out of nowhere and play big, how about players who were drafted high but have underperformed, and need to come out of nowhere with big game performances?

I've got three who need to do this in order for the Packers to win.

1. Luke Musgrave - Even when healthy - which is not often - he's been a lumbering disappointment. He was supposed to be that field-stretching tight end, and he needs to show up and do that on Sunday with Christian Watson out.

2. Eric Stokes - Basically a scrub at this point, Stokes needs to flash suddenly and maybe get a pick or create a turnover, or cover like a former first-round pick is supposed to. Imagine if the dude got an interception!

3. Sean Rhyan - Okay, he's been an average starter, I think, but a third-round guard is supposed to be better than "meh." He needs to block Philly's big boys inside, with authority, if Love's not going to have the pocket collapsing on him constantly.

Other players for whom we had great expectations that have not lived up to the billing but need to on Sunday?

[Teamcheez1]

Need Van Ness, Clark, and Gary to rush like their hair’s on fire.
Quay, if he plays, needs to make some plays, not get lost in the wash.
We need as a team to contain Barkley.

Nobody is really giving us a chance.

[Jaire]

1) This is a very young team still.

2) No Watson, no Jaire are a difference this year. We play some good secondaries and really good WR groups, beginning with Phili.

3) The pass rush overall has been a big disappointment. I'm not sure they can just improve. Our first rounders haven't developed this year and Gary took a step back after the contract. Probably the biggest disappointment on the team. The Oline has played better than I expected. The playoffs are all about line play.

Overall, these NFC playoff teams are the strongest in a long time imo. It's not the Packers year, unlike 2014 or 2020. They gotta play perfect football and haven't done it this year. But for THIS game, Phili is vulnerable. Hurts is arguably the weakest QB in the NFC, and most our secondary is back.


GPG
F

[Joemailman]

‪Ian Rapoport‬ ‪@rapsheet1.bsky.social‬

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni says QB Jalen Hurts has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is good to go vs the Packers.

[Joemailman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gg9ha9jW0AAiw9G?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Teamcheez1]

Found this analysis:

Over the 778 games in our sample, the team that receives the second half kickoff was able to score in the last minute of the first half and on their opening second half drive 12% of the time. When compared to the 0% chance of stealing a possession if you receive the opening kickoff, this becomes a small built-in advantage to deferring to the second half.

Please tell MLF to defer if he wins the coin toss.
Statistically, he is putting the Packers at a disadvantage.

[QBME]

Found this analysis:

Over the 778 games in our sample, the team that receives the second half kickoff was able to score in the last minute of the first half and on their opening second half drive 12% of the time. When compared to the 0% chance of stealing a possession if you receive the opening kickoff, this becomes a small built-in advantage to deferring to the second half.

Please tell MLF to defer if he wins the coin toss.
Statistically, he is putting the Packers at a disadvantage.

Per the internet:
67.7% of reported NFL statistics are made up.

[King Friday]

There are two aspects of this game that are required for the Packers. The first is Love. He has to be accurate. He has to make quick decisions. He has to be able to scramble 3 or 4 times when necessary. Everyone is worried about the receivers, but I’m strangely confident that they will show up in this game if Love is cooking. The second is the pass rush. If the Packers can get to Hurts, it changes the dynamic of the game. With the likely rust he will be shaking off, getting pressure on him will lead to mistakes and will negate whatever advantage the Eagles offense has with skill position players.

[MadtownPacker]

Found this analysis:

Over the 778 games in our sample, the team that receives the second half kickoff was able to score in the last minute of the first half and on their opening second half drive 12% of the time. When compared to the 0% chance of stealing a possession if you receive the opening kickoff, this becomes a small built-in advantage to deferring to the second half.

Please tell MLF to defer if he wins the coin toss.
Statistically, he is putting the Packers at a disadvantage. Watching Pepe in a press conference yesterday or the day before when he got asked about this. The way his face reacted tells me he’s not going to do that again. He did try to act sneaky and got that little smile when he responded saying that they didn’t wanna say what they’d be doing.

[Joemailman]

‪Aaron Nagler‬ ‪@aaronnagler.bsky.social‬

Packers signed QB Sean Clifford from the practice squad to the active roster.

[sharpe1027]

Found this analysis:

Over the 778 games in our sample, the team that receives the second half kickoff was able to score in the last minute of the first half and on their opening second half drive 12% of the time. When compared to the 0% chance of stealing a possession if you receive the opening kickoff, this becomes a small built-in advantage to deferring to the second half.

Please tell MLF to defer if he wins the coin toss.
Statistically, he is putting the Packers at a disadvantage.

Without context, this means nothing. How many teams where able to score on the opening drive and in the last minute of the first half, for example?

[Teamcheez1]

Here is the conclusion from the study.
I would argue we have actually done worse than the studies bear out.

“Deciding whether to receive or defer the opening kickoff is a decision that can influence the outcome of games on the margins. These margins might not seem like a lot, but in a game of inches, they become the difference between a close win and a loss. Receiving the ball to start the second half results, on average, in an extra point on the scoreboard and a 12% chance of stealing a possession. A lot of factors play into how different coaches prefer to start out each game, but teams will generally receive a slight advantage by deferring to the second half when given the chance.”

[CaptainKickass]

The Packers allowed only one play of 40-plus yards this season. That was A.J. Brown’s long catch-and-run touchdown against Jaire Alexander in Week 1.

That’s it.

No other team in the NFL has allowed less than six 40-yard plays. The league median is 10.


I found this statistic interesting, as I had not heard it prior.