If you were scheming against the Packers Offense....

[Merlin]

If I were a coach trying to stop the Packer's offense:

I would know that I cannot match up to 4-5 WR packages with 4-5 CB's well enough to cover it. In a 5 WR formation I would rush 3, have 1 LB, 5 CB's and 2 Safeties (provided I had that many CB's on the roster). 5 CB's in bump and run man coverage and double 2 of the 5 WR's with a safety and LB and one safety playing outfield. Favre isn't going to run the ball every time and getting pressure consistently with the blitz isn't going to happen.

On a 4 WR Package, 4 rush, 1 LB, 3 safeties and 3 DB's. 1 safety playing outfield, 2 safeties playing zone and the run, 3 DB's playing bump and run. That leaves 1 WR un-covered so the LB and Safeties have to stop the run and the remaining WR.

In the I formation, run a modified 4-3 with 2 LB's and a safety up. LB takes the RB and Safety takes the TE.

The Packers will be forced to keep a RB in the backfield because of the coverage scheme so then we can get more favorable match-ups with the regular defensive schemes.

This will only work if I have the personnel to pull it off, which most teams (probaboy all teams) don't have.

[mraynrand]

One thing Dallas does all the time is to stunt the D linemen. The Packers seem to struggle the most with this - even over blitzes. Dallas likes to use four downlinemen on passing downs even though they are a 3-4 defense. When they are in the 3-4, I think they have to worry that their OLBs are more DE types, putting them at a disadvantage in coverage. Also, if the Packers go three - five wide, the Cowboys will have to remove Williams at safety.

They're going to have to get pressure with their front four on passing formations, play deep zones and hope Favre is having an off night, accuracy-wise (maybe he'll struggle with the crown of the field) and then get a pick off a slant. Favre has thrown a lot of his picks to LBs in the 3-4. That would seem to be their best bet.

Still, I don't see how Dallas will be able to stay in their 3-4 with their best two pass rushing OLBs on the field if the Packers go with multiple wideouts - including 3-4 plus Lee - if the OLBs rush Favre a lot of field would seem to be open in that alignment -if they stay in coverage, they can't hope to keep up. That to me is the most interesting thing to watch for in the 'chess-game' aspect of the match-up. I didn't see what Dallas tried with NE - anyone watch that game?

[The Leaper]

I didn't see what Dallas tried with NE - anyone watch
that game?

I saw parts of it. The Pats dominated that game. Dallas had no answer for their passing attack...which is exactly how the Packers have to approach this. Even though Dallas knows we are going to spread them and pass, they don't have the personnel to stop it. The Patriots converted a ton of 3rd downs using 3+ receiver sets. I think I remember Dallas drawing a lot of penalties too.

We should come out throwing...pull a Patriots and throw the ball 10 straight times on the opening drive. Put 4 WRs on the field and force Dallas to cover them. I don't think there is any way Dallas can stop that as long as the OL is able to provide halfway decent protection. The Pats posted 48 on the Cowboys...we should easily be able to get 30+. Newman is a good coverage DB...but that is about all they have. Their safeties are very questionable, and their depth at CB probably is worse than ours.

[Carolina_Packer]

I'd have to go Joe's remark about kidnapping Favre!

I bet you would!

[MadScientist]

It's easy, just re-sod the field and soak the hell out of it before the game. Perhaps a bit of cloud seeding while your at it.

[3irty1]

I think I'd onside kick it every chance.

Realistically though the best answer so far has been the Tampa 2 that the Bears and Skins ran so much. Of course that was before Ryan Grant hit the scene.

Otherwise I think you have to get really creative. Blitzing doesn't work. Covering is nearly impossible. You pretty much have to get lucky and hope that one of the 40 passes Favre throws will be bobbled or tipped for an interception.

[MadtownPacker]

Best plan is to recruit Tonya Harding to hang out by the locker room and bash Favre's throwing hand, KGB's ankle, Woodson's toe and cut off Harris' dreads (they give him his strength ).

Other then that I expect the Pack O to light up texas tonight.

[Fritz]

Actually, I think the type of defense Dallas uses is going to give GB fits. I suspect McCarthy will go to lots of four receiver sets, but I also think that it's going to be tough for the Pack to pick up the rushing linebackers, and will be hard to run block that defense.

[3irty1]

cut off Harris' dreads (they give him his strength ).

This guys gets it.

[mraynrand]

Hey 31,

Did you see (edit: Tom Silverstein's) column today on the game? He focuses on how Al Harris was out of his mind at Philly in 2004. That was totally weird. It's a fascinating read. Apparently Al got so worked up about covering TO that he was playing man up on him at times even when he was supposed to be playing zone. I was at that game. I've never seen a secondary so confused.

[3irty1]

Hey 31,

Did you see McGinn's column today on the game. He focuses on how Al Harris was out of his mind at Philly in 2004. That was totally weird. It's a fascinating read. Apparently Al got so worked up about covering TO that he was playing man up on him at times even when he was supposed to be playing zone. I was at that game. I've never seen a secondary so confused.

Yes I did. I can't imagine what was going through his head. The guy is hardcore.