The Green Bay Packers face the Miami Dolphins this week, after losing to the Washington Redskins 16-13 last week. After suffering so many injuries to so many key players, the Packers had only one question after the game:
“Is there a doctor in the house?”
Injuries to Ryan Pickett, Jermichael Finley, Clay Matthews and later Aaron Rodgers, were too much for the Packers to overcome. Even though Rodgers’ injury occurred as the game was winding down, the loss of Finley and Matthews earlier in the contest were crippling to the Packers and inhibited their ability to make plays as the game went on, particularly with the pass rush drop-off and all of the dropped passes.
It has since been determined that Finley may be done for the year, but Rodgers, if current reports appear to be true, will be back this week and Matthews will likely be back in the next week or two as well.
As coach Mike McCarthy noted in his press conferences this week, there is no ‘woe is me’ attitudes allowed in the NFL, and the Packers still made their share of mistakes that ended up costing them the game.
This week, the Packers face a physical defense in the Miami Dolphins, which should come as no surprise from a club that had Bill Parcells’ hand in it. The Dolphins also use a unique “Wildcat” formation that will challenge the Packers’ weakened defense to its max.
Breaking down the Dolphins
On offense, it all starts with the aforementioned “Wildcat” formation which features dangerous running back Ronnie Brown lined up under center and quarterback Chad Henne (sometimes) lined up as a receiver. A lot of “Wildcat” plays feature a run-pass option so the Packers defense will have to be on its toes and expect anything when the Dolphins are in this formation.
When in more standard offensive formations, the Dolphins are led by quarterback Chad Henne, formerly of Michigan fame. Henne has shown flashes, but still has a way to go. He seems hesitant to throw the deep ball and with a weapon like wide receiver Brandon Marshall, it’s strange why Henne would feel that way. Marshall is of course the biggest threat on the Miami offense and his size, speed and elusiveness will be a challenge for Packer defenders.
Miami’s two-headed rushing attack is also a concern for the Packers. Brown and Ricky Williams provide a power running attack that the Packers must be jealous of. Williams has had his issues, but each time seemingly comes back bigger and stronger than ever.
On defense, the weak point for the Dolphins is their defensive line. Ever since losing Jason Taylor, the Dolphins have struggled to find even one big consistent playmaker and that could be good news for the Packers.
Their linebacking corps is anchored by Karlos Dansby who came over this offseason from the Arizona Cardinals. Dansby is a very solid hitter and very well could be licking his chops with rookie Andrew Quarless likely starting at tight end in place of Finley and injured backup Donald Lee.
The secondary is led by Vontae Davis, who will likely be lined up against receiver Greg Jennings. Davis has shown the same playmaking ability as a young Charles Woodson and will present the Packers’ potent passing attack some unique challenges Sunday.
When the Packers have the ball….
Unfortunately for the Packers, they face another tough rushing defense in Miami. Running back Brandon Jackson showed some potential last Sunday in Washington, and if he is able to break a few runs the Packers may finally start establishing some balance on offense that they have been looking for since Week 1.
Should that not happen, the Packers likely go with yet another pass-heavy attack while avoiding Vontae Davis as much as possible. Quarless will have his hands full with Dansby, so it will be up to the Packers receiving corps to carry the load in this game.
When the Dolphins have the ball….
The Packers are hobbled on defense, so it’s a good bet that the Dolphins will go with a heavier dose of the “Wildcat” than they might usually use. With many inexperienced players on defense, the Packers may could get taken advantage of by such a different formation.
Of course, the Packers could counter that with their own unique defensive scheme–Dom Capers’ “Psycho” package which features only one down lineman. This chess match should be very interesting to watch.
With Atari Bigby a week away at least, Charlie Peprah will be the featured safety for the Packers. Look for Henne to find ways to expose him and Peprah will be getting a workout with Miami’s receivers.
The matchup to watch with Miami on offense is Marshall vs Woodson. These are two of the elite players in the league at their respective positions and the winner of this battle could likely determine the outcome of the game. Capers could even consider using Tramon Williams against Marshall should the need arise.
Three Keys to the Game
1. Aaron Rodgers’ health
As of this writing, the Packers appear to be optimistic that Rodgers will play as he took a majority of snaps in practice Thursday even though the team was only in shells. This of course is really the key to the Packers’ SEASON, but luckily it seems Rodgers’ concussion was more mild than the one that sidelined the Bears’ Jay Cutler.
Keep an eye on Rodgers’ accuracy and his mobility. This will be key to any hope of a Packers’ victory.
2. Psycho vs Wildcat
This is a matchup any chess player would adore. Both formations border on the revolutionary in regards to their creativity. Containing Brown will be a must for the Packers to successfully stop the “Wildcat.”
Brown of course hasn’t seen the “Psycho” package before, so this will be a fun one to watch.
3. Will Greg Jennings be more involved?
After expressing frustration with his lack of catches earlier in the week, look for Jennings to get the ball or at least some throws in his direction against Miami.
With Finley out, Jennings is now the Packers most explosive playmaker on offense. While he is no Finley (really, who the heck is?) he is still a lot better than what most teams in the NFL have, so watch for Rodgers to be looking in No. 85’s direction often.
Prediction: Packers 24, Miami 13
With the NFL fans and the media feeling bad for the the Packers with all their injuries, it would be real easy for the Packers to feel sorry for themselves.
McCarthy will have none of it. That will not be the case with this team, as he has made clear all week.
Expect the Packers to play inspired football in front of the home crowd as they enter the toughest part of their schedule with a 4-2 record and staying on the heels of the Bears in the NFC North.
——————Kris Burke is a sports writer covering the Green Bay Packers for AllGreenBayPackers.com and WTMJ in Milwaukee. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) and his work has been linked to by sites such as National Football Post and CBSSports.com. Follow @KrisLBurke
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Lee did come back to practice yesterday, so hopefully he can start. Packers will win if they don’t beat themselves. I can’t predict whether that will happen or not, though.
And Rodgers has practiced two days in a row, so it’s looking good for him, too.
Given all the outcomes possible, the Packers are fortunate. Could have been much much worse.
Braking down the Packers would be such an appropriate title…
I assume you meant “breaking down?”
Putting the brakes on the Packers would basically put them at a standstill. Not a good idea.
Dammit your English language and your similar worlds!
With 100,000 billion stars, there must be a few simalar worlds.
“Psycho vs the Wildcat”,sounds like a dam horror movie as Apollo Creed once touted.
This may very well be a horror story for one or the other but unless these “Psycho Haunts”attach and kill the Wildcatters and not sit back waiting for them to arrive,this will be a slow bludgeoning horrific death.
This game can cause more injuries to an already depleted defense.
I’m optimistic for a win,but waning on the season.
Chin up. Even a loss is not the end of the world. Especially with the way this NFL season is going.
Seriously. How many wins takes the division this year? If Chicago comes down to earth, maybe 9? And even if the Bears keep rolling (read: lucking out) to 10 or 11 wins, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see an 8-8 wildcard in the NFC.
Hell you could see a 7-9 division champ in the NFC West a 9-7 wild card out of the East. Weird year.
Even with all the injuries, what cost the game last week was all the drops and not kicking the field goal early in the game.
Interesting observation about the extensive use of the Pyscho D.
As this is week six, I’m surprised that more information on Bigby/Harris/Starks is not forthcoming. Hope to hear more regarding that soon.
MM had his hands full with injuries this week. More has to come out about Bigby and Harris this week.
I am very curious to see how Capers matches up against the Wildcat Miami likes to run. Mad scientist vs mad scientist, the Windcat against the Psycho has intrigue surrounding it.
I’m thinking a close defensive struggle, partly based on this is Week 1 AF (after Finley)and MM new toy is gone for a while. I’m interested to see if there is any change in the offensive approach as well (Dolphins are 21st against the run, 4th against the pass) or if MM sticks by his pass till Rodgers’ arm falls off policy.
Packers get the close win 20-17.
If Brandon Jackson has anything to show, this will be the week. If not TT has to find someone. Common sense would have to tell him they need help.
Wildcat formations have weaknesses against disciplined run defenses. If Green Bay kind find last years’ run-stuffing magic, they’re gap control should prevent any major damage. I don’t really see Henne as any kind of receiving threat, and lining him up outside or in the slot only opens their QB up to career ending injuries. Gap control and man coverage tend to mop up wildcat schemes effectively.
One concern is if CJ Wilson will be able to do the job, as both Pickett and Neal are questionable for the game.