Jeff Hanisch/US Presswire
Greg Jennings (groin) will be missing this weekend’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts and head coach Mike McCarthy has whispered to the media that he may shut him down a few weeks.
Luckily the reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers has a bevy of other weapons with Cedric Benson becoming even more of an eccentric part of the offense.
His activity and development in Tom Clements’ offense has been entertaining to witness, but Rodgers ability to escape pressure and find Benson in the passing game is what make this offense tough to defend.
James Jones will be a viable fill-in for Jennings, but Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley can take most of the onus with the talent they possess. Throw in the ‘Champ’ and this offense can look as if they are in full force even without their most productive playmaker over the last four seasons.
The Colts will look to slow down this capable offense with their 15th rated pass defense, but they have had their issues against the run (24th, 131.3 YPG).
The talent level is still down a notch, most notably at linebacker since they lost their top stud for the month of September (Pat Angerer, foot). However, Jerrell Freeman has performed like a stud leading the team in tackles (27), tackle for losses (2) and he is shockingly the only player with a pick (1).
Antonie Bethea and Jerraud Powers are the next top two tacklers which is sad since they both do not even start up front (both defensive backs).
Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney were both moved to outside linebacker this season, but Freeney has been dinged up this month (got hurt right away against Bears in opener).
If Indy cannot find a way to slow down Benson, they will be prone to giving up a ton of home run hits from Rodgers to the likes of Nelson, Finley and Jones.
Plus, Andrew Luck may be a bit timid in the pocket with Clay Matthews barring down with the freakish athletic ability that he possesses so well.
Green Bay’s secondary has been horrific once you realize they have guys like Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson (who has lost a full step) back there licking their chops. This is a team game and the depth has been getting torched as if they have never played in the secondary at any point during their lives.
Reggie Wayne, Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton have been a respectable enough trio of receivers, but it is imperative for Donald Brown to dominate the line of scrimmage.
He won’t and the Pack will be walking out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a double digit victory.
Network: FOX (704)
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
Experts Pick: Packers by 7
Danny V’s Pick: Packers 31, Colts 20
