Packers vs. Buccaneers: What To Watch For

Ryan Grant. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal SentinelHow about a recovery?  The Packers need a big recovery, not just a bounce back after the debacle against Dallas.

Here's how they can do it:

When the Packers have the ball: Healthy back, healthy O-line, healthy time of possession. 

At last, the Packers have their full arsenal back on both the offensive line and the running back slot with Ryan Grant.  Turn him loose, especially with draws and screens to make the Bucs' defensive speed work against them.  That, and keep the ball in your hands to make the Bucs' defense tired and frustrated in the fourth quarter while the Packers offense is tired but successful.

When the Buccaneers have the ball: Front four domination. 

The Packers' defensive backs belong in Bellin Hospital, not a football field.  No Al Harris, probably no Atari Bigby, and Charles Woodson and Aaron Rouse not 100%.  Coverage sacks won't happen.  Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly must tie O-linemen up on 1st and 2nd down and let the Packers' top-flight linebackers fly to the football and create 3rd and longs.  Then Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins and company MUST own those downs to take the pressure off the secondary.

Who wins and why? Packers 24, Buccaneers 21. 

Tampa Bay came back on Chicago last week because the Bears can't score points.  The Packers can, and even against a great defense, they'll do enough to steal the win in the Gulf heat and humidity.  Look for a buzzer-beating "dagger" from Mason Crosby.

  

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