Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Keys to Victory

Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

2.  Survive the special teams battle.

Philadelphia’s offense doesn’t need any more help, so the Green Bay Packers must make it their primary objective to limit the impact of the Eagles’ kick and punt return game.  Whether this be through directional kicking or improved coverage, the Packers will need to proceed with caution.

Darren Sproles and Chris Polk have combined for 3 return TD’s on the season (1 kick, 2 punt).  As a team, Philadelphia ranks 3rd in the league with a kick return average of 28.8 yards, and sits comfortably atop the NFL with a 16.7 yard punt return average.  That’s extremely impressive for Philadelphia, but a huge cause for concern in Green Bay.

Sometimes in football, a team must know where to pick their battles.  Green Bay has a strong chance to put on another show offensively, and could continue their upward trend on D, but when the special teams take the field on Sunday, the Packers should aim to simply stay afloat and move on.  If they can turn what looks like a mismatch into a draw, their chances will only get better.

The best defense here, as always, can be a good offense.  Aaron Rodgers will need to avoid taking a three and out deep in the Packers territory, and don’t be surprised if the Eagles’ special teams sways Mike McCarthy to go for it on 4th and short if Green Bay is just out of Field Goal range.