Green Bay Packers: 5 Players critical to defeating Rams in Divisional Round
By Joe Kipp
3. The entire linebacking corps
The Rams will be looking to exploit the Packers’ biggest weakness on defense, which is undoubtedly the linebackers. Veteran Christian Kirksey hasn’t been very good this season. Rookies Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin have shown signs of promise, but what can we expect from them in a big playoff game?
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The Packers’ linebacking corps will need to show up big against a Rams team that will most certainly be willing to run the ball. With quarterback Jared Goff still nursing a broken thumb, and backup John Wolford suffering a stinger against the Seahawks, it’s highly unlikely Los Angeles will want to air it out on offense, especially in cold weather at Lambeau.
Kirksey, Barnes and Martin will need to be locked in if the Packers are going to contain the Rams’ rushing attack. Rookie running back Cam Akers has come on very nicely as of late, and it won’t be surprising if the Rams feed him with 25 opportunities. Akers has received at least 21 carries in four of his last five appearances.
Even if the Rams do decide to air it out, Kirksey has shown to be a liability in coverage. Los Angeles has two extremely athletic tight ends in Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, both of whom would provide big mismatches against Green Bay’s linebackers.