Packers and Eagles Are Dealing With Substantial Injuries

The Green Bay Packers first playoff game will be in Philadelphia next Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CST. While the Eagles have a dangerous offense, the key is stopping WR DeSean Jackson. He only had 4 receptions for 30 yards on 11 targets when the Packers faced the Eagles back in September. QB Michael Vick had a huge game against them, but they'll be much better off knowing they have to game plan against him.

Injuries are a big problem for the Eagles, who didn't have Vick, Jackson, or CB Asante Samuel at practice last week. Their defense has taken a beating in recent weeks as they'll be without players who were starters against the Packers in week 1 including LB Stewart Bradley, FS Nate Allen, and CB Ellis Hobbs. They've also lost their first round draft pick DE Brandon Graham for the season. 

While the Packers have been dealing with substantial injuries this season, their depth has really bailed them out. For example, they've lost two starting outside linebackers this season, but then they manage to uncover someone like LB Erik Walden who Mike McCarthy praised for putting in the work necessary to get ready to play this season. The only two players that have seemed irreplaceable are LB Clay Matthews and QB Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are 0-4 in games this season when either Matthews or Rodgers are knocked out mid-game, or out for the entire game.