By now, you already know that the New York Giants struggle to defend against athletic tight ends. APC's Paul Noonan discussed that very topic yesterday, coming to the conclusion that Jared Cook should be a critical component of the Green Bay Packers' gameplan on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
However, an equally important factor will be how the Packers use the running game. The Giants actually have the third-ranked run defense in terms of total rushing yards allowed, and they rank second in the NFL with just 3.6 yards per carry against.
By comparison, Ty Montgomery averaged more yards per carry after contact than the Giants have allowed overall.
As a result, Mike McCarthy and company will need to be creative and careful in their use of the run. Thankfully, however, the Packers have been adaptable in that phase of the offense. As you'll read in today's Cheese Curds, McCarthy has been calling plays that suit his running backs' strengths down the stretch, a good sign that he will be able to diagnose what is likely to work well against the stout Giants line.
Packers elect playoff captains | Packers.com
Congratulations to T.J. Lang, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and Micah Hyde - all three of these players have been elected as playoff captains for the first time.
Don't overlook Ty Montgomery and the Packers' dangerous running game - SBNation.com
NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz breaks down how the Packers have adjusted their running schemes to fit their running backs and to account for the defenses they are playing against. This week, it seems logical to go back to a heavy dose of Montgomery, since the Giants' line is stout in the middle.
PFF's 2016 season superlatives | PFF
Speaking of Montgomery, he averaged a whopping 5.1 yards after contact per attempt. That beat out the previous record holder, Michael Turner, who had set the previous high at 4.8 a decade ago.
Packers' issues against Giants in Oct. 9 win will factor into rematch - ESPN
I'll say it once: the week 5 game is worth examining and remembering when it comes to Sunday's result. The Packers' previous playoff defeats in 2007 and 2011 are not. End of story.
Jared Cook is Green Bay Packers' secret weapon - NFL.com
It's not so secret for Packers fans, nor is it lost on the coaching staff how valuable Cook has been. With the Giants' defense struggling against tight ends this year, Cook should have an opportunity for a big game.
Pennel eager to return after suspension | Packersnews.com
It has been easy to forget that over the last four games, Mike Pennel has been forced to sit out. The defensive line has largely played well, so it will be interesting to see who is moved to make room for his return.
Finally, we have this nugget from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:
#49ers brass will be in Green Bay today, interviewing #Packers execs Eliot Wolf & Brian Gutekunst for their vacant GM job.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2017
We'll see how this goes.