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The big headline surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles is their struggling offense and the stunning regression of quarterback Carson Wentz.
Meanwhile the Eagles defense has quietly put together a solid season and may give the Green Bay Packers more fits on Sunday afternoon than many are expecting.
This is especially true along the defensive line
The Packers will have a shuffled offensive line again thanks to Corey Linsley’s MCL sprain and backup guard Lucas Patrick nursing a toe injury. That means Elgton Jenkins will get the start at center and rookie Jon Runyan Jr. should get the start at guard.
Playing musical chairs along the line is nothing new for Green Bay however and they’ve handled it incredibly well. Rodgers has been sacked on less than three percent of his dropbacks per Pro Football Focus and the Packers lead the league in pass block AND run block win ratio according to ESPN.
The Eagles meanwhile are sixth in pass rush win rate and will give this latest iteration of the Green Bay offensive line a stiff test. Philadelphia has five defensive lineman with 20 or more pressures this season and seven with at least 10.
Needless to say the heat will be on in the frozen tundra Sunday afternoon, but the Packers offense can have their way with the Philadelphia secondary if the offensive line continues its stellar play.
Now for today’s curds.
Packers offensive line headed for terrific matchup vs. Eagles defensive line—Packers Wire
“The game will be won in the trenches” sometimes becomes a little too cliche in terms of discussing NFL games but Sunday’s contest at Lambeau Field could really make this true. That’s assuming Wentz plays a competent game of course.
Matchup with Eagles a ‘little extra special’ for Packers’ Jon Runyan—Packers.com
Green Bay’s rookie sensation at guard will have a cool moment on Sunday when he faces off against his father’s former team. Jon Runyan Sr. had a legendary career with Eagles as the stalwart on their offensive line and now his son looks to have a similar career with the Packers.
Packers’ defense determined to avoid letting up even with big leads—PackersNews.com
While there was little doubt in the outcome of last Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, the fact the Green Bay defense let off the gas so much was concerning and brought back memories of similar mishaps under former coordinator Dom Capers.
Packers’ Newest WR Has 2-Word Message For Aaron Rodgers—The Spun
New Packers recover Tavon Austin had a simple way of greeting his new quarterback on Twitter: “Happy Birthday!” Austin joined the team on Rodgers’ 37th birthday. Rodgers for his part also seems excited for what Austin will bring to the team.
Go out fighting! How Norm Van Brocklin offered to fight reporters before he got fired—Touchdown Wire
Which current head coach would you be scared to take on in a fight?