Packers Face Crucial Test Against New England

Establish the Run to Protect Jordan Love

Protecting Jordan Love starts well before third-and-long. The Packers have to stop putting him in situations where the defense can disregard the run and attack the pocket.

Even modest production on the ground would help. A four-yard gain on first down keeps the playbook open and forces New England to defend the possibility of another handoff. From second-and-6, LaFleur can run Jacobs, call play action, or use quick throws without the situation dictating the decision.

Green Bay needs a dependable foundation in the running game. That starts with identifying a core set of concepts the offensive line can block consistently, whether through inside zone or downhill runs built around double teams at the point of attack.

The execution has to improve, particularly between the guards and center. On combination blocks, two linemen must establish control of the defensive tackle before one releases to the linebacker. Come off the double team too soon, and the tackle can split the block. Release too late, and the linebacker has a free path to Jacobs.

That timing determines whether a running lane opens or another carry ends in traffic.

Jacobs cannot keep being asked to make the first defender miss before reaching the line of scrimmage. He needs room to press the hole, make his cut and carry momentum into contact. His ability to finish runs becomes far more valuable when he is fighting for extra yards rather than trying to salvage a broken play.

A dominant rushing performance against New England is a difficult ask. A running game that produces manageable downs and gives Love some support should be the minimum expectation.

Packers Must Attack With Play Action

A more effective running game would give the Packers a better chance to dictate how New England defends Jordan Love.

When linebackers step downhill toward Josh Jacobs, they leave room for crossing routes behind them. An edge defender who has to honor the handoff cannot immediately commit to rushing the passer. Those brief hesitations can give Love the time and space to deliver the ball on schedule.

But Green Bay does not need to spend two quarters proving they can run the ball before calling play action. LaFleur should use it early, with formations and blocking action that make the run and pass difficult to distinguish.

That means building complementary plays from the same looks. Hand the ball to Jacobs, then use the same backfield action to set up a throw behind the linebackers. Bring a tight end across the formation to seal the backside edge, then have him slip into the flat off that same action later.

The purpose is to make defenders account for more than one outcome before committing. Green Bay has to create that uncertainty instead of allowing New England to attack without hesitation.

None of it works without sound protection. Play action can leave Love vulnerable if the blocking breaks down while his back is turned. On deeper shots, LaFleur should be willing to keep an additional blocker in rather than ask the offensive line to hold up alone while routes develop.

The quick passing game needs to provide answers, too. Getting Tucker Kraft involved underneath and taking available completions can keep possessions moving while limiting the rush’s opportunities to get home.

Love can deliver the difficult throws. The Packers need to do a better job of giving him completions that do not require one.

Put The Game Away

The Carolina game should have reminded everyone that taking a lead and putting a team away are different things.

Green Bay struggled to close that win, with a fourth-quarter interception, a stuffed short-yardage run, and penalties among the missed opportunities. Against New England, those empty possessions could be far more costly.

Love has to protect scoring opportunities. If a deep shot is covered, take the available completion or preserve the field-goal attempt. Receivers have to finish catches that move the chains. The offensive line cannot turn manageable situations into obvious passing downs with penalties.

Defensively, a successful third-down call has to end with somebody tackling Maye before the marker. That is where I think this game will be decided: whether Green Bay can finish plays after putting itself in a favorable position.

The Packers do not need to become a completely different team by Sunday. They need enough production from Jacobs to give the offense choices, enough protection to let Love play on schedule, and enough discipline to keep Maye from repeatedly escaping good defense.

Love gives Green Bay a chance to win a difficult road game. It is time the Packers made that job a little easier.