Week 7 Highs and Lows – Oakland Raiders
The Packers were able to overcome a slow start conceding two early big play shots for the Lions resulting in a 13-0 deficit. Green Bay made the proper adjustments and continued to execute throughout the game. Despite the drops and fumbles, Green Bay was able to accumulate 447 yards compared to Detroit’s 299 yards. Geronimo was unable to capitalize on his mismatch from the slot. Luckily for QB1 and the Pack, Allen Lazard came in and was an instant game changer. Rodgers hyped him up in the post game interviews and now Packer fans are ready to anoint him WR2. Right now, the injury report has the entire offense up in the air. If MVS plays, is he able to take advantage of an Oakland secondary which has allowed the 5th highest points per game to opposing WRs?
With the depletion of the offense I expect a low scoring affair as the Packers will struggle to move the ball through the air with limited pass catchers. The Green Bay receiving core is lacking any punch to intimidate opposing teams. The Pack rely on Aaron Rodgers to fill in the gaps for a lack of talent at wide receiver and tight end. I expect little offense to be made out of this game as it wreaks of a trap game overlooking the Raiders Patrick Mahomes injury has ESPN salivating for 24 hours news and its hard for our players to not take note.
High Expectations:
RB Group
Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams were able to shine as a duo last week with the Lions focused on shutting down Aaron Jones. Jamaal as the 1b RB is capable of being a legitimate number 2 back and with the frequency that LaFluer likes to call 21 personnel, Jamaal will play quite often. Packers will have to commit to the run or continue with the pass to the RBs. With 170 net rushing yards against the Lions, the RBs are the focal point of the Packer offense. As of now with all 3 starting wide receivers out, the Packers should lean heavily on their offensive line skill and let the two running backs create the offensive pressure. Jamaal was able to pick up the slack and be the bell cow Pack the team needed late in the game. Expect the Packers to utilize this game plan as well introducing play action opportunities for the tight ends. The Packers can take what the defense presents them allowing Jamaal or Aaron be the workhouse depending on who the defense is keying.
Jimmy Graham
This guy has to eventually perform to the ability of his paycheck. He is a loaf right now in the offense and his momentary impacts of astonishing blocks on unsuspecting safeties wont be enough to cover the missing targets from the 3 starting receivers being out. The Raiders are the 6th worst in points per game allowed to the opponent’s tight end. Jimmy Graham will be presented with plenty of opportunity and be ready to go as long as he is able to bring two hands up at once.
Low Expectations:
Packers Wideouts
Although the Packers wide receivers have a favorable matchup, their limitations via injury have stymied the progress of this offense. MVS and Geronimo have failed to maximize the additional looks without Davante in the lineup. Allen Lazard the hero of Monday night has to prove he’s not a one trick pony before we can account on him carrying the load in the passing game. He established great body control and awareness in his limited time on the field. Jake Kumerow has seen quite a few of his reps in two receiver sets which tend to be running plays. Jake clearly has gained favor with the coaches, enough that he can continue to receive high volume snaps despite low productivity rates. The Packers fan base continues to cry for a receiver before the trade deadline and I have been apprehensive until seeing last weeks performance. Geronimo’s untimely drops and MVS being unable to sync with Rodgers Is not a viable strategy for a contending team. At 5-1, the Pack needs to hold the receivers accountable for their production or bring in the athletes that will be able to. The signing of Ryan Grant offers protection behind Geronimo for slot play.
Outlook:
Its in my best guess with the limited athletes on offense and the overall quality of the Raiders this game is unfortunately closer than anticipated. Packers 17-13 with a rushing score from one of the RBS and a redzone TD from Rodgers to Marcedes Lewis/Jimmy Graham. The Packers defense is solid and wont give up beyond the check down plays Derek Carr relies upon. Apologies for the limited outlook as I spent the weekend putting in flooring for a friend. Sometimes a couple power tools are worth missing out on the guessing game of injury reports. Thanks for everyone stopping by to read.
Find me on twitter, @BratFavre
Brandon
