Packer Preview And Open Thread

I've been locked in a giant tower all week with no internet, no cell phone, and no long hair to make rope out of and climb down. What I do know is that Aaron Rogers has a new deal, and that I would have waited until after the Titans game before signing that puppy if I were management.

The Titan defense is brutally tough, having allowed a league low 87 points this year (a full 23 fewer points than second place Pitt and Baltimore). It is not a friendly matchup for a QB with a lightly separated shoulder.

Still the undefeated Titans are not without their warts. They run the ball like nobody's business, and get adequate passing from ye olde Kerry Collins and his hitch-tastic delivery. It is the adequate passing where they can be hurt.

Here Bob Sanders' defense takes some heat once in a while, but this is the type of game where it may allow the Pack to steal a win. The man-to-man ability of the Backer corners allows the Packers to stack the line and stop the run better than some other teams. If you need to play zone or to help a guy out, you're vulnerable to the Titans, but the Titan receivers can be accurately described as "woeful" and Charles Woodson, and either Al Harris or up-and-coming Tramon Williams should be able to hold their own in the passing game.

If the Packers can stack up against the run without giving up to much to Collins, the Titans can be had.

On the offensive side of the ball, Aaron Rodgers just needs to keep doing what he has been doing. He needs to play smart, take what he's given, and don't screw up.

I'd still pick the Titans as a gambling man, but the Pack presents a tough matchup for a somewhat unique team like Tennessee.

If The Packers Lose...

Look forward to some rube-tastic commentary about how the Bears are up on the Packers and the Packer season is now over if the Pack does go down. The Bears, of course, play the league's worst team, the Detroit Lions, while the Pack plays the NFL's best team, but don't expect anyone intelligent to notice that little fact. And the Bears take on the Titans next week, so it will all even out.

Enjoy the game. Go Pack!