Pressuring Aaron Rodgers Is Key To New England Patriots Win Over Green Bay Packers
By Peter Rogers
@petahrahgas
Getty Images
Is it possible to talk too much about a game? If so I might be reaching the quota for this New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers Super Bowl/battle of titans/better than Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning matchup. But how can I not spend my every waking second talking about this game? It will be the greatest game ever! Mark my words.
These are two teams that have been playing some of the best football ever seen in the NFL, blowing out opponents and making good teams look silly. That’s what the two best teams in the league do, and on Sunday they will try to make one another look silly as best they can. For the Patriots, it all comes down to that other man who wears No. 12.
It’s hard to rattle Aaron Rodgers, but getting pressure on him early and often is the best way to get in his head. The Patriots were able to get quick, early pressure on Matthew Stafford last week and it threw the entire offense out of rhythm. That being said, I’m not sure that offense has any rhythm to begin with, but hitting the signal-caller goes a long way.
But Rodgers is extremely athletic and can get out of the pocket to make plays downfield, something the Patriots haven’t seen a lot of so far this season. This is going to mean the ends, Rob Ninkovich and Akeem Ayers (or Dominique Easley if he plays), will have to play honest and make sure to set the edge and keep Rodgers in front of them.
Much like Brady, Rodgers is the Packers’ offense and getting to him disrupts everything. If the Patriots can successfully pressure Rodgers throughout the game, that will drastically increase their chances of winning the most epic battle ever known to mankind. Can you tell I’m excited to see this one?
Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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