Opposing Viewpoint: Packers Writer Answers 5 Questions About Green Bay

[Viktor]

Here is the Week 16 edition of Opposing Viewpoint:


So, Border Battle No. 119 has some playoff implications, huh? The Vikings can clinch a postseason spot with a win, while the Packers are already in the playoffs and can wrap up the NFC North with their first-ever victory at U.S. Bank Stadium. What’s the mood around Lambeau Field this week?


WH: Energetic but not complacent. For the veterans on this roster, it’s been two long years since they’ve played meaningful football this late into December. For the first- and second-year players, they’re hungry to make their first playoff run. As you said, the Packers have a lot left to play for. A win Monday night gets Green Bay the division crown. Another in Detroit gets this team a first-round bye. This is still a team with everything to play for.


How has the identity of the Green Bay offense changed over the season? From afar — and this isn’t to knock Aaron Rodgers — but it seems as if running back Aaron Jones has turned into a focal point. Jones has 17 total scores, the second-most in the NFL. Is this the case?


WH: Jones is a dynamic force and Matt LaFleur’s offense has brought out the best in him. When Jones produces, the Packers win. They haven’t lost when he has more than 100 total yards and are 8-1 in games in which Jones has scored. At the same time, to me, Green Bay’s identity is its ability to win in different ways with different players stepping up in key moments. That’s been this team’s path to 11-3.


I asked you about the leadership of the Smiths — Preston and Za’Darius — before Week 2. While their leadership is still apparent, they each now have double-digit sacks. How do teams try to scheme against the pair of playmakers?


WH: Za’Darius Smith has seen a ton of double-teams over the past month, which is why Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine has started moving Z around more. That attention has freed up defensive tackle Kenny Clark to make a larger impact this month. He has 3.5 sacks in Green Bay’s last two wins. Preston is just Mr. Consistent. He doesn’t move around as much as Z, but he wins his share of double teams, as well. It’s only Year 1, but those two already are up there with Charles Woodson, Ryan Pickett and Julius Peppers as the best free-agent acquisitions the Packers have made this century.