Analysis

9/23/22

2 min read

Buccaneers-Packers: Positional Grades and Key Matchups

Jan 24, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) during the second quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field . Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers vs. Packers

Who Has the Edge?

Key Matchups

Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers

>> Bucs are 2-0 over Green Bay with Brady. Last game came in NFC Championship at Lambeau Field following 2020 season. Rodgers was sacked 9 times in those two games compared to 1 for Brady. Brady threw 3 INTs in that championship game victory.

>> Both are having substandard starts with juggling OL and WR.

>> Take your pick on stats to include on the tale of the tape. Top 2 in active QB wins. No. 1 (Brady) and No. 5 (Rodgers) in all-time passing TDs.

Rashan Gary and Preston Smith vs. LT Tristan Wirfs and TBD

>> Bucs LT Donovan Smith is questionable after missing last week with an elbow injury. Backup LT Josh Wells missed the second half with a calf injury and was replaced by Brandon Walton, who saw his first NFL action.

>> Smith and Gary both have two sacks this season.

>> Wirfs and Smith were two of the highest-graded tackles by Sports Info Solutions last season.

Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon vs. Devin White and Lavonte David

>> Without a go-to WR, Jones and Dillon are the Packers' best playmakers. 

>> White makes plays all over the field. Jones and Dillon will have to meet him in pass pro, in the hole and in space.

>> White already has 3 sacks and 10 solo tackles in pass coverage. David has 8 total tackles in pass coverage.

>> Jones is averaging 9.1 yards per carry and is the second-leading receiver for GB.

>> Dillon is the battering ram but he also leads GB in targets with 9 as Rodgers is spreading it around.

Shaq Barrett vs. David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins

>> Bakhtiari missed the first two games and could miss his third against Tampa Bay, but Jenkins returned to RT vs. the Bears.

>> Barrett had 3 sacks vs. Rodgers in 2021 NFL Championship game.


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