LA Rams go Behind Enemy Lines for Packers intel

Behind Enemy Lines – Part II

Ramblin Fan: With an offense led by QB Aaron Rodgers, the Packers get a lot of press coverage about their offense. But that defense is sneaky good, particularly the linebacking corps led by outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith. Who on that defense do you expect to have an eyebrow-raising game, and why?

Dairyland Express: Second-year safety Darnell Savage has been on a tear the second half of the season. According to PFF, Savage finished second among all safeties with 11 combined interceptions and pass breakups this season, and 10 of them came after Week 10.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has put Savage closer to the line of scrimmage in the robber role, and the slot and his playmaking ability are shining. He’s forcing turnovers, breaking up passes, creating pressure off blitzes, and making tackles. He’s really been all over the place.

Ramblin Fan: The LA Rams defensive back Jalen Ramsey prides himself on neutralizing the opponent’s best receiver. If the Rams can shut down wide receiver Davante Adams, who will Rodgers likely look for to sustain the passing game?

Dairyland Express:  As has been the case this year, there is no one answer in the (Green Bay Packers head coach) Matt LaFleur offense. LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers have been excellent at spreading the ball around this season, with 11 different players having at least one touchdown grab and 16 having at least one reception.

Green Bay will need both Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to pick up any slack at the receiver position, but I also expect to see Robert Tonyan and Aaron Jones get opportunities as well. If Adams is neutralized, it’ll be a group effort in the passing game.