The Green Bay Packers play host to the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon in a crucial meeting from Lambeau Field. Both of these teams seem to be going in different directions and with both needing a win, although, for different reasons, there's little doubt that this won't be an interesting matchup. The Patriots come with only one win on the season so far, while the Packers have won two in a row since dropping their opener. The Patriots may have won the last time these two met, though with that coming all the way back in 2018, it appears likely that things have shifted quite a bit for both teams since then.
The Patriots seemed like they were turning a corner last season in year two of being without Tom Brady, as they were able to make the playoffs, despite getting blown out in the opening round. This season has started with a little more trepidation and after losing by 13 in the first game and by 11 last week, there seems to be a clear disparity forming. Against other teams that are likely to make a run towards the playoffs, the Patriots are likely to struggle this season and it doesn't help that they have to go on the road in this one. They've lost four of their last five road games, many of those coming against teams not even as talented as the Packers, which shows the challenge at hand on Sunday.
The main absence impacting this team is that of Mac Jones (ankle), who is doubtful for this weekend and is expected to miss a few weeks of action. Adding to that are injuries to a handful of receivers, with Jakobi Mye rs (knee) questionable for the weekend. On the defensive front, a trio of defensive backs is questionable for the weekend as well, which certainly comes at an inopportune time.
Aaron, Aaron, Davon & Devin.@MikeDussault19's 10 to watch: https://t.co/TTckQ3JzNc
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 29, 2022
Offensively, the Patriots have struggled to turn the corner over the last few seasons and with the absence of Jones, it appears as if those woes could continue into the weekend. New England is skirting with the top ten nationally in total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards, though they have struggled to finish drives with touchdowns. Fans can expect a heavy dose of Damien Harris (4.6 yards per carry, 2 touchdowns), as well as Rhamondre Stevenson (5.0 yards per carry), as the Patriots aim to control this game on the ground. With a weak passing core available this weekend, trying to keep pace with the Packers in a shootout isn't a plan that's likely to work out for this group.
On the defensive side of things, the Patriots are always going to be tough to break down. With one of the best staff in the league, they have the talent on the fields and the minds on the sidelines, to make things challenging for the Packers. Much like on the offensive end, while the numbers are good overall, the scoring numbers are a cause for concern. They rank eighth against the pass but 22nd in scoring defense. Devin McCourty (17 tackles) remains the leader, though he'll need some help in the secondary in this one.