Story Created:
Nov 6, 2009
Story Updated:
Nov 6, 2009
Next game: Sunday, November 8th at Tampa Bay
Packers Gameday at 10:00 a.m. on Newsradio 620 WTMJ, a live blog here and coverage on Live at 10 on TODAY'S TMJ4 HD
A must win game against a winless team in early November?
Well, in the NFL, you can say that every game is a must-win game.
But with the Packers' remaining schedule - including six potential playoff teams - looming, a 5-3 mark looks a heck of a lot better in the chase for a wildcard spot (assuming Minnesota stays hot) than 4-4.
So how will the Packers do Sunday?
Our Experts tell you what they think.
What do you think? Tweet us your score predictions @620wtmj.
Check back for more predictions from the Packers experts at 620WTMJ and TODAY'S TMJ4 HD as they come to us.
|
Packers at Buccaneers
|
| Our Expert |
When Packers have the ball |
When Buccaneers have the ball |
Prediction |
Jim Ganzer
Editor, Sportsbubbler |
Play smart.
Tampa Bay has forced 12 turnovers on the season. Play smart football, eliminate the mistakes, establish the run early and run short, quick-hitting pass routes.
|
Hold "the soulja."
Averaging almost 10 yards per catch, Kellen Winslow, Jr. is one of the best tight ends in football. The linebackers must jam him at the line of scrimmage on every play. You have to keep him under the linebackers.
|
Green Bay 38,
Tampa Bay 10.
The Packers look good to rebound from a tough loss to the Vikings, and the Buccaneers are not a good football team.
|
Jessie Garcia
Sports Anchor
TODAY'S TMJ4 HD |
Ryan Grant.
The Buccaneers give up a whopping 162 yards per game. If Grant gets going, the pressure is off Aaron Rodgers, who can ill-afford another sack-fest.
|
Rattle Josh Freeman.
A rookie making his first start? Blitz him. Disguise your coverages and confuse him. You can throw in some safety and corner blitzes, too.
|
Green Bay 27,
Minnesota 13.
This is a classic trap game, especially with the bucs coming off a bye, but Tampa Bay is truly bad and the Packers should have an edge following last week.
|
Jay Sorgi
News, Sports Anchor/Reporter and Packers Blogger,
620WTMJ
Sportsbubbler:
"What the Blog's
Going On Out
Here?" |
Play like you did in the second half against Minnesota...
...and you could put up about 70 points on this team. When the offensive line actually decides to block somebody, this passing offense is as potent as any in football. If you give Ryan Grant 25 carries, he has no excuse to not gain 100 yards, too.
|
Win on first and second down.
Do that, and Josh Freeman = fresh meat. Tampa Bay's offense is 28th in the NFL, and only two teams have thrown more interceptions. You can force turnover after turnover and create short fields.
|
Green Bay 38,
Tampa Bay 10.
The stretch of three-out-of-four easy games ends this week. Then comes the season's second half with Dallas, San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Arizona looming. You want a chance at the playoffs, Green Bay? Win this one.
|
