After a 2-3 start to the season and a looming trip to unbeaten (at the time) Houston, some people wrote off the Green Bay Packers (7-3). Since then, the Packers have rattled off 5-straight wins and will be looking to make it six Sunday night when they visit the New York Giants (6-4).
As the Packers have been ascending towards the top of the NFC playoff picture, the Giants have been descending. New York lost 2-straight before last weeks bye week and people are starting to question their offense. It starts with Eli Manning. Manning has not lived up to his name completing just 56% of his passes for 340-yards, 0 touchdowns, and 3-interceptions in the losses. The Packers are not buying into his struggles though…
AUDIO: Tramon Williams isn’t buying the Giants offensive struggles :20
Part of the reason why the Packers defense isn’t overlooking New York is the weapons. Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz lit up Lambeau Field in January’s playoff loss to the Giants so the defensive backs know what they are capable of.
AUDIO: Morgan Burnett on facing the Giants WR group :19
As the Giants offense may be struggling, the Packers defense is definitely on an uptick. Last year Green Bay ranked dead last in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed. In 2012, they have moved up to 15th (out of 32 teams) in total yards and 21st in passing yards, both drastic improvements. The biggest improvement on defense though may be the pass rush. In 2011, Green Bay sacked the QB just 29-times, ranking 27th in football. This year the Packers are 1st in the NFC and 2nd in the NFL with 33 sacks, already more than last year.
The Packers also look to remain in the driver set in the NFC North. They are tied with Chicago with a victory already in their pocket over the Bears but a trip to the Windy City waiting on December 16th. Green Bay remains in the conversation in the NFC as well with Atlanta at 9-1 and San Francisco at 7-2-1 with 6-games left for everyone in the picture.
The Packers and Giants will are slated for a 7:20 kickoff from MetLife Stadium in New York.
