Before our preview ... a review ...
The game in Chicago last Saturday night didn't turn out as anticipated, did it, Packer fans? A heartbreaking loss. Not only of the game, putting Da Bearz back in first place in the NFC North for the time being — and along with that a second seed in the NFC playoffs — but also losing QB Jordan Love to a concussion in the second quarter of the game on a hit for which the offender was subsequently fined. Backup QB Malik Willis came on in Love's place and, as he has done every time when called upon, kept the Packers in the game.
It even looked, with about 5 minutes left and up by 10 points, that the Pack would walk out of the Mistake By The Lake (i.e., Soldier Field) with a victory. But a comedy of errors, including a botched onside kick recovery by Romeo Doubs with less than 2 minutes to go — and missed opportunities over the course of the game (five trips to the red zone and only three field goals to show for their efforts) — wound up seizing defeat from the jaws of victory. Fugly. By the way, in the last two games the Packers are only one for nine in touchdowns in their red zone trips...a recipe for defeat if ever there was one... eeesh!
Still, with Aaron Rodgers and his resurgent Steelers beating the Lions last weekend, and the ViQueens beating Detroit in a Christmas Day game, the Packers locked up a playoff berth. Currently the 7th seed, if memory serves, they could still wind up finishing as the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th or 7th seed depending on how these final two games go for them as well as others in the NFC.
So that brings us to tonight's game. So let's see what lies ahead, shall we?
The Preview
The first thing to note by way of the preview is that QB Jordan Love has been ruled out for tonight's game as he is apparently still in the league's concussion protocol from last week's game against Chicago. Since he practiced a couple days this week there was a great deal of optimism that he would be available tonight. But ... not. Backup Malik Willis will be taking the snaps, despite also having suffered a shoulder injury against Chicago late in the game. No doubt head coach Matt LaFleur saw the handwriting on the wall as the week went on and has schemed his offense to make the most use of Willis' own talents while giving Willis a full week to also be prepared to play against Baltimore, despite missing a practice with an illness; illness is hitting the Packers' locker room, btw, as both guard Aaron Banks and receiver Savion Williams were downgraded to questionable because of illness. Oy.
The question about who will be Willis' backup inevitably arises: practice squad quarterback Clayton Tune will be in uniform tonight, wearing #19. The Packers have the option of signing him to the 53-man roster or elevating him to the game-day roster. Either way, let's hope Willis makes it through the game unharmed and keeps Mr. Tune carrying the clipboard throughout.
RB Josh Jacobs is expected to return to the field this evening despite the knee issue which has hindered him the last few weeks. Of course, he had a costly fumble at Chicago's 2-yard line last weekend that would likely have sealed the win for the Pack had they gone on to score there either by TD or FG. Jacobs was, for whatever reason, held out the rest of the game with Emanuel Wilson carrying the bulk of the load from there on. It will be interesting to see how LaFleur divides the carries, especially with more of a run-centered approach with Willis at the helm.
Now, the Ravens will also be without their starting QB, Lamar Jackson, who is dealing with back issues. In his place, veteran backup Tyler Huntley will be behind center. As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by veteran Packers reporter Tom Silverstein reminds us: "When he last played the Packers, on Dec. 19, 2021, Huntley led the Ravens from a 14-point deficit to the cusp of victory in place of Jackson, who was out with an ankle injury. He completed 28 of 40 passes for 215 and two touchdowns and ran 13 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Down 31-30, coach John Harbaugh chose to go for the win, but safety Darnell Savage broke up Huntley’s 2-point conversion pass to tight end Mark Andrews. Huntley has shown the Ravens don’t have to change their offense when he's in the game." So...the Packers defense still needs to show up.
That is especially the case in trying to defend against RB and full-on rushing load Derrick Henry. What is he: 6'2" and 250 pounds? Something like that. As big as or bigger than many linebackers. But the Ravens also have RB Keaton Mitchell who received the majority of carries in their last game. They will attempt to pound the Packers' defense and wear down the front. If the Packers can't contain Henry — or Mitchell — in could be a long night on the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.
The Prediction
Following the downgrading of Jordan Love to being out for tonight's game, the point spread went from the Pack being favored by 3-1/2 points to (at the time of this writing) 2-1/2 points. Obviously the marquee matchup between Love and Jackson at the time the NFL flexed the game to tonight has fallen by the wayside. Now, it's who wants it more? The Ravens are still fighting for their playoff lives while the Packers still — believe it or not — have a shot at winning the NFC North and securing the #2 seed in the NFC playoffs ... yeah, it could happen. Why not? Not many breaks have gone the Packers way this season so perhaps they get one for a change. Some fans are calling for the team to rest some players who could use a couple weeks off to be ready for the playoff run. But, again, until Da Bearz win their two remaining games, the NFC North title is still in play. So ... play.
This time of year and in northeastern Wisconsin one must always take a look at the weather forecast. Via sportingnews.com: "According to AccuWeather.com, the temperature will sit around 34-35 degrees the entire game, which isn't bad for this time of year. Adding to that, both teams are accustomed to playing in cold weather. Wind and precipitation won't be a factor, either, as there is a zero-percent chance for the latter and wind gusts will only reach a high of about 12 MPH." So, no worries about weather impacting the game.
We're calling this one Packers 20 - Ravens 17.
Go Pack Go!!!
