National Football League preview: Even in down year, Packers’ Rodgers remains risky

While he committed a costly turnover late in the game, he produced the first 100-yard game for a Packers tight end since Richard Rodgers caught the 61-yard Hail Mary touchdown against Detroit last December and finished with 146 yards on eight catches. Too many starters are getting injured, and the Packers offense just won’t be able to score many points on a tough Eagles defense. Green Bay sits in third place in the NFC North after losing their last four games by an average of 11.5 points per game.

All of this should set the stage for the Eagles to begin scoring the way they did in opening their season with three straight wins in which they averaged more than 30 points per game. They gave up 33 points to the Falcons, 31 to the Colts, 47 to the Titans and 42 to Kirk Cousins and the Redskins last week.

The Eagles (5-5) are 4-0 at home, including a 34-3 rout over Pittsburgh in Week 3, a 21-10 win against Minnesota last month and a 24-15 victory over Atlanta two weeks ago. They’ve outscored opponents 108-38 at home. “You have patterns of how you want to substitute, but when you get into odd games – Tennessee was an oddball game”.

Instead, Monday night’s game at Lincoln Financial Field could serve as an elimination game. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a team here where we went into a game thinking there’s no way we’re going to win this game. They do have some young cornerbacks who are getting better as I’ve watched games. “We’ve got to turn this streak around and get going back in the right direction”. Both teams need a win to stay alive in the NFC Playoffs race.

“My first couple carries are probably just feeling it out, but once I start to slow it down and get those runs going, I think I’m better”.

At the same time, should Wentz receive ample time in the pocket, he can expect to pick apart a secondary that has not performed at anything approaching an acceptable level since the first few weeks of the season. Paul Turner was signed off the practice squad and could make his National Football League debut. Also creating time to make plays down the field. It appears as if Nelson Agholor might take a seat in favor of preseason standout Paul Turner.

“I think we all see that when he touches the football, you see the explosiveness”, Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich said.

Ryan suffered an ankle injury early in the team’s November 13 game at Tennessee, missing almost all of that game and sitting out last week’s loss at Washington.

There was also heat on coach Mike McCarthy.

Browns quarterback Josh McCown, back in the lineup after rookie Cody Kessler sustained his second concussion last week, finished with 322 yards passing and threw a TD pass to rookie Corey Coleman (see full recap). A semblance of a consistent running attack could help balance what has been a pass-heavy offence by necessity.

“He’ll still make plays”, Cox said. Starting guard T.J Lange will not play. “It’s a tall task, but we’re preparing, looking forward to showing up”.

Thomas normally serves as the dime linebacker when Ryan and Martinez are both healthy. “That’s football. But I’m playing faster and faster”. But, yes, Clay’s an impact player at outside linebacker.

Matthews returned to action last week after missing the previous three games with a hamstring injury, but was largely a nonfactor. “He’s really comfortable with what’s being asked of him”. They’ll take a short flight to Cincinnati and a bus ride to Baltimore.

Two players who definitely won’t be active include starting running back Ryan Mathews and fill-in right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai.