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Green Bay Packers Look To Bounce Back Against High Flying New York Jets

By Tyson Rauch

On Sunday the New York Jets (1-0) will be taking on the Green Bay Packers (0-1) at Lambeau Field. New York is coming off of a dominant defensive performance over the Raiders, while the Packers are smarting from a 36-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.  Will the Jets be able to shut down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in Green Bay's home opener?

Injuries on offense

The Green Bay Packers offense enters Sunday's game a battered and bruised unit. Running back Eddie Lacy's status is uncertain due to a concussion sustained on Thursday night while right tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered a MCL sprain.  These are two significant injuries for the Pack as they like to use the running game to set up the passing attack. James Starks will see extensive action in the backfield if Lacy is unable to play with Derek Sherrod filling in for Bulaga.

All about the pressure

The best way to slow down the high flying Packers offense is with a consistent pass rush. The New York Jets front seven must dominate the line of scrimmage and put constant pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Look for Muhammad Wilkerson to try and take advantage of the right tackle situation while Sheldon Richardson attempts to disrupt the middle of the pocket. Linebackers Calvin Pace, Quinton Coples, and Jason Babin will be relied upon to contain the edge and generate havoc from the outside.

Challenge to the secondary

The revamped New York Jets secondary will be tested by a talented and dynamic Green Bay wide receiver group that features Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.  Gang Green's defensive backfield must remain consistent in coverage and prevent excessive yards after the catch. Don't be surprised to see the Packers go after defensive back Antonio Allen as he continues to learn the ropes of the cornerback position.

Ground and pound

One of the biggest keys for the Jets offense will be to establish the power running game against a Packers defense that yielded 207 rushing yards to the Seahawks. Gang Green, which rushed for 212 yards against the Raiders, will look to pound the football with both Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson in the hopes of wearing down the defense and opening up the play action pass.

Eliminate stupid mistakes

This is the type of game where the New York Jets cannot afford to play undisciplined, sloppy football.  The Jets must drastically cut back on their penalties (11 against the Raiders) while taking better care of the football in terms of turning it over. The last thing that New York wants is to give the Packers extra possessions or the football on a short field.

A winnable game

Believe it or not this is a winnable game for the New York Jets.  The formula for New York will be to ride the running game on offense and their dominant line on defense.  They need to keep the football out of Aaron Rodgers' hands with time consuming drives and not kill themselves with costly penalties and turnovers. Quarterback Geno Smith must make smart decisions with the football and use all of his options in the passing game. The Jets secondary must not get intimidated by the fast paced Packers offense and hold their own under duress. If all of this falls into place you could very well see a 2-0 Jets team by 8 p.m. Sunday night.

For more Jets news and updates, visit Jets Central.

Tyson Rauch is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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