The Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles represent two teams with very different trajectories heading into their matchup this season. The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, have been one of the NFL’s most consistent and dominant teams in recent years, establishing themselves as Super Bowl contenders with a high-powered offense and an aggressive defense. The Packers, on the other hand, are in a rebuilding phase with a new quarterback in Jordan Love and a young, developing roster. While the Packers are undoubtedly the underdogs in this matchup, upsets are always a possibility in the NFL. So, how can the Packers pull off an unlikely victory over the Eagles? Here are three ways Green Bay can upset Philadelphia.
### 1. **Jordan Love’s Poise and Efficient Playmaking**
One of the most significant factors in this game is the performance of Green Bay’s quarterback, Jordan Love. With Aaron Rodgers now in New York, Love has taken the reins of the Packers’ offense. While he’s had his ups and downs, there have been flashes of his potential as a capable starting quarterback. To pull off an upset, Love will need to continue to improve and execute at a high level.
**Key Factors for Success:**
– **Take What the Defense Gives You:** Philadelphia’s defense is formidable, but it’s not infallible. Love’s ability to read the defense and take advantage of mismatches will be crucial. Philadelphia has a deep secondary led by Darius Slay and James Bradberry, so forcing the ball into tight coverage would be a mistake. Instead, Love should focus on spreading the ball around to his playmakers—especially the short and intermediate routes that exploit the Eagles’ aggressive pass rush and occasionally overzealous secondary. Quick throws to running backs and tight ends, coupled with play-action to stretch the field, can keep the defense guessing.
– **Avoid Turnovers:** The Eagles thrive on creating turnovers, with their defense often making plays that shift momentum. Love must be disciplined with the football, avoiding risky passes or ill-advised decisions that could lead to interceptions. If he can manage the game and keep drives alive without turning the ball over, the Packers will have a much better chance of controlling the tempo and staying in the game.
– **Confidence and Poise in the Pocket:** One of Love’s greatest strengths has been his ability to stay calm under pressure. Against a fast and aggressive Eagles defensive front, he will need to maintain poise in the pocket, avoid unnecessary sacks, and keep the chains moving. If he can make quick, decisive decisions and not let the Eagles’ pass rush get to him, it will give the Packers’ offense a chance to function effectively.
### 2. **Control the Line of Scrimmage with the Running Game**
Green Bay’s offense has a strong foundation built around its running game, and for the Packers to beat the Eagles, controlling the line of scrimmage and establishing the run will be vital. Philadelphia’s defense is strong across the board, but one area where they can be vulnerable is in their run defense, particularly against powerful, physical running attacks. The Packers will need to use their running backs, Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, to keep the Eagles’ defense off balance.
**Key Factors for Success:**
– **Mixing Up the Run Game:** The Packers need to keep the Eagles’ defense guessing with a variety of run plays. While Aaron Jones is the more explosive back, A.J. Dillon is the bruiser who can wear down defenses over time. Utilizing both backs in different situations—Jones for outside runs and Dillon for power runs—can create mismatches against the Eagles’ defensive front. Additionally, integrating some misdirection, play-action, and screen passes can catch the Eagles off guard and open up opportunities down the field.
– **Controlling the Clock:** One of the best ways to limit Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ explosive offense is by keeping them off the field. If the Packers can dominate the time of possession with long, sustained drives, it will frustrate Philadelphia and prevent their high-powered offense from getting into rhythm. A strong running game will not only help the Packers control the clock, but it will also open up passing lanes for Jordan Love on play-action, making it easier to convert on third downs.
– **Winning the Battle in the Trenches:** The offensive line will be under pressure in this matchup, as the Eagles’ defensive line is one of the best in the NFL, led by players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. Green Bay’s offensive line, which has been solid but not elite, will need to rise to the occasion. If they can create running lanes for Jones and Dillon while keeping Love upright in the pocket, the Packers can put together a game plan that puts the Eagles on their heels.
### 3. **Disrupting Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ Offense**
The Eagles’ offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, is a high-flying, dynamic unit that can score quickly in a variety of ways. Hurts is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat you both through the air and on the ground. The Packers will need to disrupt Hurts’ rhythm early and often if they hope to slow down the Eagles’ offense. Hurts has proven to be a difficult quarterback to contain, but if Green Bay can pressure him effectively and force him into uncomfortable situations, they will have a shot at limiting Philadelphia’s scoring potential.
**Key Factors for Success:**
– **Pressure Jalen Hurts:** Hurts’ ability to extend plays with his legs is one of his greatest strengths, but it’s also an area where he can sometimes struggle. The Packers need to generate pressure with their defensive line, forcing Hurts to either make quick decisions in the pocket or try to escape the pressure. With a solid pass rush featuring players like Rashan Gary, the Packers should look to make Hurts uncomfortable and prevent him from taking off on designed runs or scrambling for big gains. Stopping Hurts in the pocket and forcing him into long third downs is a key to disrupting the Eagles’ offensive flow.
– **Contain the Run Game:** While Hurts is the primary threat, the Eagles also have an impressive running game that includes not only Hurts himself but also running back Miles Sanders and others. The Packers’ defense will need to be disciplined in their run fits and not allow big chunks of yardage on the ground. By containing the run game, the Packers can force the Eagles into more predictable passing situations, which will make it easier to pressure Hurts and get off the field on third downs.
– **Mixing Defensive Coverages:** Hurts and his receiving corps, which includes A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, are incredibly dangerous. However, the Packers can’t let them get into a rhythm. By mixing up their defensive coverages and disguising blitzes, they can confuse Hurts and force him into mistakes. The Packers’ secondary, led by Jaire Alexander, will need to step up and cover the Eagles’ receivers tightly, especially on deep passes. A well-timed interception or forced incompletion could turn the tide in Green Bay’s favor.
### Conclusion: A Path to Victory
While the Green Bay Packers face an uphill battle against the Philadelphia Eagles, there is a clear path to victory if they execute a well-thought-out game plan. The key will be Jordan Love’s poise and efficiency as a playmaker, a dominant running game that controls the clock, and a defense that disrupts Jalen Hurts and limits the Eagles’ offensive success. If the Packers can do these things, they have a legitimate chance to pull off the upset. While it’s a tough task, upsets are part of the magic of the NFL, and Green Bay has the tools to make it happen.