Packers offensive line headed for terrific matchup vs. Eagles defensive line
A week after scoring a decisive victory over the talented front of the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers offensive line has another terrific matchup awaiting in the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Jim Schwartz’s defensive line is as deep, talented and productive as any the Packers have faced in 2020.
First, some numbers on the Packers.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been sacked on just 2.8 percent of dropbacks in 2020. He’s been kept clean in the pocket on 77.8 percent of dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. According to ESPN, the Packers rank first in the NFL in both pass block win rate and run block win rate.
By any measure, the Packers have one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, despite several injuries and constant shuffling.
More shuffling will be required Sunday. Center Corey Linsley, the top-rated player at his position according to PFF, will miss the game with a knee injury. And starting right guard Lucas Patrick is dealing with a toe injury.
The Eagles, who rank sixth in pass-rush win rate, will provide a stiff test regardless of who is on the field.
Defensive lineman Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrove, Derek Barnett and Malik Jackson all have 20 or more pressures in 2020, according to PFF. Overall, the Eagles have seven defensive linemen with at least 10 pressures.
Graham, who came into 2020 with 50 or more pressures in six-straight seasons, leads the way with 42 pressures and 7.5 sacks this season. Fletcher Cox, a five-time Pro Bowler, has 34 pressures, confirming he’s still one of the most disruptive interior defenders.
Barnett (13) and Jackson (11) have 10 or more quarterback hits. Josh Sweat isn’t too far behind with nine hits, plus four sacks.
Overall, the Eagles have 36 sacks and 83 quarterback hits in 11 games. For comparison’s sake, the Packers have 24 sacks and 49 quarterback hits in 2020.
Entering Week 13, the Eagles rank second in the NFL in sacks and third in quarterback hits and sack rate.
By overall pressure rate, the Eagles rank sixth, according to pro-football-reference.com.
To pull off the upset Sunday at Lambeau Field, the Eagles will likely need their deep and productive defensive line to control the game, both by stalling the Packers’ run game early and consistently pressuring Rodgers in obvious passing situations.
Through 11 games, Rodgers has been sacked just 11 times. Four of the 11 sacks came in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers pressured the Packers offense into the ground during a 38-10 victory. In each of the other 10 games, Rodgers has thrown multiple touchdown passes and finished with a passer rating of at least 100.0.
Can the Packers keep Rodgers clean once again on Sunday? The NFC showdown will likely be decided by the matchup between the Packers offensive line and the Eagles defensive line.
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Packers vs. Eagles preview: 6 things to know about Week 13
