As I’ve mentioned in the last couple podcasts, this game comes down to matchups. Some favorable, others will be challenging. Let’s take a look at some of the toughest matchups the Green Bay Packers will face in week 3 of the preseason against the Denver Broncos.
Kyle Murphy vs. Von Miller
There is no more important matchup than this. Kyle Murphy is the key to the entire game. It’s his responsibility to fill in for the top pass blocker in the NFL, Bryan Bulaga. To make the task more daunting, he will be lined up nose to nose with one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, Von Miller.
The Packers will do whatever they can to take the pressure off Murphy by neutralizing Miller, whether it be through the run game or extra blockers, but the fact remains that Murphy will need to play the best game of his NFL career tonight.
Kenny Clark vs. Matt Paradis
Clark has been a star so far in 2017 after his fast ascension to the top of the depth chart in 2016. All that growth will be put to the test tonight as he is set to line up across from Matt Paradis, the Broncos 3rd year center.
In year two, Paradis went from being an average offensive lineman to becoming arguably the best center in the NFL. The battle in the trenches will be tough all around but this is the battle to watch.
Kevin King vs. Demaryius Thomas
The corners will rotate a lot but this is the boundary battle I want to see. 6’3 D. Thomas against 6’3 rookie Kevin King. To date, King hasn’t really stood out but with the struggles at quarterback for the Broncos leads me to believe the opportunity to make plays will be there.
With a receiver like Thomas, quarterbacks tend to trust their guy will win the 50/50 battle. Let’s see if King can truly be the king of the boundary.
Quinten Rollins vs. Emmanuel Sanders
The corners will no doubt have their challenges on the perimeter but the Broncos also tout one of the games top slot receivers in Emmanuel Sanders. I’ve been real high on Rollins as a slot corner and this is a great opportunity for him to step up and show that this defense will be different. This defense can match up with any receivers they match up against.
They’ll need to with the schedule their up against.
Jordy Nelson vs. Aqib Talib
I’m not sure who the Broncos will match up with who but this matchup makes the most sense to me. Although Harris was graded by pro football focus as the better corner, we are talking about two guys that are both in the “best corner of 2016” conversation.
Although the Packers have one of the top passing offenses in the NFL, they have struggled to get things going early in the season the last few years. Last week in Washington the Packers looked to be in mid-season form. This is the ultimate test.