NFL Game of the Week: Packers vs Giants

Story posted October 5, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Justin Ciavolella

For the first time since the NFL began playing in London in 2007, two teams with winning records will face off. This weekend it's the New York Giants facing off against the Green Bay Packers.

Both teams arrive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with 3-1 records, though the early season success of the Giants has been unexpected, and the success of the Packers has not come with concerns.

Leading the way for New York is Saqoun Barkley, who has returned to his old form after battling injuries over the past few seasons.

The former 2nd overall pick leads the league in rushing yards with 463 behind an offensive line that has not been as sharp as the organization hoped when it revamped it in the offseason.

Though the offensive line is still improved from last season, the pass protection has allowed Daniel Jones to be sacked 14 times this season.

Behind new head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Jones has recorded 631 passing yards and three passing touchdowns while cutting down on his turnovers.

The question marks surrounding Jones' future with the team are not the biggest questions surrounding the fourth-year quarterback. Jones suffered an ankle sprain in the Giants' victory over Chicago last week. Back-up quarterback Tyrod Taylor also left that game with a concussion.

On the other side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has the Giants thriving. Big Blue has allowed the eighth fewest passing yards this season as Martindale has found the right coverage and blitz packages.

As for the 3-1 record of the Packers, four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers has the Packers ranked in the middle of the pack in passing yards as an offense.

Much of the passing struggles of the offense have not come from Rodgers, but rather the lack of depth in the receiver room.

Still, Rodgers has not been as sharp this season, already being intercepted three times in four games after being intercepted a total of four last season.

Another reason for the passing struggles is the lack of getting running back Aaron Jones involved on pass routes. Jones has just 12 receptions for 81 yards this season.

The Packers are ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards in part due to the success of Jones in the running game. Jones has 327 rushing yards, which puts him seventh in the league. AJ Dillon has added 211 rushing yards to bolster the running stats.

As for the Packers' defense, they have allowed the third-fewest passing yards in the league, which is likely to continue this week as they face off against one of, if not the worst receiver rooms in the NFL.

Richie James is pacing the receiver room with 15 receptions for 155 yards. Sterling Shepard is out the rest of the season, and Kenny Golladay will be out for this game as his disappointing Giants tenure continues.

Either way, both leaves will leave London still having a winning record. The Giants have returned from their two London trips with wins, while Green Bay becomes the 32nd team to play in London.

Justin Ciavolella is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jtc5751@psu.edu.