RADIO
Sunday features a clash between the top two teams in the NFC North, as the Green Bay Packers travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Vikings in a battle for first place. The 7-2 Vikings currently sit atop the division, with the Packers just a game behind in second place. The Packers are on a three-game losing streak, and are fresh off of an embarrassing loss to the now 2-7 Detroit Lions.
Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb has struggled lately. Before a touchdown against the Panthers in Week 9, Cobb hadn't found the end zone since Week 3 against the Chiefs. Cobb also hasn't been over 100 yards receiving since Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, and that's his only 100-yard game of the season.
So what's wrong with Randall you ask? I think a big part of it has to do with the loss of wide receiver Jordy Nelson. When both receivers are healthy, Nelson is a big-time deep threat that takes the pressure off of Cobb and allows him to do what he does best, and that's wreak havoc from the slot position. I believe Cobb is now targeted by opposing defenses, making it harder for him to get open and be effective. Cobb isn't the only thing wrong with the Packers offense, however.
Aaron Rodgers is undoubtedly one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, but he's certainly looked flustered the last few weeks. His performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 8 was perhaps the worst of his career, as he threw for just 77 yards and zero touchdowns. He also threw a costly redzone interception on the final drive against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
Rodgers has been so "un-Rodgers-like" lately that people have began to question what the issue is. Some have even gone so far as to imply he's having relationship troubles with his girlfriend, actress Olivia Munn. To those people who do believe that's the case, I say you're absolutely crazy. In fact, I don't even think Rodgers is a big part of the problem for the Packers. The big problems for the Packers are the offensive line, the run game and the defense. The offensive line isn't giving Rodgers enough time to analyze and make the best throws possible, which is a big reason why he's been sacked 22 times already this season.
The offensive line isn't helping the run game either. Running back James Starks has looked great catching passes out of the backfield, but he has 90 yards rushing in his last three games combined. I think the core issues for Green Bay lie within the offensive line, and they won't be an elite team until those issues are addressed.
Ultimately I think Rodgers and Cobb will get back on track, but not this week. The Vikings defense has been among the league's best this season, and they rank eighth in passing yards allowed per game with approximately 228 per contest. I still think Rodgers can put up a decent stat line though, and I'm predicting he throws for 245 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Randall Cobb will likely be shadowed by standout cornerback Xavier Rhodes, so I'm not liking his chances for redemption this week. I think Cobb will have four catches for 50 yards and zero scores. As for the outcome of the game, I expect the Minnesota Vikings to keep rolling and hand the Green Bay Packers their fourth straight loss.
