It’s fun to be a hindsight sports critic. Picking apart the coach’s game plan and play calls after the game ends. I am crushing players for not executing the following day, and I can only think of one thing more fun. Pretending to be a coach for the Green Bay Packers and laying out my game plan. Here is my game plan from the armchair.
Green Bay Packers Offense
Run the Damn Ball
Run the ball! The apparent weakness of the Vegas defensive front is Tyree Wilson(#9) and Jerry Tillery (#90) in the nickel package. PFF has Wilson ranked 112th out of 114 edge defenders, and Tillery ranked 116th out of 124 interior defenders. Divine Deablo (#5) also has not played the run particularly well this season, ranked 60th out of 82 Linebackers. This leaves some favorable matchups for the left side of the Packers Offensive line.
I would script some designed runs to the left and away from Max Crosby. I would also run early and often to give ourselves some manageable third downs. Getting the run game going should help neutralize Maxx Crosby and the Vegas pass rush. Currently, Crosby (#98) is ranked 3rd among edge defenders this season. Limiting his opportunities to tee off and get after Love will be important.
Jordan Love and the Passing Game
In the passing game, the Packers should have some opportunities. While Marcus Peters (#24) is still an excellent corner, he has mostly lined up as the outside corner (215 out of 263 snaps). I would try to find suitable matchups for Watson and Reed in the slot against Amik Robertson (#21). I would also coach up Love to take advantage of any one on one matchup with Jakorian Bennett (#0) if he plays. Bennett ranks 97th out of 109 cornerbacks, according to PFF.
The Raiders are solid at safety. Tre’von Moehrig (#25) and Marcus Epps (#6) are ranked in the top 32 safeties in the league. Epps, however, is the weaker of the two in coverage. If the Packers were to take any shots, I would try to scheme up shots to the right side of the field.
The Defense
Don’t let Adams catch the ball! Even though Adams is banged up, he is still the Raiders best weapon. Currently, Adams is ranked 5th among all wideouts, according to PFF. He also accounts for 35 percent of their total offensive output. This may be an unpopular armchair coaching decision, but I would have Douglas mirror Adams on the field and play press coverage. I would also give him constant help over the top from Ford and Savage. Make someone else beat you. I would also send pressure more often than usual. Garoppolo has five turnover-worthy plays this season. Putting pressure on him to make quick decisions could hopefully lead to a turnover.
The Defensive Line
Regarding the D-line, I would like to see Gary lineup over number 72 all night. This season, Jermaine Eluemunor (#72) is ranked one of football’s worst pass-protecting tackles. With Gary matched up against Eluemunor, he should draw attention from tight ends and backs, allowing the rest of the D-line to get pressure. Kolton Miller (#74) and Greg Van Roten (#70) have been the pillars of their offensive line in pass protection this season. They haven’t been quite as good run-blocking, however. As a unit, the Raiders rank 31st running the football. Stopping the run will allow Gary and company to Rush and force mistakes.
I would also like to sneak in at least one corner blitz. Garoppolo isn’t great at escaping the pocket and doesn’t throw with many arm angles. Sending Alexander on a blitz at the right time might be the ticket for a cheap sack.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, as an armchair coach, I have the luxury of my game plan not needing to work because it won’t be implemented. However, taking a few more chances on defense and running the ball more consistently on offense is a great recipe to beat the Las Vegas Raiders.
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