I’m Sorry Brown: You’d better double check that
The Giants have their work cut out for them offensively against the apparently hapless Green Bay Packers defense. But upon further review, the Packers defense really isn’t as bad as it seems, at least against the run.
Now before anyone goes off and starts shouting about how the Packers defense is the worst thing since non-sliced bread, consider this (remember, for defense, a negative DVOA is good, the opposite of offense):
Team A Rush DVOA: -5.7
Team B Rush DVOA: -7
Team A is the Packers, Team B is the Seattle Seahawks, who are thought of as having a ferocious defense. In fact, they do, but their run defense really isn’t all that much better than the Packers’.
The Giants should not be underestimating the talent level on the Packers run defense just because their pass defense is fourth-worst in the NFL.
But as I mentioned on Tuesday, Andre Brown’s superb performance Week 10 provided a lift to the Giants running game which did not previously exist.
And assuming that it wasn’t a fluke – which the incredibly small sample size indicates it was not – Brown should be counted on to turn in another good performance this weekend.
With the Packers starting Scott Tolzein – who actually looked pretty good in Week 10, all things considered – at quarterback, the Giants may very well find themselves in a position where they could take – gasp – a sizeable lead and need to play ball-control offense in the second half.
With John “Twins” Conner leading the way, and Brandon Jacobs making his return as a change of pace back, Brown could be in for a big day if he gets 20+ touches, which he should.
If that happens, the Giants should be well on their way to a fourth consecutive victory, and depending on how the Washington Pigskins at Philadelphia Eagles game goes, could see them improbably only a half game out of first in the NFC East.
Joe’s Prediction:
22 rushes, 96 yards, 1 touchdown
Joe Vasile | Featured Columnist
Joe Vasile is a play-by-play announcer for Widener Pride football and host of “Ball Four” on WTSR in Trenton. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeVasilePBP.