Empire Writes Back
Fansided

Giants vs Packers: 6 Matchups To Watch For Wild Card Weekend

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy talks with New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo following the game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy talks with New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo following the game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Giants vs Packers: 6 Matchups To Watch For Wild Card Weekend
Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Olivier Vernon vs David Bakhtiari

If the Giants want to slow down the Packers passing attack they will have to get after Aaron Rodgers. The man that will be a driving force in trying to accomplish that will be Olivier Vernon.

Vernon has earned the big money contract that the Giants gave him this offseason. According to Pro Football Focus, Vernon recorded the most quarterback hurries in the NFL for a 4-3 defensive end with 86. With Jason Pierre-Paul unable to get back onto the field, the pressure will fall upon Vernon to carry the load once again.

In his way will be David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari was the No.3 rated left tackle in the NFL this season according to Pro Football Focus. He excelled in pass coverage, recording the second highest pass blocking efficiency mark in the league. He will give Vernon some problems rushing the passer, but you can’t count out a player as talented as Vernon.

This will be a matchup to watch and will trigger how successful the Giants defense will be. Keep an eye out for Vernon in the run game as well. He is not a one-trick pony as he plays the run just as well as he does the pass. Vernon is also healthy in this matchup, as he was battling a wrist/arm injury in the first matchup.

Home/New York Giants