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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 /
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Giants vs Packers: 6 Matchups To Watch For Wild Card Weekend
Nov 28, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) reacts after his sack on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (not pictured) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Pugh vs Mike Daniels

One way for the Giants to keep the Packers offense off the field is to control the time of possession game. The easiest way to do that is by running the ball effectively, which will come down in part to the matchup between Pugh and Daniels.

Pugh is probably the best offensive lineman the Giants have; it is between him and center Weston Richburg. When he missed Week 10-14 the Giants offense really took a step back as they averaged 294 yards per game; they failed to reach that number only twice with Pugh in the lineup.

One of those two games came in the first matchup with the Packers. One of the reasons for the Packers success was the defensive line setting the tone in the trenches, led by Daniels. Daniels was the 11th defensive tackle in the NFL this season according to Pro Football Focus, so he is a difference maker in the middle.

The Giants have finally gotten life in their running game with Paul Perkins leading the way. He will be a bigger part of the gameplan this time around from when the teams faced off in Week 5. His chances of succeeding will depend a lot on whether or not Pugh can slow down the disruptive Daniels.

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