Sunday NFL Game Of The Week: Green Bay Packers (6-3) vs. Minnesota Vikings (7-2)

It's hard to imagine that just a few short weeks ago the Green Bay Packers had one of the most effective defenses in the NFL. In their first six victories of the season, the Packers stingy defense allowed a mere 16.8 PPG while their relentless offense scored over 27 PPG. However, the once invincible force that was capable of steam rolling over any opponent in their path,has now regressed into a incomprehensibly distraught mess of their former selves. In their last three losses, the Packers have allowed opponents to score 28 PPG while only scoring a meek 18.3 PPG themselves. While the Packers Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde transformation is undoubtedly disturbing, it's hard to imagine that a team that is clearly athletically adept, succumb to their recent shortcomings.

In order for the Packers to return to their former glory, they'll need their prolific passer to step when it matter losses. Despite throwing for over three hundred yards in the Packers last three losses, Aaron Rodgers has been unable to resurrect this teams perseverance that has allowed them to dominate in weeks past. This is also due in part to the Packers lack of a rushing attack as former starter Eddie Lacy has failed to live up to his previous successes as he had over 1,000 rushing yards in his last two seasons. This year, Lacy has only rushed for two touchdowns and just over 300 yards more than half way through the season. This lack of versatility has forced Aaron Rodgers to throw a plethora of passes in an attempt to carry the weight of this now one-dimensional offense (has attempted over 100 passes in his last two games alone). No matter how great of a passer Rodgers is, without a opportunistic defense and a potent rushing attack, he can hardly be expected to right this sinking ship on his own.

For the Vikings, the name of the game is a smash mouth defense (17.1 PAPG, 2nd in NFL) and a unstoppable rushing attack (147.2 RYPG, 1st in NFL). Although Teddy Bridgewater is a dynamic game manager (64.3 CMP%), he lacks the scoring proficiencies of the elite passers in the game (7 TD, 6 INT). This is where the essential production of runnings back Adrian Peterson comes into play for a Vikings team that simply refuses to lose. At 4.9 yards per carry, Peterson has progressively transformed back into the gifted rusher that the Vikings have relied upon as their most gifted and capable player. If the Vikings can combine Peterson's rushing capabilities with Bridgewater's sound decision making skills, this team could come away with a crucial victory that would give them some elbow room at the top of the NFC North.

In the end, the woeful Packers will have to dig deep to beat a red hot Vikings team that has seemingly dominated the competition in recent weeks. If the Packers lose today, it will be blatantly apparent that this team doesn't have what it takes to contend for a division that was once theirs for the taking.  

Final Score: Packers 23 Vikings 20

Are The Lakers Better Off Without Kobe Bryant?

Once a franchise that exemplified greatness, the Los Angeles Lakers have reached an unimaginable low. From the numerous injuries sustained by the legendary Kobe Bryant to the questionable hirings initiated by upper management (hiring Mike D'Antoni and Byron Scott), the Lakers have unquestionably self destructed.

However, while their are a plethora of misguided decisions that have contributed to the Lakers tumultuous downfall, it seems clear that their failures are more of a player personnel disparity rather than poor coaching on the part of Byron Scott. Specifically, the physical and mental decline of Kobe Bryant has been especially difficult to witness on a regular basis. His resilient resolve that once allowed him become one of the best players in the NBA, has now eradicated as he has incurred one devastating injury after the other.

Thus far during the Lakers head shaking 0-4 start, Bryant has averaged a meek 15.8 PPG (25.3 PPG career average) while shooting 32.3% from the field (45.1% career average). However, while Bryant's statistical variances are definitely alarming, it is also the result of him taking less shots. Bryant's attempted shots per game have hovered around 20 throughout his career, this season has seen a less aggressive shooter with Bryant averaging just 15.5 shots per game. Although this could be the result of Bryant's apparent physical regression, it is also just as likely that Bryant's confidence in his abilities is beginning to come apart at the seams. In years past, Bryant hardly ever unveiled any type of self deprecation. No matter what the imposing obstacle was, Bryant was unconditionally determined to overcome it. And more often than not, he did just that.

Yet, it became difficult for Bryant to remain jovial as his career became sidetracked by one freak injury after another. Although Bryant seems to be healthy from a athletic stand point, his fiery perseverance is no longer present. Not only does this energy hurt Bryant's ability to be great, it also inhibits the growth and progression of his young teammates. While being a nurturing leader was never one of Bryant's strong suits, he lead by his performance on the court, which at one time was a miraculous sight to behold. Now, Bryant's inability to lead by example has crippled his team from moving forward.

While it may seem unfair to oust a man who has helped the Lakers win five championships in the 21st century, it can't be denied that father time has finally caught up to the 19-year veteran.  Without a confident and skillful leader that can remain resilient through any situation, a team is doomed to flounder in the realm of mediocrity. Although it won't be easy an easy notion to accept for any die hard Laker fan, the inevitable retirement of Bryant should happen sooner rather than later.

When all is said and done, the Lakers will be able to retain their title of perennial championship contenders when they have completely established themselves with a new generation of players. Although Bryant's presence was once a model for rookies to emulate, his continuous regression both physically and mentally has not been a helpful attribute for a team that has enough struggles to deal with. For the Lakers to create another successful dynasty, they will have to let go of the final piece of their last five championship teams.

Sunday Night Football Preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos

In years past, a matchup of this magnitude would have been considered a quarterback grudge match for the ages. In their primes, both of these passers have shown an innate ability to read defenses on the fly while being able to make pin point passes to their prolific receivers. While Aaron Rodgers hasn't shown any signs of regression, Peyton Manning hasn't looked like the legendary pocket passer that he used to be. Playing in his 18th season, Manning has seemingly succumbed to the inevitable proposition that father time cannot be evaded. Although Manning clearly makes the proper looks when targeting a receiver, the velocity and graceful touch that was once apart of Manning's passing repertoire has become a hinderance to the Denver Broncos. Despite Manning's frustrating shortcomings, the Broncos have developed into one of the best defensive teams in the league (have allowed only 17 points per game this year, 2nd in NFL).

However, despite the Broncos new found defensively charged identity, they have yet to be challenged by an offensive powerhouse. While the Broncos are currently undefeated on the season, their six victories have been won by eight point or less, and four of their six wins have come against teams with records currently below .500. Watching Manning and company narrowly cheat defeat has become a staple of how this team has stayed competitive despite the inconsistent performances of both the passing (240.8 passing yards per game, 18th in NFL) and running games (85 rushing yards per game, 31st in the NFL). Without a potent offense, the Broncos are simply a defensively inspired team that can only keep the listless Peyton Manning in tight games for so long.

For the Green Pay Packers, their primary mode of success will be predicated on the arm of the always reliable Aaron Rodgers. Not only is Aaron Rodgers a supremely accurate passer (68.1 completion percentage), he is also tenacious when it comes to launching the ball downfield for big gains (8.19 yards per pass attempt).

However, the most noticeable discrepancy between Manning and Rodgers is their margin for turnovers...and it's not even close. As usual, Rodgers has proven to be a superb talent when it comes to ball security as he has only thrown 2 INT's to Manning's 10 INT's. Worse for Manning still is the fact that he'll have to face the toughest defense in the league (16.8 points allowed in the league for Green Bay, 1st in NFL). Seeing how Manning has struggled against bottom tiered defenses such as the banged up Baltimore Ravens (26th in the league in points allowed) and the offensively scrappy albeit defensively challenged Oakland Raiders (21st in the league in points allowed), it's hard to imagine the Broncos having any type of success against a Packers team that is looking to make a run to the Super Bowl.

In the end, the legacy of Manning will likely take a turn for the worst in tonights matchup with the Packers. Although Manning is certainly a 1st ballot hall of fame inductee, his once reputable skill set has withered away noticeably, leaving the Broncos with a discouraged quarterback who simply doesn't have it anymore. Although Manning and company will keep the game somewhat respectable, the Broncos won't be able stifle a stacked Packers squad that will look to be 7-0 when all is said and done.

Final Verdict: Packers 28 Broncos 19