Scouting the Eagles and Packers

The Eagles struggled Monday against Carolina, rushing for only 37 yards on 22 carries. LeSean McCoy's 19 yards were a setback after he averaged more than 100 yards during the previous four games. The performance also came against a struggling run defense, albeit one that appeared determined not to be beaten by the NFL's defending rushing champion.

McCoy could be poised for a big game. The Packers are No. 30 in the NFL in rush defense, allowing 142.6 yards per game and 4.6 per carry. McCoy tallied 155 yards at Lambeau Field last season. The Eagles will have the same offensive line for the second consecutive game. Darren Sproles and Chris Polk will also be involved in the rushing attack.

The Packers like to use their nickel and dime packages, which means more defensive backs will be on the field. Those are usually easier packages to run against. Green Bay moved Pro Bowl outside linebacker Clay Matthews to the inside last week, which could help against the run. The Packers have rotated through a few other options to start next to veteran A.J. Hawk. Defensive lineman Mike Daniels has played well against the run this season.

Mark Sanchez passed for 332 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover in his debut as a starter on Monday, but he completed only 54.1 percent of his passes. It was a nice performance, but Sanchez can improve his efficiency. He took advantage of the attention on the running game and the outside receivers to find openings in the middle of the field, where Jordan Matthews and Brent Celek thrived.

The Packers have a better pass defense than Carolina, but veteran cornerback Tramon Williams has been inconsistent, and he will likely cover Jeremy Maclin. The Packers start first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at safety. Clinton-Dix was an Eagles target in the draft. Micah Hyde is a hybrid safety who has good cover skills.

Green Bay is ranked No. 9 in the NFL in pass defense. The Packers' 12 interceptions are tied for fourth-most in the NFL, so Sanchez must be careful with his passes. Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are two of the most accomplished pass rushers in the NFL. Nick Perry and Mike Daniels can also get to the quarterback.

The Packers are No. 18 in the NFL with 101.3 rushing yards per game. They have capable rushers, but they are more of a passing team. Eddie Lacy leads Green Bay with 478 yards, rushing for 4 yards per carry. He is a downfield runner who can excel between the tackles. The interior line of left guard Josh Sitton, center Corey Linsley, and right guard T.J. Lang have helped. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is mobile and could take off if he has room to run.

The Eagles are No. 19 in the NFL in rush defense and are allowing 115.2 yards per game, but they held the Panthers to 3.2 yards per carry and have limited runners to 3.5 yards per carry during the last four games.

The Eagles' best formation against the run is their base defense, with Bennie Logan and Cedric Thornton joining Fletcher Cox on the defensive line, but the Eagles might use more sub packages to deal with Green Bay's passing game. Casey Matthews, the brother of Clay Matthews, split with Emmanuel Acho in replacing DeMeco Ryans in the base defense last week. Linebackers Connor Barwin and Trent Cole must set the edge, and there will be pressure on three-down inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks to help plug the middle.

Green Bay's biggest advantage comes when it passes. Rodgers threw six first-half touchdown passes last week and leads the NFL with a 120.1 passer rating. Rodgers has 25 touchdowns and three interceptions and is completing 67.3 percent of his passes. He is as tough a challenge as the Eagles' No. 22 passing defense will face this season.

Rodgers' top receiver is Jordy Nelson, who is tied for fifth in the NFL with 889 receiving yards. He has caught 56 of 84 passes thrown to him and is third in the NFL with 41 receiving first downs. No. 2 receiver Randall Cobb has caught 10 touchdown passes and is a challenge when he plays the slot. Cobb's 13 catches of 20 or more yards are tied for sixth in the NFL. Lacy is a receiving threat out of the backfield who averages 30.8 receiving yards per game, and Rodgers can also involve tight ends Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers in the right matchups.

The Eagles' passing defense excelled last week, but the Packers' offense is a bigger challenge. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher will likely draw Nelson. Fletcher has put together three strong performances but will have perhaps his biggest challenge against Nelson. Slot cornerback Brandon Boykin will likely draw Cobb and has the opportunity to show his worth.

The Eagles sacked Panthers quarterback Cam Newton nine times last week and are second in the NFL with 32 sacks. Rodgers has been sacked 20 times. Green Bay is second in the NFL with 11 passing plays of 40 or more yards. The Eagles' pass defense has allowed 11 of those plays, which is second-most in the NFL.

The Eagles added another special-teams touchdown last week, when Darren Sproles returned his second punt for a score this season. The Packers allow only 5.8 yards per return and have not allowed one longer than 13 yards. They're more vulnerable in kickoff coverage, where they have allowed a 101-yard touchdown. The Eagles used Chris Polk instead of Josh Huff at kick returner on Monday. Cobb handles punt returns for Green Bay and averages 10.2 yards per return. As impressive as Eagles kicker Cody Parkey has been this season, he faces a challenge kicking in cold weather.

The Packers have a true home-field advantage at Lambeau Field, where they are averaging 41.5 points per game this season - nearly 20 points more than on the road. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 26 consecutive touchdown passes in Green Bay without an interception. The Eagles won there last season, but Rodgers did not play. The forecast calls for a high of 29 degrees, and the temperature could fall into the teens during game. The Eagles are coming off a short week and are 1-1 after Monday Night Football games under Chip Kelly.

Predictions