More than 100 players will suit up for Sunday’s NFC championship game, so try to ignore all those talking heads making mention of only two: Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
Posted January 23, 2021 12:41 p.m. ESTUpdated January 24, 2021 12:26 p.m. EST By BARRY WILNER, AP Pro Football Writer More than 100 players will suit up for Sunday’s NFC championship game, so try to ignore all those talking heads making mention of only two: Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Yes, it’s as juicy a matchup of quarterbacks as the current NFL can offer. The Battle of the Bays might well be decided by what Mr. Six Rings does against the Packers’ defense, or what the 2020 All-Pro Rodgers manages versus the Buccaneers’ D. The only time Green Bay (14-3) was overwhelmed this season was a 38-10 loss in October to the Bucs (13-5). That said, here’s what each team will be looking at in Lambeau Field. WHEN THE BUCS HAVE THE BALL: We’ll get to Brady in a moment, because a decent amount of Tampa Bay’s chances will depend on running backs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones being productive. They have been, particularly Fournette, in recent games. If the offense is balanced, Brady is at his most dangerous. He might occasionally test cornerbacks Jaire Alexander, Kevin King (who was questionable with back injury) and Chandon Sullivan with deep throws, but more likely will rely on stud wideout Mike Evans, the re-emerging Antonio Brown, and Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller on shorter plays that allow them to gain yards after catch. Coach Bruce Arians ruled out the re-emerging Antonio Brown because of a knee injury, but a missed tackle on the others by any Green Bay defender easily could lead to six points. While the Bucs have the more established tight ends in Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate, they might not have the most impactful at the position (see below). But Gronk in particular has always been a big-play guy in big games for Brady, and Green Bay doesn’t have linebackers who excel in coverage. Look for safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage to handle the big guy as best they can. For Brady to get a shot at a seventh Super Bowl title, his protection, anchored by left guard Ali Marpet and rookie right tackle Tristan Wirfs, must stand up against Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, both potential game changers for the Packers.
