Not a lot is going right for this hurting Green Bay Packers (8-5) group as they push to get a spot inside the NFL playoffs. They even now trail the division-leading Chicago Bears by 1 game. This week they travel to New England to take on a surging Patriots (11-2) team, which has outscored opponents 81-10 within the last two weeks.Tim Tebow Jersey

Aaron Rodgers
The Packers biggest concern is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a concussion final week. Rodgers’ injury, his second concussion with the season, is maintaining him from practicing this week.

“He didn’t take part in any meetings,” coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday. “There are a number of restrictions and tips the health-related approach recommends, and we certainly adhere to these suggestions. Actually, Dr. John Gray could be the point individual on those selections.” Von Miller Jersey

The determination to play or sit Rodgers will likely be created Saturday. If Rodgers can’t go, the Packers will start quarterback Matt Flynn.

“This week, he will take all the reps,” McCarthy stated. “We will devote added time right here Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but it is essential when we get on that plane Saturday to visit New England that he’s fully prepared and prepared to go carry out Sunday evening. That is our method, and we are extremely confident in Matt’s skills. No one understands Matt far better than (quarterback coach) Tom Clements, (offensive coordinator) Joe Philbin and I, and it’s crucial to produce him profitable. We’re a quarterback-driven technique offensively. We’ve been considering that Day 1, and it’ll be no diverse when we play Sunday.”Aaron Rodgers Jersey

Tom Brady
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady continues to be playing scary good. So very good, in fact, that he could be playing better than he ever has—and Brady continues to be pretty excellent previously. He has 29 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. It’s been eight video games since he’s thrown an interception.

“He’s a champion,” McCarthy mentioned. “He’s their team leader. He’s very impressive on film. You just search with the decisive wins they’ve had the last two weeks, there’s a lot to become impressed by their overall performance.”

Defense against elite QBs
Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has impressed with his aggressive defense since taking the job final year. But a single weakness has been stopping elite quarterbacks. Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner all had large games final year. This year the defense has had a little far more success—beating Favre twice and holding Matt Ryan to a single touchdown and only 197 yards passing.

With New England spreading the ball close to, a single guy to help keep an eye on is rookie nickel cornerback Sam Shields. Although Shields has played remarkably effectively since earning the nickel occupation as an undrafted rookie free of charge agent, he has never ever faced a quarterback this very good. Any tiny mistake, and Shields would seem to make several, will probably be exploited by the savvy Brady.Charles Woodson Jersey

Injuries
Around the injury front, the Packers will miss outdoors linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) this week. Left guard Daryn Colledge, who left the Lions game with a knee injury, returned to practice Thursday and seems to become capable to play. Defensive end Cullen Jenkins continues to become sidelined using a calf injury.

For New England, each Brady (shoulder/foot) and rookie cornerback Devin McCourty (rib) returned to practice Thursday and must be ready Sunday. Four Patriot defensive linemen—Ron Brace (concussion), Myron Pryor (back), Gerard Warren (knee) and Mike Wright (concussion)—are nevertheless sidelined. Wide receiver Deion Branch is listed as limited with a knee injury.

— GERRARD DIAZ
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