I don't know about the rest of you but in my opinion this is a tough game to predict. Our Rams are the better team overall, I also felt that way before our loss to the Whiners. There are three important factors that are working against us. Playing on the road is one of course. Playing on the un-frozen tundra is another. My third factor is Brett Favre himself. Which Favre will show up for this game? The one we saw throw a ton of interceptions in the first round of the playoffs at the Dome in 2001? A game that we won 45-17. Or will it be the Favre that threw for a cool 18/27 for 215 yards and 3 TD's against us the last time we visited Lambeau Field? We lost that game during the 2004 regular season 45-17. Both teams have changed since that meeting in 2004, However Favre the gunslinger hasn't changed at all. Mike McCarthy the new Head Coach (OC of the Whiners last year) is trying to reel in Favre. He's trying to get Favre to limit his risky deep throws. Going to more of a dink and dunk passing game. So far this season Favre has 6 TD passes and 5 Interceptions. Sounds somewhat similar to how Linehan is handling Bulger. Bulger is obviously adjusting with alot more success. Mark has 5 TD passes and 0 (ZERO !) Interceptions.
After looking at the stats of the 2 teams through the first 4 games of the season. The offenses are very close. The most important offensive stat falls in our favor as the Rams are scoring 22 points per game vs. the Packers 17.
The defensive side of the ball leans are way in most categories, especially the points allowed area. Rams are allowing an average of 20 points per game vs. the Packers 29. To me the most significant advantage we have going into this game is our +10 turnover ratio while the Packers are at a +3. The turnover stat looms large vs. the gunslinger, Will Favre have the patience? Last but not least the all important Power Rankings? Rams #14....Packers #26.
Our one common opponent this season has been the Detriot Lions. Both teams won by 7 points. The Rams are 1-1 on the road and the Pack is 0-2 at home.(un-frozen tundra vs. frozen tundra?)
Everything is leading me to believe the Rams should win this game handily except for Brett Favre. Again, which Favre will show up for this game?
Here's how I see this game. With Mark Bulger hitting his stride (0 ints out of 186 attempts) which by the way is second all time in Rams history. Roman Gabriel holds the record of 206 passing attempts with 0 interceptions. Issac Bruce is looking for his third consecutive 100 yard receiving game vs. the Pack. (Rev. Ike needs 124 receiving yards to pass Art Monk on the all time list for the 10th spot).Throw that in with
Torry Holt and
Steven Jackson's consistent threats to break the big play. Also the ability to create turnovers by our defense vs. the risk taking gunslinger Favre, combined with key players on Green Bays offense that are banged up. (Favre,Driver,Ferguson and Ahman Green) I see us winning this game 27-24. I am tempted to predict a wider margin of victory but I had alot more confidence of a Rams blowout vs. the Whiners week 2 of this season and I got stunned. So, I'm going conservative on this one, again Rams 27 Packers 24.
Boy would 4-1 look sweet with the Seahawks next on the schedule.
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