Cheesehead
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Statistically, the six rookie QBs compiled a collective passer rating of just 65.6 in those games, completing only 52.9% of passes (99-of-187) for 1,173 yards with five TDs and seven interceptions.
The only loss was to Arizona, though Rosen had a totally non-descript outing (11-of-26, 149 yards, no TDs or INTs, 61.2 rating), while the best performance came from Darnold in a game the Packers won in overtime (24-of-35, 341 yards, three TDs, no INTs, 128.4 rating).
Walking that line between having surprises in store but not going overboard with them keeps the players from treating the game differently. As defensive backs coach Jerry Gray said this week, "He's an NFL quarterback. Your job is to go out there and treat him like an NFL starting quarterback, and you play your best."
Another factor for the Packers is they'll likely be shorthanded at cornerback, with top cover man Jaire Alexander still in the concussion protocol and No. 2 Kevin King limited in practice this week as he works his way back from a quad injury that has kept him out the past four games. Alexander is doubtful and King questionable on the injury report for Sunday.
So Green Bay may not be in a position personnel-wise to get too tricky or exotic if not at full strength in the back end. Who's available always impacts in-game calls, regardless of the opponent.
The mentality of veteran safety Adrian Amos probably sums it up best. Deception and disguises are a part of every game plan. Maybe they won't succeed as often, if at all, against certain quarterbacks, but if a defense keeps working to perfect them, they can come in handy at certain moments.
Like Sunday.
"You have to approach each and every week with the same mindset," Amos said. "You want to go out there, you don't want them to know what you're in. You want to be good at your disguises and make things cloudy for offenses.
"In my mind, it's not necessarily so much more (of an emphasis) this week. But yes, we want that to be a factor."