Based on how long they have been around, it’s surprising that Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers will square off for just the fourth time ever Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
And it may be the last.
Two of the most recognizable veteran quarterbacks in the NFL will duel in what is sure to be an intriguing game on both ends. The Indianapolis Colts can gain sole possession of first place in the AFC South with a win and a Tennessee Titans loss. And the Green Bay Packers are looking to get back to true form after just narrowly beating the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.
To help give us some insight on Matt LaFleur’s team, Packers reporter Jason Wilde hopped on The Fan Morning Show. He told Jeff Rickard, Kevin Bowen, and Big Joe that the Colts defense will give Green Bay some challenges.
“This is the first really good defense that they’re going to face,” Wilde said. “I think this is a huge measuring stick game for Green Bay. Rodgers has had a great statistical season and is potentially on his way to his third NFL MVP. The Packers have not been overly challenged by a defense, and the Colts might be the best they face all year.”
The Colts are 3-1 at home, while the Packers are 4-1 on the road. Something has to give. But the one road loss for Green Bay was ugly. Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers crushed them 38-10. Wilde compared the Tampa defense to the Colts in that they both have major talent at the linebacker position.
“The Packers struggle with fast, physical inside linebackers,” Wilde added. “They take away all that underneath stuff and it throws a wrench in their offense. Frankly, Jacksonville did it too. Darius Leonard could be taking a victory lap at the end of the game and say ‘I told you I was as good’ as these other guys.”
Out of their three matchups, Rivers has one win against Rodgers and the Packers. But that victory came last November. The Los Angeles Chargers steam rolled the Packers 26-11 as Rivers completed 21-of-28 passes for 294 yards.
Will Rivers potentially finish his career 2-2 against Rodgers? It’s appointment television Sunday at 4:25.
Tune into The Fan Morning Show weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
