The AFC Champions are coming to town.
How will the Packers fare against the Indianapolis Colts?
The Green Bay Packers will soon find out as the Indianapolis Colts come into Lambeau Field for week three of the preseason. Traditionally, teams play their starters well into the first half in order to have an indication of where the team stands before the regular season.
Packers secondary, I'd like you to meet the only 4-time NFL MVP: Peyton Manning.
I am hoping Manning plays the majority if not the whole first half in order to get a better sense of where the Packers secondary stacks up against undoubtedly one of the greatest quarterbacks in the game.
The Pack defensive backfield has been one of the biggest weaknesses in the first two games, struggling against mediocre quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Matt Hasselbeck.
I assure you, Peyton Manning is far superior. Can the secondary play up to the challenge?
The key to the secondary is Tramon Williams.
With Al Harris' return still uncertain, Williams is firmly in place to start along side Charles Woodson in the base defense, albeit the same Charles Woodson who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year last year.
Tramon, get ready to see the ball coming your way.
If any quarterback is smart, and believe me Peyton Manning is at the top of the list, they would rather take their chances against unproven Tramon Williams than shutdown corner Woodson.
Even with Harris back, that moves Williams into the nickel package. With more and more teams evolving into a pass first offense with 3 and 4 wide receiver sets, Williams will be on the field plenty.
Manning has a variety of targets to throw to and he is never shy about spreading the ball around. Among his favorites are perennial Pro Bowlers Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark along with receivers Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and the oft-injured Anthony Gonzalez.
Nevertheless, the Packers secondary will see plenty of three wide receiver sets with Clark split out wide as the tight end as well.
Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee should see significant time as the nickel and dime defensive backs and have a chance to solidify their position on the depth chart.
It remains to be seen if the Packers secondary can hold their own against a prolific quarterback and high-powered offense?
Let's hope the Packers are up to the task because their season hopes rest on an optimistic, yet fundamentally sound defensive secondary.
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