Not the Same Eagles or Packers

Share

We know the Packers defeated the Eagles 27-20 all the way back in Week 1. It was a close game, but Green Bay led by as many as three possessions in the second half, and it took a superhero effort from then backup quarterback Michael Vick just to make the score close again.

Any other time, it would be all to easy to dwell on that loss, but in this instance, just about any meaning the previous result may have had has long since vanished.

Kevin Kolb isn't the quarterback anymore. Say what you want about his potential, but he's not capable of doing the things Michael Vick can, changing the complexion of the entire game with the flick of a wrist or captivating scramble.

Stewart Bradley left the first game in the first half of that game with a concussion, replaced by Omar Gaither. Bradley is expected to be out again this week, but Jamar Chaney is the middle linebacker now. He's already a definite upgrade over Gaither.

Leonard Weaver was also injured during the first game, and replaced by third string halfback Eldra Buckley. There goes the power running game. Fullback has been settled since the following week with the addition of Owen Schmitt.

There were changes. Nick Cole was the right guard, but they've since moved on to Max Jean-Gilles. Akeem Jordan began the season at strongside linebacker, but Moises Fokou took over.

Even the Eagles' special teams have come around since Week 1. Green Bay had tremendous starting field position for much of the afternoon, but that's become far less common in the second half of the season.

The Packers' offense is also missing a pair of key players. Ryan Grant was lost for the season in the opener, and they've never really been able to replace his production in the running game.

Aaron Rodgers was depending on a breakout season from tight end Jermichael Finley, but he's gone too. Their only remaining dynamic player in the passing game is wide receiver Greg Jennings.

The hits have come on defense as well, most notably at linebacker. Nick Barnett, a playmaking threat in the middle, is just another name on the lengthy injured reserve list between these two clubs.

True, with the good comes some bad. The secondary is hurting, losing Ellis Hobbs and Nate Allen along the path to the post-season. First-rounder Brandon Graham won't have the chance to make an impact either.

But any way you want to look at it, the previous outcome has long since been rendered irrelevant everywhere but in the standings. Both teams have undergone such massive overhauls over the last 17 weeks, it's almost as if entirely different squads are taking the field today.

It's a new season to begin with. As the Seahawks proved last night, the playoffs are a chance to start at zero. With the Packers as their opponent, the Eagles had to do that already.

Contact Us