Here is a Chargers scout's take view...
What's wrong with the Chargers' offense?
The Chargers offense has not been in sync and it appears as though the new coaching staff isn't on the same page as the offensive stars just yet. It probably doesn't help that LaDainian Tomlinson where he didn't have a carry in game action and has faced two of the league's best defenses, but that doesn't excuse the poor performances. Bottom line is when Philip Rivers and the passing game finally picks up, Tomlinson will explode. Antonio Gates has been spectacular and is on pace for nearly 1,500 yards, but the Chargers absolutely need a wide receiver to step up and become a danger to opposing defenses on the perimeter. Vincent Jackson is certainly capable, but must become more consistent. First-round pick Craig Davis isn't running sharp routes nor getting separation. Meanwhile, Rivers has been more of the problem then the solution. He is pressing and doesn't look comfortable. He isn't reading defenses well and looks to be thinking rather than just reacting. Pressure and blitzes bothered Rivers more than most quarterbacks at the end of the 2006 season, which doesn't bode well heading into Green Bay to play against its ferocious front seven. Norv Turner deserves his share of the blame for this as well. This was a very prolific offense when he took over, but now there's questions about it. San Diego has utilized Tomlinson as a receiver quite a bit, putting him in motion and flexing him out. This should continue and his presence in that situation puts defenses in a bind. It also potentially gets the ball in his hands without having to face eight-man fronts. This is a team in transition right now, but there is simply far too much talent here for this offense to continue to struggle.
Just how good is this Packers defense?
It is among the best defenses in the league. Their cornerbacks are outstanding man-to-man defenders and are very consistent play after play. These two allow the Packers to be aggressive with their blitzes. In Sunday's game, the advantage that Green Bay's cornerbacks have over the Chargers' wide receivers will allow the Packers to bracket Gates, who has been the only real receiving threat at this point for San Diego. Of course, Green Bay will blitz their fair share as well. Rivers struggles handling a heavy blitz, but even when they don't blitz, the Packers should get enough of a pass rush from their outstanding front four, led by Aaron Kampman, who has a major advantage in the passing game against RT Shane Olivea. Olivea is fighting a back injury and will not be at full strength. Still, even if healthy, he would struggle with Kampman. The Packers' cornerbacks and defensive line allow Green Bay's active linebackers the freedom to make plays. This is an aggressive and fast unit that is equally as proficient against run or pass. This is an excellent defense that will challenge the struggling Chargers offense quite a bit.
What can we expect from Green Bay's offense?
Last week, Brandon Jackson finished the day with a meager 35 yards from 17 carries against a less than stellar Giants defense. Obviously, that will not do. Jackson struggles with his pass blocking and doesn't look explosive or nifty. Expect to see more of DeShawn Wynn this week. Wynn, who had two TDs last week, is bigger, more decisive and runs with a better burst. Running against San Diego is a difficult proposition for any team, but especially for a struggling attack with unproven ball carriers. The Packers also are at a major disadvantage in the middle of the field in the run game, as NT Jamal Williams -- if healthy -- should completely dominate Green Bay's interior offensive linemen. Favre only threw short last week, but was very efficient and completed passes to eight different receivers. He is dumping the ball off to his tight ends and running backs quite a bit and is using the short passing game as an extension of a somewhat non-existent rushing attack. TE Donald Lee has been solid and his role could be expanding. Rookie WR James Jones struggled in his first professional game, but looked much better a week ago catching four passes for 75 yards and gaining Favre's confidence along the way. Greg Jennings (hamstring) hasn't played yet this year and his availability for this game isn't clear, but Jones has size, strength and sticky hands while adjusting to the speed of the NFL rather quickly. His role could expand and he could begin to see more balls deeper downfield. Obviously Donald Driver is a fixture in this offense and if Jones could continue to improve, Driver will get more room to operate which will eventually result in more points scored and a more vertical presence. One thing to keep an eye on is the Packers' screen package, which they ran very effectively a week ago. This would go a long way to slowing down the Chargers' fantastic perimeter pass rushers.
Scouts' Edge
(Gives Packers the advantage at QB, DB & Coach; the Chargers get the advantage at RB, WR!, OL, DL, LB & ST)
By just looking at the Scouts Inc. Advantage, this looks like a San Diego blowout victory. But many of these categories, such as receivers, defensive line and linebackers, were very difficult decisions. If Williams doesn't play in this game, we would switch the defensive line advantage to the Packers and the chance of Green Bay having rushing success goes up immensely. The Chargers offense has struggled mightily in its first two games against two very good defenses, but it won't get any relief this week in Green Bay. Still, we think San Diego pulls out a very tight game on the road and stymies the Packers offense.
Prediction: Chargers 17, Packers 14