The Green Bay Packers are gearing up to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night at Lambeau Field, providing a chance for redemption after suffering defeats to the Eagles twice last season. This matchup also marks a reunion with former teammate Jaire Alexander, who now plays for Philadelphia.
Last season, the Eagles defeated the Packers in both their encounters, winning 34-29 in their season opener held in São Paulo, Brazil, and again by a score of 22-10 during the NFC wild-card round at Lincoln Financial Field. Following a narrow 16-13 loss to the Panthers in Week 9, the Packers are particularly motivated to bounce back against the Eagles on Monday night.
This highly anticipated game is being dubbed a “clash of the titans” with both teams showcasing impressive rosters. Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon noted, “They”ve got guys everywhere, just like we”ve got guys everywhere.” Meanwhile, quarterback Jordan Love emphasized the team”s focus on a one-game-at-a-time mentality while acknowledging the significance of their previous losses to the Eagles and the potential implications for playoff seeding. “Having two Ls to this team last year, losing in the playoffs to them, definitely a team, you make the playoffs, you know you”re going to see a team like this again,” Love stated. “You”ve got to maximize these opportunities and you want to go win this game.”
Wide receiver Christian Watson, who made his season debut on October 26 after recovering from an ACL injury, echoed Love”s sentiments and is eager to contribute to a victory on Monday.
The Eagles are expected to showcase a revamped defense coming out of their bye week. They have bolstered their secondary by acquiring Michael Carter II from the Jets and Jaire Alexander from the Ravens, in addition to securing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins. Packers coach Matt LaFleur has studied film on Phillips and recognizes the challenges posed by Philadelphia”s defense, which he described as fundamentally sound and hardworking.
For Alexander, Monday night will serve as a homecoming, having spent seven seasons with the Packers before moving to Baltimore. Despite having limited playing time with the Ravens, he may see increased action with the Eagles during this game. Love reflected on their time together, saying, “I”ve got a lot of great memories from being here with Jaire. Obviously, he”s a phenomenal player. We”ll see what it”s like, if he”s going to be out there, and what the situation might be coming Monday.”
Nixon expressed excitement about reconnecting with Alexander and mentioned their strong relationship. “I”m just excited to see him,” Nixon said, adding, “I think he”s wearing, like, 18 or something, so I”m going to give him about that.”
With the Eagles employing their signature “Tush Push” play, the Packers are aware of the challenge it presents. Nixon pointed out that the Packers have been one of the few teams capable of stopping this tactic. “Since I”ve been here, we”ve been one of the teams that”s stopped it every time we play them,” he stated. “It”s not like it can”t be done. We”ve just got to play ball and stop it.” LaFleur added that the best strategy to counter the Eagles” push is to avoid giving them short-yardage situations.
The Packers hope the prime-time atmosphere at Lambeau Field will provide them with an advantage, especially since the Eagles have not played in Green Bay since the 2020 season. Nixon remarked, “I”ve been here four years and this is my first time playing the Eagles in Green Bay. It”s going to be a different atmosphere. It”s a good thing to have home-field advantage. Hopefully, we get our calls.”
