Following a disappointing loss to the New York Giants in London, the Green Bay Packers return to Lambeau Field to host the surprising 3-2 New York Jets. This matchup is difficult to gauge considering the Packers do not seem to be at their best and the Jets have seen only two starts from Zach Wilson. Boom and bust predictions have been challenging for the Packers, who have been middling in most categories, but some matchups this week stand out.
Week 5 boom: Aaron Jones – MEH
Week 5 bust: De’Vondre Campbell – MISS
Boom: Rashan Gary
While the Packers’ defense is yet to meet their expectations for the 2022 season, Rashan Gary has been phenomenal. Recording five sacks in five games, Gary has been an unstoppable force at the edge rusher position for Green Bay. The Jets rank in the bottom ten in sacks allowed, and although their offensive line appears to be an improvement from years prior, it is still a work in progress. Zach Wilson has had a tendency to try to extend plays when he should not, and against an elite finisher in Gary, that could backfire. Wilson has also tended to be very challenged by more talented defenses, which may fluster the second-year quarterback. Gary is emerging into a superstar and there should be no doubt that he leaves his fingerprints on this week’s game.
Bust: Aaron Rodgers
The reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Rpdgers has been far from MVP form so far this season, much the result of losing his top target in cameraman abuser Davante Adams. A once atrocious Jets’ secondary now seems to be one of the better ones in the league. Rookie cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner highlights this group, along with free agent acquisition D.J. Reed Jr.. Both Gardner and Reed have been excellent in New York, part of why the Jets are the fourth least passed on team in the league. Rodgers’ pass attempts have already been limited due to the Packers’ lack of receiving talent and excellent running back duo, and the Jets’ defense should only limit that even more. Not to mention that Jets’ Head Coach Robert Saleh has dominated Rodgers in some of their matchups. In 2019, Saleh’s San Francisco 49ers beat Rodgers twice in two of his worst performances of his career. Saleh knows how to challenge Rodgers, and the pieces in his secondary should fulfill his gameplan.
