Cheese Curds, 1/13: Packers' pass rushers and young backups must emerge in Arizona

[Da-news-now]

A team's overall health can be managed, but depth will always be tested at some point. The Packers' depth should be tested heavily once again this weekend.

A hallmark of any championship team is the ability to overcome key injuries at critical times throughout the season. The Green Bay Packers certainly have had their share of those this year, as the receiver, offensive line, and cornerbacks groups have been hit hard in particular.

However, last week's win in Washington showed that, in most cases, there is ample talent there to make up for lost players (or at least to fill in adequately).

One area where injuries have not been a factor, however, is in the Packers' pass rush. The front seven has been largely healthy all season, which has contributed to a top-ten unit in sacks. Plus, having the full complement of players available for nearly every game has allowed Dom Capers to shuffle the deck on his pass rushers and give them all time off, which has allowed each to be more effective in his snaps.

Those two factors will be keys for the Packers on Saturday as they head to Arizona looking to earn a second straight NFC Championship Game berth.

Young depth stepping up for Packers | Packers.com
Jared Abbrederis and LaDarius Gunter each made some big plays and provided the Packers with solid snaps while starters sat out with injuries in Washington. Abbrederis will be called upon in Arizona with Adams likely sidelined, and Gunter may be as well if Quinten Rollins cannot return.

Green Bay Packers use strength in numbers to bolster pass rush - ESPN
Even Carson Palmer acknowledges that the linebacker group is deep, as he identified "seven guys who can rush the passer." With different styles of rushes for each player giving an offensive line different looks, it's pretty tough to scout.

History not on Packers' side in rematch | JSOnline.com
The Packers have just one instance in history when a team has beaten them by 30 or more points and they have defeated that same team later in the same season.

Unlike three weeks ago, Packers not practicing in Arizona | 247sports.com
There are some mitigating circumstances here, though; that game was right after Christmas, while this one is on Saturday night. Hopefully the change in routine doesn't become a problem, though the Packers are just 2-3 in their last few games after practicing on the road on Saturdays.

2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Cowboys, 49ers each draft elite WRs | Pro Football Focus
The latest projection for the Packers is the 27th pick, and this mock has them picking defensive tackle Austin Johnson from Penn State, partially under an assumption that B.J. Raji will leave in free agency.

I was a diehard fan, until the St. Louis Rams broke me - SBNation.com
This is a heartfelt piece from SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber, friend of APC. Our condolences go out to the fans in St. Louis who have now seen two NFL teams leave in the last 29 years.

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[57packer]

Gunter getting extensive work worries me a little. The knock on him coming out of college was the lack of speed. With AZ's burners at WR that could be a mismatch problem. Hopefully Shields can go and Gunter is only needed in spot duty. Similar situation with Abby. Not a burner either. Not sure he'll get much separation against their dBs. He's a good route runner though and should provide some productivity on timing routes.