Morning Buzz: Can the Packers start a late-season run?

Welcome to your game-day Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

We’ll start with Tom Silverstein’s look at the Packers’ pass rush and the disappointing output from Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.

From Tom:

For all the criticism Matthews seems to get for not producing sacks like he once did (he has 3 ½ this season and hasn’t had double-digit sacks since 2014), he still leads the team in quarterback knockdowns with eight, trails Perry (nine) by one for the lead in pressures and ranks fourth in tackles for loss with four.

Even though Matthews gets moved around some, Perry is the featured rusher on defense. He has lobbied to rush from the right side most of his career because the bulk of his sacks come when he’s lined up there, and defensive coordinator Dom Capers has complied this season.

By unofficial count, Perry has lined up on the right side about 83 percent of the time.

The most telling statistic is that on Perry’s eight sack plays (six full sacks and two half-sacks), Matthews has been on the field for every single one.  On Perry’s six quarterback hits, Matthews has been on the field for three.

On the flip side, Perry was on the field on three of Matthews’ four sack plays and five of his eight quarterback hits.

Tom also has his 5 Things To Watch for today’s game:

Ryan Wood looks at Brett Hundley’s play in the pocket:

Aaron Rodgers returned to practice on Saturday:

Ty Montgomery was placed on injured reserve:

Pete Dougherty writes that Ted Thompson must improve the backup quarterback spot:

The Packers Hall of Fame is celebrating the Ice Bowl:

Several players will participate in the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats program today:

Elsewhere, Cheesehead TV has the reasons why the Packers will win today and why they might not:

Aaron Jones is expected to take the field again today:

If you’re struggling with putting Jones or Jamaal Williams in your fantasy lineup, CBS Sports has you covered:

Here's a replay of NFL Media's preview and prediction for today's game:

Peter Bukowski writes that the Packers must utilize Josh Jones against Tampa’s tight ends:

The Packers are reportedly targeting a Week 15 return for Rodgers:

A lot has to happen for the Packers to make the playoffs:

TJ Watt was not fined for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Brett Hundley:

Take a look at Bucs-Packers matchups throughout the years:

Although he isn’t playing today, Rodgers will be participating in My Cause, My Cleats: