Game Day Preview: What to Look for in the Packers vs. Eagles Showdown
The Packers’ regular season kicks off on Sept. 6th in Brazil. The Packers will have another shot at the Super Bowl starting off with a historic game against the Eagles. While the outcome of this opening game won't necessarily set the tone for the entire season—last year’s unpredictable performance is a prime example—it can provide insight into how the team has addressed key issues. Here are a few things to watch for as you tune in to the game.
Wide Receiver Rotation
The Packers have a deep and promising wide receiver lineup that is both young and affordable. Last season, Green Bay was the only team with four players under the age of 25 who each recorded over 400 receiving yards and four or more receiving touchdowns. Look for how head coach Matt LaFleur will utilize their six receivers, who all provide a variety of skills. When asked about the wide receiver situation, LaFleur responded, “They're all capable of being a number one in some capacity, and it's just how do we want to attack somebody and where do we want to put those guys.” While everyone is focused on who will become the top receiver, I believe the more pressing issue is how LaFleur will distribute the talent.
Run Defense
With a fresh face calling the shots on the defense, it will be important to see how Jeff Hafley’s new 4-3 defense will handle a healthy Saquon Barkley. The last time the Packers went up against Barkley was last season’s Week 14 loss against the Giants, where he was held to 86 rushing yards on 20 carries and had a late-game fumble. Despite this, the defense could not stop him from scoring two touchdowns. The containment of Barkley was not representative of the Packers’ run defense in terms of the whole season. Let’s face it, the Packers have not exactly had the most effective run defense in the LaFleur era. Last season, Green Bay ranked 23rd in terms of yards per carry allowed. In that same season, the Packers allowed four games of 200-plus rushing yards, which was the most in the league—number one baby.
Before Hafley’s single season at Ohio State, the Buckeyes ranked 72nd in yards allowed per play. Under Hafley’s leadership, they surged to first place in that category. A major factor in this turnaround was their improved tackling, an aspect where the Packers have struggled with consistency. Hopefully, with a much-needed change at defensive coordinator, Packers fans won’t have to bleach their eyes anymore trying to watch the Packers tackle. If Hafley’s defensive strategy proves to be as effective as those of top units like the 49ers and Jets, tomorrow’s game will serve as their first real test.
New Kicker
Brayden Narveson will play his first game repping green and gold. Not only that, it will be his first game starting in a regular season game ever. The kicker competition was so bad that those competing all lost. Narveson will be the Packers’ sixth kicker on the roster since the end of last season. The former Titans kicker had a strong summer, successfully making six of seven field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder and 46-yard game-winner across three preseason games. The sole miss came from 58 yards, which is forgivable.
In the Packers’ recent practices, Narveson has not missed from inside the 50. In his first practice, he completed all five field goals during a closed scrimmage, including a 58-yarder in windy conditions—something Lambeau Field is no stranger to. Narveson continued proving himself making five of six attempts with the one miss being from 51 yards out. It was then answered, completing one from 53 yards out. Narveson will have the prime opportunity to prove himself as a worthy kicker in the league.
Tomorrow, the Packers' first game of the season will air on Peacock at 8:15 p.m. ET. Will they prove that their impressive performance in the second half of last season wasn't just a fluke? With a roster brimming with talent and depth, Green Bay's future looks promising. Tomorrow night in São Paulo, Brazil, we’ll get our first glimpse of how they stack up against the competition.
