Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was hit 15 times and sacked four times in Sunday’s 39-22 loss to Minnesota (OC Adam Stenavich actually counted 18 hits). While blitzing at an unheard of rate, the Vikings pressured Love on nearly 55% of his dropbacks.
For Packers fans, the second half of that game was one long “oh no” moment. Is this what our OL will look like all year? Did it not get better, but worse? But context matters. Brian Flores created a uniquely difficult assignment in a particularly
hostile environment. That doesn’t excuse everything. Stenavich acknowledged that communication and mental errors caused breakdowns, while Matt LaFleur said the Packers need to establish continuity up front. You think?
The Packers may get a slight personnel boost Sunday. Left guard Aaron Banks, who missed the Minnesota game with a knee issue, returned to practice Wednesday and is working his way back toward game readiness. Banks has been a disappointment when compared to the contract he signed last year, but his return to the lineup would still represent an upgrade in experience and ability.
Looking ahead: the Jets aren’t very good, but they don’t exactly offer a soft landing. Last week, they held Tennessee to 195 total yards, and generated three sacks. They have an edge group that Green Bay knows it shouldn’t overlook.
So, can the Packers bounce back?
Great question! The truth is that the answer has to be yes. A repeat of Minnesota’s 15-plus-hit performance would suddenly turn an already challenging schedule into an even steeper uphill climb. The remedy? Quit being cute with your starters. Start your best 5. Clean up communications. Try to stay healthy. If those boxes get checked, and the offense in general continues to land explosive plays, Week 1 looks more like an isolated example of how bad it could get rather than a true forecast for the rest of the schedule. Hopefully, Sunday provides a much clearer indication of if it’s the former or the latter.
Confidence meter: how I feel about Packers’ OL bouncing back vs. Jets
The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line was beaten to a pulp by the Vikings. Will it bounce back on Sunday and will it be good enough for the Packers to be a playoff contender?
ICYMI: How would you fix the offensive line? Let’s discuss!
If you have any ideas on how to solve Green Bay’s issues up front, let us hear them.
Cooper was ‘lights out’ in week one
Despite the loss, Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon made it clear that Edgerrin Cooper excelled, and that his stock remains firmly up.
Packers WR Jayden Reed responds after disappointing loss
Jayden Reed was seemingly absent from the offense in week one. That’s not something the fourth-year wideout is worried about going forward.
LISTEN: Is it time for Packers fans to jump to conclusions?
On this week’s UnPack pod, the guys identify which conclusions they’re jumping to after a hard-to-watch season opener for the Packers in Minnesota.
Judge denies request to permanently seal evidence in Jacobs case
A judge rejected a proposed order to permanently seal evidence in the case against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs while he reviews the issue.
Packers discussion in the Feed
Is Packers OL coach Luke Butkus a double agent? People are talking…
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