Last week, I wrote my NFC North Preview. One day later, the Packers traded for Micah Parsons. An absolutely stunning move. For many, the Packers have already been a Super Bowl contender.
However, the addition of Micah Parsons ignites a spark not previously there. While the pieces are in place for a postseason run, Parsons just might be the piece that can get them the Lombardi back in Green Bay.
The past several seasons, the Lions have had the Packers number. In the last season of Aaron Rodgers career, Green Bay was eliminated from playoff contention from the Lions.
The Packers began a new era with Jordan Love at the helm. Meanwhile, the Lions were continuing to heat up with outstanding leadership from Dan Campbell.
There has always been an intense rivalry between the Packers with the Bears and Vikings. With the Lions continuously improving, the rivalry has become more apparent between the Packers and Lions.
Now the Packers potentially enter Sunday with a game changing defensive talent. While the Lions will be entering the game with two new coordinators. Let’s look at the keys for the Packers to begin the year 1-0 against a division rival.
The Keys to Victory for the Packers
Obviously, the number one question entering the first game of the season is simple. Will Micah Parsons be able to play? Parsons may have to receive an injection in his back but is trending towards making his debut as a Green Bay Packer.
A pass rush that was beyond lackluster last season, has received a huge jolt. Parsons will line up next to Rashan Gary. Gary has had to consistently deal with being double teamed, and has had some up and down play. Adding Parsons relieves some of the pressure off Gary and gives the potential is a top pass rushing duo in the league.
In Jeff Hafley’s second year as defensive coordinator, the defense has a chance to be one of the best. Some other players to watch on this side of the ball are Lukas Van Ness and Devonte Wyatt. With the trading of Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade, Devonte Wyatt has a chance to show why he was a first-round pick at defensive tackle.
On the offensive side of the ball, we get to see Josh Jacobs second year in the Matt LaFleur system. LaFleur was arguably one of the best play callers when it came to running the ball last year. Jacobs revitalized an incredibly down year in Las Vegas and made his mark on the team immediately.
A healthy Jordan Love’s ceiling and upside is high. Love’s performance against the Cowboys in the 2023 playoffs, showed that his potential is a top quarterback in the league. Since suffering an injury in week one last season, Love struggled.
However, Love’s receivers never really helped him out either. With an injured quarterback, you are relying on your receivers to step up and make a play. The Packers suffered some of the most dropped passes in the league.
What is a way to remedy this problem? Drafting Matthew Golden, who can catch almost anything thrown his way is one way to solve this issue. Golden has a chance for an offensive rookie of the year campaign in this offense.
Overall, the keys to a victory on Sunday for the Packers are pretty simple. Get a solid pass rush, establish a run game and have some receivers step up to make a play.
This has all the ingredients to be one of the most exciting season openers for the Packers in a long time. In fact, this is Matt LaFleur’s first home opener as Head Coach. Hopefully, this can be one that is a statement win. Leading off our season in the win column against a fantastic division rival.
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