While I think the Packers should win, they come into Week 1 facing an interesting test.
If nothing else, the Vikings should represent a sort of ruthless competency. They don’t have any outright stars on defense, but they’ve got a madman running the show in Brian Flores and he’ll do anything at any moment. They’ll have to be on their game to counter a Vikings’ defense that should still be dangerous even if its overall talent level isn’t terribly high.
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Then, on offense, the Vikings have great talent at receiver, a good tight end, and a quarterback who should at least be an upgrade over what they had last year. If they can at least get to a baseline level of NFL performance at quarterback, that’s enough to be dangerous. In short, Justin Jefferson could break things open at any time — best be on your game.
I’d argue this is a good place for the Packers to be. If the first couple of weeks of the regular season are essentially an extended preseason anyway, what better opponent to face than one who really forces you to execute? The Vikings can do that for the Packers, and if the Packers aren’t ready, they’ll lose.
I still do expect them to win, but a loss wouldn’t be a surprising outcome at all. Even if the Packers have a legitimate claim as the best team in the NFC North, and I think they do, no divisional game is going to be a cakewalk this year.
Packers QB Jordan Love on Vikings exotic blitz: ‘You can get it whenever’ | Packers.com
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It’s easy to say that Brian Flores could send a blitz anytime from anywhere when his whole schtick is blitzing almost literally all the time.
Packers focused on keeping QB Jordan Love upright against Vikings | Packers News ($)
On top of the offensive line, the Packers will need a strong effort from MarShawn Lloyd to keep Love on his feet.
Packers RT Zach Bako-Bewele expecting to start in Week 1 vs. Vikings | Packers Wire
PUt some of your concerns about the line to rest; Zach Bako-Bewele is going to be on the field for Week 1.
The McVay-Verse: How One Coaching Tree Took Over the NFL | Sports Illustrated
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“Do you know Sean McVay?” is still a real thing people are using to find NFL head coaches.
Week 1 NFL QB Power Rankings: Usual suspects atop season-opening list in a slightly different order | CBS Sports
Have to imagine Drake Maye’s status in this ranking might take a bit of a hit after last night’s performance.
Wisconsin family shocked by boa constrictor hiding in car engine | Associated Press
Are they saying this isn’t normal?
Packers discussion in the Feed
The Packers’ backfield is going to be the subject of much scrutiny over the first few weeks of the season, and newly acquired Kaleb Johnson is a part of that picture. What can he bring? Tyler Brooke has an in-depth breakdown on his YouTube channel. Give it a look!
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