The Green Bay Packers are coming off of a terribly frustrating loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week Two. Despite leading for most of the game, the offense could not muster a single first down in the fourth quarter and the defense could not stop the Falcons’ rushing attack.
This is not to say that there was nothing to like about the way the Packers played in Week Two. As mentioned, they led for most of the game. When the offense is on, they are very difficult to stop. The problem is remaining consistent, and this is on both players and coaches.
However, that is to be expected with a team so young. Still, the Packers have surprised a lot of people with how good they have played in the first two weeks of the NFL regular season. They have played so well, in fact, that former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert believes there is no way they will lose to the New Orleans Saints in Week Three.
Former Green Bay Packers Quarterback Kurt Benkert Doesn’t See the Team Losing at Lambeau Field in Week Three
Benkert no longer plays in the NFL, but instead is a NFL insider for Sleeper. As he was when with the Packers, Benkert is highly engaging on social media and interacts with fans from all fanbases prior to, during, and after games.
Despite having a connection to Green Bay, Benkert’s analysis is as un-biased as one would hope for. While he actively supports the Packers, he did predict that the Detroit Lions would win the NFC North this season.
That being said, he does not see the Packers losing their home opener against the New Orleans Saints this weekend:
There’s no way the Packers lose to the Saints in Lambeau.
Especially if the Saints that I’ve seen on film the last 2 weeks show up.
The Packers have the better roster and have been playing better football so far this year, besides the last 10 minutes of the game in ATL last…
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 20, 2023
The Packers certainly seem to be surprising people with the quality of their roster. Jordan Love has been better than many thought he would be and the young pass catchers, though raw, have not cost the team any games.
On defense, the loss to the Falcons was filled with player mistakes that could have swung the game in favor of Green Bay had they not been made (i.e., dropped interceptions and missed tackles). However, their dominance over the Chicago Bears in Week One showed what their potential is, and it is incredible.
The Saints, meanwhile, are 2-0, but are down two of their top three running backs and just had a starting safety suspended for three games. New Orleans does have a good pass rush, particularly on the right side of their defensive line, but otherwise can be exploited.
It will come down to whoever replaces David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins on the left side of the Packers’ offensive line to keep the Saints at bay. If they can, Benkert is right: the Packers should win this game.
Kurt Benkert Mercilessly Roasts the Minnesota Vikings
As mentioned, Benkert makes his analysis based on his un-biased observations of every team’s play. While he has his favorite team(s) and players, he is a student of the game and makes predictions and comments based on his experience as a former player.
Every week, Benkert released his picks for the NFL’s slate of games. So far, he has not yet picked the Minnesota Vikings to win. When a Vikings fan called him out on it, Benkert fired back:
You are 0-2. I never pick you because I don’t believe in your team and your roster has gotten worse.
I like your coach though. https://t.co/RlLaDWxhWc
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 21, 2023
Minnesota did just trade for running back Cam Akers, but that does not change the fact that they have one of the weakest rosters in the NFL, especially on defense. While Justin Jefferson is an All-Universe wide receiver, they lack any other dominant players at other positions.
They also allowed many of their best players, particularly on defense, leave in free agency over the offseason. Last season, they were 11-0 in one-score games. This year, they are 0-2.
Kurt Benkert Isn’t Buying Into the Atlanta Falcons
One indicator that Benkert does not allow his previous connections in the NFL to influence his opinions is his view of the Atlanta Falcons. They were the first NFL team with whom Benkert played, signing him as an undrafted free agent after college.
The Falcons are 2-0, but nearly lost to Green Bay in Week Two. Based on the way they play, Benkert is not buying into their early season success:
As soon as the Falcons show me that they are willing to let Ridder throw over 10 yards consistently, I’ll be on their hype train.
Until then I’m not boarding the train.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 21, 2023
The Falcons were able to defeat the Packers based on their rushing attack. Indeed, a run-heavy offense will win a few regular season games. However, the modern NFL is a passing league. Quarterbacks and offenses need to be able to complete long passes.
In their win over the Packers, Atlanta rushed the ball 45 times compared to 32 passing plays. Of his 32 passes, Ridder completed 19, good for a 59% completion percentage.
If the Packers defense had managed just one extra stop against the Falcons’ running attack, the outcome of the game would have been different.
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