The Green Bay Packers opened last season with a 23-7 loss to division rival Minnesota. They were dominated at every level and looked out of sync. They gave up 126 rushing yards, and Justin Jefferson dominated with 184 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense couldn’t stop them, and the offense, with Rodgers, looked horrible. But what has coach LaFleur done to make sure 2023 week 1 is different?
Dominant Packers Defense
It all starts with defense, and the Packers have a stout one heading into the new season. They face a Bears offense that features Justin Fields, DJ Moore, and a plethora of other weapons that can cause damage. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry needs to contain Fields and keep him in the pocket. He is lethal with his legs, and the Packers have to limit the damage he does running.
Jaire Alexander needs to do what he does best and shut down DJ Moore. Mooney and Kmet are threats as well, but Moore can be a problem. The defensive line needs to bring pressure and contain Khalil Herbert, who is the projected starter. Herbert is lightning fast, and if he gets in the open field, he will be hard to catch.
Open the Packers’ Offense
Let’s face it: There is real hype from the team and fans alike about what Jordan Love brings to the table. They have a young receiver corps that is young and fast, but they have depth. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs need to step up and prove what they can do. Rookie tight end Luke Musgrave needs to use his massive frame and take advantage of the defensive mismatch.
For Love, he needs to remain calm and confident. Scan the field and limit the mistakes. He has several options in the passing game that he needs to utilize. He needs to throw with confidence and be accurate. If he is able to take what the defense gives him, he will have a monster day. Chicago’s defensive backfield is shotty, and Love needs to capitalize on the mismatches.
Green Bay’s most important key to success is to get the running game going early, which will open things in the passing game. Feed Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon often and early. This Bears’ run defense is not that good, and the Packers need to stick with what works. They have one of the best offensive lines in the league, and running the ball will chew the clock and wear out this Chicago defensive front.
Carlson Needs to Crush It
The Packers decided to move on from veteran Mason Crosby and gave rookie Anders Carlson the job. He needs to prove to everyone that they made the right decision. Carlson needs to be accurate and not miss any extra points or makeable field goals. He has a powerful leg, and at only 24 years old, he needs to not let the excitement and crowd distract him.
Anders Carlson drills the 52-yard FG before halftime! 🙌#NEvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺: Packers TV Network pic.twitter.com/Mv0JwJtjZn
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 20, 2023
Kudos to the Coaches
Head coach Matt LaFleur has done a phenomenal job infusing this team with young, talented players. The Packers have the youngest roster in the league, at an average player age of 25.5. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has a stacked defensive roster and needs to bring the best out of them. They had some struggles last year, and if they don’t improve this year, Barry may be out of a job.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich is entering his second season at the helm. He has a very young offense that is loaded, and he needs to make smart play calls and not get too risky. Stenavich is a solid coordinator, and he will get this offense humming in 2023.
Keys to Week 1 Victory
It’s simple: Play hard and smart. The coordinators and coaches need to keep things simple and not get too fancy. This Bears defense isn’t elite, but they are decent if the Packers play loose and sloppy. Ball security is a must, and pound the ball. Defensively, neutralize and contain Justin Fields. If the Packers can successfully do that, they will win this game and start the season 1-0. LaFleur needs to keep things basic and do what he does best, win games!
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