In case you were worried, the Green Bay Packers offense is doing just fine. After an offseason where there was concern on whether they could improve in year two under Matt LaFleur, the Packers opened the 2020 season with an explosive performance. Aaron Rodgers and company were firing on all cylinders on their way to 522 total yards in a 43-34 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Last year, Green Bay was one game away from the Super Bowl before their season ended at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Many thought they would reload with weapons on offense to help Rodgers. However, the Packers stayed put for the most part, not drafting a single wide receiver, but instead signing free agent Devin Funchess who eventually opted out for the season.
It really wouldn’t have mattered on Sunday as Rodgers and basically, the same weapons he had for all of 2019 came out unstoppable to start the new season. Rodgers led the way offensively with 364 yards on 32 completions and four touchdowns to zero interceptions. 315 yards, 22 receptions, and all four of TDs were to Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Allen Lazard.
The Vikings had no answer for Adams who basically had his way against their inexperienced group of corners. Adams finished with 14 receptions, 156 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. His 14 catches tied Packers legend, Don Hutson, for the single-game record.
It was a complete game for Green Bay’s offense as running back Aaron Jones totaled 66 of the team’s 132 rushing yards. LaFleur also got into his bag of tricks with gadget-player Tyler Ervin. Ervin’s three rushing attempts gained 38 yards for a 21.0 average.
Meanwhile, the Packers were forced to punt only once all game and won the time of possession battle 41:16 to 18:44. Over the years, Rodgers-led offenses have become notorious for slow starts. There was no starting slow yesterday with Green Bay already clicking in every facet.
Next week, the Packers will take on a 0-1 Detroit Lions team that suffered a crushing defeat to the Chicago Bears.
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Brandon Carwile was a Cheesehead at birth. His dad grew up attending games at Lambeau and passed on the legacy. He has covered the Packers for over five years and currently works with packerstalk.com. Find him on twitter at @PackerScribe.
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2 responses to “Packers Offense Silences Critics in Season Opener”
Not sure why “critics are silenced” after 1 game? Even then there are some concerns. One concern would be the continued failure of MVS to catch passes that hit him in the hands. It’s gonna happen to even the best (Adams had a drop on the goal-line even) but it’s a chronic issue with MVS. Hopefully he grows out of it soon but it is certainly a concern. In a closer game those drops could have made the difference. Savage needs to play better as well. There are always things to work on no matter how great the win is. That being said, it’s a great start. Go Pack.