Well, last week did not go as planned for the Green Bay Packers. After leading the Vikings 22-10 late in the game, the Packers experienced an all too familiar collapse in the 4th quarter, leading to a loss to the Vikings 22 to the 39. To make matters worse, the Lions and the Bears both won their week one matchups. This left the Packers as the only team in the NFC North to have lost in week one.
And, even though the Lions lost on Thursday night to the Bills, this division is going to be tough all the way to the end of the season. The Packers already find themselves behind the 8-ball, so to speak. In other words, this week two game at the New York Jets could be a must win game. If the Packers lose, getting back into position to win the division will be very tough. Only 46 of 432 teams that started 0-2 since 1970 have made the playoffs. That’s just above ten percent of teams.
In other words, it very much is a must-win game. Last year, out of the ten teams to start 0-2, three teams did make the playoffs. But that doesn’t happen very often.
So, what needs to happen for the Packers to win this must win game?
Packers Defense Needs to Keep Up the Pressure and Stop The Run
Last week, the Packers defense actually played very well. The Vikings really only had two “good” drives all game. One ended when Justin Jefferson was on the receiving end of a perfectly-thrown ball on a free play. On the other drive, the Packers defense got three different stops. However, due to some questionably blown whistles, the Vikings were able to sustain drives. And yes, I know the Vikings scored 22 points in the fourth quarter. But those were back-to-back turnovers inside the Vikings own redzone. That would be tough for any defense, although I’m sure they would have argued that they should have still gotten the stops.
So, if the Packers can play as fast and tough like they did against the Vikings, they should be able to stop the Jets offense – although the Jets might just have a tougher run game. If the Packers can stop the run and force Geno Smith to throw the ball quickly, the Packers should be in position to win.
Offensive Line Woes Can’t Continue
Though the refs were very questionable all game against the Vikings, I don’t blame them for the loss. Most of the blame falls squarely on coaching and the offensive line. The offensive line was put in a position where they couldn’t succeed, and that falls squarely on coaching. If Matt LaFleur can’t figure out the offensive line, then don’t just expect the Jets to win this week, but expect a very long season.
If, however, the offensive line can show some growth and look better than last week, then they should be able to win. It does sound like Aaron Banks could be back at left guard but that doesn’t necessarily fix the other guard position. The coaches were saying throughout the week that they were to taking extensive looks at the offensive line including looking at putting Anthony Belton at guard again.
Packers at Jets Final Notes
No Packers were called up from the practice squad on Saturday, so it is easy to assume players like Benjamin St-Juste should be good to go for the game. Lukas Van Ness is off of the injury report and will play. However, Javon Hargrave, is out.
The Jets have several key players out for this one including Omar Cooper Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Here is the complete injury report for today’s game:
Another thing to be aware of is the weather. Earlier this week, forecasts were showing an absolute torrential rain storm going through East Rutherford. But that forecast has lightened a bit. There is still a chance for heavy rains throughout the game, which, of course, could also negatively impact the Packers in this one.
But regardless, just win!
And as always,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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