The Packers commonly win games on the backs of the offense. However, Sunday became a completely different story. The Special Teams and defense led the Packers to an unlikely victory.
After a staggering 287 days and six-game losing streak drought, the Packers finally got a win. As ugly as the performance was at times, you don’t get points for how you win. The team is back in the win column and now has to build off the momentum.
There are several things that need to be cleaned up. Most notably, the penalties that stem from a lack of discipline. At one point, the team had more yards from penalties than their own offense.
However, there are also several bright spots. The defense is thriving without Micah Parsons and looks to have a renewed energy. The special teams are more than competent, which is all fans can ask for.
Now, the Packers have a quick turnaround as they will face the Falcons in the home opener on Thursday night.
Packers Negatives Heading into Thursday
There are major takeaways following this win. On the negative side, Zach Bako-Bewele and Jayden Reed suffered injuries within the first five plays.
Bako-Bewele is coming off a season ending injury and has fought his way back onto the field. Based off initial reports, it appears to be another season ending injury.
The offensive line is already down several bodies as is, they will have to find solutions quickly. Most teams are not willing to let offensive lineman go for very good reason, but Brian Gutekunst will surely be making calls to figure something out.
Jayden Reed suffered a neck injury, per the team. Reed stayed overnight in New Jersey at a hospital for monitoring and did not travel back. Reed did send a message out that he is doing much better. We will know more on the extent of the injury in the next couple of days.
The offense is facing another season where all key pieces will not be on the field together. Put this with a crippling offensive line, and you do not have a recipe for success. Matt LaFleur is going to have to figure out how to get this offense going.
Packers Positives Heading into Thursday
As far as positives goes, the defense is coming into their own without Micah Parsons. While the first two games were faced against Carson Wentz and Geno Smith, both quarterbacks have years of experience in the league.
The defense has held both the Vikings and Jets to 3.9 yards per play and 4 yards per play, respectively. They also are boasting the lowest rush rate allowed at just 2.8 yards per carry.
Lukas Van Ness had a monster performance on Sunday. Single handedly keeping them in the game every step of the way. He is becoming a star before our eyes. Meanwhile, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Edgerrin Cooper continue to impress.
Finally, the special teams’ unit is the best many have seen in years. Skyy Moore is a dynamic returner, Trey Smack kicks with confidence, and J. Michael Sturdivant has been a fantastic gunner on punt returns.
Overall, while this game was not the prettiest, a win is exactly what the team needed heading into the home opener. They will face off against a struggling Falcons team with many quarterback issues.
If you need reason for optimism, Sunday was just the start. Your reasons for pessimism are just as valid. Hopefully, the Packers can rattle off another win and find confidence in each other as a unit. They will have a primetime stage on Thursday to prove it.
