Here's four areas that if the Green Bay Packers can win the battle, can give them a good shot at victory in the season opener tonight against the Chicago Bears.
David Michalski of Cheesehead TV lays it all out for us:
- Can the Packers offensive line control the point of attack? If the Bears do break down the pocket and collapse the running lanes it will be from bullrushes by Akiem Hicks followed by speed rushes from the second level of both Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith against Billy Turner and Brian Bulaga. How the right side of the Packers offensive line holds up will determine if the offense can move the ball down the field.
- Can Special Teams make field goals and win the field position battle? Last year, the dreadful play of the special teams unit easily cost the Packers at least 3 wins and an endless amount of drives because they were backed up against their own endzone. The special team rebuild begins tonight as the Packers look to minimize penalties, missed tackles, and missed field goals.
- Can the running game get going, protect Aaron Rodgers and control the clock? If the Packers are able to successfully run the ball and pick up a few first downs, they will have a better chance of winning the field position battle and sustaining prolonged drives. Prolonged drives and optimal field position is what will turn this game one way or the other for the Packers.
- Do Aaron Rodgers and the offense have a few dynamic plays in their bones? It always seems that no matter how each Packers team is constructed, wins and losses often come down to whether Aaron Rodgers and the offense can come up with a big play or three.
You can read more about each key to victory at Cheesehead TV by clicking here.
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