2022 Packers Game One: What To Watch For
With Week one of the Packers’ 2022 NFL season within arms reach, what should we be looking for in this game? This will be a different squad compared to previous years, how well will these new receivers play?
This off-season really blew by. It seems like yesterday I was watching the Packers’ first preseason game and now here we are, three days away from Week one. The Green Bay Packers will face off in a showdown against rival Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. There is a lot riding on this game since these two teams should once again lead the NFC North but we won’t know who will reign supreme until later in the season.
Packers Offense Versus Vikings Defense
The Packers will sport a new look on offense this season without Davante Adams. The Packers brought in Sammy Watkins and added three new receivers from the draft. Green Bay will still have the running back tandem that should be more explosive this season. The Packers will most likely start off slow and go scoreless or only put up three points in the first quarter as they look to gain consistency and chemistry. Most of the starters did not play in the preseason so they will need to shake off the rust in the first half of the game.
After the rust is gone, expect Aaron Rodgers and company to catch fire. The Vikings’ defense will contain Rodgers and hold down the receivers in the first half but that should change in the second half when Rodgers brings out his swagger and makes a rabbit come out of a hat. The Packers’ offense and the Vikings’ defense should be evenly matched with no edge given to any team, at least for the first half of the game.
Packers Playmakers
With Allen Lazard having issues with his ankle, look for Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs to be the top three wide receivers on Sunday. Lazard will most likely suit up but might be limited. Randall Cobb will be used as a depth receiver along with Amari Rodgers, and Samori Toure. Expect the running back duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon to get the ball a lot. Whether it’s out of the backfield rushing, providing Rodgers with a “dink and dunk” option, or even a designed play to the running backs. The tight ends won’t be involved much outside of blocking until Robert Tonyan is back to full health.
Vikings Offense Versus Packers Defense
The Vikings recently acquired former first-round wide receiver Jalen Reagor via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reagor will join Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn. Although Reagor won’t be a threat in this game, he should be in Week 17 when the Vikings travel to play the Packers at home. The Vikings should be more electric this year on offense with Irv Smith Jr. now healthy at tight end, a healthy receiving group, and a solid running back in Dalvin Cook. Kirk Cousins has been a good quarterback with the Vikings.
The Packers’ defense should be a top-five defense this year. A pair of Georgia rookies were added in the draft and should make an immediate impact on the defense. Jaire Alexander is back from injury and got a huge payday in the off-season. Starting in the front and all the way to the back, this will be a stout defense. There should be no excuses this year for the defense. This matchup should be fun to watch as it’s hard to give either side the edge with all of the talented playmakers.
Vikings Playmakers
Star wideout Justin Jefferson enters his third year in the league after posting ridiculous stat lines the past two years. He should continue to be a top-five wideout this year. Endzone target Adam Thielen aka Mr. Dependable will still get his share of targets as the veteran on the squad. Irv Smith Jr. will look to have a breakout year if he can stay healthy as there is no one on the depth chart that’ll compete with him. Dalvin Cook will look to continue his tyranny on opposing defenses with his exceptional running and receiving work with backup Alexander Mattison sitting there with a pair of handcuffs.
Will Packers Make History in 2022?
As of now, on September 8, the Chicago Bears are the top NFL franchise with 783 wins. They also have the most games played in franchise history but that’ll be tough to beat since they play every year along with the other 31 teams. The Green Bay Packers currently sit at 782 franchise wins. This is important for two reasons. The Packers are projected to win more games this year than the Bears so the Packers should take over as the winningest franchise in NFL history.
What can make this even more special is if history will take place in Week two when the Bears travel to Lambeau field. If the Packers beat the Vikings in Week on and the Bears lose to the San Francisco 49ers, both franchises will be tied at 783 wins. Fast forward to Week two when both teams could compete to break the tie and become the first franchise to hit 784 wins. Even better is that the Week two game against the Bears is a primetime game on Sunday night the 18th of September. Let’s Go Packers!
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