Vikings at Packers Depth Chart Preview - W2 2019
Sept 14, 2019 19:32:36 GMT -6
Reignman, Funkytown, and 1 more like this
Post by Danchat on Sept 14, 2019 19:32:36 GMT -6
The two 1-0 teams in the NFC face off Week 2 as the Packers and Vikings will decide who will be the early leader of the NFC North. With a fully healthy Aaron Rodgers and a revamped defense at their disposal, will things go right for the Packers this time around?
* My thoughts *
Rodgers and the Packers offense is under new management, head coach Matt LaFleur. They only scored 10 points week 1, but that was a road game against the Bears' defense, so it's understandable they didn't look so great. We'll have to see if LaFleur tries to dial up a running-focused game script as Aaron Jones is easily the team's best offensive weapon after Davante Adams. I also say this because the WR corps and the TEs are embarrassingly low on talent. Jimmy Graham did not click with Rodgers as hoped last year, and young'uns Valdes-Scantling and Allison are the only promising players behind Adams. Rodgers might find himself throwing the ball away so much because there's nobody who can really get open out there.
The Packers' O-line is another matter; they're a strong bunch. They added RG Billy Turner in free agency to plug up the RG gap that proved to be leaky last season, but Turner only has one decent season as a starter at guard in his career. Likewise, Lane Taylor struggled big-time last week, and there's been some rumblings that the Packers could start 2nd round rookie Elgton Jenkins over him. Meanwhile, the other three, Bakhtiari (if healthy), Linsley, and Bulaga are very good at what they do.
The defense appears to be much better on paper this time around. The Packers threw the big bucks at the Smiths and Amos, and I think those were wise signings. The Packers' pass rushers are so deep that last year's sack leader, Kyler Fackrell (10.5 sacks), is now only going to be a rotational player. 12th overall pick Rashan Gary is also just a bench player at this point. The Packers also have Blake Martinez returning at inside linebacker, a guy who keeps on improving season after season. The D-line is solid too, though Montravius Adams is unproven and currently a downgrade from Mike Daniels.
Finally, the Packers have also retooled their safeties, which was badly needed. Savage and Amos are the new 1-2 punch , and it appears 3rd safety Raven Greene is going to be a near full-time player (kind of a LB/S hybrid role). Jaire Alexander is their top corner, and the 35 year old Tramon Williams is the team's swiss army knife (not too different from Terence Newman as a Viking). Finally, Kevin King seems to be the nickel corner with Tony Brown mixing in as well. Second year 2nd round pick Josh Jackson appears to be firmly on the bench.
Prediction: Packers 17, Vikings 13
I expect a defensive struggle here, as both defenses are better on paper. I do think the Packers will win this one since not only do they have the better overall roster, but the Vikings don't play as well on the road. Rodgers & Co. will get their first win on the Vikes in the first time in quite a while.
Alright, what do you think is going to happen? What do you think about the Packers' roster?
Injury Report
Packers
ILB Oren Burks Out
LT David Bakhtiari Questionable
CB Ka'dar Hollman
Vikings
CB Mack Alexander Out
CB Mike Hughes Doubtful
LG Pat Elflein Questionable
LB Ben Gedeon Questionable
Packers
ILB Oren Burks Out
LT David Bakhtiari Questionable
CB Ka'dar Hollman
Vikings
CB Mack Alexander Out
CB Mike Hughes Doubtful
LG Pat Elflein Questionable
LB Ben Gedeon Questionable
* My thoughts *
Rodgers and the Packers offense is under new management, head coach Matt LaFleur. They only scored 10 points week 1, but that was a road game against the Bears' defense, so it's understandable they didn't look so great. We'll have to see if LaFleur tries to dial up a running-focused game script as Aaron Jones is easily the team's best offensive weapon after Davante Adams. I also say this because the WR corps and the TEs are embarrassingly low on talent. Jimmy Graham did not click with Rodgers as hoped last year, and young'uns Valdes-Scantling and Allison are the only promising players behind Adams. Rodgers might find himself throwing the ball away so much because there's nobody who can really get open out there.
The Packers' O-line is another matter; they're a strong bunch. They added RG Billy Turner in free agency to plug up the RG gap that proved to be leaky last season, but Turner only has one decent season as a starter at guard in his career. Likewise, Lane Taylor struggled big-time last week, and there's been some rumblings that the Packers could start 2nd round rookie Elgton Jenkins over him. Meanwhile, the other three, Bakhtiari (if healthy), Linsley, and Bulaga are very good at what they do.
The defense appears to be much better on paper this time around. The Packers threw the big bucks at the Smiths and Amos, and I think those were wise signings. The Packers' pass rushers are so deep that last year's sack leader, Kyler Fackrell (10.5 sacks), is now only going to be a rotational player. 12th overall pick Rashan Gary is also just a bench player at this point. The Packers also have Blake Martinez returning at inside linebacker, a guy who keeps on improving season after season. The D-line is solid too, though Montravius Adams is unproven and currently a downgrade from Mike Daniels.
Finally, the Packers have also retooled their safeties, which was badly needed. Savage and Amos are the new 1-2 punch , and it appears 3rd safety Raven Greene is going to be a near full-time player (kind of a LB/S hybrid role). Jaire Alexander is their top corner, and the 35 year old Tramon Williams is the team's swiss army knife (not too different from Terence Newman as a Viking). Finally, Kevin King seems to be the nickel corner with Tony Brown mixing in as well. Second year 2nd round pick Josh Jackson appears to be firmly on the bench.
Prediction: Packers 17, Vikings 13
I expect a defensive struggle here, as both defenses are better on paper. I do think the Packers will win this one since not only do they have the better overall roster, but the Vikings don't play as well on the road. Rodgers & Co. will get their first win on the Vikes in the first time in quite a while.
Alright, what do you think is going to happen? What do you think about the Packers' roster?
... and neither is this Chris guy.