Green Bay Packers: 5 Keys to Success in 2020
The Green Bay Packers have the necessary talent to advance deep in the postseason, but need to do these five things successfully.
The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL world by going 13-3 and advancing to the NFC Championship a year ago. They have an opportunity to surprise their critics again, by posting a second-straight double-digit win season and advancing deep in the playoffs. However, if they want to remain on top of their division, accomplishing these five goals are key.
5. Field position
Before the arrival of the almighty Tyler Ervin, the Packers were on pace for the worst return unit in NFL history. Fortunately, Ervin proved to be a godsend and immediately boosted both their kick and punt return units. His ability to turn small creases into marginal gains and fight for extra yardage was a huge boost for the Packers’ offense. And they’ll need it again considering the lack of explosiveness and weapons they’re predicted to have. By setting the offensive up with good field position, the special teams unit can give them a better opportunity to put points on the board each possession.
4. Pressure the quarterback
Green Bay shouldn’t have any issue doing this, as both Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith return on the outside. In 2019, Z. Smith had a huge season–tallying a whopping 50 pressures (hurries, knockdowns and sacks) as his partner in crime put up 34. They figure to be just as dangerous in Year 2 in Green Bay, but this time Rashan Gary should provide some extra ammunition. Gary appears to have worked his way into the rotation, with Z. Smith even lining up on the inside to get Gary on the field. The three of them, combined with Kenny Clark from the inside, should wreak havoc on offensive lines in 2020.
3. Consistent wide receiver opposite Davante Adams
We all know Davante Adams will be great next season. Will someone step up on the opposite side? Allen Lazard appears to have locked in the other starting wide receiver spot and he had his moments down the stretch of 2020. However, consistency will be huge as opposing defenses will work to completely take away Adams. If Lazard, or somebody, can consistently beat one-on-one coverage they could be in for a huge year.
2. Limit big plays allowed
It seems like the Packers’ defense always gives up huge plays in the passing game whether it be due to miscommunication or some other anomaly. They return their entire starting secondary which is full of guys either in their prime or near the start of their prime. It’s completely unacceptable for those breakdowns to continue, and they must work to keep the ball in front of them.
Next. 4 Packers who have surprised at beginning of training camp. dark
1. Elite running game
The Packers are going to have issues airing the ball out which means they must make up for it with an elite running game. If they can force the defense to fear the ground attack, it will make it easier to throw it over the top of the defense. Aaron Jones is back following a career year and is looking for a monster contract in 2021. Behind him, the Packers have the capable Jamaal Williams and second-round pick AJ Dillon. The weapons are there, now we’ll see just how committed Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur are to their run game.