Green Bay Packers: 4 Matchups to watch against the Vikings
By Kenny Jilek
Chandon Sullivan vs Justin Jefferson
This may be the most compelling matchup of the game, simply because it will be a great battle of unproven young players. Even better, it’s two guys who are on almost complete opposite ends of the spectrum as young players. Sullivan was an undrafted rookie in 2018 who had to scratch and claw to make the Eagles roster and then the Packers in 2019. Now, he is going to get his first big shot at legitimate playing time as the starting slot cornerback.
Jefferson, on the other hand, was a first round pick after an outstanding season at LSU catching passes from Heisman Winner and number one pick, Joe Burrow. With Stefon Diggs gone, he’s basically been handed a spot on the field in his first NFL game after training camp. It’s a microcosm of how the NFL can have great players come from anywhere and talent can be found from top to bottom in any draft class if you look for it.
It’s a battle between a player with top-level talent that scouts loved coming out of college versus a gritty guy looking to prove himself in the NFL. Sullivan will play all different types of techniques on Jefferson and mix them up. He’ll play some off coverage, but I’d love to see him get right up and press Jefferson early, not letting him get a free release off the line of scrimmage as to say, “Welcome to the NFL rookie.”
With this being Jefferson’s first NFL game, the probability of him having a big day is likely on the lower side. Everyone isn’t Clyde Edwards-Helaire after all. With Stefon Diggs gone, Jefferson will probably be their number two target after Adam Thielen and if Sullivan shuts him down, Kirk Cousins will have a rough day trying to find guys to throw the ball to.