Green Bay Packers v. Saints: 5 Big Questions in Week 1
By Paul Bretl
Can the Green Bay Packers OL hold up against Saints defensive front?
This Packers offensive line is going to look quite different than what it did a year ago. While we all have tremendous confidence in Elgton Jenkins anywhere on the offensive line, he does only have 29 career NFL snaps at left tackle, according to PFF ($$). On top of that, two rookies — Josh Myers and Royce Newman — will be starting along the interior.
During training camp, Aaron Rodgers told reporters that the rookies will have to play like veterans, but being realistic, there are likely to be some “growing pains,” as Matt LaFleur put it.
"“Certainly, there may be some growing pains in there,” LaFleur said via Packers Wire. “That’s just the way it is. That’s the nature of it.”"
The Saints have several of their key players from last year’s defensive front returning — highlighted by Cam Jordan — and this is a unit that allowed just 93.2 rushing yards per game, which was the third-fewest in football. This New Orleans front also finished with the fourth-most sacks in 2020 with 45, but they are now without David Onyemata (suspended), Sheldon Rankins, and Malcolm Brown.
These Green Bay Packers rookies are going to be tested immediately.