Green Bay Packers v. Saints: 5 Big Questions in Week 1

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs past Will Redmond #25 of the Green Bay Packers on his way to a touchdown during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Can the Green Bay Packers contain Alvin Kamara?

You’ll notice how I said the word “contain” and not “stop” because, realistically, the Green Bay Packers aren’t going to fully stop Alvin Kamara. The goal is to make sure that he doesn’t take this game over.

I wrote recently how Kamara was going to instantly test this new Joe Barry defense, particularly their tackling abilities. My hope is that we see the linebackers able to make more plays with these five-man defensive fronts, but against the run, the safeties are going to have to be active participants, and the cornerbacks will have to be prepared to make plays in the open field in those two-high safety looks that they will be in under Barry.

Last season, Kamara rushed for 58 yards on only six carries while he torched Green Bay in the passing game, catching 13 of his 14 targets for 139 yards, including a 52-yard catch and run where he broke what felt like a million tackles.

If Kamara gets going, it could lead to some big plays, but it will also allow Jameis Winston to get comfortable, relying on quick and easy completions. The Packers want the opposite, which is to pressure Winston and force him into tough decisions because odds are that will lead to some turnover opportunities.

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