Green Bay Packers v. Saints: 3 Week 1 X-Factors
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers X-Factor No. 2: Royce Newman and Josh Myers
In this instance, I had to choose both rookie offensive linemen since they will be going up against a very good New Orleans Saints defensive front while making their NFL debuts.
Led by Cam Jordan and a deep group of edge rushers, this New Orleans defensive front found quite a bit of success last season. In 2020, the Saints tallied the fourth-most sacks in the NFL and allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game as well—although it’s worth noting that they lost a few key players along the interior.
As always, the name of the game is keeping Aaron Rodgers upright, which, if they can, should allow him to take advantage of New Orleans’ thin cornerback group. It’s also going to be important to the offense’s rhythm and overall success that Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are able to find success on the ground–we’ve seen how this unit can struggle when the run game isn’t finding any openings, with Green Bay’s two matchups against Tampa Bay last season being prime examples.
Matt LaFleur has mentioned that there will be “growing pains” for these rookies — and that is certainly true — but this is a Packers team with Super Bowl aspirations and an offensive line unit that will face a tough test right away–as Aaron Rodgers said, these rookies are going to need to play like veterans.