Dairyland Express
Fansided

Green Bay Packers v. Chiefs: 5 Big Questions Ahead of Matchup

By Paul Bretl

Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) walks to the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) walks to the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 29: David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field at halftime of a game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on November 29, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 45-21. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Are reinforcements on the way?

No, the Green Bay Packers won’t have Aaron Rodgers, but on the offensive side of the ball, in particular, they could be getting a number of key players back.

Allen Lazard was taken off the reserve/COVID list, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling was activated off IR and has been at practice. Matt LaFleur has mentioned that he hopes both Joe Barry and Davante Adams can return on Thursday, while David Bakhtiari could make his 2021 debut as well.

Without question, this is going to be a tough test for Love and this Packers offense, but getting back your All-Pro left tackle, your All-Pro receiver, along with your second and third receivers, certainly helps.

Can the Green Bay Packers’ defense slow another dynamic offense?

The Green Bay defense is coming off their best performance to date as they were able to contain — for the most part — a very explosive Arizona offense; coming away with three turnovers, they kept Kyer Murray in the pocket, and held the Cardinals to just 21 points.

I know the Chiefs haven’t played up to their usual lofty standards so far this season, but Green Bay’s defense faces a similarly challenging task. Despite the turnovers and inconsistencies, Kansas City still ranks ninth in points per game.

Mahomes is still third in total passing yards and fourth in touchdowns per PFF. Tyreek Hill’s 735 receiving yards are the fifth-most among receivers, while Travis Kelce leads all tight ends with 560 receiving yards. And as a team, the Chiefs are averaging 4.8 yards per rush.

Opposing teams have been able to limit the big plays from this Kansas City offense this season by playing a lot of cover-2, so expect that from Green Bay. And just as the Packers were able to keep Murray in the pocket, they’ll have to do the same with Mahomes–if he can extend plays, this defense will run into issues.

As I discussed initially, the Green Bay Packers don’t want this game turning into a shootout, so the defense is going to have to keep points off the board.

Home/Green Bay Packers