5 burning questions ahead of Packers and Vikings Week 1 matchup
By Paul Bretl
How will the Green Bay Packers offensive line hold up against the Minnesota Vikings?
If the Green Bay Packers are going to find any sort of success on offense, it all begins with the play in the trenches against a strong Vikings pass rush that will have a little extra motivation with Za’Darius Smith now on their side.
What we see from the Packers in Minnesota may look awfully similar to what we saw for much of 2021, with LaFleur and Rodgers leaning on the quick passing game. Once again, with a make-shift offensive line potentially, Rodgers may have to routinely get the ball out quickly to avoid pressure. Last season, there was a stark difference in Rodgers’ numbers when he was under duress versus in a clean pocket.
In addition to the quick passing game, finding success on the ground will be imperative as well — which is easier said than done and an area the Packers will need to improve upon in 2022 — as it will keep the Minnesota defensive front from being able to consistently pin their ears back. We may also see the tight ends kept in-line more to help the tackles with blocking.
If Rodgers can have some time in the pocket, he should be able to find some success against a Vikings cornerback group — even with the unknowns at receiver — that has some question marks of their own.