Packers Cornerback: Who plays in the slot and how often?
This summer, it was Rasul Douglas who was the Packers’ go-to option in the slot with Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes on the boundary.
When meeting with reporters, Joe Barry said that in addition to Douglas, we would also see Alexander in the slot this season, along with Darnell Savage and Keisean Nixon. Is this going to be a group effort to cover these snaps based on the opponent and who the slot receiver is each week, or is this strictly Douglas’ job, and those other players will take snaps here and there when needed?
Packers Safety: Does Darnell Savage play, and how often is there a third safety on the field?
Darnell Savage has been back at practice after suffering a hamstring injury prior to the annual Family Night practice, but he has been listed as a limited participant.
Like edge rusher, the depth at the safety position is a big concern for the Packers, which would make not having Savage even more difficult to navigate. Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt are primary special teams players, and the same could be said for seventh-round pick Tariq Carpenter.
Last season, Henry Black was the Packers’ third safety and saw almost 300 snaps. The assumption has been that there will be fewer opportunities for that role this season with the addition of Quay Walker. But do things play out that way Week 1, or do we see Rasul Douglas at safety, a position where he did take some snaps during training camp?
Packers Special Teams: Can they limit major mistakes?
I’m not sure anyone expects this group to all of a sudden be one of the better special teams units, but in Week 1, we need to see them limit — or preferably not have any — major miscues.
This means good blocking on the field goal and return units. Crisp snaps and holds from Jack Coco and Pat O’Donnell to set Mason Crosby up for success. Sound tackling, maintaining return lane integrity, and not mishandling any return attempts.
In what could end up being a close game against the Vikings, one miscue could be the difference between a win and a loss — as we’ve seen — especially with a Packers’ offense that may experience some growing pains without Davante Adams.