Instant takeaways from the Packers Week 1 loss to the Vikings

All around, it was another rough Week 1 for the Green Bay Packers.

As I do following each Green Bay Packers game, here are my instant takeaways from their performance.

– With David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins out, the Packers went with the starting offensive line we saw all summer. I know many wanted Zach Tom among the starting five, but it’s not surprising that the Packers went with this combination, given how often Adam Stenavich had praised Hanson during training camp.

– The offensive line had its ups and downs, as expected. They were able to generate some push in the run game, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and gave Rodgers some time on non-obvious passing situations. However, on second and third and longs, when the Vikings were able to pin their ears back, Rodgers was often under pressure–although, it needs to be said that several of the pressures throughout the game were due to the receivers not getting open.

– The other pre-game inactives all made sense except for Shemar Jean-Charles, who had a solid preseason. This also left the Packers with only four active cornerbacks against a pass-happy Vikings offense.

– That first drive by the Packers offense illustrated the growing pains that’ll take place with rookie receivers playing a large role. Watson dropped a walk-in touchdown, and then Rodgers and Doubs were on the wrong page.

– Watson possesses all of the potential in the world, but drops were an issue for him at NDSU and something he must overcome in the NFL. Doubs, however, appeared to get more comfortable in the second half and saw more opportunities.

– With that said, I wish we could have seen more shot plays on early downs (when the pressure wasn’t as frequent) with the rookies. The Packers receivers had a clear speed advantage over the Minnesota cornerbacks, which we saw on the opening play.

– Quay Walker was in some tough spots having to cover Thielen and Jefferson on crossers, but we saw his impact right away. He had three tackles on the first two drives, and all were near the sidelines.

– I was surprised that Jaire Alexander wasn’t on Justin Jefferson throughout the game. The Vikings did a good job of getting Jefferson in space against Eric Stokes on crossers as well as in motion, and he was able to total quite a few yards. The Packers No. 1 job should have been slowing Jefferson, but that wasn’t the case at all. Joe Barry also ran a lot of zone coverages, and Jefferson found space easily.

– The defense bounced back in the second half and had some flashes, but overall, it was a disappointing performance. There wasn’t much pressure — although Cousins got the ball out quickly — along with some miscommunications, missed tackles, and a lack of early adjustments. For a team that may not score as much on offense, the Packers can’t fall behind by multiple scores early on.

– Earlier in the week, Rich Bisaccia said the return roles were still up for grabs, but it was Amari Rodgers — as expected — on return duties.

– I know the offense doesn’t have Davante Adams, and we’re without Bakhtiari and Jenkins, which to a degree, limits what they can do. But the game plan, especially in the first half, was bland. The receivers were struggling to get open, so where was the creativity, quick passes, and getting guys in space? Where was the energy? There also seemed to be an overreliance on the passing game as well. Overcoming Davante Adams’ departure largely falls on Rodgers playing at a high level and Matt LaFleur’s system, but both struggled.

– Rodgers seemed very hesitant. Was it due to a lack of trust in his pass catchers? The receivers being in the wrong spots? Both? There were also instances where it looked like the receivers just weren’t getting open.

– The Packers were just 3/9 on third downs, 0/1 in the red zone, and had two turnovers.

– Injuries were, unfortunately, a big part of the game for the Packers. Jon Runyan would leave with a concussion, and Zach Tom took over in his place. Quay Walker and Keisean Nixon had shoulder injuries, while Krys Barnes suffered a leg injury.

– No surprise this offense was at its best when Jones, Dillon, and Tonyan were heavily involved. However, Jones had just eight touches.

– The Packers found success on offense in the third quarter, which was sparked by the run game. It kept the Packers out of obvious passing situations, which was key for the offensive line, and opened up the playbook.

– At first glance, it looked like a rough performance for Eric Stokes. Cousins was able to find quite a bit of success throwing his direction.

– As rough as this game looked at times, if Watson catches that opening pass and the offense punches it in on fourth and goal, it’s a very different game.

– Another Week 1 loss after not playing the starters in the preseason, but Minnesota didn’t play their starters either.