3 X-Factors for the Packers against the Bucs in Week 3

The Green Bay Packers face a very challenging road test in Week 3 as they head to Tampa Bay.

We know that their best players have to perform at a high level if they hope to win, but which non-star players are going to have to be key contributors as well? Those are my X-Factors, and I have three of them for Sunday’s game.

Green Bay Packers LB Quay Walker

There are two main reasons why I have Quay Walker as one of my X-Factors. The first is the role he will have to play in slowing the Tamp Bay running game, specifically Leonard Fournette.

This is a run-heavy Bucs’ offense through two weeks, with that unit ranking seventh in rush attempts per game. Fournette is averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season and is fifth in total rushing yards.

The Packers, on the other hand, have struggled defensively to stop the run, and tackling has been an issue as well. With the lightboxes that Joe Barry typically utilizes, it is going to be important that Walker is quick to fill any gaps, can shed blockers, and displays sound tackling. Against the run last Sunday, we did see Walker take some rookie lumps.

The other important role Walker will have is quickly erasing any YAC potential. With Barry’s cover-2 zone defense, which is designed to take away the big passing play, Tom Brady may have plenty of opportunities to get the ball out of his hands quickly for some easy underneath completions. There is the potential that we see a lot of 12-plus play drives by the Bucs’ offense.

To counter this, all 11 defenders will need to be flying to the football, and it also wouldn’t hurt to see the Green Bay cornerbacks lined up closer to the line of scrimmage.

Walker will need to continue showcasing that sideline-to-sideline speed in an effort to limit yards after the catch, as well as protecting the middle of the field.