The Green Bay Packers (2-2) are in Las Vegas for a Monday night primetime game vs the Raiders. The Packers are coming off a mini-bye, having played last Thursday, and head into a much-needed bye after this game. They have been getting healthier and look to have most, if not all, of the offensive starters outside of Aaron Jones and David Bakhtiari.
The Packers have a chance to be able to go into the bye at 3-2 in a wide-open NFC. After the last primetime game embarrassment, they look to write a different story.
Here are some of the biggest pregame storylines for the Packers week two matchup against the Raiders.
Can the Green Bay Packers Stop the Run?
The Las Vegas Raiders come in with the worst running game in the league. They have run for 261 yards all year at a league-worst 3.0 yards per carry. Their offensive line has been poor in creating holes, and they have had to lean on the passing game. This game is perfect for the Packers to re-establish themselves and gain confidence in stopping the run.
The Packers are as bad as it comes to stopping the run, though. They have given up 155.3 yards a game and 4.5 yards per carry. It is time for Kenny Clark and Devante Wyatt to dominate the line of scrimmage. The team has to be more situational and play more base than living in nickel.
Can Jordan Love Lead the Green Bay Packers in Primetime Without Aaron Jones?
The Packers have been blessed with incredible quarterback play for thirty years. Early on, Jordan Love has shown all the qualities of a franchise quarterback. Last Thursday against the Detroit Lions was not his best game. The protection was poor, and the game flow was unfavorable.
He threw for 246 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He was indecisive at times, leading to sacks. Lafleur needs to find a way to get him into rhythm earlier.
With the unfortunate news that Aaron Jones is out for the game, the Packers must find a way to create offense. AJ Dillon will be called on once again to take the bulk of the carries. The run game starts with the offensive line. The run game should be better with Elgton Jenkins back at left guard.
Jaire Alexander vs. Davante Adams
Even though the Packers don’t play much man-to-man, prepare your popcorn for this one. Regardless if it’s zone or man-to-man, I expect Alexander to follow Adams. The ex-Packer will be playing with an injured shoulder, but there’s no doubt he had this game circled on the calendar. Adams is averaging just over eight receptions and about 100 yards a game.
The two have mutual respect since they were teammates. Here is what the two said about the upcoming matchup.
“I won’t say I had nothing to do with it, but I didn’t create that monster, but he definitely turned into one,” Adams said.
“I wouldn’t say it’s like the Super Bowl or the playoffs, but you know, it’s kind of like that,” Alexander said. “It is what it is. I can’t miss this matchup. With the best.” He spoke about Adams.
We should be in for a fun matchup.
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