Looking on the bright side is always hard after a tough loss. With the Defense playing poorly and the offense seemingly running out of gas late in the game. It is easy to linger on those negative thoughts and lower your expectations of the Green Bay Packers this season. I’m here to say while the result wasn’t what we were hoping for, there is plenty to be excited about.
Green Bay Packers Offensive Line
Outside the first drive, there wasn’t much to be upset about. Without Bakhtiari and Jenkins, the Packers only gave up one sack against a stout Atlanta defensive front. In the running game, the stats were deceiving. The Packers finished with a disappointing 84 yards on 21 carries, with 24 of those yards coming from a Jordan Love scramble at the end of the 1st quarter.
AJ Dillon needs to be better. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, though. Dillon’s running style works best when he comes in as a change of pace for Aaron Jones. The Offensive line opened up holes to the 2nd level, but Dillon didn’t do a great job hitting the holes created.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback, Jordan Love
Love had a similar performance Outside of passing yards to week 1. Love finished with 151 yards passing with three touchdowns and no turnovers. Most people would say that only 151 yards passing isn’t great, but Jordan Love created two big plays down the field, resulting in defensive pass interference calls.
On the first play of the game, for 44 yards to Doubs, and late in the 3rd, again to Doubs for 43 yards. Those don’t count towards Love’s official stats, but they were big plays nonetheless. Love again showed he can take care of the ball while still taking shots downfield. I was also encouraged by Love’s in-game awareness.
Love had a few opportunities to catch the Falcons with 12 men on the field. It didn’t work in our favor this game, but it was great to see him steal some of the best parts of Rodgers game.
Jayden Reed and Company
One of the most reassuring things was the performance of the Packers young receiving corps led by Jayden Reed. Reed finished the game with four catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns on a team-high eight targets. Once the Packers get Christian Watson and Aaron Jones back, the Packers are going to be fast—something the Packers haven’t had for a while.
Dontayvion Wicks also added two catches for 40 yards in a touchdown. Going into the season, Wicks wasn’t slated to see the field this much, but it is always nice to see we have talent ready in the bullpen. Overall, it was a great production from the youngest position group on the Packers.
The last and, I believe, the most crucial silver lining is the Packers get to host their first home game of the season against the Saints next Sunday. Hopefully, they get a few starters back and get their season back on track.
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