Green Bay Packers: Best opponents, how they will have an impact
By Ryan Schlipp
Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Smith, Safety
It wasn’t easy picking a single player. Guys like Eric Kendricks and Terence Newman had good years, but to play at a high level year-after-year indicates there will be little change in 2017.
Smith isn’t a terrible coverage guy, but is dominant against the run. With guys like Linval Joseph and Danielle Hunter already clogging running lanes, it’s imperative the Packers keep Smith occupied in the passing game.
While the Packers’ addition of Martellus Bennett will surely help with that, the true test may be keeping Rodgers upright and that means shutting down Everson Griffen. If Rodgers can remain standing and hitting his targets, Smith will be forced to play where he is less effective – in coverage.
New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan, Edge
Obviously the Saints aren’t known for defense, but there is one player that you should absolutely know.
Cameron Jordan plays end for the Saints and is as lethal a pass rusher as he is playing against the run.
Jordan will primarily play strong side, making the match up to watch being against Bryan Bulaga. If he is able to hold his own, the rest of the Saints’ defense is ill-equipped to stop the Packers’ offense.
As it stands now, the worst case scenario with Cameron Jordan would be to double team him and run away from him. The draft could change that equation.
Detroit Lions
T.J. Lang, Guard
Yes I’m biased, but I’m not incorrect.
T.J. Lang is going over to the Lions as the top player on their team. As a Packer he excelled at pass blocking, which leads me to believe he will be playing left guard. Not only will this be an exciting game to watch, because it’s a divisional game, but the match up to watch will be T.J. Lang versus Mike Daniels. Truly a clash of titans.
It’s not all on Daniels shoulder, however.
The Lions will need to draft a right guard, but otherwise have a pretty stout line. If the Packers want to win the game they will most likely need to take the pressure off the corners, meaning the pass rushers.
As it stands, Daniels is up against a monster of a guard and will need help generating pressure. Drafting a pass rusher early will be paramount if they want to have success against the Lions.