Packers: Five players to watch vs. Vikings in Week 2
By Jesse Fry
Five players to watch for the Green Bay Packers in their Week 2 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings.
Week 1 brought us lows then highs. The Green Bay Packers managed to prevail against a game and ready Bears, but it doesn’t get any easier in Week 2.
The Vikings are coming in to town with a tough defense and a quarterback they feel can get them over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense wasn’t flawless in last week’s victory over the 49ers. The offensive line allowed a lot of pressure and kept Cousins on the run. Yet they still managed to make enough plays to win the game.
The defense was as stout as ever, thriving off of turnovers, intercepting Jimmy Garoppolo three times. The defense also forced a fumble by Alfred Morris at the 1-yard line to stop the 49ers from scoring.
An already tough task is going to be a little tougher this week. Aaron Rodgers sprained his left knee in the second quarter of the comeback win and his status is unclear. The Packers are being coy about whether or not he is going to play.
Coach Mike Zimmer has already stated he is expecting Rodgers to start. Should he not be able to play. DeShone Kizer will have a big mountain to climb.
Should Rodgers play, his lack of mobility will limit the scrambles and extended plays he thrives off of. Rodgers has shown the ability to adjust, but the Vikings defense has a fierce pass rush that got a boost with the addition of free agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The offensive line will have their hands full with the Vikings defensive front, with the ever-dangerous Harrison Smith lurking.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five players who will need to have good games for the Packers to come out on top.