Packers can make a statement in Week 1 vs. Bears

The Green Bay Packers have the opportunity to make a statement in their opening game on Thursday night.

The Packers‘ offseason has been under the spotlight. From moving on from longtime head coach Mike McCarthy and entering the Matt LaFleur era, to spending big in free agency before picking twice in the first round of April’s draft.

After two seasons without a playoff game, change was needed.

It’s not often this Packers team, led by two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, has entered the season without high expectations. Not even expected to win the division by many. But after the rise of the Chicago Bears and the Packers’ inconsistent play of recent years, it’s also no surprise.

Enter Soldier Field on Thursday night. The beginning of the NFL’s 100th season. The world will be watching as football finally returns. No longer the preseason, but a meaningful game that counts towards the standings.

There will be pressure on both teams, playing in primetime, to make a fast start. But for the Packers, they have the opportunity to make a statement as underdogs.

If Green Bay can pull off the upset against the defending NFC North champions and leave Week 1 with a 1-0 record, the perception of this year’s team will have changed. Of course, it’s Week 1. The victory would lead to overreaction. The Packers would be back and destined for the Super Bowl.

In reality, we won’t know that until much later in the season, win or lose on Thursday. But what a victory would do is make a statement. A sign that after two disappointing years, the Packers have made necessary changes and are ready to compete in the NFC North. Something they haven’t done since winning their final six games in 2016 to finish in first place.

It’s only Week 1. Championships aren’t won or lost in the opening game, but LaFleur’s team can certainly make a statement by defeating their division rivals this week.