Three things Packers must improve vs. Vikings in Week 2

2. Pass protection

The Packers’ offensive line doesn’t have to line up opposite the Bears’ dominant defensive line every week, fortunately, but it won’t get much easier this week. Minnesota’s defense tied Chicago in sacks last season with 50, tied for third-most in the NFL. And Mike Zimmer’s defense made a strong start against the Falcons last week, sacking Matt Ryan four times.

The Packers allowed five sacks against the Bears, and as noted, four ended drives on third down. This can’t continue for the offense to be more successful in the home opener. It’s hard to imagine scoring 10 points will be enough to win again this week, so the Packers will need to do a better job of sustaining drives and moving the chains.

But it’s not entirely on the offensive line. They will get beat on occasion, that’s what happens when you’re up against talented pass rushers. But Aaron Rodgers also needs to get the ball out quicker, and they need to get up to the line and get the play off without the clock almost expiring. It happened all too often last year, and again in the season opener.

The Packers can’t afford to let Rodgers get sacked five times this week.