5 toughest RB matchups for Packers in 2020 season
Ranking the top five RB matchups the Packers will face in 2020.
The Green Bay Packers‘ run defense was a problem in 2019 and it’s fair to say they haven’t done enough to fix it this offseason.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine probably shouldn’t look at the running backs on this year’s schedule.
First, let’s look at a few honorable mentions. It was difficult to rank the top five as the Packers will come up with some great running backs this season. Leonard Fournette, rookie Jonathan Taylor, Todd Gurley, and Miles Sanders all just missed out.
5. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers
No explanation needed, let’s be honest.
But in case you missed it (which is probably for the best), Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the NFC title game last January, allowing the 49ers to throw the ball just eight times.
Kyle Shanahan’s offense is built to run the ball, with the 49ers averaging 144.1 yards on the ground per game last season. Mostert is San Francisco’s top running back.
4. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Since entering the league in 2017, Alvin Kamara has put up an incredible 4,476 all-purpose yards and 37 total touchdowns. He’s an explosive player as both a runner and receiver and can give this Packers defense real problems.
A Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons, the Packers defense will need to be at their best to stop Kamara.
3. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook rushed for 154 yards and a TD in the one game he played against the Packers last season. Cook was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and one of the best running backs in the league before getting hurt.
Cook is the star of the Vikings offense.
2. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
If you’re wondering how the Packers defense has any chance up against Derrick Henry and the Titans rushing offense, you’re not alone. Henry was dominant in 2019, leading the league with 1,540 rushing yards. He also tied with Aaron Jones for a league-best 16 rushing touchdowns. Henry was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro last season.
Rushing for an incredible 630 yards and three touchdowns in just three playoff games, Henry almost carried the Titans all the way to the Super Bowl.
1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
Against the Packers last season, Christian McCaffrey rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown, while adding 33 receiving yards from six receptions. What highlights how good a player he is, is that many considered this a success for the Green Bay defense.
McCaffrey had over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving last season, an incredible accomplishment. In total, McCaffrey put up 2,392 yards and 19 touchdowns.
A first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, the Packers will face another huge challenge trying to stop McCaffrey.