Packers: Most efficient offenses Green Bay will face this season
It is absolutely critical for the Green Bay Packers‘ defense to give a strong performance this season as they will be challenged by several terrific offenses.
Let’s find out just how tough it will be for the Packers by breaking down the most efficient offenses they will face this season.
Here are some of their toughest challenges this year.
Saints offense
Though the Saints’ legendary quarterback Drew Brees retired after the end of last season, New Orleans is not too concerned about their quarterback situation with Jameis Winston, Ian Book, and Taysom Hill battling for the starting position.
Not only do the Saints have talented quarterbacks, but they are also loaded at the running back and receiving positions.
Star running back Alvin Kamara is a game-changer with his speed, agility, and outstanding ability to break tackles. Green Bay’s defense struggled to contain him last season and he has put up 304 total yards and two touchdowns in two career games against the Packers. The Saints’ receiving group can also tear a defense apart led by Michael Thomas, although he could miss Week 1.
It will be extremely important for the Packers’ secondary to stay on the receivers. The Saints offense does not waste drives. Once they get in the red zone, they will do whatever it takes to score. The Packers pulled through last season to defeat the Saints, so the Saints will be seeking vengeance. If the Packers want to defeat the Saints this season, their defense needs to bring the heat.
Steelers offense
Getting a Super Bowl win against the Steelers in 2011 was a great moment for the Packers. Green Bay looks to defeat Pittsburgh again this season.
With the Steelers having one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Packers defense better be ready. Pittsburgh’s franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been a terrific leader for his team throughout the years as he knows how to produce successful drives.
The Steelers are also known for their outstanding receiving group including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington. It will be crucial for the Packers secondary to provide excellent coverage. Mishaps on defense will be costly for the Packers against the Steelers’ talented receiving group.
Bengals offense
The Bengals are another Cinderella story team as they started from the bottom and made their way to the top by adding some explosive playmakers. Since becoming the franchise quarterback for the Bengals, Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow has shown the potential to reach an elite level. The greatness of Burrow is only getting started, and the Packers need to realize his capabilities.
While Burrow is an important part of this team, the Bengals also have talented running backs and receivers who can get the job done including Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase.
Bears offense
With Chicago being one of Green Bay’s biggest rivals, defeating the Bears is always an exciting highlight for the Packers. But, it may be more challenging for the Packers to defeat the Bears this season.
While the Bears typically have a lousy offense, that will unlikely be the case this season as newly-drafted quarterback Justin Fields could take over. The Packers defense needs to come prepared for Fields and his athleticism. A rookie quarterback of his caliber should not be underestimated.
There are also other playmakers that can make an impact for the Bears including running back David Montgomery and a stout receiving group including Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, and newly-drafted Dazz Newsome. Green Bay’s secondary will have their hands full with this talented receiving group.
Though playing the Bears has been light work for the Packers in previous seasons, the Packers should expect a much-improved Bears offense. Still, many expect the Packers to rise to the challenge and defeat their division rivals.
Cardinals offense
In recent years, Arizona has built a prime-time offense led by franchise quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray has been a superstar ever since he stepped foot in Arizona. Being the creative playmaker he is, Murray will lead the Cardinals to greatness. For the Packers to defeat the Cardinals, it will be critical for the defense to slow down Murray.
Murray isn’t the only offensive weapon to be concerned about. The Cardinals also have other key weapons on offense including two newly-acquired receiver A.J. Green. Plus, having DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk greatly contributes to their offense.
With all of those weapons that Arizona has acquired, they are becoming an explosive offense. Green Bay’s defense needs to give their all and then some against the Cardinals.
Chiefs offense
The 2021 Super Bowl runner-ups have everything going for them, especially on offense. Having a franchise quarterback like Patrick Mahomes who is efficient both in the running and passing game is always beneficial. Mahomes is looking to lead the Chiefs to another winning season.
This game will be a huge test for the Packers as the Chiefs’ offense is loaded on all cylinders. While Mahomes is a major contributor of the Chiefs’ success, there are other big-time playmakers who are just as important such as Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs have one of the best red-zone offenses in the NFL. They have dismantled many defenses in the red zone. Speed is also a huge advantage for the Chiefs offense. Hill is undeniably one of the fastest receivers in the league who has caused problems for many defenses.
Seahawks offense
Ever since Seattle drafted Russell Wilson in 2012, the Seahawks have been sensational. Wilson proved his greatness from the beginning. From leading his team to a Super Bowl victory in 2014 to the present day, there is no denying that he has been the it-factor for the Seahawks.
What makes Wilson so dangerous is his ability to attack in the running and passing game. The Packers defense has struggled to contain him in previous games because of his ability to recognize and escape pressure.
While Wilson is a big-time playmaker and leader for his team, the Seahawks also have other talented playmakers who can be a threat to defenses including Chris Carson, Tyler Lockett, and DK Metcalf.
Ravens offense
Week 15 will be one of the toughest challenges for the Packers this season as they will battle the Ravens. Baltimore’s dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson has helped the Ravens become one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL. Jackson’s incredible playmaking ability allows him to maneuver his way through defenses. His NFL career has been very impressive thus far.
The Packers defense also needs to be prepared for other Ravens offensive playmakers such as running back J.K. Dobbins, as well as wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown, and tight end Mark Andrews. The addition of Sammy Watkins is another big-time move by the Ravens to their already stacked receiving depth chart.