Important questions facing Packers ahead of huge matchup vs. Texans in Week 7

Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, the Green Bay Packers have started their season with four wins and two losses. After surviving a near disaster with quarterback Jordan Love's MCL injury, the season is looking to take a turn for the better, while the Packers aim to make a run in a competitive NFC North.

On paper, the Packers are built like a team that can truly win it all, and many believe it is only a matter of time before they start unlocking the core elements of what it takes to be a Super Bowl-winning squad.

This week, they take on another team with Super Bowl aspirations when the Houston Texans come to town.

The Packers remain the NFL's youngest team. However, they have the talent to make a deep run into the playoffs, where they can end up on top of the football world. But what questions must they answer entering Week 7?

Big questions Packers must answer entering Week 7 game vs. Texans

Can the Packers' offense build on last week's momentum?

It is no secret that the Packers' offense has enough talent to be an elite unit. Through six weeks, the Packers offense is fourth in yards per game and seventh in points per game. However, by looking beyond simple stats, it is evident that the Packers have had problems moving the ball at times this season.

They must be on top of their game to move the ball against an excellent Texans defense.

Mental errors, penalties, and drops continue to get in their way. This can be expected at times since teams are working off the rust, but the Packers have had a notable issue of their drives being ruined by avoidable mistakes.

Currently, the Packers lead the NFL in drop percentage, dropping around 11% of their passes, a problem that has been in question for this young and talented receiving corps. However, given that Jordan Love has only played four games so far this year (missing two), it can be expected that this Green Bay offense can begin pulling it all together sooner rather than later.

Green Bay had its most complete showing last week by dismantling the Arizona Cardinals' defense, with Love throwing four touchdown passes. It's something to build on against Houston.

Packers defense is heating up, but can they finally fix the pass rush?

As defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley continues to get situated into this Packers team, the defense has shown flashes of greatness through the first six games. Hafley's unit leads the NFL in turnovers through six weeks (17), which he was adamant about making happen.

Star free-agent signing Xavier McKinney has five interceptions. It is hard not to see McKinney's continued impact on this secondary as he continues to stabilize the ship on the back end. It is also important to recognize the outstanding performances of rookies Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Bullard, and Evan Williams, who have all been key contributors to this defense's success. Williams has been one of the best safeties in football this season.

The shaky pass-rushing unit is a concern. It was clear to anyone who watched the games against the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams that the Packers struggled to create pressure with four rushers. The biggest concern is edge-rusher Rashan Gary. Since Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gary has not recorded a sack and has been a non-factor several times.

For a player in the midst of a four-year, $96 million deal at just 26 years of age, it is unheard of for pass-rushers to just fall off a cliff with their production. It is worth noting that Gary has been "chipped" the third-most of any player in the NFL this season.

The good news? Green Bay takes on a Houston defense that has allowed 17 sacks through six weeks, the sixth-most in the NFL. According to ESPN, the Texans rank 26th in pass block win rate.

Are the Packers putting it all together at the right time?

Sitting at a 4-2 record as the Texans come to town, the Packers should continue piecing together complete performances sooner rather than later. Jordan Love now has three games under his belt beyond his MCL injury, while the rest of the offense continues to grow.

Beyond this game, Green Bay gets the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers in the next six weeks.

The defense got All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander back from injury last week, which will only improve the unit as they work into their new system. Aside from defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, the Packers are a healthy group, something that shouldn't be overlooked, as they brought in a new strength and conditioning staff this offseason.

The Packers have a chance to make a statement against the Texans on Sunday.

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