It's been quite the week and a half for the Green Bay Packers. Since their 35-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Thursday, the team has faced tough questions as it sits at 1-2. The Packers have had a few extra days off, though, and now must turn the page to their next opponent.
The Packers have called the cavalry, signing offensive linemen Kevin Zeitler, Laken Tomlinson, and Mekhi Becton to try to fix the problem. Those players may get their first chance in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As the fourth week of the season comes up, let's take a look at some of the biggest things to watch for in the game, who might be the team's X-factors, and what the Packers need to do to win.
- Three things to watch in Packers vs. Buccaneers in Week 4
- Biggest X-factors for Packers in Week 4
- Packers' key to winning against the Bucs in Week 4
Three things to watch in Packers vs. Buccaneers in Week 4
1. A new-look offensive line?
It feels like every week we're talking about the Packers' offensive line, and well...that's because we probably are. But the team's issues largely start and stop with the group. For three weeks, the Packers' offensive line has been, with no hyperbole, the worst in the league.
After a trouncing by the Falcons, general manager Brian Gutekunst finally stepped in and made three signings. Enter Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton, and Kevin Zeitler. It's unclear who will be ready to play in Week 4.
Zeitler could play, but after signing only a few days ago, it's more likely he's held back for Week 5's game against the Chicago Bears. Regardless, the Packers' offensive line will once again be the biggest thing to watch in Week 4. Can they finally fix things with some added help?
2. Hot, hot heat
The Packers and Florida don't really mix well together, historically.
While the team hasn't exactly struggled to win games in the humidity of the Sunshine State, they have always seemed to play a bit off. This is no surprise, as the hot temperatures and humid air make it tough to do much in, let alone play football.
Still, it'll be imperative for the Packers to play well. That might be hard to do. Sunday's weather calls for a hot one in Tampa Bay, as all forecasts point to a 90-degree, humid afternoon. It'll be a big test for a team that hasn't shown much in the way of fortitude through its first three games, but if they can overcome it, it will be massive.
3. Can the Packers contain a rookie quarterback?
The Buccaneers will be without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. In his place, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will step in. Daniels got to play for a drive or two last week, but by and large, this will be his first time getting real NFL action.
For the Packers, there are both positives and negatives to take away from this. On the positive side, the team will be playing someone with little game-day experience. On the negative side, it means the Packers largely can't game plan for Daniels. The defense was incredibly shaky last week against the Falcons in a similar situation when Michael Penix Jr. came back, and they will need to really lock in here.
Biggest X-factors for Packers in Week 4
Lukas Van Ness
As noted above, the Packers' defense will be a key here. Jalon Daniels is a rookie, and beyond that, he is making his first real NFL start on Sunday. Van Ness has been a huge presence on the Packers' defense so far and leads the league in pass-rush win rate, according to ESPN.
It'll be hot, and Daniels can move, but it'll be up to Van Ness to set the tone for the defense. Getting to the rookie early and often will be key.
Kaleb Johnson
While MarShawn Lloyd has been the Packers' de facto starting running back, he hasn't been very good. Lloyd averages just 3.0 yards per carry this season.
Whether it be the offensive line or Lloyd just seeing NFL action for the first time, the running back has not been the shifty, speedy option they'd hoped he'd be while Josh Jacobs remains away from the team.
It might be time for the Packers to lean on Kaleb Johnson. The team has already been splitting carries between the two, but Johnson has simply done more with his opportunities. In order to really make a statement, he'll need a big game, and one that includes no fumbles either.
Tucker Kraft
The Packers' offense goes as Tucker Kraft goes, and so far, Tucker Kraft hasn't gone.
The tight end has struggled to get going. He's caught nine passes for 106 yards, but Pro Football Reference has also credited him with four drops. As Kraft continues to ramp up after returning from an ACL tear, he will be a key piece moving forward. If the team can get him back into the rhythm of the offense, it'll unlock a lot more.
Packers' key to winning against the Bucs in Week 4
A hot start
It's the one thing the Packers have really not done yet this year: a hot start. The offense has been stagnant for some time, and while a number of factors add to that, the simple fact is the team has to set the tempo early. A quick score on offense can do a lot for a team struggling like the Packers, especially when they've been as awful as they have been to start the year.
Sustained success
The Packers haven't been able to sustain drives. They're close to the bottom (or at the bottom) of almost every stat that tracks down-and-distance length, yardage on first downs, and more. Put simply, the team has to stay on the field longer on offense, even if they happen to end drives with a field goal or a punt.
Not only will it help give the offense confidence, but it'll help the team's defense avoid getting too gassed out. In a game where the weather will certainly play a factor, that'll be huge.
No big plays
Last week, the Packers gave up big play after big play to the Falcons. Granted, that team had Bijan Robinson and Drake London on it, but the Packers will need to limit explosives. While not exactly on the level of Robinson, the Bucs do still have some key pieces the Packers' defense will need to worry about.
It's important to make a fast start against Jalon Daniels and prevent him from building any momentum.
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