The Green Bay Packers and New York Jets are set to face off in Week 2. While the Packers look to avoid going 0-2 for the first time in 20 years, they'll have a big hurdle to overcome in the form of the weather.
As of the time of this writing, the weather forecast for the Packers vs. Jets game isn't looking great. According to weather.com, Sunday's forecast calls for a ton of rain. Specifically, the "potential for heavy rainfall," with wind gusts of up to 5-10 mph.
The chance for rain is about 80% as of right now, so it's not a matter of if it will rain or not, but how much. With rain in the forecast, the Packers will have to do something they couldn't do at all against the Vikings: run the football.
Packers' run game will be major factor against Jets
Last week against the Vikings, to say the Packers could get anything going with the ground game would be an understatement. The team totaled just 66 rushing yards against Minnesota, and averaged a paltry 3.1 rushing yards per carry. The team's starting running back as of now, MarShawn Lloyd, averaged just 2.8 yards per carry, and could only gain 37 yards on 13 total carries.
Now, a lot of that had to do with simply how bad the Packers' offensive line played. The group's run and pass blocking unit couldn't muster pretty much any space for Jordan Love throughout the game, let alone open up lanes for the team's running backs to operate. On top of that, the Vikings' pass rush was absolutely overwhelming. Brian Flores blitzed the Packers on 80% of their offensive plays, so the team really couldn't get much going on the ground.
For the Packers, though, it's time to turn the page. The team is unlikely to face the type of pressure the Vikings sent their way on Sunday. As a result, it wouldn't be surprising to see the team try and run more than just 20 times. Throughout Matt LaFleur's tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, he's always strived for a healthy balance between the run and pass game. Last week, Jordan Love threw 42 times, a number that will almost certainly be lower given the rain.
While Lloyd will be the main focus for Sunday, the Packers shouldn't be afraid to turn to any hot hand. The team traded a sixth round pick for former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson, and although he didn't see the field much, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get some opportunities this week. Some fans sure would be keen to see Johnson get some more run, that's for sure.
Whichever running back the team turns to, they'll need to perform, and help lead the Packers to a much-needed win.
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