The Green Bay Packers face the New York Jets in Week 2, and winning the battle in the trenches could determine the outcome. For Green Bay, the formula is straightforward: protect Jordan Love, establish the running game and generate pressure without relying heavily on the blitz. A win is very achievable for the Pack and Matt LaFleur’s future could depend on it.
Here are three keys to a Packers victory over the Jets in Week 2.
1. Protect Jordan Love
Green Bay’s offense starts with Jordan Love, which makes keeping him upright the biggest priority against the Jets.
Green Bay’s offensive line needs to give Love enough time to work through his progressions and attack the Jets’ secondary. The Packers can also help their offensive line by utilizing quick passes, screens and play-action.
Avoiding sacks and negative plays will be especially important. If Love consistently faces second-and-long or third-and-long situations, the Jets’ pass rush will have opportunities to take over the game.
2. Get the Packers Running Game Going
Green Bay cannot become one-dimensional against New York.
Establishing the Packers running game would take pressure off both Love and the offensive line. Consistent production on the ground can slow down New York’s pass rush while creating manageable third downs.
An effective rushing attack would also open up play-action opportunities for Love and potentially create explosive plays downfield.
3. Packers’ Front Four Must Generate Pressure
Defensively, Green Bay needs its front four to pressure the Jets quarterback without constantly sending extra defenders.
Generating pressure with four allows the Packers to keep seven defenders in coverage and makes it more difficult for New York to find favorable matchups.
If Green Bay’s defensive front can consistently win one-on-one matchups, hurried throws and turnover opportunities should follow.
Packers vs. Jets Week 2 Comes Down to the Trenches
The Packers don’t need a complicated formula in Week 2. Protect Jordan Love, establish the run and generate pressure with four.
If Green Bay accomplishes those three things, the Packers will give themselves an opportunity to control the game against the Jets and come away with an important Week 2 victory.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: PACKERS 24 JETS 20
As a reminder, the Bears still suck and you can buy our shirt here!