Green Bay Packers: 3 Big takeaways from win in Week 1 vs Bears

Achilles heel: Offensive line

The Green Bay Packers offensive line did not help Rodgers and Kizer out tonight, especially in the first half.  The Chicago Bears front seven was all over the Packers quarterbacks in the first half. That ultimately lead to the Rodgers injury.

Roquan Smith, Akiem Hicks and Kahlil Mack destroyed the offensive line in the first half. If not for the quick passes by Rodgers in the second half — and if Mack had played more — it’s likely the Bears pass rush would have flourished in the second half as well.

One lineman that stands out is right guard Justin McCray. He just was not able to hold up any of his blocks. He also had an awful holding call early in the game that negated a huge catch and run for Ty Montgomery.

Once the offensive game plan changed in the second half, the offensive line seemed to improve overall. Rodgers was not sacked once in the final half en route to the comeback win. That doesn’t change the fact that the O-line needs to step up to protect the franchise.

Next week, the Packers face another tough front seven. In fact, they play the same team that broke Rodgers’ collarbone and the Packers playoff hopes last year, the Minnesota Vikings. Expect a major focus in practice this week on pass protection. It needs to be fixed or Rodgers will be on his back a lot this year.