It can’t get much worse than last week for the Green Bay Packers but we have bold predictions for how Aaron Rodgers and Co. will bounce back in Week 2.
Could the Green Bay Packers ask for a better chance to right the ship after a disastrous Week 1 performance than getting to play at Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions in Week 2?
It’s hard to find just about anything that went right for the Packers in a blowout loss to the Saints in their season-opener. Aaron Rodgers looked like a shell of the MVP-winner from last season in his two-interception performance, the defense was gashed by Alvin Kamara and Jameis Winston and the 38-3 final score is as bad as it looks. Elgton Jenkins filling in at left tackle was one of the only bright spots.
But now the Packers get to face the Lions, a team many project as one of the worst in the NFL for the 2021 season. This is a game that Green Bay not only needs to win, but needs to make a statement in if they’re going to be taken seriously as an NFC contender. Can they answer the call in front of the home fans?
We have five bold predictions for the Green Bay Packers in this crucial early-season matchup.
5. Rashan Gary shows up big with multiple sacks
After playing limited snaps in Week 1, the Packers made the wise decision to put veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith on IR with a lingering back injury. That’s going to put Rashan Gary into a full-time role on the edge opposite Preston Smith. And the former first-round pick could feast with that opportunity.
Gary has clearly developed as a pass rusher throughout his two years in the league to this point and has flashed his immense potential more often than not in his most recent outings. He’s been primed to break out given the right opportunity and this game is the start of that exact moment.
Either matched up against a rookie in Penei Sewell or backup tackle Will Holden, Gary will physically overwhelm the Lions offensive line and get home to Jared Goff on multiple occasions in primetime.