The 2019 NFL season has finally arrived. Usually the
reigning Super Bowl champions kick things off by hosting the season opener. Since this is NFL’s one hundredth season,
they will literally kick things off with the oldest rivalry in the NFL. It’s
the Packers versus Bears, and this game will be played at the NFL’s oldest
(although modern) stadium, Soldier Field. For the Bears, it begins a season in
which they are out to prove they are not a one-hit-wonder and their division
title last year was no fluke. For the Packers, it is the start of a new era
under head coach Matt LaFleur. It will also be the first time we see Aaron
Rodgers in a new offense, or take a snap in 2019 for that matter.
How will Aaron Rodgers look? As stated above, this will be
Aaron’s first live game action in this offense. He sat out the preseason due to
back tightness, and the hot topic of many football talk shows has been just
that. Some are saying it wasn’t a good idea for him to sit out the entire
preseason, especially since this is a new offense. Still, he’s led the team
through training camp, has studied the scheme, and tested it against the
Packers defense. It’s not like he’s just been air dropped into the situation,
with just 48 hours to learn the plays.
Tonight signals a change in the Packers offense. Not just
because it is a new system, but because of what will be part of the focal point
on offense. Aaron Jones and Jamal Williams are essential for setting up the
play action, blocking, and keeping opposing defenses in check. These are two
very talented young running backs, and it is a matter of them both staying
healthy.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling won the third receiver job, Eq. St.
Brown goes on injured reserve, J’Mon Moore gets cut, Jake Kumerow is the fourth receiver, and the Packers kept not only Trevor Davis but Darrius Shepherd and Allen
Lazard as well.
The Packers rebuilt their linebacking unit this off season,
specifically the pass rushers. They signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith on
the same day and spent their top draft choice on Michigan’s Rashan Gary. MikePettine doesn’t want speed in his front seven. He wants strength and power. He
wants to rush the passer by overpowering the offensive line and collapsing the
pocket, not trying to run around them.
The Packers begin 2019 with two new starting safeties. They
poached Adrian Amos from the Bears in free agency and spent a first-round draft
choice on Darnell Savage from Maryland. If Savage and last year’s first-round
cornerback Jaire Alexander both pan out, the Packers will be torched vertically
no more.
Anything can happen in week number one. Teams that rise
above make adjustments mid game, and hold on to get that first win under their
belts. Still, few of us expect the Packers to win this game. Final score- 27-13
Bears.
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