After a rather disheartening 34-23 loss to the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday, the Green Bay Packers will return to Lambeau Field to take on the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. Green Bay struggled to contain a high powered and versatile Falcons offense last week, but they will have it much easier this week as facing a Bengals offense that has yet to even score a touchdown this year. The 1-1 Packers are in desperate need of a bounce back win; here are the three Packers keys to victory to accomplish just that.
Week Three Green Bay Packers Keys To Victory
1- Get Off To A Fast Start On Offense
When the Packers lose, it’s usually because they dig themselves big holes early. Last week, the Packers offense mustered just seven points by halftime and found themselves down by 17 heading into the break. By the time the Packers do get it going on offense, it’s often too little, too late. Such was the case in Atlanta, where the Packers managed to pull within 11 points late but fell short in the end.
The Packers could potentially be without both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb going into the game this Sunday, as both suffered minor injuries last week in Atlanta. This could spell trouble for the Packers as the Bengals have allowed an average of just 105 passing yards a game this year, best in the NFL so far. Even without Nelson or Cobb, Green Bay still features a variety of weapons for Aaron Rodgers to work with, and the advantage of playing at home always gives the offense a boost. Getting points on the board early and often will be critical for the Packers if they want to make quick work of the the reeling Bengals.
2- Contain A.J. Green
The Bengals might be woeful offensively, but they do have one weapon that could cause Green Bay some trouble, and that’s A.J. Green. Green has 141 yards receiving on 10 receptions in the young season, good for 13th in the NFL. He has yet to catch a touchdown. Even with those slightly underwhelming numbers, Green has established himself as one of the NFL’s best receivers over the course of his six years in the league.
With the way Julio Jones dominated the Packers last week, you can expect Green, a similarly built receiver, to put up some solid numbers against a shaky Packers pass defense. As long as the Packers are able to contain Green and don’t let him take over the game in the way Jones can and has done before against the Packers, they should be able to stifle the Bengals offense and cruise to a victory.
3- Stay Healthy
The Packers first injury report of this week listed a whopping 13 players; a concerning sign for the Packers as they have a long history of early season injuries hindering their success. Last week, the Packers were without their two starting tackles as well as their leading receiver and best defensive lineman, not to mention Cobb going down in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury.
Staying healthy will be important for the Packers not only if they want to win this game, but also if they want to continue to win games as the season goes on. Playing without half of your starting offensive line, two of your best receivers and one of your star defensive players as the Packers did last week is no path to victory.
Overall, this is a game the Packers should be able to win fairly easily, but they should still be wary of the Bengals and not take them very lightly, especially after getting thoroughly beaten by Atlanta last week. This game may not seem like much, but it’s essential the Packers win this game to get back on track and avoid falling to 1-2.
Main Image:
MANCHESTER, TN – JUNE 11: Amine performs during the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 11, 2017 in Manchester, Tennessee. (Photo by Josh Brasted/WireImage)
