Green Bay Packers Preview 2021
In the past five seasons, the Pack has won the NFC North title three times. Our Green Bay Packers preview 2021 observes that they should do the same in 2021. But then what? The past two seasons, the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers have faulter in the postseason. That’s even though Green Bay was the team to beat as they made it to the NFC Championship game each of those past two seasons. In addition to having the underachievement monkey on their backs, there’s the whole Rodgers controversy, which has been a major distraction going into the 2021 season. It’s never a good thing when your starting quarterback, a future Hall of Famer, says he doesn’t want to play for you anymore.
Packers Offense
At this point, Rodgers is back as the Green Bay QB. He’s had the job 17 years. Last season, Rodgers (526 ATT, 372 COMP, 4,299 YDs, 48 TDs, 5 INTs) won the NFC MVP crown. However, there was no Super Bowl for him. No doubt, he’s one of the greats but will an unhappy and disgruntled Rodgers be able to lead the Packers? The good news upfront is Green Bay has a fine offensive line that should offer Rodgers the protection he needs while also opening rushing lanes. The Green Bay O-line is comprised of a deep group of veterans and premium draft picks.
The receiving group is first rate. Led by wideout Devante Adams (115 REC, 1,374 YDs, 12.0 AVG, 18 TDs), one of the best receivers in the NFL and a Pro Bowler last season for the fourth-straight year, the unit offers Rodgers numerous quality outlets. Tight end Robert Tonyan (52 REC, 586 YDs, 11.3 AVG, 11 TDs), who broke a franchise record for TDs by a tight end last season, was a pleasant surprise. He’s back, as is WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling who led the NFL with 20.9 yards per catch. In 2020, he recorded a half-dozen touchdown receptions. Rookie receiver Amari Rodgers (Clemson) arrives with a lot of potential. On the ground, the swift and elusive Aaron Jones (201 ATT, 1,104 YDs, 5.5 AVG, 9 TDs) re-signed with the Pack, ensuring the team will have a high level running back. Jones, the primary rusher, will team up with big, bruising ball carrier A.J. Dillon.
Green Bay Packers Preview – Defense
Our Green Bay Packers preview 2021 observes that on this side of the ball the further away you get from the frontline, the better this unit gets. With Kenny Clark upfront, the Packers D-line has one of the best nose tackles in the NFL. But after that, the quality drops off. In five years, end Dean Lowry has recorded just 10 sacks. At the other end, young Kingsley Keke has talent but needs to develop.
The outside linebacking group has more to offer, including Za’Darius Smith. Smith, on the outside, has posted 26 sacks in the past two seasons. He had a dozen in 2020. Also, in his second NFL season, former 12th overall draft pick Rashan Gary was second in sacks (5) and in quarterback hits (11). Last season, OLB Preston Smith’s game suffered, as he underperformed. Additionally, the inside LB group needs upgrading.
The secondary is the best unit on this side of the ball. Jaire Alexander, the glue in the backfield, is one of the top cornerbacks in the league. However, at the other corner, Kevin King has been burned by QBs. Rookie Eric Stokes will compete for his spot. Safety Adrian Amos Jr. is a premium defender. Last year in his third NFL season, safety Darnell Savage showed Pro Bowl potential as he snagged four picks in the final six games of the season.
Green Bay Packers Special Teams
Last season, the Packer special teams were ranked 29th. The highlight, placekicker Mason Crosby, was 20-of-20 last season in field goal attempts. Since 2019, he’s hit 42-of-44. However, punter J.K. Scott averaged just 37.0 YPP and long snapper Hunter Bradley was mediocre at best. Green Bay ranked 30th in punt returns and 31st in bringing back kicks. Last season’s coordinator, Shawn Mennenga was let go. Assistant Maurice Drayton takes over.
Green Bay Packers Preview 2021 – Final Word
In his first two seasons at the Packers’ helm, Matt LaFleur (28-8 Overall, 2-2 Postseason) has gotten the team to back-to-back NFC Championship Games. Plus, in the NFC North, the head coach is 11-1. Despite that success, LaFleur’s defining moment thus far as a coach came in last season’s NFC Championship Game against Tampa Bay. With 2 minutes and 9 seconds to go in the game and the score 31-23, the Pack was on the Bucs’ 8-yard line. Facing fourth down, instead of having Rodgers go for the tie, LaFleur elected to kick the field goal. The Packers never got the ball back. Our Green Bay Packers preview 2021 finds that getting to the NFC title contest won’t be enough this season. The Packers and LaFleur are in the need of a win.
NFC North Summary - Green Bay Packers 2021:
First Place – 14-3
NFC Division Winner
NFC Finals