Packers Must Neutralize Packers Linebackers

The Green Packers offensive line passed its first test of the season last week with flying colors.

They did a quality job of protecting the franchise Aaron Rodgers and were rewarded with a hard-fought 27-23 victory over the up-and-coming Jacksonville Jaguars.

But the O-Line will face a much harder test today when they play the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings defense is clearly superior to the Jaguars’ and they boast unquestionably one of the best linebacking corps in the league, led by Anthony Barr, an ascending star.

The latter group, which also includes savvy veteran Chad Greenway and talented 2005 second-round selection Kyle Kendricks, figures to pose all sorts of problems for Rodgers today as that unit is extremely active and swarms to the ball. Rest assured Rodgers won’t be able to step up in the pocket and roam around as freely today as he did last Sunday against the Jaguars.

If Rodgers isn’t adquately protected, and if the Packers receivers still struggle to get separation at the line of scrimmage, the Packers’ all-important passing game will struggle immensely. And that most assuredly will translate into another dogfight for the Packers.

Prediction: Packers: 27, Vikings 20