It wasn’t pretty, but, as they say a win is a win. Even with the devastating blow the Packers endured losing beast WR, Jordy Nelson, the Pack were a favorite going into the week 1 matchup against the Bears. The Packers emerged from Sunday’s appearance with a 31-23 win over the bungling Bears. Here are five things that we learned from the Packers in Week One.
1. James Jones is back with a vengeance
There is something to be said about playing with a chip on your shoulder. After being cut twice, once by the Raiders and once by the Giants, Jones signed a one-year deal with the Packers. Jones was drafted by the Packers in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL draft, it is no surprise that he would want to return where his career began. Judging from Sunday’s game, the Packers are the surefire winner in this deal. Jones caught four passes for 51 yards and two touchdowns, showing how locked in he is. The chemistry with Rodgers is palpable. Jones will be a defining catalyst for the Packers going forward.
2. Run D needs work
Safety Morgan Burnett and linebacker Sam Barrington are integral parts of the Packers defense. They were also missing pieces during the week one game against the Bears. Burnett is suffering from a calf injury and was not even an option to start on Sunday. Barrington is ailing from a right ankle injury, that unless he gets enough rest and allows it to completely heal is just going to reaggravate it and be out longer than he has to. Ha-Ha Clinton Dix had a rough day tackling. Letroy Guion and Dantone Jones are both suspended. Jones will be back nest game, Guion will be back week 4. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has some work to do after watching his current game play fail miserably. Bears Forte rushed 24 times for 144 yards with a touchdown. No doubt the Packers have adjustments to make. In fact, the Packers were last in the league in run defense until the Vikings took over the honor this past Sunday.
Update: Sam Barrington allegedly re-aggravated his ankle injury in the season opener. According to Alex Marvez of Foxsports.com, Packers feared that he may be done for the season. On Tuesday afternoon, fears came true when Packers placed Barrington on the IR. Devastating loss for Green Bay. Key Note: We may see Matthews on the inside even more. However, 2013 sixth-round draft Nate Palmer needs to step up.
3. Clay Matthews has not missed a beat
Matthews, one of the leagues premier pass rusher looks healthy. With a recent elbow issue and nagging knee problems, one has to worry about Matthews on the field presence. However, his performance in game 1 should temporarily silence critics. He performed outstanding on both sides of the ball. With less than 5 minutes to play, Matthews intercepted a pass meant for TE Martellus Bennett and all but solidified a Packers victory. He finished the game with 6 tackles. Never a dull moment when Matthews is on the field. Consequently, he attacks his opponent with the same fury he busts through the wall in his Fathead commercial.
4. Limitations on Cobb present
With the loss of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb has to step up as the team’s premiere asset. Suffering from a shoulder injury that is not yet fully healed, the Packers are treating Cobb with kid gloves and rightfully so. Cobb did not reaggravate the injury against the Bears on Sunday but, heading into a week 2 match with the Seahawks, the Packers better up the limitation. The Packers can not afford for Cobb’s injury to get worse and potentially end his season.
5. Aaron Rodgers
With the Packers moving up to number 1 in the power rankings after the week 1 win against the Bears, football fans can be reassured, Rodgers is completely healed after last season’s nagging calf injury that plagued him during the Packers playoff run. The Packer’s are a 3 1/2 point favorite heading into the week 2 matchup against the Seahawks, while Rodgers looks to solidify his title as the best QB in the game. Therefore, the most important thing this season is keeping Rodgers safe. A healthy Aaron Rodgers can bring the Packers to Superbowl 50.
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