Jordan Love and the Packers are heading into Week 1 with Minnesota ready to make life uncomfortable from the opening snap.
Green Bay’s offense already has enough moving parts to sort through, and the injury picture on the line only makes the job tougher. Starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and left guard Aaron Banks were both limited Wednesday because of knee injuries, according to the Packers’ first injury report. Neither has a game designation yet, with more clarity expected Friday.
For Freddie Boston, FanSided’s NFL lead editor and Lombardi Ave. expert, that sets up a difficult assignment for Love against a Brian Flores defense that thrives on confusion.
"Facing a Brian Flores defense is already a daunting enough task," Boston added. "Now, the Packers have two starters in jeopardy of missing Week 1."
The concern for Green Bay goes beyond just the injuries. Boston pointed to a protection setup that could leave Love working behind a line featuring fifth-round rookie Jager Burton at left guard, Jacob Monk, who has one career start, at right guard, and struggling second-rounder Anthony Belton at right tackle.
“That’s a frightening proposition against Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, and Jalen Redmond, especially with Flores creating chaos with a heavy dose of disguises and blitzes.”
That’s where Minnesota can tilt the game. Flores does not need to send the house to create pressure; he can crowd the line, force the Packers to sort out who is blocking whom, then still find a way to bring heat from somewhere else. With Harrison Smith back, the Vikings can also lean on his late rotations and Josh Metellus’ flexible role to keep Green Bay guessing.
Love has already seen enough of this defense to understand what’s coming. He described Minnesota’s looks as “ exotic ” and knows a single blown protection can turn into an immediate free run at the quarterback.
The Packers’ backfield adds another layer of uncertainty. MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson are both former third-round picks, but they enter the opener with a combined 34 career carries.
"It's also a big game for running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson, two former third-rounders who undoubtedly have potential but have a combined 34 career carries," Boston said. "Can they get anything going on the ground and play their part in pass protection? Time will tell."
That lack of experience matters because Flores will test them in protection just as aggressively as he tests the offensive line. If one of them misses a pickup, Dallas Turner’s bigger role could matter right away.
Love has the talent to survive pressure with quick decisions and explosive plays. But if Minnesota can’t make this protection plan crack inside a loud U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings may have passed up one of the best matchups Flores is likely to see all season.
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