The Packers may be walking into Week 4 with a built-in edge at quarterback, but that doesn’t mean confidence is running high in Green Bay.
With Baker Mayfield injured, Tampa Bay is expected to turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels for his first career start. On paper, that’s the kind of break a team usually welcomes. But Freddie Boston, lead editor at Lombardi Ave, said the mood around the Packers is hardly booming after last week’s humiliating loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
“Confidence certainly isn't high among the fanbase. It probably should be, because the Buccaneers having to start an undrafted rookie gives the Packers an undeniable advantage. But Green Bay has played so poorly, especially in last week's humiliating loss to the Atlanta Falcons, that it's almost impossible to have any real confidence that this team can beat anybody.”
That unease makes the trenches even more important. Green Bay has already shuffled the deck up front, signing Kevin Zeitler, Mekhi Becton, and Laken Tomlinson in what Boston called an unheard-of stretch between games. The urgency is obvious: Jordan Love has already been sacked eight times in three games, and the Packers’ pass-block win rate sits at 16 percent, last in the NFL, according to ESPN.
“Your guess is as good as mine. It has been quite the week at 1265 Lombardi Ave - it's truly unheard of for the Packers to add three veterans at the same position between games.”
He added that the situation says plenty about how bad the line has been, and he pointed out that general manager Brian Gutekunst is trying to fix a problem that wasn’t addressed properly in the offseason. Even with the new arrivals, Boston doesn’t expect an instant turnaround. The Packers have already ruled out left guard Aaron Banks and right guard Jacob Monk for Week 4, while center/guard Jager Burton is questionable.
That sets up a potential opening for Tampa Bay’s defensive front, especially with the Buccaneers dealing with their own protection issues and needing every advantage they can get for Daniels. But Boston said Green Bay’s interior rush hasn’t exactly been terrifying so far.
Devonte Wyatt, usually the name to circle inside, has only produced two pressures and has not gotten home for a sack. Javon Hargrave has also been slowed by injuries and has started quietly, while nose tackle Jonathan Ford is the only interior lineman with a sack.
Lukas Van Ness has provided more juice on the edge, but Boston made it clear the Packers still need much more from the middle of the line.
The Buccaneers may also want to test Green Bay’s run defense early. Boston noted that the Packers held the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets to 2.9 yards per carry over the first two games, only to get ripped apart by the Atlanta Falcons for 242 rushing yards at 5.9 per attempt. It wasn’t just one back doing damage, either, as Brian Robinson averaged 5.0 yards per carry in that game.
“Maybe it was just a bad game, but the Buccaneers should test this run defense early and often. That'll be especially important to ease the pressure on Jalon Daniels.”
On the other side, Boston sees the quarterback situation as the clearest place Green Bay can attack. Daniels showed some promise in the preseason, and Packers fans have already been circulating clips and getting nervous, but Boston stressed how steep the jump is for an undrafted rookie making his first NFL start.
“It’s a big ask for an undrafted rookie in their first NFL start.”
If Love gets even modest protection, Boston believes the Packers will hold a major edge at quarterback. One offensive weapon he did highlight was Christian Watson, who has become one of the NFL’s most productive receivers this offseason. Since returning from a torn ACL in Week 8 last season, Watson has caught 52 passes for 895 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games, and Boston described him as a player who changes defenses just by being on the field.
Watson’s speed and size showed up immediately in Week 1, when he broke loose for an 81-yard touchdown.
“He's a difference-maker even when the ball isn't going his way. He offers a scary combination of size, speed, and athleticism that forces defensive coordinators to adjust.”
Still, Boston also pointed out that the matchup isn’t simple for Green Bay. Tampa Bay has already shown it can build a plan around a star receiver, holding Ja’Marr Chase to 12 yards in Week 1. And if the Packers’ offensive line keeps collapsing, Watson’s impact may not matter much.
“I don't know if it's being underrated because nobody really talks about special teams, but it's been a surprise strength for the Packers this season.”
That special teams unit has quietly emerged as a bright spot. New signing Skyy Moore has been a jolt for Green Bay, averaging 18.2 yards on punt returns and 27.8 yards on kick returns. He also has a 63-yard punt return.
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