|
Biggest Week 1 question: Can the Packers make a
smooth transition from a massive personnel change at
quarterback? Jordan Love has thrown only 83 passes in his NFL
career. It's one thing to look good in practice, but how will he
fare when the spotlight is squarely on him?
What's new: If you think electric vehicles are quiet, you should
check out the Packers' approach to free agency this offseason.
Barely a noise was made. The only substantive addition was
safety Jonathan Owens, who made 125 tackles in 17 starts with
the Houston Texans in 2022. Other signings included safety
Tarvarius Moore and long snapper Matt Orzech.
They're gone: For the first time since 2004, the Packers will
open the regular season without Aaron Rodgers on their roster.
It was messy breakup for Rodgers and the Packers, but ultimately
their long tenure of wild success will overshadow the ugly
ending. Rodgers moved on to the New York Jets, as did old pals
Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
On the money: Keep an eye on what the Packers decide to do with
veteran offensive lineman David Bakhtiari. He has been one of
Green Bay's best players over the years, but big questions lie
ahead as he enters the final two years of his contract. He will
count $21.2 million against the cap in 2023 and a humongous
$40.4 million against the cap in 2024, according to Spotrac.
Get to know: Green Bay used its first-round pick on edge rusher
Lukas Van Ness out of Iowa. Van Ness is from the Chicago area
and will try to make life for Bears quarterback Justin Fields in
his regular-season debut at Soldier Field, not to mention Jared
Goff in Detroit and Kirk Cousins in Minnesota.
Vegas says: BetMGM set the Packers' odds to win the NFC North at
+375, putting them ahead of the Bears but behind the Lions and
Vikings.
--Field Level Media
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
