The Green Bay Packers are heading into an exciting season with a roster full of promise. Lukas Van Ness is looking to take the next step in his development after a slow start to his career.
Jordan Love will be the centerpiece of the team. Much of the Packers’ season will depend on how he performs. If Love plays well, the team is likely to succeed — but a rough season from him could derail Green Bay’s hopes.
“It’s Jordan Love time. Only one offensive player on the roster (two-time Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins), and three players in total, predate the quarterback’s time with the team. He’s on a top-of-market deal, so the onus is on him to start lifting his teammates rather than the other way around. The roster’s still solid, but competitions at left tackle and receiver will help set the course for how far the team can go, and Love’s work through any bumps at those spots will be key,” SI’s Albert Breer wrote.
The Packers open their preseason on Saturday, and head coach Matt LaFleur has made it clear: the starters will play. Around the NFL, there’s an ongoing debate about whether starters should see preseason action, and opinions are split. LaFleur explained that his decision was backed by data.
“Packers starters will play in the preseason. Matt LaFleur said NFL data suggests playing a certain amount of reps in the preseason helps prevent injury during the first 4-5 weeks of the actual season. Idea is trading a little risk now for potential protection during real games,” The Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse posted.
LaFleur has brought an analytical angle to this ongoing debate, opting for what he calls the scientific play. Now that he’s shed light on this data-driven approach, it will be interesting to see if other coaches around the league begin to reconsider their stance.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
While Green Bay’s starters might not play heavy snaps, it appears they’ll be involved in most of the preseason games.
