The 2017 version of the Green Bay Packers is starting out like the 2016 version. Win in week one and lose to a rival opening a new stadium in week two. In both cases the Packers were beat fairly soundly, even though last year’s game in Minnesota was a lot closer in score. I don’t think anybody is opening a new stadium next year so the Packers shouldn’t have to do that three years in a row.
The NFL knows how to schedule and the Packers are a victim of that. Like the New England Patriots, or Dallas Cowboys, the Packers are a huge draw both on TV and in stadium. Don’t think for a second that the NFL didn’t have in mind that Kansas City beat down of New England two years ago when scheduling them for the NFL’s first game this year.
Two years in a row the Packers were set up to lose by the NFL in week two. Not to mention having to go the road four years in row on opening day prior to this year. No matter what, the Packers don’t complain and battle back and win the division every year. This year should be no different.
The Packers suffered their usual injuries against Atlanta. Maybe not the same players but it seems like the early season Packers. NFL coaches haven’t yet figured out a way to avoid early season injuries even six years into the no-practice CBA. How can they when they can’t practice real football?
The Packers are going to do what they do again this year. Start out slow and come on at the end. The only thing that needs to change is they need to finally get back to the Super Bowl. A loss to Atlanta in an NFL showcase game in week two isn’t changing my opinion, the Packers will still steamroll the NFC.
I’m not going to sit here and point out the positives like how the defense for all intents and purposes held the Falcons to 20 points. Not going to say how good rookie cornerback Kevin King looked while getting a long look for the first time. The Packers are just fine. But if they lose to Cincinnati next week I might be singing a different tune.