The Green Bay Packers 2024 season is officially underway. With a 34-29 loss to the Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil the Packers head back to Green Bay 0-1 with the home opener 8 days away. Here are 4 quick-hitting week 1 gut reactions.
1. Sloppy Play
This game was on par with a week 1 performance from a team with minimal preseason game participation from it’s starters. There were too many mistakes in all 3 facets of the game. Too many illegal formation and illegal shift penalties, a couple critical mistakes on defense and some questionable decisions plus a missed FG on special teams. I expect this to be cleaned up in the weeks to come, just a tough way to get the ball rolling.
2. International Games Are Tough
International games have not been kind to the Green Bay Packers. The two international games the Packers have played in are eerily similar. Both games saw: a Packers half-time lead, Sloppy play, Saquon Barkley running all over the Packers defense and worst of all, the starting QBs suffering an injury on the final drive of the game.
3. Couldn’t Capitalize
The Philadelphia Eagles are too good of a team to not capitalize on early opportunities. The Packers had a chance to take an early 14-0 lead and completely change the course of the game. The defense forced back to back turnovers in the first quarter giving the offense the ball inside the red zone on each of them. The offense failed to get into the end zone on either possession and consequently led by only 6 points.
4. Jayden Reed is a Weapon
Overshadowed by the loss and the looming questions about a potential Jordan Love injury, was a stellar performance from WR Jayden Reed. Reed finished with 5 touches, 171 total yards and 2 TDs. He was responsible for the Packers’ three longest plays of the game, a 70-yard touchdown catch, a 33-yard touchdown run and a 33-yard reception at the end of the game to keep hopes alive. Get the ball in Jayden Reed’s hands and good things will happen.
On to Week 2
Despite the loss, it’s hard to think about anything else right now other than the status of QB Jordan Love. Everything is hinging on the diagnosis of his left leg. We will hopefully get more answers in the coming days if not hours, but until then, Cheeseheads everywhere are holding their breath. The Packers host Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts in 8 days at Lambeau Field.
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