GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – It’s been a bumpy first month for the Green Bay Packers, alternating wins with losses, taking a 2-2 record to play the Raiders, for the first time since the franchise moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020. But there’s something about the Silver and Black that brings out pretty good moments in the Pack, does Super Bowl II ring any bells? It’s the first Monday Night Football Game against the Raiders on the road since 2003, one of the most unforgettable games in Packers history as Brett Favre played a day after his father Irvin passed away and emotionally delivered a handful of touchdown passes in a 41-7 blowout. The last time these two teams played was four years ago at Lambeau Field when Aaron Rodgers accounted for six touchdowns, five through the air in yet another rout, 42-24. Green Bay has beaten the Raiders 8 straight times. Wonder if they might bring out the best yet from Jordan Love Monday night?
Outside of left tackle David Bahktiari, Love may have his full compliment of offensive mates for the first time this season. The defense is getting tired of answering questions about playing below expectations. They might be ready to put on the best show on the Vegas strip Monday night and give themselves a bump back up before the bye week arrives.
When the Packers have the ball.
Let’s see if they can move the chains just once on the opening possession. The Packers have become notoriously slow starters. Two touchdowns scored in the first halves of four games. Both came in the first two. The offense was shut out against New Orleans and managed only a field goal (thanks to a pick returned to the red zone) against Detroit. There’s been a myriad of reasons. Penalties, negative plays and poor execution while even working off a first 15 script. The Raiders thankfully, are much more generous early than late, giving up 70% of their points this season before intermission.
Hopefully snap counts are a thing of the past for Aaron Jones and Christian Watson. Jones needs touches early against a defense that is giving up 134.3 yards rushing per game.
The offensive line must account for Maxx Crosby. It’ll be primarily the job of the right side, Zach Tom and Jon Runyan, both not quite at 100%. Expect a tight end or running back to offer a helping chip or two on the edge. The Raider secondary is down nickel back Nate Hobbs and while they’ve allowed only 9.8 yards per catch on average, they’ve given up plenty of explosive plays so far, 8 touchdowns through the air allowed. Even though Love’s hit precious few shot plays in the first month, he’s still firing deep and if given time or the run game helps create play action, connections might finally occur.
When the Raiders have the ball.
Jimmy Garoppolo is out of the concussion protocol, Josh Jacobs can’t be held down forever but there’s still Davante Adams. The former Packer superstar is still in prime form, getting more than a third of all targets and leading the team with 33 receptions. Jaire Alexander said he circled the calendar for this game as soon as the schedule came out and this will easily be the most enjoyable matchup of the night to watch. The Raiders rank just 27th on offense, dead last in rushing at 65.3 yards per game. Jacobs is averaging only 2.7 yards on 62 carries with a long rush of 10 (eerily similar to A.J. Dillon’s numbers). Vegas has also been turnover prone, they’ve thrown 7 picks and lost three fumbles in four weeks. If the Packers can at last, control or neutralize the Raider ground game, pressure on Garoppolo should create takeaway opportunities. The Raiders haven’t scored more than 18 points yet, if Joe Barry’s unit holds them to that number, it should get the job done.
Don’t forget the legs.
Daniels vs Anders. Most NFL games are close. Will the veteran or rookie Carlson get the last swing? Might decide the outcome.
The bottom line.
Up until that season wrecking five game skid last year, LaFleur’s teams hadn’t lost back to back games in the regular season. After the embarrassment against the Lions at home and two weeks until their next chance, I think a bounce back is coming against a Las Vegas team that’s a little askew right now.
I like the Pack, 26-21.
