A highly anticipated 2024 season will kick off for the Green Bay Packers on Friday night in Brazil. Matt LaFleur’s young and talented team has Super Bowl aspirations after creating an incredible late-season surge in 2023, but the arduous journey will begin in a foreign county against a tough intra-conference opponent. To run the gauntlet requires a first step, and the Eagles represent a terrific opening challenge.
Here are five big questions the Packers must answer on Friday night:
Can the Packers block the Eagles’ defensive front?
Packers coach Matt LaFleur called Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter a “freak show” on Tuesday, highlighting the challenge ahead for the offensive line. Carter is bordering on elite status, and the Eagles also feature Bryce Huff, Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith up front. They will come in waves. It’s tough to imagine a more difficult first test for the Packers offensive line. But the Eagles have question marks behind the front, so if the Packers win the line of scrimmage, Jordan Love’s passing game could take flight early. Right guard — where the Packers might rotate Sean Rhyan and first-round pick Jordan Morgan — is a spot to watch.
Can the Packers keep Jalen Hurts contained?
Back in 2022, Hurts sliced and diced the Packers with his legs, rushing for a career-high 157 yards in the 40-33 win. Jeff Hafley’s new defense is designed to have vision on the quarterback, which could help negate some of the wide open running lanes that often open up against traditional man coverages. The Packers front must rush with lane discipline to squeeze potential openings in the pocket, and the linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks must tackle well in the open field. At 6-1 and over 220 pounds, Hurts is strong and compact as a runner. Forcing him to play from the pocket and not missing tackles when he does escape are vital.
Can the Packers defend two great receivers?
The Packers have one great cornerback in Jaire Alexander, but A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith — who both went over 1,000 receiving yards last season — provide a unique challenge. Welcome back to the field, Eric Stokes! The 2021 first-round pick won’t get long to re-acclimate himself to the starting lineup. The Eagles also acquired former first-round pick Jahan Dotson, so the Packers cornerbacks will be in the spotlight on Friday night. Hafley’s defense needs primetime performances from Alexander and Stokes on the perimeter.
Can the Packers adjust fast vs. veteran defensive coordinator?
The Eagles changed defensive coordinator this offseason, picking veteran Vic Fangio to replace Sean Desai. Facing an uncommon opponent with a new coordinator (on both sides of the ball) in Week 1 is certainly a challenge. Both Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love said the Packers will probably need some time to figure out how the Eagles are trying to defend the offense in the opener. Can the Packers find the right in-game adjustments offensively? Fangio’s defense has been going out of style around the NFL recently, but he’s one of the most experienced coordinators in football. The Packers should expect a few early curveballs.
Can the Packers handle Saquon Barkley?
Joe Barry’s defense struggled against Barkley, the new Eagles running back, in back-to-back years. In 2022 in London, Barkley produced 106 total yards and two scores, including one receiving. Last year, Barkley created 101 total yards and two more touchdowns. The veteran running back is a tackle-breaker and a big-time threat in the passing game. Putting him next to Jalen Hurts and behind a terrific offensive line could make Barkley a dynamic, game-breaking weapon. The Eagles will put Hafley’s run defense to the test right away.