My big concerns on Sunday...

I agree, pf.  It's hard to predict how the offense or defense will do when we haven't seen hardly any starters all preseason.  I'd expect early season struggles with having all new coaches and so many new players.  It'd be awesome to see this team "click" on all cylinders right away, but that just seems unrealistic to me.  A big win on Sunday would be so fun, but I'm not expecting it.

First play: flea flicker from Cook back to Cousins deep to Jefferson for the TD. 74 yards. Can opener to start the KOC era. 

I'm at peace with a possible 0-2 start and if we do better than that then I'll really be all in. I definitely think we can win one or both games, but even if we don't I will still be hopeful for a playoff season. It's a tough draw out of the gate before things lighten up a little.
We know GBs WRs are question marks but Rodgers is good enough to overcome that and hit some plays. Kirk will do the same on the other side, with more explosive playmakers. For sure the biggest concern for me is the Vikings' run defense. If they get Jones and Dillon running downhill and we can't stop them, it's going to be a long afternoon. Hopefully the defense is up to the task and we force them to throw. Then just gotta trust the new secondary.

It would go such a long ways if we're able to take the lead before halftime or in the third and force them to become more one-dimensional. With our offense I do think we'll be able to score, I just hope we can get some stops. SKOL

I think Viking's fans always clench up a bit when the Packers come into town: the win is extra sweet, but the loss is a pain in the ass because you run into Packer fans. 

My biggest concern is their defense. They really could have the best defense in the NFL this year. So it's kinda strength against strength. 

As I've said before, I think the newness of the schemes will be a wash. We'll make mistakes. But we've put nothing on film. We're bound to catch them off guard enough times for all that to break even. 

Our secondary could be a weak spot, but so are their receivers.

So that leaves the key to the game IMO: Their running game against our ability to stop the run. On the surface, they would appear to have the advantage. They have two really good backs. But their IOL isn't the best. Them vs. Phillips, Kendricks and Hicks will be a good one to watch. Where I think they could hurt us is running outside, directly at Hunter and Z, who will no doubt be focused mostly on getting to Rodgers. 

Hey, there's a reason this is game of the week. Should be an epic border battle.  

My concern would be Kirk - who said he wished he'd gotten some live game reps in preseason but got none along with the entire first team offense.  

My concern is that Phillips is the only nose tackle listed on the depth chart.  If he goes down, Tomlinson will probably move over and subs take over the DEs.  Which I think our defensive line will probably take a shit.

@"comet52" said: My concern would be Kirk - who said he wished he'd gotten some live game reps in preseason but got none along with the entire first team offense.  

Not sure that it would've helped much considering he wouldn't have been running anything from the new offense. 

I appreciate a lot that has been shared. In my mind, this game will come down to being able to stop or at least control the run and getting disruptive pressure on Rodgers. If (Big IF) we can do those two things, I believe the game is ours. 

I really believe stopping the run on defense  and converting 3rd downs on offense will determine the outcome Sunday.

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"comet52" said: My concern would be Kirk - who said he wished he'd gotten some live game reps in preseason but got none along with the entire first team offense.  

Not sure that it would've helped much considering he wouldn't have been running anything from the new offense. 

@"comet52" said: My concern would be Kirk - who said he wished he'd gotten some live game reps in preseason but got none along with the entire first team offense.  

I don't mind the theory of protecting key players from injury in the preseason. Some even think it is an advantage because other teams don't really know what you have or what you are going to do. Problem is, even our own coaching staff don't really know what they have. The way things started out last year isn't easily forgotten either. I appreciate the overall health of the team. I just hope it doesn't backfire on them.