GREEN BAY – The challenge has grown larger, but the formula for victory hasn't changed.
Last week, the Packers – without their top three receivers – managed to knock off the previously unbeaten Cardinals on the road thanks to a game-controlling ground attack and a decisive edge in turnovers.
This week, with quarterback Jordan Love making his first NFL start in place of Aaron Rodgers, running the ball and taking it away remain the keys for Green Bay at two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City.
It's difficult to overstate just how effective the Packers' rushing attack has been lately. Opponents have held Green Bay under 130 rushing yards just once in the last five games. The Packers racked up 154 against a Bears defense normally stout against the run, and piled up 151 at Arizona with the receiving corps depleted.
Love will have no better best friend in his first start, in a loud Arrowhead Stadium no less, than the running game spearheaded by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
"We always prepare in the running back room to be the spark," Dillon said. "I talk about that a lot. It's what we say. We're always prepared for one of us to break loose, stay ahead of the chains and get the offense going."
Breaking loose was a good description against the Cardinals, as Jones and Dillon "did a really good job at fighting through first contact," as Dillon put it, gaining the extra yards that keep a defense on its heels.
A struggling K.C. defense comes into Sunday ranked 22nd in the league in rushing yards allowed (121.8) and 28th in per-carry average (4.6), so the numbers point to more success for the Packers.
The Chiefs can try gearing up more to stop the run with Love at the controls vs. Rodgers, but that shouldn't alter the Packers' commitment. If the Chiefs dare Love to beat them, he'll have to take advantage of what's there, but the Packers also will have to do what they can to ease the burden on a young, inexperienced QB.
"Anytime any team is running the ball well, that takes the pressure off any quarterback," Jones said. "So I think if we come out and do that, it will help him tremendously and he'll be able to settle in."
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November 06, 2021 at 09:32PM
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During another difficult week, path to victory remains same for Packers - Packers.com
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