5 NEW PACKERS WHO WILL DOMINATE IN THEIR GREEN BAY DEBUTS AGAINST THE EAGLES

The Green Bay Packers have landed in Brazil and are making final preparations for their Week 1 showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

While the Packers are banking on roster continuity to maintain their momentum from last season, they’re also counting on several new faces to make an immediate impact in their debuts. Let's check in on five Packers who are ready to dominate from the snap, starting against the Eagles.

Jordan Morgan

Among these newcomers, Jordan Morgan stands out. The Packers’ first-round pick is expected to play a significant role in their offensive line, particularly at right guard. Although the Packers have been tight-lipped about their exact plans for the position, it’s evident that Morgan is one of their top five offensive linemen.

Morgan, who played tackle throughout his college career, was initially slotted to compete on the outside during OTAs. However, with Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom solidifying the tackle spots, Morgan shifted inside to compete with Sean Rhyan at right guard.

He quickly earned first-team reps in training camp, displaying the athleticism and power that made him a first-round pick. Unfortunately, a minor injury set him back temporarily, but now that he’s fully healthy, he’s ready to make his presence felt.

Against a strong Eagles defense, Morgan’s ability to protect Jordan Love and open up lanes for the Packers' running game will be crucial. His debut in Week 1 should be a key moment for the team as they seek to take a step forward from last season. All signs point to Morgan making an immediate impact, showcasing the talent that made him the Packers’ first-round pick.

Javon Bullard and Evan Williams

It's hard enough for rookies to adjust to the NFL's pace, let alone make an immediate impact. The mental leap from college to the pros can be overwhelming—just mastering the playbook takes time, and when the speed of the game catches up, young players often struggle. But the Packers are betting that rookie safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are exceptions to the rule.

Bullard has already locked up a starting spot next to Xavier McKinney (we’ll get to him in a minute), and Green Bay is buzzing about his potential.

What makes Bullard such a tantalizing prospect is his versatility. He can line up all over the field—from deep safety to covering receivers in the slot. Against an Eagles team stacked with weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, Bullard’s ability to match up against different skill sets will be critical.

Evan Williams may not be a starter, but he’s going to see plenty of action. Green Bay's defense is expected to feature three-safety sets, allowing McKinney and Bullard to roam while Williams provides stability on the back end. Williams’ high football IQ and ability to diagnose plays quickly make him a perfect fit to help neutralize Philly's high-octane offense, led by Jalen Hurts.

Bullard and Williams are walking into a baptism by fire against a stacked Eagles offense, but the Packers are confident these two rookies are built for the challenge. Green Bay is counting on them to be ready from snap one.

Xavier McKinney

While rookies like Bullard and Williams are finding their footing at the next level, Xavier McKinney has already solidified himself as the steadying force in Green Bay's secondary. Leadership? Check. Playmaking? Double-check. That’s what the Packers signed up for when they inked McKinney to a four-year, $67 million contract this offseason, making him their prized free-agent acquisition.

McKinney isn't just filling a hole—he’s expected to elevate this defense. His role goes beyond just making tackles or picking off passes. He’s the quarterback of the defense, responsible for getting his teammates aligned correctly, calling out offensive shifts, and covering ground in Jeff Hafley’s new defensive scheme. At 25, McKinney is hitting his prime, and Green Bay is banking on that development continuing.

The Packers will need McKinney to hit the ground running in Week 1, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. They face a dynamic Philadelphia Eagles team loaded with weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jalen Hurts. It’s a massive test right out of the gate, and Green Bay’s fans—who’ve been promised a rejuvenated defense under Hafley—aren’t known for their patience if things start to go south early.

But McKinney isn’t just here to manage expectations; he’s here to exceed them. If he can channel his playmaking prowess from his time with the New York Giants and help get this Packers’ defense off to a fast start, it will justify every cent of his new contract. Expect him to enter the scene with a big splash.

Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs enters the 2024 season with the weight of Green Bay’s running game on his shoulders—literally and figuratively. The Packers made Jacobs one of their marquee offseason signings, luring him in to replace longtime fan favorite Aaron Jones, who was waived after the team couldn’t come to terms on a contract restructure. Jacobs has big shoes to fill, and the pressure on him has only intensified with recent injuries in the Packers’ backfield.

Initially, Green Bay envisioned Jacobs leading a dynamic running back room, sharing the load with bruising veteran AJ Dillon and promising rookie MarShawn Lloyd. But the football gods had other plans. Dillon is out for the year with a stinger, and Lloyd just returned to practice after battling a nagging hamstring injury. To add to the chaos, third-string back Emanuel Wilson is now dealing with a hip issue, putting the Packers' depth in peril.

That puts Jacobs in an unenviable position—he’s the man in the backfield, and there’s no safety net. In the past, head coach Matt LaFleur has favored a running back by committee approach, splitting carries to keep his stars fresh for the long grind of the NFL season. Jacobs won’t have that luxury in Week 1, especially with nine days off until Green Bay’s next game. Expect him to handle the bulk of the touches against a formidable Philadelphia Eagles front.

Philly may no longer have Fletcher Cox, but they’ve reloaded with high-profile draft picks Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. If Green Bay is going to win the battle at the line of scrimmage, Jacobs will need to find a way to power through one of the best interior defensive lines in the league. Week 1 will be a real test of his ability to step up in Aaron Jones’ absence and carry the load for the Packers.

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This article was originally published on dairylandexpress.com as 5 New Packers Who Will Dominate in Their Green Bay Debuts Against the Eagles.

2024-09-05T19:02:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd