[MattyIce]

via packerswire.usatoday.com

Week 1 Preview | September 12, 2021 | 4:25 ET FOX
	at
Green Bay Packers ( 0-0, 0-0 Away)		New Orleans Saints ( 0-0, 0-0 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 256.6 (9th) Passing Yards 234.9 (19th) 132.4 (8th) Rushing Yards 141.6 (6th) 31.8 (1st) Points Per Game 30.1 (5th) Defensive Stats Comparison 221.2 (7th) Passing Yards Allowed 217 (5th) 112.8 (13th) Rushing Yards Allowed 93.9 (4th) 23.1 (14th) Points Allowed 21.1 (6th) 18 (25th) Takeaways 26 (3rd) Injury Report LB De'Vondre Campbell (shoulder) Probable WR Chris Hogan (knee) Out RB Kylin Hill (ankle) Out

Keys to the Game

Packers

Stop the run
The Saints boasted the NFL's 6th best rushing attack in 2020 and I would anticipate Sean Payton will look to give the ball to Alvin Kamara early and often. Especially against a Packers defense that struggles to stop the run. Krys Barnes and newly acquired LB De'Vondre Campbell will be tasked with containing Kamara and this rushing attack. Campbell missed the entire preseason with a sprained AC joint but practiced all week and is probable for today's game.

Takeaways
Green Bay's defense struggled last year to take the ball away from opponents and new DC Joe Berry wants to see improvement in this area of his defense. A matchup against Jameis Winston could be a good opportunity as long as Green Bay can capitalize on their chances.

Protection
In order to keep the Packers offense on the field it will be up to the Green Bay offensive line to keep a clean pocket around Aaron Rodgers. Expect Bakhtiari and Jenkins to hold up the blind side. Lucas Patrick, Billy Turner and rookie C Josh Myers will need to provide assistance against Cam Jordan and a stout Saints defensive front.

Saints

Contain Davante Adams
When it comes to stopping Green Bays high powered offense, the first priority is taking away Davante Adams. New Orleans needs to force Aaron Rodgers off his favorite target and make him rely on less talented options. If Adams has a big day, it could spell trouble for the Saints.

Time of Possession
The best way to neutralize MVP Aaron Rodgers is to keep him on the sideline. Sean Payton needs to get his ground game going behind Alvin Kamara and keep his offense in favorable down and distance to move the chains and dominate time of possession.

Pressure Aaron Rodgers
When Aaron Rodgers is on the field, the Saints need to make him uncomfortable. New Orleans have shown they have the ability to get after the quarterback as well as anybody. They must also keep the Superdome crowd in the game and make life difficult for Aaron Rodgers.