The Green Bay Packers are just over a week away from taking on the Chicago Bears to open up the 2019 NFL regular season. Matt LaFleur and company have taken the Packers into a new era of football and there is more excitement surrounding the team this year than there has been in quite some time.
Aaron Rodgers has gone through a tough offseason with the media coming down on him hard. From the beginning of the offseason being called a bad teammate and leader, to the media talking about Green Bay moving on from the superstar quarterback if he gets hurt again, it has been a roller coaster for him.
Brian Gutekunst and company made it clear this offseason that they wanted to get back into Super Bowl contention after missing the playoffs in each of the last two years. He went out and spent big money to sign Preston and Za'Darius Smith, Adrian Amos, and Billy Turner. Green Bay also brought in Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage to beef up their defense in the NFL Draft.
While the pieces are in place to make a run this season, the Packers are going to need a few of their players to come through in high-pressure situations. There are players who have to have big seasons for the Packers to contend.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at the three Packers players who are facing the most pressure in 2019.
3. Kevin King, Cornerback
First up on the list is cornerback Kevin King, who has been unable to stay healthy long-term since coming into the NFL. Standing in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, King has excellent size for a corner and was expected to be a huge part of the improving Green Bay defense. Unfortunately, in order to be a big part of anything, a player has to be on the field.
Last season with the Packers, King ended up recording 14 tackles, an interception, and two defended passes in six games. This year, he is not only facing pressure to step up and play a big role, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy as well. If he can't stay healthy and make an impact, Green Bay could very well look to move on from him next offseason.
2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Wide Receiver
Next up, the Packers need a big season from their second-year wide receiver. After losing Randall Cobb to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, the Packers chose not to bring in a veteran to replace him. Instead, the Packers are going to give MVS a chance to step in and be a starter.
Valdes-Scantling showed off flashes of brilliance last season with 38 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns. At 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds with massive speed, Rodgers is expected to target him often. If he can play up to his potential, Valdes-Scantling is going to have a big year and help make the Packers' offense deadly once again.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
Finally, the superstar quarterback himself can't be left off of this list. Rodgers has faced pressure all offseason long and all eyes will be on him right off the bat. He hasn't played in the preseason and is going into a new system with a new head coach.
Rodgers has a lot of critics, including former teammates. It's time for him to get back to playing at an MVP level and prove everyone wrong. The Packers have improved around Rodgers, but they will only go as far as he can take them.
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