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The Green Bay Packers moved to 2-1 on the season this week with a big 30-28 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. After giving up a touchdown with just 37 seconds remaining in the game, it appeared that the 49ers would take the win. However, Aaron Rodgers had other plans and crafted a masterful drive to set up Mason Crosby for the game-winning 51-yard field goal.
After suffering a brutal 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, getting back-to-back wins is a big step for the Packers. But, it does not mean that they are out of the woods when it comes to some of their struggles.
Looking ahead to Week 4 action, the Packers will face a tough matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger and company are coming off of a rough 24-10 loss to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals and will be hungry to pick up a win. That will put the pressure on the Packers to come out strong and beat the Steelers early.
Matt LaFleur has to be happy with the way his offense has looked over the last two weeks. Rodgers has been playing like an MVP candidate once again and Aaron Jones is getting going as well. On the defensive side of the football, however, there are some major concerns.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three questions the Packers still must answer heading into their Week 4 matchup against the Steelers.
Packers questions:
3. Can The Pass Rush Improve?
First and foremost, the Packers need to get better production from their pass rush. Granted, they are having to play without superstar edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who is missing time due to injury. Despite not having Smith, Green Bay should be getting better production from Preston Smith and Rashan Gary off of the edge.
Through the first three games of the season, the Packers have produced a total of just three sacks. That number needs to get better.
Going up against a quarterback in Roethlisberger who has been struggling this season gives the Packers an opportunity. They need to make the most of that opportunity and put pressure in Big Ben's face. If they are unable to do that, the Steelers might just shred apart their secondary and make this a much more difficult game than it should be.
2. Will A.J. Dillon Live Up To The Hype?
Let's preface this question by stating that Aaron Jones is the obvious workhorse running back for this team. However, the Packers were expecting a big second season from running back A.J. Dillon. So far, they have not seen the production to live up to the hype from him.
In three games, Dillon has carried the ball 15 times for just 55 yards. He has yet to find the end zone this season. Dillon is going to be a key part of the team's game plan as the season progresses.
Last year against the Tennessee Titans late in the season, Dillon racked up 124 yards and two touchdowns on the ground on 21 carries. There is no question that he has the talent and potential to be a big playmaker for the Packers. In order to keep Jones fresh for the stretch run and playoffs, the Packers need to see Dillon get going in the near future.
1. Is The Offensive Line Capable Of Playing At A Championship Level?
Injuries have been part of the story for the Packers already this season. David Bakhtiari is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, but he has yet to play this year as he continues recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season. The Packers also lost star center Corey Linsley in free agency, replacing him with rookie center Josh Myers.
Green Bay has allowed five sacks in three games this season, but Rodgers has been hurried on a lot more plays. If the Packers truly want to make a Super Bowl run, they need their offensive line to step up and get healthy.
On Sunday against the Steelers, there is a chance the Packers will have to face elite pass-rusher T.J. Watt. Pittsburgh also has pass-rushing talent in Mevin Ingram III and even Cameron Heyward. The line needs to come through with a big game this week and they need to be a consistent protection for Rodgers for the rest of the season as well.
