5 players the Packers need to play well to beat Saints

The Packers head to Jacksonville to take on the Saints in Week 1. These five players need to stand out for Green Bay if they want to start out 1-0. 

Green Bay was originally scheduled to head to New Orleans to take on the Saints in Week 1, but the damage caused by Hurricane Ida has moved the game to Jacksonville instead. That effectively turns the road trip into a neutral sight game for Aaron Rodgers and his squad.

That doesn’t mean Green Bay can afford to take New Orleans lightly. Drew Brees’ retirement has turned the Saints into a bit of an unknown, but Sean Payton’s offense can still light up the scoreboard. That means the Packers’ offense needs to be on point if they want to emerge victorious.

Matt LaFleur’s defense will also need to be prepared to be tested by Payton’s playcalling. Jameis Winston should see most of the snaps at quarterback, but a package for Taysom Hill shouldn’t be ruled out. No matter what, the following five Packers need to play well if they want to start the campaign on the right note.

5. Darnell Savage

Winston may be interception-prone, but he’s also a dangerous offensive threat because of his sheer willingness to push the ball downfield. That will put significant pressure on Green Bay’s safeties to patrol the final third of the field with more depth than normal.

Savage might prefer to play closer to the line of scrimmage in most games, but he must avoid that temptation in this game. The Saints are going to try to isolate him in coverage and take advantage of his aggressive nature. Not giving up the big play will be crucial for Savage in Week 1.