5 players the Packers need to play well to beat Saints

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 28: Josh Myers #71 of the Green Bay Packers runs on the field prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

4. Josh Myers

The Packers let All-Pro center Corey Linsley walk in free agency and chose to replace him by drafting Myers in the second round of the 2020 Draft. Rodgers needs a clean pocket to play at a high level and that puts serious pressure on Myers to play well right away.

The good news for Myers is that New Orleans’ interior defensive line isn’t blessed with a ton of high-level players. Malcolm Roach is slated to be the starter at nose tackle and Myers should have enough talent to keep him at bay. It will be a big bonus for Green Bay if Myers can dominate the match-up and generate significant push for Aaron Jones in the run game.

That might be too much to expect from Myers in his first game as a professional. He’ll be under pressure to keep the offensive line’s assignments straight against New Orleans’ creative blitz schemes. Earning Rodgers’ trust on the mental side of the game may be Myers’ biggest challenge in the opener.

The big key for Myers will be to play fast and physical football even if he’s headed in the wrong direction. Doing that will help Green Bay win the battle at the line of scrimmage even if their tactics aren’t perfect.

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