5 keys for Packers to beat Saints this Sunday

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass during the NFC Championship game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 31-26. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Packers want to get off to a good start with a win over the Saints in Week 1. Here are five keys for Green Bay if they want to get the job done.

Green Bay fans are glad the Aaron Rodgers drama can finally take a backseat to regular-season action when the Packers take on New Orleans on Sunday afternoon. Diving into the tactics of the game will give the passionate fan base a much-needed break from obsessing over the status of their Hall of Fame quarterback.

Of course, Packers fans will only be able to enjoy that distraction if it’s accompanied by a win over the Saints. The game will be played in Jacksonville as a result of Hurricane Ida which should make it an easier trip for Green Bay to handle.

If the Packers want to win, they need to pay particularly close attention to the following five keys.

5. Prevent big plays

New Orleans’ offense thrived on efficiency under Drew Brees but it’s safe to assume it will take more chances with Jameis Winston at the helm. Winston has a history of being a turnover machine during his pro career, but he’s also torched opposing secondaries with more than his share of big plays.

The key for the Packers’ secondary is to keep things in front of them. Forcing Winston into precise, intermediate throws will always be a comfortable win. Letting him loft the ball over the top of the safeties to create big plays down the field is the easiest way for the Saints to gain the advantage in this game.

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