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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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 10: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

3. Contain Alvin Kamara

Containing one of the most talented backs in the NFL is easier said than done. The emphasis on the word “containment” instead of stopping Kamara altogether is important here. The Packers defense must set realistic expectations as to what they can do against the talented back.

Again, the key here is for Green Bay’s defense to avoid getting torched by Kamara on long plays. That predominantly comes for him via the passing game. Special attention must be paid to Kamara whenever he runs a pattern out of the backfield or lines up in the slot.

Kamara’s slithery nature as a runner puts a ton of pressure on defenders who are asked to tackle him in space. Pursuit from secondary defenders will be key for Green Bay as they try to limit Kamara’s impact on this game.

Payton and his offensive coaching staff are going to scheme somewhere between 20 and 30 touches for Kamara on Sunday. Green Bay’s chances of winning the opener go up dramatically if they’re able to keep Kamara from doing anything spectacular.

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