No Aaron Rodgers? KC Chiefs could see ground-and-pound approach from Packers on Sunday
The Packers lost their opening game to the Saints, 38-3.
That game was played in Jacksonville, Fla., after Hurricane Ida slammed New Orleans, and quarterback Jameis Winston had a field day — five touchdown passes — in his Saints debut. Green Bay hadn’t played its starters at all during the preseason, and it showed in their season opener.
But nobody in the NFL has been better since.
The Packers bring a 7-1 record into Kansas City on Sunday. Their 3 1/2-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North is comfortable. In their most recent game, the Packers knocked off the league’s last unbeaten team, the Cardinals.
Then came Wednesday’s news that reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers had tested positive for COVID. Cue the record-scratching sound. Little-used second-year QB Jordan Love will make his first NFL start in KC — and, with third-stringer Kurt Benkert also on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Packers signed Blake Bortles as a backup.
“Nobody is going to feel sorry for us,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “We all have to prepare to the best of our ability to go down there and get a win, and that’s the mindset. They’re not going to postpone or cancel the game.”
Here’s how the Chiefs and Packers could attack one another Sunday afternoon.
When the Chiefs pass
Seven straight games with an interception and a league-leading total of 10 this season for Patrick Mahomes? It’s almost incomprehensible.
Mahomes maintains the highest passer rating (106.4) in NFL history, but the Packers have been tough on opposing signal-callers. They rank sixth in passing defense. Their nine interceptions rank seventh and they’re 10th in sacks. Perhaps this is the week the Chiefs get former star wideout Josh Gordon more involved in the passing game.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs run
Even with Clyde Edwards-Helaire still sidelined by an MCL knee injury, the Chiefs seem to be developing a better run game. That’s partly because defenses have been taking away the deep ball, but Darrel Williams deserves credit here, too. He was solid last week with 49 rushing yards and 61 yards’ worth of receptions.
And how about Derrick Gore? Playing in his third NFL game, he ran for 48 Monday. On one series, he accounted for 41 and a touchdown. There may be opportunity here, as the Packers rank 17th against the run and have surrendered eight rushing TDs.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Packers pass
Love was drafted in the first round out of Utah State in 2020. He didn’t play as a rookie but saw some snaps against the Saints when that season opener got out of hand. He also shouldered the majority of the Packers’ preseason duty.
Bottom line, he has 18 regular-season snaps, with just seven passes attempted, in his young NFL career.
Green Bay’s top receiver, Davante Adams, didn’t play at Arizona and missed time in the past week because of COVID protocols, but he is expected to play against the Chiefs. And Randall Cobb has a team-high four touchdown receptions.
Still ...
Edge: Chiefs
When the Packers run
Since the start of the 2019 season, only Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook have more rushing touchdowns than Aaron Jones. He leads the Packers with 463 yards. Bruiser A.J. Dillon has added 309. He had 78 at Arizona, including 59 in the first half.
The Chiefs have been better in this phase lately, allowing 103 rushing yards or fewer over the past three games. But with Rodgers out, look for the Packers to shorten the field and attempt to dominate on the ground.
Edge: Packers