Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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As Minnesota's first game of 2020 nears, the Vikings have been prepping for Aaron Rodgers, figuring out how to replace Danielle Hunter and working toward a fast start from their offense.
But what are some key storylines from the other side?
To find that out, Vikings.com chatted with Packers reporter
Wes Hodkiewicz for a glance at what Green Bay is thinking before Sunday's Border Battle.
Here is the season-opening edition of Opposing Viewpoint:
It was an unusual offseason for all NFL teams, but what one word would you use to describe the past six months for the Packers? And why?
WH: Flexible. [Head Coach] Matt LaFleur, [Offensive Coordinator] Nathaniel Hackett and [Defensive Coordinator] Mike Pettine had a very clear vision for what they wanted this offseason and made all ends meet. Hackett even brought in a friend, who is a teacher, to provide tips and pointers for the coaches to get the most out of their Zoom meetings with incoming rookies and new players. Once the team reported for training camp, players really hit the ground running. I expected organized chaos in those first few practices but frankly they were sharper than the first week of camp last year. The coaches were cognizant and mindful of what they were asking of players, and the Packers enter Week 1 in relatively good shape.
What was the biggest storyline that came out of training camp in Green Bay?
WH: The emergence of 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary has big implications for this defense. If Gary can carryover that momentum into the regular season, that would do wonders for a pass rush that already boasts Za'Darius and Preston Smith, and Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark. Gary returned for Year 2 in magnificent shape. At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, Gary is not only a good edge-setter against the run but he also possesses across-the-line versatility much like Za'Darius. Only 22 years old, Gary already possesses a great detail of strength. He's one to watch in the Packers defense this season.