The last time the Green Bay Packers faced Saquon Barkley, he carved up their defense with 70 rushing yards on 13 attempts and added 36 yards on three receptions. Despite leading early, Green Bay crumbled in the second half. The New York Giants outscored them 17-2 in the final 30 minutes, and the Packers lost 27-22 in London.
Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason. He will be the biggest threat the Packers must neutralize in Week 1 when they meet in São Paulo for the NFL’s first-ever game in South America.
When Barkley was with the Giants, Green Bay’s game plan to stop New York’s offense centered entirely on containing him. The Giants had no other threats on his level. Still, the Packers failed to contain him. However, the Packers face a tougher challenge because Philadelphia has surrounded him with more weapons.
In Philadelphia, Barkley has a better quarterback who will involve him in the passing game and relieve pressure in the running game. He will also play behind a top-three offensive line. With A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert demanding attention in the passing game, Green Bay will have to split its focus.
While Green Bay’s defense has improved its personnel compared to two seasons ago, the linebacker corps remains a significant concern. Quay Walker has yet to justify his first-round selection. Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper are rookies, and Cooper barely practiced during the offseason. Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie are primarily special teams contributors, but they are likely candidates to start on Friday.
However, Green Bay’s defensive line should alleviate some pressure on the linebackers, especially because the Eagles lost future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce to retirement. They will undoubtedly feel his absence. Still, regardless of who starts in São Paulo, every linebacker must deliver a career performance to stop Philadelphia’s offense.
Tackling will be critical for the Packers because Brown ranked among the top-five wide receivers in yards after the catch last season. Green Bay faced a running back with a similar playing style to Saquon Barkley last year in Bijan Robinson, and he recorded 84 yards after contact. Robinson achieved his best PFF offensive and rushing grades as a rookie in that game.
Pressuring Jalen Hurts is an effective way to disrupt Barkley’s game. Hurts struggled under pressure at the end of last year, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. He received his worst PFF passing and offensive grades of the season when under pressure. If Green Bay can apply enough pressure to make Hurts second-guess every detail, they can adapt their game plan and load the box against Barkley.
By loading the box, the Packers can implement one of Bill Belichick’s patented strategies. The former New England Patriots coach would assign the first-string corner to the second-string receiver while using the second-string corner and a safety to cover the No. 1 receiver.
Green Bay has the personnel to execute this approach effectively. Jaire Alexander is a premier corner, Eric Stokes is returning, and Xavier McKinney has been PFF’s top safety in coverage since entering the league. Together, they can focus on neutralizing A.J. Brown while controlling the run game.
Facing the Eagles early in the year is advantageous for the Packers because Green Bay is fully healthy and will have all their key players available for the game. This matchup features two teams expected to make a playoff push in 2024, and it serves as a fitting kickoff for the NFL’s first-ever appearance in South America.
