The Green Bay Packers are probably kicking themselves after falling into a tie against the Dallas Cowboys before their bye week.
Out of the bye, the Packers will return to Lambeau Field having not won a game in more than a calendar month.
The Bengals as a team are struggling right now as they’ve lost their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.
Green Bay’s defense should have a good opportunity to get back on track after giving up 40 points in their most recent showing, while the offense has a chance to take another step forward.
Ultimately, Green Bay needs to start winning again, and here are the keys to getting their third win of the year.
1. Find Ja’Marr
The cornerback room in Green Bay was a point of contention throughout the offseason, but the concerns had not come to a head during the team’s first three games.
The defensive backs played well as the Packers did not allow a touchdown through the first three quarters of their first three games.
Last week, that changed. Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs really struggled against George Pickens and Dallas’ powerful passing offense.
This week, they have another challenge.
Jake Browning may not be as good as Dak Prescott, but his group of receivers is better than what Dallas had going into their matchup.
Ja’Marr Chase is the best receiver in football or on the short list with Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson.
He has been quiet since Browning took over at quarterback, notably with a ho-hum performance in the team’s 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Usually, a game like that leads to a bit of an overcorrection from the coach and the quarterback.
Expect Chase to be involved early and often.
2. Back On Track
Green Bay’s pass rush had been lethal through the first three games of the season but was more of a one-man band against the Dallas Cowboys.
Micah Parsons had 10 pressures by himself and the only sack of the night.
Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness were quiet, while Devonte Wyatt left the game with a knee injury.
Cincinnati’s offensive line has been leaky throughout Burrow’s tenure in Green Bay, and the Packers should match up well here.
One thing is certain: They should be motivated coming off a poor showing.
With some of the extra resources that may need to be allocated to Cincinnati’s receivers, it’s imperative the Packers figure out a way to get home with just their front four, which is something they did really well through the first three games of the year.
3. Keep the Momentum
Green Bay may not have won the game against Dallas but perhaps took some steps toward figuring out how they’ll need to win as the season progresses.
Fair or not, this league is about quarterback play, and Green Bay’s quarterback was excellent in the tie against Dallas.
Love’s passer rating was more than 100, the third such game he’s had out of the team’s first four of the season.
He found Matthew Golden on a deep ball early in the game and a fourth down in overtime as well.
Romeo Doubs was a weapon in the red zone.
Ultimately, this Packers team is going to go as far as Love and the passing game are able to carry it.
Yes, they need more from their run game, and Josh Jacobs looked like he found some of his 2024 form in the team’s last game.
The reality, however, is Love needs to be great if the Packers are going to be super. He was great in the last game and has a great chance to continue that momentum against Cincinnati before two games against tough defenses in Arizona and Pittsburgh.
