National Football League

NFL Week 1: Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Green Bay Packers open the season on the road at EverBank Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both teams feature young talent across the board, with Jacksonville and Green Bay each carrying one of the league’s youngest teams based on average age.

The Packers have the more experienced guys at key positions such quarterback and wide receiver. The story of this game could include the veteran leadership of Aaron Rodgers against the young gunslinger, Blake Bortles.

Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect.

The offensive line

Green Bay Packers guard Lane Taylor. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams recently announced their final rosters.

One that came as a big surprise was the release of Josh Sitton, the left guard of the Green Bay Packers.

I initially was in a panic when hearing of the release of Sitton, followed by his signing with the Chicago Bears.  Lane Taylor will now get the start at left guard for the Packers.  Taylor started two games in the past  has come in relief several times. Taylor has the support of guys like Bryan Bulaga who has voiced his confidence in the fourth-year guard.

I have confidence in the coaching staff and General Manager Ted Thompson’s decision to move on from Sitton. However, I do have my concerns. I would expect the Jaguars to be sending pressure early and often in Lane Taylor’s direction. I’d like to see how the Packers balance out the carries and see if they can get in a rhythm on the ground.

The return of Jordy Nelson

August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) shakes hands with wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

Another storyline I would like to focus on is the return of Jordy Nelson. I would expect the Packers to take a cautious approach with Nelson as he gets more comfortable in full contact situations.

Third down conversions will be very important and I will be curious to see if Aaron Rodgers goes to Nelson like he so often did in previous seasons. All in all it will be good to see Jordy Nelson on the field. Packers Nation is excited to have him back in hopes he gives the offense that spark it often lacked in 2015.

The Jaguars’ offense

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) is out. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports photograph

On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars feature more young talent. The wide receiving duo of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns returns. Both second-year guys look to continue where they left off last season. Both topped 1,000 yards and quarterback Blake Bortles will be looking their way early and often as he has confidence in both.

The Packers will have their work cut out for them. The Jaguars also feature a decent rushing attack with free agent signing Chris Ivory and second-year guy T.J. Yeldon. The Packers will look to shut down the run and make the Jaguars one dimensional.

A hot time in Florida

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers. Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday is going to be a hot one. The temperature will peak in the mid 90s along with some thick southern humidity.

This game will be all about ball control and field position. The Packers will look to control the clock with a balanced attack. I expect a good dose of both Eddie Lacy and James Starks.  Aaron Rodgers will manage the game with efficiency.

The Packers will look to set up manageable third down and distance and take shots down the field when they get set up in the right look. It is important the Packers play with the lead. As long as they are coming away with points consistently and are able to punch a couple in the end zone the Packers should get the job done.

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers talks with the defense during warmups prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Defense will come in to stop the run.

If the Packers are able to do so, this will allow the Packers to dial up pressure and get to Bortles. It is important the Packers get in Bortles’ face all day long. If he is sitting back with time he will be able to find one of his dynamic playmakers.

The Packers  need to throw Bortles on the ground a couple of times. They should try and force him to get rid of the ball early.  The Packers should be able to run away with this one if they are able to fall on a fumble or pick of Bortles.

Packers win if they control the clock; they get to Blake Bortles; and they protect Aaron Rodgers.

Packers lose if they lose the turnover differential; they give up big plays on special teams; and they don’t stop the run

Prediction: Packers 26, Jaguars 20
Follow on Twitter – @Dirrttyjoe  where I will be posting in-game news, reactions, and analysis.
Also follow @lombardiave for more from all our writers.

I will also pop in on the Periscope App @lombardiave throughout the game to take questions and give my reaction to the action.

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