Defending the Belt: 5 Keys for the Green Bay Packers to Start 1-0

Just seven months ago, the Green Bay Packers hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after their 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.  A lot has changed in the world of football since then.  There has been a lockout, a wild free agency period, and a compressed offseason. 

Now, in just two days, the Packers begin their title defense with a prime time matchup against the New Orleans Saints.  The following are the five keys for the Packers to start their 2011 season with a  "W." 

1. Offensive Line Must Pass-Protect

In 2009 and early 2010, the offensive line had big issues in protecting Aaron Rodgers.  In those two years, the OL combined to give up 89 sacks, one of the worst totals in the league. 

General Manager Ted Thompson has spent his past two first-round picks on offensive linemen, which is a wise way to protect his biggest investment, Aaron Rodgers. 

The Saints are very blitz-happy under the reign of defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams.  The Packers must be able to recognize the blitz, pick it up with the OL and RBs, and give Rodgers enough time to get rid of the ball. 

If Rodgers is under constant pressure the entire game, plays will not have enough time to develop downfield and will limit him to check-downs and scrambles.  After two concussions last year, the last thing head coach Mike McCarthy wants is to see is the Super Bowl MVP tuck-and-run with the football too much. 

2. Put Pressure on Drew Brees

Just as the Packers need to keep Rodgers upright, their defense needs to keep Brees on the run all night. 

With the loss of Cullen Jenkins in free agency, the Packers pass rush takes a bit of a hit.  However, they still have Pro Bowler Clay Matthews in the mix along with B.J. Raji on the DL and Woodson coming off the corner.  Second-year pro Mike Neal is hoping to come back from his injury-plagued 2010 season (and 2011 preseason) and show the Packer faithful that he can fill the hole that Jenkins leaves behind. 

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has one of the best minds in football, but it will be put to the test with Drew Brees and his group of veteran receivers. 

The Packers seem to get too reliant on Clay Matthews to generate the pass rush at times that he seems to slow down a bit as the game goes on and can be eliminated with double-teams.  Other players in the front seven will need to get in Brees' face and allow the talented secondary to make some plays. 

3. Don't Be Afraid of the No-Huddle

In the preseason, the Packers most effective attack came while running the no-huddle offense.  While it is tough to run this offense full-time, it can be a very successful way to up the tempo of the game and can keep the defense on its toes (and on the field). 

The Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, should not be afraid to switch to this if the first two or three offensive series stall without points on the board.  Given the Saint potent attack, Green Bay definitely does not want to fall behind early and lose momentum. 

4. Holding on to the Ball

During their Super Bowl run, one of the Packers' few flaws were dropped passes.  In the wild card game, James Jones dropped a sure TD pass against the Eagles that would have given the Packers a 21-3 halftime lead.  In the Super Bowl, Jones and Jordy Nelson each had drops at key points that would have helped pad Green Bay's early surge. 

While not a dropped pass, Greg Jenning's early fumble in the Divisional game at Atlanta on a third-and-long conversion could have potentially deflated the team (fortunately for Packer fans, they went on for a blowout win from there). 

The Packers simply cannot give Drew Brees extra possessions, especially with a short field.  If the offensive line can hold up their end of the bargain and give Rodgers time to throw, the receivers need to do their part and hold on to the ball. 

5. Avoiding the Super Bowl Hangover

As coach Mike McCarthy has stressed this preseason, 2011 is a new year and the Packers must not look back and still be caught in the Super Bowl limelight.  As defending champs, they are sure to be getting everyone's best shot each week. 

Emotions will be high on Thursday night with a national audience looking on and the pageantry that goes along with the season opener.  Green Bay must focus on the task at hand and not peak before the game even kicks off. 

It's easy to forget that the Packers were on the brink of missing the playoffs altogether.  If not for the DeSean Jackson punt return for a TD in week 15 to cap a huge comeback against the New York Giants, the Packers week 16 and 17 wins against the Giants and Chicago Bears, respectively, could have been rendered a moot point.  Yes, injuries played a part in the Packers 10-6 record, but this team wasn't exactly a juggernaut until the playoff run.