Opposing Viewpoint: 5 Questions (and Answers) About Packers

[Viktor]

Justin Jefferson wasn't a starter back in early September, as he played just 36 offensive snaps. Since then, he has vaulted himself into the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. How much is Jefferson on the Packers radar entering Week 8?


WH: He's in the center of Green Bay's radar. Based on how Jefferson has played these first two months, I don't think it's unreasonable to say Jefferson could be the best of one of the deepest receiver classes in recent memory. He has everything you look for in a No. 1 receiver – speed, intelligence, route-running precision and that innate ability to rip the top off a defense at a moment's notice. Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine has a decision to make with how the Packers will defend both Jefferson and Adam Thielen, who has given Green Bay problems in his own right. Jaire Alexander is having an All-Pro season, but Kevin King has missed two games now with a quad injury and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. Former second-round pick Josh Jackson played better in King's stead against the Texans but King still leaves big shoes to fill as a 6-3, 200-pound press-man corner if he can't go Sunday.


And speaking of dynamic wide receivers, Davante Adams looks as good as ever if you ask me. How much does he dictate defensive coverage, but opportunities for other players?


WH: Adams can do it all, and in my humble opinion, he's the best receiver the Packers have had since Sterling Sharpe. If teams want to double-team him, Adams still finds a way to gain separation. If they try him 1-on-1, Adams picks them apart like he did last week in Houston. He's a serious matchup problem for any secondary. After his big game against Minnesota in Week 1, Detroit placed a heavy emphasis on containing Adams. The result? Aaron Jones recorded a career-high 168 rushing yards. So Adams is a major chess piece for the Packers offense and Head Coach Matt LaFleur has proven to be a good counter-puncher depending on how teams want to defend his three-time Pro Bowl receiver.