Packers might have a massive offensive line problem after brutal Week 1 loss

2 weeks ago 14

The Green Bay Packers lost to the Minnesota Vikings in a blowout, 39-22. They had a real chance of winning the game, but they blew it, like they often did last year.

While the late-game closing struggles are a big concern, there is a different issue from Week 1 that could linger all year and derail the Packers' 2026 season.

As ESPN's Rob Demovsky highlighted, the major struggles of the offensive line are a massive issue. As good as Jordan Love and his receivers are, the poor line play is a deal-breaker for this team to have a chance at being good this season.

Packers have major OL problem after Week 1 loss

"Love, despite a 387-yard passing game, barely had a chance, especially down the stretch, thanks to a disastrous performance by his offensive line," Demovsky writes.

The Vikings with Brian Flores as their defensive coordinator are one of the craziest defenses in the NFL, especially when it comes to sending blitz packages.

In the first half, things weren't going too poorly, but are Flores and the Vikings adjusted, the Packers really struggled to move the ball in the second half.

It wasn't just due to the absence of starting guard Aaron Banks, as their normal starters were also struggling.

Late in the game, with the Packers still within striking distance of the Vikings, Love was sacked two times in a row, including a fumble that led to a Minnesota possession on the Packers' own one-yard line.

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That mistake all but sealed the Packers' fate in Week 1, and it was thanks in large part to the struggles of the offensive line to begin the season.

While there are plenty of other issues to fix looking into the future after this brutal Week 1 loss, the poor offensive line play could be what sinks this team in 2026.

Hopefully for the Packers and Love, the OL play can improve, and they're going to have a solid stretch to prove Week 1's struggles were a fluke.

The New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Dallas Cowboys are next on their schedule. If the OL continues to struggle during that stretch, a playoff run this season is not likely to happen.