The Green Bay Packers had one of the most impressive Week 1 performances in the NFL. They went into Soldier Field to face off against their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears and came away with a 38-20 victory.
Going on the road and picking up a win against a divisional opponent is always an impressive feat. Given how inexperienced the Packers were as a whole makes it that much more impressive. Anyone who was doubting this team heading into the season is beginning to change their tune.
There were a lot of positives to take away from the performance for Green Bay, who had standout players on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, there were also some players who struggled in the season opener.
Which players opened the eyes of the coaching staff, looking to earn more playing time? Which struggled and needs a bounce back in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons? Here are three Packers players whose stocks are on the rise and three who are falling after Week 1.
Stock Up No. 3: WR Romeo Doubs
The Packers received some bad news during practice in preparation for the Bears when wide receiver Christian Watson suffered a hamstring injury. Romeo Doubs also started the week on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but was able to get in partial practices to close the week.
Despite not playing a full allotment of snaps, Doubs still made his presence felt. He was the second-highest-graded offensive player in the game with a 78.4 overall. When Jordan Love needed a play to be made, he went to Doubs.
The Nevada product caught two touchdowns, one of which was counted as a contested catch. He also had a key conversion on third down on the opening drive of the game, regularly coming up clutch for Green Bay.
Stock Down No. 3: RB AJ Dillon
The Packers’ ground game was never able to really get going against the Bears. While Aaron Jones was able to find success as a pass catcher and in his opportunities as a runner, AJ Dillon was stifled throughout the afternoon.
Dillon had a dropped target, as his struggles in the passing game continued. He was able to muster only 19 yards in 13 carries, which was certainly discouraging. The Bears did revamp their defensive front, but Dillon’s production makes it seem like they are the 86’ Bears reincarnated.
With Jones now dealing with a hamstring injury, the Packers need Dillon to step up his production. If not, expect Jonathan Taylor rumors to heat up again and UDFA Emanuel Wilson could get a crack at playing time.
