Packers Seek Momentum Against Bengals After Bye Week

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers are aiming to bounce back as they face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday following their bye week, with key players stepping up for this crucial matchup at Lambeau Field.

The Packers’ rookie receivers, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, are still adjusting to their roles as returners. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia shared optimism about their future. “It’s going to always be a little bit of a work in progress if you’ve never done it,” he said on Thursday.

Second-year linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, after a strong rookie year, is determined to improve after struggling recently, particularly with tackling. Cooper has a missed-tackle rate of 23.3 percent, ranking among the worst in the league.

In the offensive line, left guard Aaron Banks, returning from injury, hopes to revitalize the Packers’ running game. “I would love to hit the ground running,” Banks said of his return against Cincinnati.

Tight end Tucker Kraft remains a vital asset for the Packers, leading the team in receptions and yards. With the Bengals struggling against tight ends, Kraft aims to capitalize on this weakness. “We have to start creating momentum,” he said.

On defense, pass rush leader Micah Parsons is eager for his chance against Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco, who has faced challenges with an underperforming offensive line. “It’s the constant hunt,” Parsons reflected on his approach to the game.

Despite having only one interception this season, safety Xavier McKinney anticipates that Flacco and star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will test his defensive unit. “I definitely think they’re going to test the waters,” he said.

Keisean Nixon, the team’s left cornerback, is poised for a challenge against the Bengals’ top receiver duo. Nixon is currently second in the NFL with seven passes defensed, contributing to a strong defensive effort this season.

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich praised quarterback Jordan Love for his strong performance early in the season, noting his impressive completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio. “You’ve seen some really great things from him,” Stenavich said.

As the Packers prepare, they face the task of keeping Ja’Marr Chase in check. “We have to gang-tackle the guy,” defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley said, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to limit Chase’s impact.

With players returning from injuries and a renewed focus on execution, the Packers are hungry to secure a win against the Bengals this Sunday.