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Cheese Curds, 9/22: Packers’ offense has historic start; Saints look uninspiring on MNF

The Packers’ offense is off to a tremendous statistical start, while the team’s next opponent — normally a very dangerous one — looked very beatable last night.

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New Orleans Saints v Las Vegas Raiders Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers’ offense has done something that only one other team in NFL history has done before. The first two games of 2020 have gotten off to a tremendous start, with Matt LaFleur’s playcalling being exceptional and Aaron Rodgers looking much more comfortable and in control of the game.

Although the offense is responsible for only 76 of the team’s 85 points so far (thanks, defense!), that’s still nothing to scoff at. Green Bay leads the league in a number of categories, from total yards and points to rushing yards and yards per attempt to drive stats like average time and yards per series.

Meanwhile, one team who has not been its usual stellar self is the New Orleans Saints. Although the team is scoring points — they rank sixth in the NFL with 58 — they are just 21st in yardage. Drew Brees looks thoroughly human, as his completion percentage is down almost ten points from his average the last three years and his yards per attempt has fallen right along with it. If Michael Thomas indeed has to sit out another week, this could be a chance for the Packers to get their pass rush going once again — if they can get an early lead.

We’ve got more on those topics and others in today’s curds.

To help Packers’ offense, there are two mantras to follow | Packers.com
“Know what you’re doing” and “always expect the ball” aren't official mottos for this team this year, but they might as well be. The Packers haven't always executed, particularly in the area of drops, but they're getting players open and have a tremendous start to show for it.

1,000 yards and two wins: Packers show off new and improved offense - ESPN
And yet, despite those drops, the Packers have done something only one other team in NFL history has done, matching the 1991 Buffalo Bills by hitting 85 points and 1,000 yards through two weeks.

Elgton Jenkins potential Pro Bowl regular | Packersnews.com (subscription)
Jenkins has been a flat-out star, and he should get his first Pro Bowl appearance this year barring an injury or unexpected dip in play. While the team has struggled to find consistency on the right side so far due to injuries, Jenkins filled in admirably there for a bit in week one and has locked down the left guard spot once again.

Rashan Gary finally delivers in Packers win, Davante Adams’ hamstring and more – The Athletic (subscription)
In a notebook from week two, there is also a nugget about Lucas Patrick, whose versatility has been a big help through two games.

Packers WR Davante Adams (hamstring) wanted to re-enter game vs. Lions | Packers Wire
This was good news from Matt LaFleur on Monday, as he said that he considered letting Adams rejoin the action on Sunday if the game got close, but ultimately held him out since the Packers held on to their three-score lead. That bodes well for Adams' availability on Sunday night when the Packers play the Saints.

Brees: Saints 'not even close' to where they need to be | NFL.com
After losing to the Raiders 34-24, here's hoping that the Saints don't find the place they need to be for at least one more week.

This beer company will pay you $50,000 to travel the country for half a year | CNN Travel
I know, I got excited too. Getting paid to explore nature and National Parks? Of course there's a catch, though -- the beer you have to promote is Michelob Ultra.