After two weeks on the road, the Green Bay Packers are ready to kick off their home opener versus the 2-0 New Orleans Saints. The Packers let victory slip away in Atlanta last week as the offense and defense both fell flat in the fourth quarter, and Matt LaFleur will be looking for a response from his team in week three.

Here are five key things to watch as the Packers look to vanquish the Saints and go to 2-1 on the season:

Can the defense bounce back?

It was far from a banner day for Green Bay’s defense last week as they were gashed on the ground by Atlanta and surrendered a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter; a jarring reality check after beating up on a dysfunctional Chicago offense in week one.

There was plenty of blame to go around for the poor showing, whether it be players not being put in a position to succeed by defensive coordinator Joe Barry, or simply not doing their job.

Facing an unspectacular Saints offense at home this week, the Packers will be looking for a rebound performance. New Orleans has just three offensive touchdowns through two weeks and is missing Alvin Kamara and old friend Jamaal Williams from the backfield.

That means the ground game – which will still be utilized as the Saints look to take advantage of what was a soft spot for the Packers last time out – will run through Kendre Miller, Tony Jones, and probably a generous sprinkling of Taysom Hill.

If they earn the right to rush the passer, the Packers will have the upper hand. Derek Carr, who has thrown an interception in each of the first two games, has been under duress behind an offensive line which so far ranks 26^th in pass block efficiency per PFF.

Regardless of whether Jaire Alexander, questionable for Sunday’s game with a back issue, suits up, Green Bay’s defense has an opportunity to show what they are made of this week.

Green Bay’s offensive line

More specifically, who’s playing?

The Packers offensive line always had the potential to go from a strength to a weakness in a hurry, and that transpired last week.

David Bakhtiari unexpectedly missed the game versus Atlanta after his troublesome knee swelled up, and his status is up in the air for Sunday’s game, with the All-Pro left tackle listed as questionable.

His neighbor at left guard, Elgton Jenkins, has already been ruled out for this week with an MRI sprain which could sideline him for a few weeks. What was possibly the strongest left side of an offensive line in football may now consist of Rasheed Walker and Royce Newman.

Sean Rhyan could challenge Newman for the left guard spot in Jenkins’ absence, but the 2022 third-round pick has yet to play a snap on offense in the NFL.

For as much as Rhyan improved in his second training camp, one would imagine LaFleur will prefer the experience of Newman this week as the offensive line will have its hands plenty full against a Saints front spearheaded by the great Cam Jordan.

New Orleans’ pass coverage

The Saints secondary, led by the excellent Marshon Lattimore, plays a physical brand of coverage, taking the fight to receivers and putting the pressure on the referees to make the call.

With a young receiving corps in Green Bay, fighting through contact and getting open could be a struggle this week. Having Christian Watson back in the fold, whose speed forces defenders to back off, would be a game-changer for the Packers.

A week ago, Romeo Doubs drew the coverage of Atlanta’s top corner, A.J. Terrell, and was held to just two catches for 30 yards. If Watson is out again and he is shadowed by Lattimore all afternoon, other receivers will have to step up.

Dontayvion Wicks has impressed early in his rookie season, scoring his first NFL touchdown in Atlanta, but Jayden Reed, who had two scores last week, may be the difference-maker if he gets matched up with the struggling Alontae Taylor in the slot.

A late injury to Paulson Adebo, leaving him questionable for Sunday's game, could help to tip the scales in Green Bay's favor.

Red zone battle

LaFleur’s offense has been ruthlessly efficient in the red zone so far, scoring five touchdowns from their six trips inside the 20-yard-line. No team in the league had a better conversion rate in the first two weeks of the season.

On the flipside, the Saints defense is one of the stingiest, allowing just one score from the six red zone possessions they have faced.

Likely to be in a lot of close games this year, the Packers’ ability to turn red zone trips into seven points instead of three will play a huge role in whether they win or lose each week. That will be no different on Sunday.

Love’s Lambeau Field bow

This Sunday will finally bring Jordan Love’s first regular season start at Lambeau Field after two efficient performances to start the season on the road.

When number 10 runs out of the tunnel on Sunday, it will really feel like a new era, and Love will be hoping to get off to a perfect start in front of the home crowd. He’ll have his work cut out for him, though, facing the toughest test so far in terms of an opposing defense.

The Saints have allowed just 32 points through the first two games, admittedly against two teams which aren’t expected to contend in Tennessee and Carolina. They coaxed three interceptions out of Ryan Tannehill in week one.

Love on the other hand is yet to turn the ball over this season, showing exceptional calmness and command of the offense. The absence of the suspended safety Marcus Maye will make his life easier, too.

Following in the footsteps of two quarterbacks who combined for 339 wins at home, all eyes will be on Love as he looks to create his own Lambeau legacy.