One factor players believe has contributed to a more streamlined approach in the secondary has been the cornerbacks and safeties merging together under defensive pass-game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and secondary coach Jason Simmons.

That communication was evident in holding the Bears to 155 net passing yards (the seventh-lowest in Week 1) and will be critical in this Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

New Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said the seven-DB looks the Packers showed against the Bears are something he must stay aware of at all times, especially since Pettine showed he's willing to use that package in a variety of different situations.

For the Packers, it proved to be an effective way to get both Alexander and Jackson involved as slot cornerbacks in the defense Sunday. Both rookies showed promise throughout training camp, with each grabbing an interception in the preseason.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy mentioned there's still areas of growth ahead of both rookies, but was pleased with their debuts and the fact neither Alexander nor Jackson wanted to be taken off the field. In the end, both rookies have proven themselves worthy of early playing time.

"They've earned it. They've earned opportunity," McCarthy said. "We have a number of different defensive personnel groups that we were getting in and out of in the Chicago game and that's just really a product of what they've done since they've been here. ... We're playing to win. So whatever is the defensive personnel, special teams, all hands on deck. Those guys earned those opportunities. That's why they're in there."

Right now Green Bay is focused on its next challenge in the form of Cousins, who threw for at least 4,000 yards in each of his last three seasons in Washington, and receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

Coming off his first Pro Bowl season after catching 91 passes for 1,276 yards in 2017, Thielen fell right back into his groove last Sunday against San Francisco with six receptions for 102 yards.

"As far as the receiving corps goes, they have two primary targets and we have six, seven, eight DBs who can all go," Alexander said. "I think the potential is pretty high right now. We're all building chemistry. I think we have that chemistry right now. Now, we just have to figure out a celebration after we make a play. We gel together. That's good."

Alexander is serious about those plans, too. He was impressed with what the Packers' receiving corps came up with last year after the league relaxed its restrictions on end-zone celebrations and is working to brainstorm a possible secondary routine.

Brice doesn't see too drastic a change from 2017 to 2018 with the secondary, but acknowledges the rookie cornerbacks have infused talent and confidence in the room.

As the Packers look to reverse their fortunes from a year ago, they're going to be counting on those prospects to help steer them through the trials and tribulations of a 16-game schedule.