I'll put my view on the slow starts... I think it is more about the approach to preseason and the readiness of the team. Rodgers was infamous towards the end of his tenure for not wanting to play any live games (or do anything voluntary, for that matter). Whether it was his attitude, MLF being cautious, or both, the rest of the starters never played preseason either. That changed a little early with Love, but then went back to just "head-to-head practices". With Love playing one game in the preseason... maybe the team is a bit more prepared?
Either way, I've spoken to other teams' fans, and they also have the opinion that the first three games of the season are more of a preseason in the regular season.