The Green Bay Packers fell to 1-2 for the third consecutive season but this year the hole seems a little deeper. The Packers’ all-world quarterback is not playing at a high level and neither is last year’s rookie of the year running back. Not exactly a good combination to have in the middle of three straight division games.
On the bright side the Packers’ defense played a great game until they ran out of gas on the the Lions’ last drive. Prior to that they made stops, created turnovers and certainly played winning football in only giving up 10 points to the high-powered Lions’ offense. For the Packers to dig out of this 1-2 hole that will have to continue.
On offense the Packers’ no huddle offense has been an abject failure and has killed the Packers’ running game. The loss of tight end Jermichael Finley has left the middle of the field the forbidden zone limiting the area defenders have to cover. And the offensive line has not lived up to expectations even with the return of Bryan Bulaga to the lineup. Fixing all of that before the Bears’ game next Sunday is a tall order.
Which brings us back to Aaron Rodgers. What seems to be the problem? One thing is it was only his fifth game back after breaking his collarbone last year. Playing 30 snaps in the preseason was not sufficient preparation for playing full games when you have missed so much time. Head coach Mike McCarthy should have known better.
Rodgers needs to step up his game and do it quickly before the Packers stumble any deeper in the division. McCarthy needs to simplify things and get the offense in a rhythm by generating first downs instead of looking for the home run ball all the time, a la Ron Roenicke. Establish a few nice drives on offense and the defense could be really good.
I suspect the Packers will be better in Chicago. It’s always been a better matchup for the Packers. The Bears’ rebuilt defensive isn’t near the caliber of the Seahawks, Jets and Lions which might give Eddie Lacy some running room and open things up a little for Rodgers. Plus, the Packers always seem to play well in Chicago.
The Packers may have lost one they should have won, but they can get that back by beating the Saints or Eagles, or both. They will be underdogs in both of those contests for sure. These slow starts are getting frustrating, but as long as they keep ending in division titles I can live with it. But they are sure pressing their luck.