Despite a 6-0 start to the season, there was an underlying feeling that something wasn’t quite right with the Pack. For both gamblers and fans, there is a growing concern about the welfare of the Green Bay Packers. The rushers weren’t picking up yards, the receivers were dropping passes and only QB Aaron Rodgers was playing anywhere near his all-pro form, though his numbers were still significantly off compared to last season. Even gamblers with offers for the best free bets should hesitate to use those free bets betting on the Packers.
As could have been predicted, the wheels finally came off in a week 8 game against the Denver Broncos where Denver’s vaunted defense completely shut down Rodgers, saddling him with the worst game of his career. He accounted for only 77 yards passing in an embarrassing 29-10 loss. He did rebound last week for 369 yards passing and 4 touchdown passes in the team’s second straight loss against the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately, he was responsible for all of the team’s offensive output and needed 48 passes to account for all those yards while the Packers were trying to play catch up against the still unbeaten Panthers.
Much of the team’s problems point right at RB Eddie Lacy and his inability to get on track this season. In all fairness, he has been saddled with some nagging injuries that have slowed him a bit. However, he also played with nagging injuries during his first two seasons with the Packers without missing a beat.
In those first two seasons, he averaged 1,600 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns per season. This year, he is on pace for 800 all-purpose yards and 4 touchdowns. It has gotten to the point where the Packers no longer feel they can count him as evidenced by the fact he is averaging less than 12 carries per game and splitting time with James Starks. In fact, it looks as if the best free bets might be best used as free bets played against the Packers as they look like they are headed in the wrong direction.
Lacy’s current injury status (groin injury from Carolina game) and his inability to contribute to the offense is having a rippling effect on the team. The Packers now look forced to bring back up RB Starks off the bench as a starter to try to generate some type of running game. Without one, defenses will look to put extra pressure on Aaron Rodgers who can ill-afford to start taking hits in the backfield. The Broncos certainly exposed the Packers offensive line for being barely adequate while Rodgers looked a complete mess looking for open receivers with linebackers and defensive linemen in his grill.
It might be in unfair to point the finger at Lacy, but he is the one who has seen his numbers drop like a bomb. The bigger concern might be for his future with the team. His growing list of injuries and questionable physical conditioning make him a candidate for a trade or relegation to the bench on a permanent basis. It also raises the question, “What are the Packers going to do about finding a reliable running back to help shoulder the load?”
For now, the Packers have to be feeling the heat. They initially looked like they might run away with the division yet again. However, the Minnesota Vikings have put together a nice season and currently sit in a tie with the Packers at the top of the NFC North. With a big game coming against those same Vikings in Minnesota on November 22, the Packers can’t afford another misstep this week against the struggling Detroit Lions.