So here we are, the Green Bay Packers are heading into Week 6 with a winning record.
However, I’m more than hesitant to feel overly confident heading into this week’s matchup against the Cardinals. Recently, we’ve unfortunately seen the ghosts of seasons past on full display. The good news is that the squad is finding ways to win. The bad news is they have lost to winning teams, and need to step up their game as the season progresses.
Slow Starts Will Break Hearts
While the end result was a win, the first half of that Rams games last week was a tough watch. This has been an unfortunate trend even going back to last season where we see the team playing from behind too often. I can appreciate that this team fights to the bitter end every game. However, come December and January, we are going to need to get out to a lead early and let the run game dicate the play.
Hopefully with the return of Romeo Doubs and Christain Watson this week we will see a return to some explosive and dynamic plays with consistency.
Offensive Line A Bit Sloppy
The Green Bay Packers Offensive Line needs to tighten up the screws. There’s been far too many penalties and sloppy fundamental mistakes this season.
I understand that we are still waiting to see a consistent play between 5 starters, but if Jordan isn’t allowed time to make his reads then it doesn’t matter how many weapons he has. Let alone, having to play from behind the sticks due to penalties. So far this season the O-Line as accrued 13 penalties for 100 yards.
A Case Of The Dropsies
While there’s no doubt that Jordan has been working to shake off the rust and get back into rhythm, the drops aren’t helping.
Dropped passes has been a recurring achilles heel going back to Rodgers in 2022, pun intendend. In the 2022 season Aaron tied for most passes dropped across the league. Through the first 8 weeks of the 2023 campaign Jordan had a little over an 8% drop rate, and currently in 2024 he has the highest in the NFL.
Again, hopefully with more starters entering back into the fold (not to mention getting beyond the Doubs drama) we will see a more cohesive unit against the Cardinals.
Green Bay Packers Defense Is Opportunitisic, Not Consistent
Man, it sure is fun to read about Xavier McKinney being considered as an early target for Defensive Player Of The Year. The Packers have been beasts with turnovers this season. In fact, according to TeamRankings.com, they currently sit atop the league in regard to takeaways per game.
However, down the stretch there needs to be more than opportunistic plays from the secondary keeping the green and gold in contention.
The Green Bay Packers Defense Doesn’t Seem To Be In Any Rush
Again all this past offseason, Packer Nation was feeling the hype behind what was to be a formidable, stout defense. While Jeff Hafley’s secondary has delivered on aggressive coverage, the defensive line has been inconsequential. I know that they stacked up 8 sacks against a stinky Titans squad, but the more consistent trend has been quarterbacks feeling little to no pressure.
Rashan Gary has been MIA this season and we are waiting to see him contribute. While I know some will say that he is doubled all the time. You can certainly see plays where he’s even going 1×1 against Tight Ends and being sorted.
Lukas Van Ness has also looked less impressive as the season has progressed, and in general there doesn’t seem to be much pressure generated on passing downs. This is forcing the secondary to stay in coverage much longer than they are capable of handling.
Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon have also not delivered on their starting opportunities so far this season. Hopefully with Jaire Alexander coming back there will be tighter coverage, but with all day to look, quarterbacks will continue to find seams.
Green Bay Packers Once Again Getting Run Over…Also 3rd and Long (sigh)
Once again I am watching teams impose their will on the Green Bay Packers via the running game. While they may rank 11th in yards allowed, they are allowing them in crucial conversion downs, and getting beat in the red zone. We need to see a serious step up from Quay Walker moving forward. The plus side is, Edgerrin Cooper is starting to look like that draft crush we were all dreaming about.
Also, 3rd and long. Pretty self explanatory. Packers need to find a way to hold teams on long 3rd down conversions.
I know, I know, we’ve all been waiting to see a run defense and 3rd and long stops.
No Reason To Panic
At the end of the day, the Packers DO have a winning record. That winning record was also achieved while missing Jordan Love for 2 games and a slew of injuries plaguing key positional players. Not to mention, some recent drama in the locker room courtesy of Romeo Doubs. I was hoping that with AR12’s exit that would be something in the rearview, but here we are again haha.
The good news is all the above issues are fixable. The roster is solid and the talent is there. While I am still waiting week by week for this team to find it’s identity and rhythm, I don’t feel any panic. As Jordan continues to play with this wide receiver room, not to mention a stud Tight End in Tucker Kraft who has blown up, the offense will find their way.
Hopefully Jeff Hafley will be able to dial in more pressure as he gets comfortable during the season. Again, this team was always going to need time to development due to youth and coaching changes. There just needs to be more consistent complimentary play through all phases of play.
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