The Packers return to Lambeau Monday and will face division foe the Detroit Lions. Here are the top five Green Bay worries that will keep fans up at night.
1. DEFENSE
Since their last Super Bowl win in 2010-11 the Packers defense could easily be summed up with one word – soft. By the numbers (BING it and you’ll agree), you’ll see the Packers D cost them four Conference Championships in 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2020. In each loss, the defense has been bad (and not the bad that is cool). This year the Pack’s new defensive coordinator Joe Barry promised to improve the D with his “new philosophy”. In week one, the Packers gave up 38 points to the Saints and new starting QB Jameis Winston who, let’s face it, is not a household name at QB. Barry needs to get the Pack D functional, organized, and get hats on the ball, or the Lions might put up 30.
2. RUNNING GAME
The Packers’ triumvirate of running backs Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, and rookie Kylie Hill ran for just 42 yards on 14 carries (Jones 1.8 YPC, Hill 2.8 YPC, and Dillon 4.8 YPC). The O-line failed to open holes and sustain blocks, and the Packers’ longest run was six yards (that’s not a typo…SIX!). Rookie Center Josh Meyers and 2nd year LT Elkton Jenkins (filling in for David Bakhtiari-PUP), and the rest of the O-line just didn’t fire off and hit as the Packers O-lines in recent years have been known to do. The running game is essential to the Packers’ offense, so they need to fix it or Pack fans might not get a wink of sleep in 2021.
3. SCHEME
Simply, everything coach LaFleur and the Packers tried versus the Saints didn’t click. On offense the run game was flat, and the passing game seemed frazzled by the Saints, who picked off 2 passes. Defensively the Packers were often out of position in the run game, allowing the Saints backs Kamala and Jones too many yards before contact. Packers’ CBs gave up easy 1st downs with soft coverage and allowed long downfield passes. Winston’s 5 TD passes are enough proof that Peyton out-schemed LaFleur in week 1.
4. PASSING GAME
Rodgers was 15/28 for just 133 yards Sunday and threw 2 picks vs. the Saints and their inexperienced corners. The O-line was so-so vs. the pass rush and allowed 3 hurries and 2 sacks. Green Bay’s WRs were rarely able to get separation and Davonte Adams’ five catches for 56 yards led the Packers. Not the juggernaut fans have come to expect.
5. RODGERS
The three-time MVP has struggled in the past but not this badly. Rodgers 36.8 QBR is a historic personal low and has some this week questioning his dedication to the club and the season (this despite Rodgers’ frequent comments to the contrary). Most Packers’ fans however have faith in Rodgers and expect his usual greatness to emerge quickly. Nonetheless, the Green Bay faithful will lose sleep this week remembering his effort against the Saints.
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