Prior to the Packers’ bye week in late October, it would have been difficult to envision any outcome other than a win if armed with the knowledge that Green Bay’s defense would allow only 18 points across four quarters. Much to the dismay of Packer Nation, this outcome was realized on Sunday as the Packers suffered an 18-16 loss to the 1-7 Lions – their first at home since 1991. The search for answers now begins at 1265 Lombardi, with Green Bay having temporarily surrendered first place in the NFC North to the Vikings, who they will face next.
Playing at Lambeau Field did not prove to be the panacea that the offense needed to reinvigorate itself. Despite being led by arguably the best quarterback in the game, the Packers offense continues to look anemic – a product of the receivers’ inability to get separation from defenders, poor run blocking and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, very average play out of Aaron Rodgers.
In addition to the deficient fundamentals have been mental errors, as evidenced by numerous dropped passes by the Packers’ wide receivers on Sunday. Davante Adams, in particular, continues to lack the chemistry with Rodgers that one would expect out of a second-year pro. The resulting lack of trust in veterans like Adams and Randall Cobb has forced Rodgers to turn to much less talented targets such as tight ends Richard Rodgers and Justin Perillo and receiver Jared Abbrederis.
Once regarded as one of the league’s most prolific offenses, the Packers suddenly look incapable of scoring points on most any team. To make matters worse, tackle David Bakhtiari and guard T.J. Lang were both injured during Sunday’s game, meaning that mediocre play on the offensive line could regress to dysfunctional in the coming weeks.
While it’s far too early to state that playoff hopes are on the line in Week 11’s meeting with Minnesota, the game is as close to a must-win as one can expect in November. Led by one of the most underrated defenses in the NFC, the Vikings will serve as the perfect test for a drowning Packers offense to redeem itself. Now in the midst of a crucial stretch of division games, Mike McCarthy and the Packers must find a way to get the job done.
Well written Mike. I agree with all of your points.
Hard to know if receivers are running wrong routes, or Rodgers is just off on that part of his game as well. But they need to start coming back for the ball instead of letting defenders undercut them, and catching it when it hits them in the hands.
I can’t imagine the Packers getting back on track offensively vs the Vikings’ D, and AP always gives GB fits. I expect the Vikings to win this one, hope I’m wrong. I’m looking for GB to get back on the winning track the following week vs da Bears – with a lot emotion and urgency from Favre’s jersey retirement ceremony. Go Pack go!