Jordy Nelson means more to the Green Bay receiving corps than we thought. Last week I praised the wide receivers for their production without Greg Jennings. Evidently, the group isn’t nearly as spectacular when you take away both Jennings and Nelson. In such a situation, it’s good to have Donald Driver on the roster, adding production where he can.
The Packers have become highly ineffective running the ball. When the interior O-line was able to provide holes, Alex Green struggled to find them. The most aggravating part for fans was Mike McCarthy’s persistence to keep running the ball. And while I see the value in a balanced attack on offense, two and a half yards per carry isn’t leading to points.
The injury situation is beginning to take its toll. The Packers’ ugly win over the Jaguars wasn’t just a product of McCarthy’s play-to-your-opponent tendency. Injuries to Charles Woodson and Sam Shields allowed Blaine Gabbert to look like a respectable passer. The Packers have had trouble stopping the run without Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith inside.
Mason Crosby is yet to establish some consistency. You never know what you’re going to get with Crosby, as evidenced by the ugly knuckleball kick that hit the right upright versus Jacksonville. Crosby didn’t even come close to the uprights in what would have been a game-tying field goal two weeks ago against the Colts. The Packers will need their six-year veteran kicker to improve as the season progresses.