Casey Hayward has earned increased playing time. And Hayward will get that playing time with fellow defensive back Charles Woodson out for six weeks. The Packers’ youth in the secondary has impressed as a group. Hayward’s four interceptions are tied for best in the NFL.
Alex Green needs to find some vision inside the tackles. Though dangerous in space, Green has yet to show patience inside, limiting his effectiveness on short yardage downs. If he isn’t able to adjust his play, Green will be nothing more than a screen and draw threat in Green Bay; the Packers have perfectly capable running backs in James Starks and Cedric Benson.
The Packers are just fine at wide receiver without Greg Jennings. The trio made up of Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb has been more than serviceable through seven games. And while Jennings’ prolonged absence is helping the Packers’ bargaining power in his upcoming contract talks, it’s evident that Green Bay can get the job done without him – and Finley, and Driver.
Mike McCarthy knows when to gamble. McCarthy executed yet another successful special teams trick play on Sunday and is starting to establish a reputation for being a wise gambler. Though the move only led to three points this time around, his decisions are capable of producing game-changing momentum like that seen against the Bears in Week 2.