Disgusting. Embarrassing. Lack of effort and urgency. Frustrating. Those are some of the words I’ll use to describe the Packers performance on Sunday AT HOME against the New York Jets. This week’s takeaways are anything but positive. Buckle your seatbelt…
Takeaway Number One: New Week, No Offensive Improvement
Coming off a game where the offense was on fire in the first half against the Giants but then collapsed, it carried over against the Jets at Lambeau and it was a lot of the same issues. If you missed what I had to say after the Giants game, click here, and you’ll understand my frustration. The Packers offense against the Jets was… HORRENDOUS!!! It took a massive step back and was non-existent. Only scoring ten points at home is not good enough. The only bright spot was a touchdown pass to Allen Lazard in the third quarter.
The lack of commitment to running the football is what will kill the Packers in the long run. Yes, it does not help that the offensive line cannot block a fly right now but all that needs to be done is a simple lineup adjustment. Throwing the ball 41 times and only running the ball 19 times is UNACCEPTABLE!!! There is no answer to fixing the offense except to run the ball more. To add insult to injury, wide receiver Randall Cobb injured his ankle yesterday and will be out for a while. On top of that, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has no trust in the young receivers which is a recipe for disaster.
Takeaway Number Two: Defense Can’t Stop a Nosebleed Let Alone the Run
The Jets ran all over the Packers defense yesterday and that’s all that needs to be said. The Packers gave up 179 yards on the ground. What more does defensive coordinator Joe Barry need to see in order to improve the scheme to stop the run? On the bright side, the Packers have the number one ranked pass defense (for now). The defense looks so lost when trying to stop a team’s running game but more than anything, they cannot tackle and that comes down to effort and coaching. If the Jets run for nearly 200 yards, who can the Packers defense stop?
Takeaway Number Three: Special Teams Took a Small Step Back
Although the Packers special teams still ranks in the top half of the league, they took a small step back yesterday. They had a field goal attempt blocked which can happen from time to time. But more disturbingly, they gave up a blocked punt for a touchdown and it sucked the air out of Lambeau Field. It was shades of the playoff game against the 49ers all over again. I am not that worried about special teams right now, but yesterday was a poor performance given how good they had been the first five weeks of the season. In addition, the kick coverage needs to improve. They are bound to give up a kickoff or punt return for a touchdown one of these next few games which is a nightmare.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, based on the way the first six weeks have gone, the Packers are nowhere near a Super Bowl contender and have A LOT of work to do to turn things around. They might not even be a playoff team come December. It starts on offense. If Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur cannot get on the same page and decide to RUN THE BALL CONSISTENTLY instead of throwing it 40 times a game, the season is a lost cause. Defensively, they have a ton of talent that has not lived up to expectations and need to get it together. In fairness to them, they have been on the field way too often trying to pick up the offense’s slack. Hopefully that changes soon. If not, there are many dark days ahead in the place called Titletown…
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