Copyright yardbarker
The lack of run game puts more pressure on quarterback Jordan Love. Love averaged just 4.67 yards per passing play. Love was sacked five times Sunday and had little time to operate. While execution is obviously important, the Packer’s offense was stale Sunday. The gameplan from LaFleur was not up to par. “I knew that D-line was pretty good. Probably underestimated them to some level, the other guys.” Yes, the fact that RT Zach Tom played one snap before being taken out for the rest of the game did not help. The injury bug has seemed to have landed in Green Bay. Zach Tom has already been ruled unlikely to play Sunday. Furthermore, G Aaron Banks and T Anthony Belton have yet to participate in practice this week. The offensive line could be spread thin once again Sunday. If this is the case, Matt LaFleur must scheme appropriately. Additionally, scheming your offense around arguably your best offensive weapon would be ideal. Packers TE Tucker Kraft had just three receptions for 29 yards Sunday. While his status heading into Cleveland was up in the air, he did play, and he deserved more targets and involvement in the offense. The Packer’s defense has been outstanding for the most part so far this season. Rashan Gary leads the league in sacks. Lukas Van Ness has been playing the best football of his career. Micah Parsons, well he’s Micah Parsons and is doing Micah Parsons things. The passing defense has done well overall. The only issue, that was evident late in the game against Cleveland, was the run defense. Browns running back Quinshon Judkins rushed 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown. The Browns were averaging 5.1 yards per carry on the day. I do feel this relates back to the Packer’s offense. The inability for them to stay on the field and give the defense a break likely contributed to the defensive struggles Sunday. Tight end Tucker Kraft had this to say about the defense, “We have THE best defense in the NFL. We have to help ‘em out.” The struggles can certainly end Sunday if the offense is able to help the defense out and avoid putting them out there for extended periods of time. Special Teams Another season, more ridiculous mistakes by the Packer’s special teams unit. The Packers were a Brandon McManus kick away from likely walking away with a win in Cleveland. What should have been a routine 43-yarder was blocked by Cleveland. This ultimately led to Cleveland hitting a 55-yard game winner. The unit did well week one against Detroit and then mildly struggled against Washington week two. The blocked field goal came from Shelby Harris, a player with six total blocks in his career. Harris beat Jordan Morgan on the block. Did the offense underperform all game? Yes. Should the team be able to rely on the special team’s unit to get the job done when called upon? Also, yes. The Bottom Line All three phases of this team have to improve heading into Sunday. A humbling loss will, hopefully, ignite this team back into the dominant play we witnessed the first two games. Is this Green Bay team actually a contender? Will they respond in a convincing fashion after an embarrassing loss last week? In order to continue to prove their seriousness and remain a threat, this team must RESPOND. Would an undefeated season have been impressive? Absolutely, but that is difficult to do in the NFL. The Packers are severely injured up front heading into Dallas. Grabbing a win, whether it be convincing or ugly, is a must heading into the bye week. So, as long as the Packers execute better, that means not committing 14 penalties as they did in Cleveland, and the game plan is designed to accommodate the losses on the offensive line, the Packers should be able to get the job done. I think Green Bay bounces back after the ugly loss the Browns and Micah Parson’s has a day for his homecoming. Packers 27 – Cowboys 17.
