A few weeks ago, I said it wasn’t time to panic…yet. There are several reasons why Green Bay Packers fans may want to hold off abandoning the season.
In 2010, the Packers found themselves in a similar situation. They were 3-3 coming off back-to-back painful losses, and fans were ready to fire Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy. They were facing a ridiculous string of injuries, but were able to string off several wins in a row to get themselves back in playoff position.
The Packers have several things working for them. The NFC isn’t very good right now. One win propels them right back into the playoff picture, and the Vikings are also in a tailspin. Detroit is the hottest team in the division, and the Packers already hold the tiebreaker edge against the Lions. They should also be getting healthier in the coming weeks. Getting Clay Matthews and Damarious Randall back would certainly help the pass defense, which has been bad recently. The return of Jared Cook should continue to help the offense in its recovery from a rough beginning to the season.
They also have several things working against them. The Cornerback position has been woeful, and there doesn’t seem to be any help coming. The schedule is an issue as well, with three consecutive games on the road.
Mike McCarthy’s job may legitimately be in jeopardy for the first time in his tenure. His game management has been questionable, but the worst indictment is that it seems to be losing the locker room. The players motivation for the second half of the season will show their desire to play for this coaching staff. This Sunday against the Titans is a must win, and I believe it’s important for the Packers to win convincingly and for the offense to play well.
I have been the eternal optimist and supporter for both Thompson and McCarthy. If the Packers stumble against Tennessee, even I will have to admit the season is over. And you’ll get to look forward to an early look at the 2017 draft next week.
Andrew Mertig is a a lifelong Packers fan and draft enthusiast. He has covered the NFL draft for radio and television stations in Green Bay. He is currently a host of the Pack-A-Day podcast and a writer for PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewmertig
4 responses to “It’s Still Not Time to Panic”
Unless we get some key players back as we make a stretch run we’ll be watching the post season.Hopefully we can get a run game going and show some balance on offense.GO PACK GO!!!
Derrick Henry is out so that will help going into Tennessee.
The difference between 2010 and 2016 is the 2010 team was actually very talented.
This team lacks skill position talent… a direct reflection of poor early round drafting and lack of FA use by TT. This team no longer responds to MM leadership. Time for change, Make the Packers Great Again!