The Green Bay Packers proved that they are their own worst enemy as they fell to the Lions on Sunday. From the start of the game, the Packers looked unprepared and uninterested to play in a divisional game on their home turf. We have made it through the half point of the season. As the Packers head into their bye week, there is a lot of soul searching to be done.
The Packers are 6-3 heading into the bye after losing their starting quarterback for nearly three games. Not only that, but Jordan Love has also not been one hundred percent healthy the entire season. Green Bay’s bye week could not come at a more opportune time for the players on this team to get healthy.
Last season, the Packers were 3-6 at this same point last year. However, the vibes amongst the fanbase seem to be even worse this season. With overachievement last season comes massive expectations this season. Even though the Packers still bolster the youngest roster in the league, there are higher expectations and rightfully so.
Now that the Packers are in a bye week, it is time to get this team on the right track. Clearly, there is much to improve upon. Here are three things the Packers must address when it comes to the mistakes they have made in the first half of the season.
Penalties, Penalties, and more Penalties: Packers must eliminate Errors
In week one, the Packers faced the Eagles in Brazil. Understandably, there were many penalties for both teams. That is to be expected as all teams have not played football for months. However, in week nine, the Packers are continuing to make egregious penalties. When penalties from week one are still being committed in week nine, there is an issue. The Packers committed ten penalties in both week one and week nine. This is inexcusable.
If Green Bay is going to compete for a Super Bowl, the penalties after the bye week will be slashed in half. There is key veterans and leaders on this team who are making the same mistakes as rookies. False starts at home when you should know the cadence and encroachment on defense gifting the Lions a first down are among the most glaring examples of undisciplined football.
It is not that the Packers cannot move the football. They ran up 411 yards on offense against a top five defense in the Lions. The defense held the Lions in check to only 261 total yards of offense and 17 points. Detroit’s offense is the most dynamic and high scoring offense in the league. The team is doing its job in some respects, but when you commit ten penalties and lose the turnover battle, you will probably lose the game.
The Drops: Receivers Continue to Drop Passes in Key Moments
Just when you think the Packers offense is clicking, a receiver drops the ball. It is one of the most frustrating self-inflicted wounds that keep showing up at the worst times. In the first half, Jordan Love has Chris Brooks wide open. Sure, Love can throw the ball a little better, but even then, these are plays you expect a receiver to make.
The Packers currently have the fourth-most drops (20) in the NFL this season. During the game on Sunday, I counted six drops. Some of these drops were at crucial points in the game. Any time the Packers had a chance to gain momentum, they would be stalled by penalties and drops.
While the drops are certainly a concern, so is Jordan Love’s ability to protect the football. It is fun to joke about Love being similar to Brett Favre. However, there are moments where Love has to protect the football better. Yes, you can live with some of Love’s turnovers since he makes awe-inspiring throws. My concern with Love’s turnovers is the timing of the turnovers.
Jordan Love has to have better situational awareness. Sometimes, it is better to live to see another down, than it is to turn the football over. If Love can get healthy, and eliminate at least one critical error per game, he will be putting the team in a better spot overall. This is ultimately Love’s responsibility and job as the starting quarterback.
Let the Rookies Play: The Talent is Undeniable
Last week, Edgerrin Cooper captured the attention of the entire league. Cooper was awarded NFC Defensive Player of the Week. For a rookie, this is an impressive feat and continues to show how strong this defensive draft class is. While Quay Walker came back this week from concussion protocol, he immediately got his starting job back. The Packers have a history of sticking with more veteran players over better players to the detriment of the team.
It is clear to everyone watching that Edgerrin Cooper is a better player overall. I appreciate the coaching staff’s transparency and standing up for the players. However, at some point, you need to let these rookies play more snap counts. Why? Because the rookies (Javon Bullard, Edgerrin Cooper, Evan Williams) are some of the most talented players currently on defense.
Sure, they make some mistakes, so do the veterans. It is time for the veterans to earn their keep. You don’t get to start just because you are more experienced when you are not playing good football. Out of the bye week, I would love to see the Packers address these three issues. This version of the Green Bay Packers is simply not a Super Bowl contender. However, there are far too many talented pieces on this roster to not make a run at the Super Bowl.
Cleaning up the penalties, fixing the drops and better ball control, and playing the best players, will have Green Bay in a spot to make a run over the second half of the season. There is a lot of season left, a lot to look back on and fix, and yet, so much positive potential to build on and work towards.
