The Green Bay Packers head into Sunday’s contest sporting a 6-3 record. Somehow though, my confidence is still wavering. I know, I don’t mean to be Debbie Downer.
I SHOULD just be grateful that they have a winning record.
Meanwhile, part of me can’t help but feel like I am rooting week in and week out for a paper tiger. Sloppy fundamentals and penalties have led to losses against actual contenders this season. I, like many in Packer Nation, am hoping to see the same second half rally we saw last year.
Green Bay Packers Have Laundry For Days
First and foremost, penalties need to be cleaned up in a big way. Take a listen to HC Matt LaFleur’s comments on their struggles with pre-snap penalties below.
The Packers have accrued 69 penalties so far in 2024, totaling 595 yards.
Suffice it to say, this is a glaring issue. In the end, it all boils down to the Packers needing to focus on putting the mental back in their fundamentals. Check out the link below for a full break down on where those penalties are coming from courtesy of nflpenalties.com.
Green Bay Packers 2024 Penalties
Green Bay Packers Special Teams Shakeups
So, let’s talk about Kickers.
Another position in Green Bay where fans have been spoiled with greatness over the last few decades.
I think it’s lost on a lot of folks that we saw Chris Jackie > Ryan Longwell > Mason Crosby.
No, I’m not forgetting Dave Rayner. I actually saw him kick a game winner at Lambeau against the Vikings once up on a time.
However, Packers fans have enjoyed nearly 30 years of elite kicking from only 3 Kickers.
Sound familiar?
The last 2 seasons of searching has culminated in signing Brandon McManus. Who, no big deal, came in and kicked back to back game winners. Gone are the days of us squeezing our cheeks together and holding our breath while Carlson and Narveson make their way onto the field.
In the end, I do believe that going into the second half of the season the special teams woes will be cleaned up. I’ve not seen any issues recently with the long snapping, and things seem to have fallen in line. However, it was still worth mentioning as a lot of points have been left on the field this season.
Check out my article from a couple weeks back taking a closer look at Brandon McManus.
Brandon McManus: The Packers New Controversial Kicker
Jordan Love’s Turnovers
Go ahead and listen to the man himself from just 11 days ago after the brutal loss to the Lions.
It’s no secret that Jordan’s 10 interceptions show a lack of mental awareness at times. Matt LaFleur has been vocal that he does not question Jordan for trying to make plays. However, it’s clear that he’s had a tendancy to play a little hero ball. If Jordan can return to form and replicate his ability to protect the football in the 2nd half of last season, the offense should be in good shape.
Defensive Consistency
I’ve said for a few weeks now that Jeff Hafley’s defense has me confused. While watching the games I feel like I’m yelling the same buzz words at the TV.
“Great let’s not stop the run at all,” and “Welp, 3rd and long, may as well expect the conversion.”
Meanwhile, you look at the numbers and the Packers defense has held multiple offenses to sub 20 point games. In fact, the previously mentioned turnover issues I would say have hurt more than the defensive production.
That being said, I am looking to see consistency vs. opportunity with Hafley’s new 4-3 scheme.
Of course, I love watching Xavier McKinney feast on interceptions, and I am over the moon to see more aggressive play.
However, again, I am watching a poor run defense heading into the cold months where that will be crucial to a deep run. If Quay Walker, Rashan Gary, and other marquee players can get back to basics there’s definitely a chance. Though, as it stands, I have seen a young defense depending more on opportunistic turnover vs consistent pressure and dominance.
Final Thoughts Going Into Bear Week
While there are other areas to clean up, in my mind, the above mentioned issues are the most glaring self inflicted wounds at the moment. I will reiterate that if the Packers can clean up these fundamentals they should be contenders come the playoffs.
When it comes to the Bears, the Packers should make quick work of this struggling Chicago squad. The return of Evan Williams and Jaire Alexander should bolster a secondary ripe with turnovers.
Caleb Williams has also been having a rough stretch, especially after going only 16 of 30 for 120 yards against a stinky Pats team in Week 10.
The Packers defensive front should also be able to find their groove after the Bears gave up 8 sacks a week ago.
I feel like the Packers will extend their win streak in the rivalry this Sunday. The Packers have shown that they can walk away with a victory against losing teams in 2024. However, if they don’t find a way to clean up the mistakes, I don’t see them being able to contend with winning teams down the stretch.
Final score prediction: Packers Win 28-10
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