At the start of the season I wrote a report predicting how the four NFC North teams would get on this year. After another loss this week against the New York Jets, the Green Bay Packers now sit at 3-3, which most fans would admit is not good enough at all. Now after seeing 6 Packers games, it is time to revisit my prediction.
In my predictions I believed the Packers’ defense would carry the team to another divisional win, despite the potentially lackluster wide receiver personnel. Although I did mention I believed that bringing in Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure in the draft would turn out to be enough to at least send the Packers to the playoffs. It is important to note that Green Bay are still odds on to make the playoffs, so my prediction might still come true, but the offense has been nowhere near good enough. The Packers are 16th in the NFL for passing yards per game, which is not acceptable with the reigning MVP playing quarterback. No wide receiver has stepped up to be the main target for Aaron Rodgers with the top receiver being different every game.
When it comes to the defense, things have not lived up to expectation. After 2 first round picks added to an already excellent defense, expectations were so high. Despite being 1st in the NFL for passing yards allowed per game, they are 15th for points per game. This would be hugely down to the rushing defense which has been poor. Breece Hall ran for 116 yards for the Jets, Saquon Barkley ran for 70 yards for the New York Giants and the 2 New England Patriots running backs ran for a total of 152 yards. This has been worrying, especially after the draft. Saying this, defensive tackle Devone Wyatt’s involvement has been minimal so we could see a partnership between him and Kenny Clark turn things around later in the season.
Aaron Rodgers made a good point this week on the Pat McAfee Show. He explained that 3 of the betting favorites in the NFC at the start of the year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers are all 3-3, and there is a lot of football left to be played. The loss this week does not mean the end of the season for the Packers. A big issue is that the Minnesota Vikings keep winning. They are currently 5-1 which puts the Packers on the back foot when it comes to achieving 1st place in the NFC North.
Now let’s look at the games coming up.
There are some really tough games remaining and the Packers really need to step up to catch the Vikings. Next week Green Bay plays the Washington Commanders. Their offensive line is playing really bad and now with their quarterback Carson Wentz out, this is a great game for the Packers defense to really gain some momentum before their toughest assignment the week after where they play the Buffalo Bills. Other games that stick out to me include the game against the Tennessee Titans. This is a game which the Packers should be winning, just like the game against the Jets and the Giants, but just like these teams, their rushing offense is very good which appears to be the Packers’ cryptonite this season. Derrick Henry will need to be stopped. Two other games that will be very interesting are the games against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams. These are two major threats to the Packers in the NFC and if Green Bay are to be taken seriously, they need to win.
