Through four games of the 2012-13 NFL season, the Green
Bay Packers have underwhelmed and under-performed For a team whose identity is
high-powered offense punctuated by big plays and fueled by rhythm, it’s no
surprise they've lost two games and nearly a third. That’s not to say there
haven’t been positives and impressive signs. Below I’ll review everything from
embarrassing to surprising about the Green Bay Packers so far this season.
The Ugly
·
No
offensive rhythm: It’s been difficult for the Packers to string together
long drives and consistent first downs. They've had trouble with negative plays
which has killed their ability to diversify play-calling. The Packers need to
work toward third-and-short, which will help drives last longer and make the
offense more productive in general.
·
Lack of
big plays: The Packers lose the dangerous ability to strike at any time
without the big play. Defenses are adjusting to their schemes and their
offensive line has been below average. Aaron Rodgers has completed just 6-of-21
(25 percent) of his passes more than 10 yards down field this season, the
fifth-lowest rate in the NFL.
The Bad
·
Play
calling/coaching: Adaptability. Mike McCarthy should look up that term in
the dictionary and apply it to his game-planning. Coming off a season where the
Packers NEVER played a top-ten defense, McCarthy has far too much confidence in
his offensive squad this year. His stubborn pass-happy play calling in Seattle
and even against New Orleans, put his players in a tough spot on offense.
Benson has showed the ability to run with power, purpose and productivity
therefore McCarthy needs to run the ball early and often; it can only make the
passing game more dangerous.
·
Inability
to force turnovers: Outside of the Bears game, Green Bay has struggled to
force turnovers and convert them into game-changing plays. It’s interesting
that the Packers have put great pressure on and sacked the QB in almost every
game, but it hasn't always meant turnovers. The number of rookies on the defense
can explain this drop off and they’ll hopefully learn better positions to be in
to as the season progresses.
The Good
·
Running
game: Benson is on pace for a 900+ yard season, but more importantly he’s
given the Packers balance and power between the tackles. Nothing special or
extraordinary, but Green Bay doesn’t need that in the backfield. They need
someone who can pick up 3rd-and-shorts, eat time off the clock at
ends of games and hold onto the ball; he’s proven successful in this capacity
thus far.
·
Aaron
Rodgers: Clearly Rodgers hasn't been great, but he’s worked through
offensive line woes and made the big play when it has been needed. We've seen
him miss an unusual amount of throws and throw a few unnecessary interceptions,
but he’s also made tough throws and been pretty efficient. One thing Rodgers
could do better is be more slippery in the pocket and use his feet to escape a
little more. With defense playing more coverage defense, he won’t always be
able to find open receivers.
The Great
·
Defensive
intensity: It must be the vigor and
determination of the rookies, combined with the steadiness of the veterans that
have made the defense a high-octane force to begin the season. Surely, they
regressed against New Orleans but otherwise have impressed and displayed the
ability to cover, tackle and bring pressure. As they play together as a unit
more, communication issues (as experienced against New Orleans), will clear up
and they’ll become more consistent.
·
Randall
Cobb: Number 18 is a natural-born play maker Already with a kick-off return
for a touchdown and a few 6+ catch games, Cobb has the ability to score every time
he touches the ball and has invigorated the offense. McCarthy has proved he
trusts Cobb handling the ball, lining him up in the back field and event
handing the ball off to him a few times. While it’s smart to only use Cobb in
unorthodox situations sparingly, Green Bay should call more of these plays for
Cobb.
Good analysis. I can't say I disagree with much that's been stated.
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