Green Bay Packers Mid-Season Awards and Review
Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers exit their bye week at 5-3, one game back of the Detroit Lions for the NFC North lead. With a divisional matchup this Sunday against the Chicago Bears (3-5), the Packers begin a challenging 2nd half to the 2014 season. With five of their final eight games at Lambeau Field, the Packers will be making a run at their sixth straight playoff appearance.
The Packers have been carried by their offense, as Aaron Rodgers has put up one of the most efficient passing seasons of his career. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson have both lived up to their expectations on the outside, as well, which should give the Packers confidence that they can compete in any game.
Mike McCarthy and the Packers have some work to do, though, if they hope to make any noise in the playoffs. The brand of football they have played in the first half of the season may not be sustainable long-term, and defensive adjustments will be necessary to take over the division lead.
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Green Bay has been dominated in the running game, as their defense has allowed a league-worst 153.5 rushing yards per game. In a season where the Packers have stayed relatively healthy, the loss of B.J. Raji has had a huge impact on the defence’s run-stopping abilities, causing Green Bay to lose the time of possession battle. They will need to keep the ball in the hands of Aaron Rodgers, who has all too often been left to stand on the sidelines for 7+ minutes.
Rodgers and the Packers will face the Bears, Eagles, Vikings, Patriots, Falcons, Bills and Buccaneers before a Week 17 matchup with the Detroit Lions that could decide the division. Green Bay is a team with playoff talent, but their defensive shortcomings will present great adversity on their path to January football.
As Green Bay tips into the second half of 2014, we take a look back at the players who have gotten them here, and what the Packers will need to do to succeed down the stretch.