Green Bay Packers must go back to basics for success in 2016
The Green Bay Packers didn’t look the same offensively last year as injuries got the best of them. This time around, a return to the basics will bring back their dominating ways.
Last season, the Green Bay Packers earned a spot in the NFL Playoffs but at 10-6, lost the NFC North division title to their rival Minnesota Vikings. Injuries and a lack of consistency put too much weight on the shoulders of quarterback Aaron Rodgers to deliver, and although they rallied in the playoffs, they fell short when it mattered most.
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Looking back, the Packers’ offense simply didn’t have that point of attack that made them a dominating team to face like in the past. Missing wide receiver Jordy Nelson due to a torn ACL injury last summer impacted their offense to the point where his presence was clearly missed.
A year before that, the football world loved everything that running back Eddie Lacy brought to the table. As he gained a lot of weight before the start of last season, he was missing his power and speed to keep those chains moving. A once promising running back fell off the radar last season as he wasn’t the same player that dominated opponents with his aggressive style of rushing.
Even the offensive play-calling was a bit mundane as defenses knew when to stack the box or throw extra defensive backs into their secondary since most of the time passing the football was what the Packers relied too heavily on. All that is about to change now that the Packers so far this offseason, have emphasized that going back to basics is what will ultimately bring them back into the spotlight as a premier team in the NFL.
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In a case like this for the Packers, it’s best to analyze everything in perspective.
Since the Packers did a good job last season, it wasn’t enough to go the distance.
They became too one-dimensional and as a result, didn’t light up the scoreboard or have their offense be on the field long enough to make a difference.
For years now, the Packers have always been known as an offensive powerhouse and a return to those roots is exactly what they need to become a premier contender again this upcoming season.
It all starts with Rodgers, a healthy Nelson back and Lacy ready to silence his critics due slimming down as the Packers will now be able to focus on what actually works.
For everything to open up with Rodgers, it’s all about having that fine balance on offense. If Lacy can return to form and establish the run, it will make life so much easier for Rodgers to do what he does best. It’ll open up play-action plays and allow him to dissect defenses with precision.
In an article written by Jeffri Chadiha for NFL.com, here is what head coach Mike McCarthy had to say about making their new philosophy about going back to basics:
"“The best plays are still the basic plays. It’s not the design of the play. It’s what everybody can do with that design … That’s what we have to get back to — winning with the fundamentals, with players and not plays.”"
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Overall in the grand scheme of things, simplifying playbooks and positional responsibilities is what will do the trick for the Packers in 2016. A return to form for a team built on hard work, execution and above all else pride is what will make the Packers return to their winning ways in 2016.