Packers are deteriorating on and off the field quickly in 2022
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The Green Bay Packers have now lost back-to-back games, one in London and one at home in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is now clear that the Packers are crumbling on and off the field. Here is why.
The Green Bay Packers seemed content with their offseason acquisitions after losing prodigious wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Packers extended Alan Lazard, signed free agent Sammy Watkins, and drafted receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. The Packers went with back-to-back defensive selections in the first round to Packers fans’ chagrin. Now with a 3-3 record coming off back-to-back losses, the Packers are anything BUT content.
Green Bay Packers are losing control on and off the field
The Jets for example were able to beat the Packers on Sunday, at home at Lambeau Field mind you, where quarterback Zach Wilson posted a stat line of 10/18 for 110 passing yards and 0 touchdowns. The Packers lost 10-27. How does that happen you ask? A complete breakdown by the offense, defense, and special teams.
After the Giants beat the Packers the previous week Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander stated the following;
“I ain’t worried, but if we lose next week, then I’ll be worried.”
After Alexander spouted this quote, which basically ended up being an accurate prediction, quarterback Aaron Rodgers fired back and basically said he did not agree with the statement.
Talked with Jaire Alexander postgame about the defense: “I ain’t worried, but if we lose next week, then I’ll be worried.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 9, 2022
I relayed that quote to Aaron Rodgers as the premise for asking him if he’s worried about the offense. He said no. Asked why not, his full answer: pic.twitter.com/szg2wXsTDJ
This back and forth already shows some dissension within the locker room but after watching the Jet’s game Alexander was right; they should be worried. Alexander personally had a strong showing against the Jet’s receivers but he can’t play every position, unfortunately. The Packers surrendered 179 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns and another 110 passing yards.
Besides more Packers special teams failures (blocked field goal, blocked punt returned for a touchdown) which we’ve seen plenty of, the offense could not have looked more lost. The running game was never established and the lack of separation (or ability to secure the ball) by the receivers was apparent to anyone watching the game.
The group of Doubs-Lazard-Cobb (left with an injury) leaves defensive-minded coaches with a clear idea of what they’re up against each week. Jet’s head coach Robert Saleh took control of this advantage and constructed a game plan against a group of receivers not capable of taking the top off a defense but only being a true threat in the short/intermediate passing game. The offensive line did not make things easier allowing Rodgers to be sacked 4 times and hit 9 times, resulting in one lost fumble.
The verbal jawing between teammates via the mainstream media did not stop with Alexander and Rodgers but continued with head coach Matt Lafleur and Aaron Rodgers.
Asked #Packers coach Matt LaFleur if he was surprised to hear Aaron Rodgers says he wants to simplify the offense. "I don't know what that means," LaFleur said.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) October 17, 2022
LaFleur stressed execution. He says scheme doesn't matter if they don't block better than yesterday vs. Jets.
The Packers are unable to keep their internal disagreements private which is putting their decline on full display for the rest of the football world. They aren’t playing a full 60 minutes and the errors are continuing to plummet their success. This drop in production all circles back to the Packer’s front office making decisions that don’t put Aaron Rodgers in the best position to succeed. PFF has the Green Bay offense ranked 24th in points per game and 24th in expected points added per play. The offense has been their strength for a long time but clearly, times are changing in Green Bay.
Hopefully, the team can keep their issues in-house and focus on getting back on track as they fall to 2nd in NFC North behind the Minnesota Vikings (as predicted). If Taylor Heineke is walking around in Week 7 with a “cheesehead” hat on we know the season is basically over for the Packers.