Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers: What is to blame for struggling offense?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Whats’s wrong with the Packers?

This seems to be the million dollar question, and it is really tough to say.
Now much of the criticism lately has fallen on Aaron Rodgers and the coaching staff. However, despite those issues, injuries are piling up and it’s tough to say if the Packers can bounce back. With a short week ahead, and a hungry Bears team coming to town, there is no time for the Packers to sit and scratch their heads.

Aaron Rodgers hasn’t looked like the guy we are used to seeing. The strange thing is he has had nothing time in the pocket to get the job done. We all know how effective he is on the run and when it comes to improvisation. So, you’d think he would be even more dangerous when he has time to scan the field with little to no pass rush.

This has not been the case. He has seemed to second guess his decisions and has not looked like a confident quarterback. The interception he threw against the Cowboys was very bad. It had many people wondering what he was looking at. It seemed to be a mistake you would expect from a rookie, but not the 10-year veteran.

Along with the interception came the fumble in the red zone. We used to regularly see Rodgers drop back and then tuck and run into the end zone and flash his famous “discount double check”. But this time he looked like a scared quarterback scrambling for his life and losing the ball in the process.

So the question is, is it Rodgers, or are the receivers not getting open?

What’s the problem?

Either way, with a short week ahead, they need to figure it out.

Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching criticism

Along with Rodgers, the coaching has certainly taken a lot of criticism this season. The Packers have been predictable and shown a lack of creativity offensively. They have has several third-and-short, fourth-and-short opportunities and been stuffed on all the attempts that have come to recent memory for me. During these opportunities people have often questioned the play calling and personnel.

The Packers play calling has been in question this season several times, especially in the red zone. These are problems that can be fixed with more creativity and better execution. They will need to improve in these areas going forward.

Thursday’s game

Regardless of the issues with this Packers team, The Bears are headed to town whether we like it or not. Rodgers has to carry this team. He is going to have to come out ready to sling the ball. With the injuries to the running back position, there is not much else he can do. He has to protect the ball and drive the team down the field and cash in.

With the banged up secondary, points are going to be crucial. I think Rodgers will play well enough to get the job done. The defense will have to defend the run and hope for the best with the play of the young secondary.

Oct 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) stiff amrs Dallas Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox (27) during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. The Cowboys won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries and a short week

It appears Eddie Lacy could be out several weeks, even possibly more as reported by Ian Rapaport and several Packers beat writers.

The Packers made an exchange with the Chiefs for running back Knile Davis. With Lacy and Starks both out they will call on Davis in relief with little time to get acclimated to the offense. Other than Davis, Don Jackson is the only other true RB on the roster and yet to be activated.

We have seen the Packers use Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery in the backfield and it will be interesting to see how the Pack utilize these guys going forward.

On the other side of the ball, the Packers will be shorthanded again at corner. Sam Shields has been placed on injured reserve, and Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins are out. They will be relying on Gunter and Hyde to take care of the defense on the back end.

The pass rush will have to get to Hoyer, otherwise Alshon Jeffery and recent breakout receiver Cameron Meredith could spell trouble for the secondary. In addition to those mentioned, the Bears carry tight end Zach Miller.