Green Bay Packers

What's Really Wrong With the Green Bay Packers?

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

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The Green Bay Packers have been to the playoffs each of the past seven seasons. But the team from the land of cheese is in full fondue mode.

So what’s going on in “Titletown” these days? Face it—we are not used to seeing the Green Bay Packers struggle for the vast majority of the Aaron Rodgers era. So for many, it’s been very perplexing watching a two-time MVP not exactly be on his game.

Do you really think that the issues surrounding Mike McCarthy’s 4-5 squad are the result of one man? Either you haven’t been paying attention or have an ax to grind. We have seen a ton of people chime in on what the issues are with either the quarterback or the team in general. When it comes to Rodgers, it’s amazing just how many fans and certain media members suddenly have a degree in psychiatry.

After a 3-1 start, the Packers have now dropped three straight games and are 1-4 in their last five outings. They have slipped one game behind both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. Last Sunday, they were humiliated on the road by the Tennessee Titans. The 47-25 setback was deceptive in just how dominant the Titans were, especially on offense.

On Sunday night in Week 11, the Packers square off against the Washington Redskins at FedExField in a playoff rematch from a year ago. At 4-5, McCarthy and company have some work to do if they’re to even think about returning to the postseason for an eighth consecutive year.

So what has gone so wrong for a team led by one of the best players in the entire league? Here’s a hint: It’s not all about the quarterback.

Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs for a short gain during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

A Total Lack of Balance

What a mess. Injuries have played a huge factor in the digression of the ground attack. And don’t be fooled by the team’s somewhat-respectable ranking (19th) when it comes to rushing yards per game.

This offseason, there was a lot of discussion regarding running back Eddie Lacy’s conditioning. The burly performer appeared primed for a big 2016 after shedding some pounds. But all of that became a moot point after he went down five games into the season and is currently on injured reserve.

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Backup James Starks missed four contests. The Packers made a rare trade by obtaining Knile Davis from the Kansas City Chiefs, but he was let go after two appearances. McCarthy has utilized wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb out of the backfield. Don Jackson played three games, but is now on IR as well. Green Bay grabbed running back Christine Michael, who was released by the Seahawks earlier this week.

In their last three games, all losses, the Pack has failed to run the football at least 20 times in any of those contests. Yes, the yardage totals read 108, 116 and 69 yards, respectively, against the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts and Titans. But the inability to control the ball and keep the other team’s offense off the field is a problem for any team. And yes, even one with a quarterback as talented as Rodgers. The absence of a running game also affects the ability to play-action pass.

Simply put, this is a Green Bay attack out of sorts. Could the combination of Starks and Michael jumpstart the ground game? We will find out in a hurry.

Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers calls out during warmups prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

D is for Disaster

Like any other team, injuries are always an issue. The Green Bay Packers are no different and those bumps and bruises have really begun to show up on the defensive side of the ball. Combine that with poor play and the results are yet another issue for this struggling contender.

The Pack have allowed 30 or more points in their last three outings and in four of their last five games. They are giving up a distressing 30.2 during this 1-4 stretch, this after surrendering a total of 83 points in the season’s first four games.

Meanwhile, Dom Capers’ defensive unit appeared to have finally turned the corner when it comes to stopping the run this season. During the club’s 3-1 start, the Packers allowed a total of 171 yards on the ground. That’s changed in a hurry. Last week, Titans running back DeMarco Murray ran 75 yards for a touchdown the first time he touched the ball. Green Bay has allowed 597 rushing yards in its last five tilts, an average of 119.4 yards per game.

The pass rush has suffered a bit as well, despite outside linebacker Nick Perry’s team-high six sacks. But the return of outside linebacker Clay Matthews on Sunday night should be a big boost. He’s missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and has played in only five contests this season.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Matthews to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “You don’t ever want to miss any games in this league. But like I said, I feel good, I feel healthy, and I plan on being out there, barring any setbacks.”

Capers’ group could use all the help it can get. The team has just eight sacks in its last five games while giving up a dozen touchdown passes over that span.

Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after missing an attempt on fourth down during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Too Much for No. 12

It was a rough beginning of the season for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who also had his issues last season without his favorite target, Jordy Nelson. While he threw 31 touchdown passes compared to only eight interceptions, he completed a very un-Rodgers like 60.7 percent of his passes.

The 12-year pro struggled with accuracy early in the season due to a number of combinations. But as of late, he’s starting to look like one of the best quarterbacks in league again. Rodgers has thrown 12 touchdown passes compared to only three interceptions in his last four outings. He started the season connecting on just 60.2 percent of his throws (10 TDs, 4 INTs) in the team’s first five contests.

As of late, the lack of support in terms of the running game and defense has been disturbing. The Packers have totaled 41, 46, and 60 pass plays, respectively, in setbacks to the Falcons, Colts and Titans. And Green Bay has allowed 11 sacks in their last three contests, equaling the total they gave up in their first six outings this season.

How’s this for a sobering statistic? The Packers’ second-leading rusher this season is Rodgers, who’s totaled 37 carries for 226 yards. Eddie Lacy still leads the club with 360 yards despite missing the last four games. McCarthy’s team has totaled only three rushing touchdowns in 2016, all by Rodgers. And in each of their last three games, the team has failed to run the ball at least 20 times.

As previously noted, the Packers and Redskins will square off in a rematch from their 2015 Wild Card battle on Sunday night. It’s safe to say that quarterback Kirk Cousins and his extremely talented receiving corps is more than capable of poking a lot of holes in Capers’ secondary. It’s time for a lot of soul searching when it comes to the Green Bay Packers. And that look must be done by more than one soul.

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