Favre and Vikings Prove Packers Are Average

After Sunday's NFC North Loss, the Packers Troubles Worsen

Nov 3, 2009

Despite having a record above .500, the Packers continue to flatter to deceive. Can they really solve all their problems and gain a playoff spot?

The Green Bay Packers nightmare became reality on Sunday night as their legendary QB Brett Favre rolled into town and defeated the Pack 38-26 at Lambeau Field. Not only did this defeat complete a season sweep for Favre's Vikings; it also gives the team in purple a clear lead atop the NFC North. Hence this has almost condemned the Packers to the wildcard race. But perhaps this is best that the Pack should be hoping for.

At 4-3 Green Bay are still in a position to challenge for an end of season playoff place. However, the Vikings proved that the Pack need a lot of work if they are going to get there.

What Are The Packers Problems?

Unfortunately for the Packers they have fundamental problems in almost all areas of the football field.

Despite Aaron Rodgers being the top rated QB in the NFL, with a passer rating of 110.4, the offense has one crucial flaw. This is the offensive line.

In seven games the O-line has given up 31 sacks, including 14 to the Vikings. With this many hits, it is difficult to see Rodgers lasting a full season without an injury.

The porous O-line has also had a knock on effect on the Packers rushing attack. Ryan Grant currently has only one 100 yard game and is averaging 4 yards per carry. With the Packers unable to run the ball effectively there has been added pressure on Rodgers to make plays.

Similarly the defense also has issues. The roster is clearly still adapting to Dom Capers 3-4 scheme and despite posting two consecutive shut-outs, albeit against Detroit and Cleveland, against the better teams the scheme has been exposed. Not once in two games was Brett Favre sacked.

Penalties are also another flaw for Mike McCarthy. So far the Packers average around 10 penalties per game, many of which are result of needless offences. This has caused the Packers to have many unmanageable third down situations or it has caused the defense to remain on the field longer than needs be.

What Do They Need To Do To Improve?

The penalties are something that McCarthy knows can be improved. He accepts that by playing aggressive defense the odd penalty will be surrendered. However it is the pre-snap plays that the Packers need to eradicate. If they can do this, certainly, their field position and management of downs can be improved.

The defense is still playing at a high level, with a turnover differential of +12, and is rated as a top 10 defense.

McCarthy's key area to improve is the O-line. The problem could be improved if veteran tackles Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton can regain fitness. This would supply some solidity on the edge and the QB passing pocket should not collapse as easily.

But perhaps what the Pack need to find most is some bottle. They seem to go missing in the big games, a prime example being against the Vikings twice this season. McCarthy will now look to his leaders and veterans to stand up and be counted in the big games down the stretch.

Can They Turn It Around?

Despite many pre-season hopes of a strong playoff push it must be said that it is highly unlikely that the Pack will get into the post-season.

They will face five teams that have records currently above .500 including a trip to defending Superbowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers. If Green Bay's woes continue against the better teams then the best Mike McCarthy can probably hope for is a 9-7 or 8-8 record.

competitive NFC East and South division a record of 8-8 will not be good enough for a playoff berth.

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