Sunday, the 20 game win streak of the Green Bay Packers was snapped by the Kansas City Chiefs. Although it was painful to watch, I think it was something that needed to happen. It was a great opportunity for us to get the much needed wake up call. Now, we can focus on the real task at hand now that the '72 Dolphins record will stay active for one more season. The goal get to the Super Bowl and win back to back World Championships. On Sunday night, I joined Farzin Vousoughian on his Chiefs podcast "The Chiefs Zone" hosted by TheSportsStuff.com. On his show, we discussed 3 things that this game brought to the attention to the Packers.
Link to The Chief Zone episode: http://thesportsstuff.com/?p=3725
The first point that was brought up was the injuries to our offensive line and the protection of Aaron Rodgers. Brian Bulaga left the game Sunday with a sprained knee cap and on Monday Mike McCarthy said Bulaga will struggle with this injury and may not play against the Chicago Bears on Christmas. Later in the game, we lost Derek Sherrod for the year to a broken leg. The Packers had to then move TJ Lang to right tackle, which proved to not be effective, as Rodgers was sacked multiple time. There have been rumors swirling that the Packers might call Mark Tauscher, but I honestly don't see that happening. Thus, the Pack will have to look to the practice squad (Chris Cambel), which is risky at this point of the season where you need your players to play at a playoff level.
The second point was how out of sync Rodgers was with his receivers. Truth be told, this was Aaron Rodgers worst game in over a year. However, he did not throw an interception. There were a lot of mental mistakes that were costly, including Jordy Nelson's 2 offensive pass interference penalties and Jermichael Finley's 4-5 dropped passes. Randall Cobb and Donald Driver seemed to be the only ones that were on the same page as Rodgers. Ryan Grant was very effective for the second straight week, but was not used for the second half. This game showed that Rodgers' success is based off of how great the players are around him, and the absence Greg Jennings was blatantly obvious. The Packers offense is like a puzzle, and if one piece is missing, its not complete.
Third, and its something we've seen all season long. Our defense playing at a lackluster level. We give up to many yards from scrimmage by run and pass, which leads us to give up way too many points. Now, don't get me wrong. The Packers are still effective on defense. We lead the league with interceptions and also have 27 sacks. Still, I think me need more of a pass rush and we cannot allow guys to be wide open down field for big gains. That kind of play will not work in the playoffs.
In conclusion, if the Packers can figure out their injury issues and secure homefield advantage on Sunday, I still think they have a great chance to make it to the Super Bowl. Any team that has to come to Green Bay in January will struggle. As for the Super Bowl, if we get the Patriots we will run them off the field. If its the Steelers, it would be an outstanding rematch but the outcome would be another victory for Green Bay. The only team that worries we in the Baltimore Ravens, a team based off of a great defense that could potentially control Aaron Rodgers gameplan. All remains to be seen.
Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.
-Andrew Vrchota (@WSB_Andrew)
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