The Green Bay Packers hit the midseason with a 6-3 record but are coming off an ugly loss to a division rival. If the season ended today the Packers would be the seventh seed just as they were last year. Of course last year at this time the Packers were just the opposite, 3-6 and not looking one bit like a playoff contender. A late run propelled them to the divisional round of the playoffs and raised expectations for this year.
In the face of those expectations it’s been quite an eventful first half of the season with the Packers. They have had to overcome the loss of quarterback Jordan Love to two games early in the season and for a half two weeks ago against Jacksonville. In his stead newly acquired Malik Willis went 3-0. On defense the Packers have turned into a turnover machine and lead the NFL. New coordinator Jeff Hafley has his unit playing more aggressively and seems to be improving weekly.
So why do I not feel good about this team’s chance going forward? Let me count the ways.
- Jordan Love is a disaster waiting to happen. Love is 3-3 in games he started and finished and has not looked at all like the QB who three 18 touchdowns to one interception down the stretch last year. If that version of Love doesn’t return the Packers are going to struggle to beat last year’s 9-8 record. The interceptions need to stop now.
- While improving weekly it seems, the Packers’ defense is still not quite ready for prime time. In the two biggest games of the year they failed to make any kind of statement. After getting shredded by the Vikings they did play better against the Lions. But coming out of halftime they needed to stop the Lions to keep the Packers in the game and they couldn’t do it. They also let the Rams and Jags rally late in what should have been easy wins.
- The schedule gets significantly harder and almost all in prime time. The Packers play four straight night games starting on Thanksgiving. The Packers will either sink or swim with all eyes on them. Next week the Packers get the Bears in Chicago and while the Bears are a pathetic team they will find a way to play the Packers tough. San Fran, Miami and at Detroit follow. 6-7 or 7-6 is a real possibility.
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So are they still Super Bowl Contenders?
The Packers are certainly capable of running the table. Maybe two weeks off will get Love back to full health. His injuries certainly affected his play, making him a pocket passer. The offense has a whole does not have an identity, yet. Maybe they do need a number one wide receiver to emerge. Seems like everybody is covered way too much thus far this year. Even with the Packers improved running game with Josh Jacobs.
Looking at it right now I’m going to say the Packers finish 10-7. I’ll give them wins over the Bears, Dolphins, Saints and Bears again. That should get them a wildcard spot but you never know. With the team where it is right now I would be happy with just getting in.
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