Now that the dust has settled and the hangover has worn off, here are five more thoughts on the Green Bay Packers 30-27 loss over the Indianapolis Colts.
Cedric Benson’s injury shows the Packers weren’t well prepared
After the Packers starting running back went down in the first half, any chance of winning the game pretty much went out the window. At the time, the Packers offense was balanced and the team ran out to a 21-3 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Packers reverted to their old throw-on-every-down-and-in-every-situation mentality. Alex Green actually demonstrated his home run potential by breaking off a 41-yard run. Still, he only got nine carries. Clearly, the Packers were ready to feed Benson the ball, but wouldn’t do the same with Green. Why? Probably because they weren’t prepared for the possibility of playing without Benson.
Tom Crabtree should’t be asked to block someone like Dwight Freeney
What the hell was this? The Packers offensive line was terrible on the day, much like they’ve been throughout the season, but there’s no excuse for leaving Crabtree in a one-on-one with Freeney. That very scenario unfolded several times on Sunday. Why? Couldn’t tell ya. We can only chalk it up to coaching buffoonery. Crabtree is a good blocker, but he’s a tight end. Freeney is one of the best pass rushers in the league when he’s healthy. You give Crabtree help in these situations or you get your quarterback killed.
This offensive line sucks
What’s the difference between this offensive line and last season’s unit? Jeff Saturday. As it turns out, Scott Wells was the far superior player of the two. Saturday isn’t alone in the getting-Aaron-Rodgers-killed-and-not-opening-up-any-running-lanes club though. Bryan Bulaga seems to have regressed. Or maybe he was just never any good to begin with. Of course, it doesn’t help when Rodgers is standing back there holding the ball for five minutes, which he did on two sacks on Sunday, but if Saturday and Bulaga don’t pick up their play, this is going to be a long season.
Last year’s pass defense is officially back
Remember when last season’s Packers defense allowed an NFL record number of passing yards? Despite all their offseason additions, this defense isn’t any different. Last week they gave up 446 yards to Drew Brees. This week they gave up 362 to Andrew Luck. Tramon Williams may be back to his old form, but the Packers don’t have a reliable cornerback after him. Their safeties aren’t much better in coverage. That includes Charles Woodson.
There are two, possibly three teams better than the Packers in the division
The Bears are 4-1. So are the Vikings. The Lions are 1-3, but their offense would probably rip this shitty Packers defense. The Packers are not a good football team and it looks like the Bears and Vikings are. Granted, the Packers handled the Bears in their first matchup this season, but it’s beginning to look like the Packers are going to be fighting for a wild card spot if they can get into playoff contention at all. They’re two games off the NFC North lead.