The Green Bay Packers’ offense already looked like it needed a jolt of creativity in the run game before last Sunday’s upset loss to the Carolina Panthers, but the events of that game made it an absolute necessity. Between a dismal 13-point performance and an abhorrent 1-for-5 day trying to score touchdowns in the red zone, the creativity and execution were not up to par.
A run game that has lain dormant for much of the season continued to be inconsistent, though there were a few sparks here and there. Josh Jacobs did rip off his second-longest run of the season, though that was still just an 18-yard gain. A few plays were blocked up well up front, suggesting that perhaps gap concepts should be an area of focus for the run game moving forward. But performance near the end zone was again lacking.
Then there is, of course, the absence of Tucker Kraft for the remainder of the season. While his loss does not require a complete rebuild of the offense from the ground up, it will necessitate some changes in approach, particularly in the passing game. Luke Musgrave can help out in some areas (deeper and intermediate routes), but Kraft’s ability to get yards after the catch is what makes him a unicorn.
Monday’s game against the Eagles will be a heck of a litmus test for whether or not LaFleur can adjust to the loss of one of his best playmakers and to find ways to be productive in the run game. If he can do that, this team can still achieve great things this season.
Packers need ‘collective effort’ for offense to move forward | Packers.com
As we’ve been saying all week, it will take a village to try to fill in for Kraft, but the architect of the offense needs to lead the charge and be more flexible with how he designs his game plans.
Jumbo personnel package could jump-start Packers’ stalled running game | Packersnews.com
Several teams have been using extra offensive linemen in the run game this year. Maybe it’s time to get someone like Anthony Belton involved as a 6th lineman in certain situations?
Jordan Love Loves One Style; Defenses Won’t Let Him Play It | SI.com
There’s no question that Love loves to push the ball down the field, but 2-deep looks have made that a bit tougher. Can LaFleur figure out other ways for him to push the ball downfield smartly? I, for one, would like to see a lot more intermediate crossers.
Report: Packers WR Jayden Reed could return by Week 13 or 14 | Packers Wire
We’re still looking at another few weeks before Reed’s collarbone will be healed enough for him to return to action.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur on tush push: ‘It is what it is’ | ESPN
There’s no hand-wringing from the coaching staff over the play remaining legal for now; they’re just focused on finding ways to defend it and to prevent the Eagles from getting in short-yardage situations where they can use it.
