Remind me again: who did the Packers lose to last week?
This has been a recurring question for a few weeks now. Extremely slow starts by the offense, penalties, injuries ... it's been a dumpster fire ... that just won't go out. We said in our brief (and, unfortunately, correct) prediction last week, that "... until the team shows up … in all 3 phases of the game … for all 4 quarters … we regrettably see this game going in the loss column."
So, did anything change in that point of view from last week to this? You tell me. Plus, add into the mix that one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball — DB Rasul Douglas — was traded to the Bills for a 3rd round pick in next year's draft...along with a 5th round pick for the privilege. Didn't seem to make sense to many, including this writer.
But it is what it is. The season is bumpier than anticipated by far, perhaps even by the team's general manager and coaching staff ... which is perhaps also a red flag about where the Packers are headed not only this season but next, as well. That's a whole other conversation.
It's time for Packers QB Jordan Love to raise his game.(Photo by Tork Mason, USA Today NETWORK-Wisconsin)
The Preview
You know what the read on the Pack is: issues. Lots of issues. The offensive line play has been inconsistent at best and abysmal at worst. And, due seemingly largely to Aaron Jones' ailing hamstring, the running game and much of the offensive schemes have been stuck in neutral over the course of this now four-game losing streak. Play-calling by head coach Matt LaFleur has been uninspired. Defensive schemes ala defensive coordinator Joe Barry have been hit-and -miss. Still it must be said that, generally, the defense — while not creating turnovers — has usually done enough to keep the Pack in the game ... if there was any semblance of an offense, that is.
Any opposing team knows that if they can put pressure on QB Jordan Love, which has been the case give the spotty O-line play, they have a great chance of winning the game. With the anticipated return of Jones against the Rams, that should help open things up a bit more for the Pack. We'll see.
The big question for the Rams today really centers around whether or not QB Matthew Stafford will play. He injured the thumb on his throwing hand in last week's game and his ability to grip the ball will likely be the determining factor as to whether he plays or not. A game-time decision, no doubt. Despite notable weapons on offense and defense, Stafford's absence would be a plus in terms of increasing the chances for a Packers win as LA's backup QB isn't a game-changer. Or at least, hasn't been.
The Prediction
As some others are doing ahead of the game, we're going to offer two predictions: one if Stafford plays and the other if he doesn't. Seems fair.
If Stafford plays, we're calling it Rams 24 - Packers 13.
If Stafford does not play, we're calling it Packers 17 - Rams 14.
Either way, Go Pack Go!!!
