Where to start? Joe Barry’s defense allowed 394 yards, 298 (76%) of which came through the air. Carolina was averaging 165 yards passing/game (31st, aka 2nd to last) entering the game and only 14.7 points/game. The Panthers had no issue surpassing either of those outputs. Green Bay was able to make rookie Bryce Young look just like that, initially. They brought pressure and he missed some wide open targets – couple that with some early scoring drives and the Packers were able to play from out front the entire game.

That’s a stat line you’d see from Steven Young in his prime vs a below average defense…a 110.0 QB rating is phenomenal – that’s a problem.

The Good News?

1. Green Bay didn’t allow 100 yards rushing and gave up less than 4 yards/carry (3.8).
2. Jordan Love was great, yet again. He accounted for 3 TDs and posted a passer rating almost as good as future HOFer Bryce Young, with a 109.1.

Jaire???

What’s taking over the news in Packer country is Jaire Alexander, and not for the reasons we want. Jaire, from Mint Hill, NC (just outside of Charlotte), wanted to be a captain for the game against his hometown team. However, he went against protocol and almost cost the Packers a possession. There are many opinions as to this whole situation, Jaire, and LaFleur. However, this has been brewing for some time and this wreaks of LaFleur trying to make up for missed opportunities to establish authority. The players seem to be backing Jaire, and there seems to be brewing a shit storm that could’ve been avoided by firing Joe Barry, even as late as a week ago. Now there’s been a festering of negativity and things seem to be coming to a head.

Another positive thing…Jordan Love, again. The kid is handling himself about as perfect as one could ask. Again, my only (major) issue with Rodgers was the fans’ perception of him being far better than he actually was – but Love is fitting into his career track-line eerily similarly. With all of these distractions (Barry, Jaire), Love is moving forward and producing with less and less weapons week in and week out.

LaFleur, Time to Go?

While I’ve been a fan of Matt LaFleur since his hiring, I’m not certain he’s the best Head Coach for the team. I’d still like to give him through the end of next season, but there seems to be one major issue that no one disagrees on, firing Joe Barry immediately.

The latest of what seems to be losing the locker room – which not firing Barry could be the catalyst for – is grounds for termination. Once a Head Coach loses the locker room, it’s impossible to gain it back…