As good as the Defense has played in the 3 losses, the Offense has been that poor. As I’ve stated the entire season, the OL is to blame – at least primarily – for all of this. With just an average OL, Green Bay would be 8-0-1 and that’s assuming the Special Teams were still as awful as they’ve been all season. There’s quite a bit to unpack here.
Play-Calling/Design/Scheme
Has the play-calling been awful? Kind of…The statements being uttered in Packer Nation is that “LaFleur is calling plays as if he doesn’t trust Jordan Love.” Mainly starting the game (and most drives) with run-run and using minimal play-action. To defend Matt LaFleur, the best way to get the offensive line in rhythm is to run the ball. It makes pass blocking easier, while setting up almost every play call/design. The problem is the OL can’t run block. Jacobs keeps getting contacted BEHIND the line of scrimmage. Then on passing downs it’s even more obvious and teams can generate pressure with 4. Regardless of the QB that’s a recipe for disaster. Couple that with being in 3rd & long (due to not being able to run the ball or using pass on early downs) the Defense can sit in 2-high shell (2 safeties on the back end of the defense) to keep from the big play down field. If you’re limited in your time to throw your WRs can’t get downfield deep enough to get the yardage to gain for a 1st. If the D is only bringing 4, that leaves them with 7 men to cover, at most, 5 receivers. If they’re getting pressure with 4, then it’s likely the offense is keeping a back or Tight End in to help thus dropping your targets to 4, possibly 3 if you’re keeping both in…that’s a huge problem. Considering you have 5 offensive linemen to block 4 pass rushers, it’s a pure numbers game and you’re losing that over the course of a game.
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