The Last Stand

By : Mike Rifkin

On Sunday the Green Bay Packers lost to the Washington Commanders 23-21, it is the Packers third consecutive loss putting their record at 3-4. Aaron Rodgers was 23-35 for 195 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. But this is not the same Packer offense that we have seen the past couple seasons. 

Last season the Packers averaged 26.5 points per game and averaged 378.0 yards per game, this season the Packers average 18.3 points per game and average 349 yards per game. Now we can all say that this has to do with the absence of Davante Adams, who was traded to the Raiders in the offseason. But a number I find staggering is that Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 15 times in seven games. Last season Rodgers was sacked 30 times in 16 games played.  Over the next few weeks the Packers will be playing teams with great pass rushes including the Cowboys, Eagles, Titans and this week a date in Buffalo against the Bills. 

Rodgers said after yesterday’s game “ I’m not worried about this squad. In fact, this might be the best thing for us. This week, nobody is going to give us a chance, going to Buffalo on Sunday Night Football, with a chance to get exposed. Shoot, this might be the best thing for us.” I love this statement from Rodgers, but Packers fans everywhere should be worried about this squad. This isn’t the same team, that was the number one seed in the NFC last season. Last year the Packers were third in the NFL with a +13 turnover differential, this year so far they are a -4 in turnover differential.  I want Rodgers to go to the front office and say I need a guy who could help this offense or I want out of Green Bay. The front office should do one of two things if they want to contend they would sign Odell Beckham Jr. to a two year deal or if the Packers miss the playoffs, which right now feels like a good bet, try to see if Rodgers is willing to play somewhere else or if he is ready to hang up his cleats. 

The Packers season hangs in the balance of the next couple weeks, and it starts with the difficult task of playing the Bills in Buffalo. After that the Packers will have games with the Titans, Cowboys, and the undefeated Eagles. This could be the Packers last stand.