Packers on verge of mediocrity

By Nik Sobic | Thursday, October 02, 2008 | ( 2 )

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The Bears, Falcons, Cardinals, 49ers and Jets were somewhere between the NFL’s worst and mediocre during the 2007 season. All of those teams are 2-2 this year, which is bad news for fellow .500 club member Green Bay. Why? Because the Packers won 13 games last year and an NFC North title, but they are seemingly falling back to the pack.

Losing to Tampa bay last Sunday was the second defeat in a row for the Pack -- not that it’s time to panic quite yet, but the last time Green Bay dropped back-to-back games was in 2006, a playoff-less season for the Cheeseheads.

Commentary: The Packers' 2-2 start results from mediocre play by some of their best performers from last season. Here are some of the main culprits:

Ryan Grant, running back - There hasn’t been much running room so far this season, but Grant has to shoulder some of the blame for ranking 37th in total yards among all RBs.

Mike McCarthy, head coach - Last year’s coach of the year runner-up looks more like a deer in the headlights so far this season -- even in the two wins for Green Bay, McCarthy has been ultraconservative and unimaginative.

Donald Driver, wide receiver - Fourteenth in total receiving yards last year, Driver is now 26th. Part of the reason for the slip in rankings is the departure of Brett Favre and the emergence of Greg Jennings as Aaron Rodgers' favorite target. But Driver needs to get the ball more often in order for the Packers to maintain a well-balanced passing attack.

Run defense: The Packers are 26th this season in total rushing yards allowed. What happened? (Besides Marion Barber.)

Fan Pulse: Anxiety is building in Green Bay as this Sunday’s game in Atlanta draws nearer. This week’s game is pretty close to being a must-win contest for the Pack.

Fantasy Football Impact: A lot fantasy analysts are expecting this week to be Grant’s 2008 coming-out party. Don't necessarily buy that, though. Offensively, you should hesitate to start anyone other than Jennings. Still consider the Packers' defense a strong play, though, despite its issues versus the run.

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	About Nik Sobic Nik Sobic is a Graduate of Harvard University and former NFL/CFL football player. When he isn't writing about sports he's writing comedy. Nik's unique background and passion for writing make him a valuable addition to our staff. Nik was born and raised a Packer fan-he hails from Milwaukee, WI. ...
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