One opportunity squandered, could another be lost? The 2023 Green Bay Packers have had to grow up so quickly. Purged of nearly the entire veteran quarterback era of the past, this roster of youngsters has had to lean on each other from the start of this 6-7 journey. It took them weeks to figure out the consistency required to win ballgames. That was accomplished in Detroit and the last time they played at Lambeau Field against Kansas City. Now another growing pain amidst the litany of injuries taught the squad an unwelcome lesson last Monday night in New Jersey. The next step on their accelerating journey is to win a game with serious playoff implications on the line. Accomplish it against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and they just might have to learn how to win an actual playoff game in year one of the new quarterback era.
The practice week in balmy for December weather wrapped up today with cautiously encouraging medical news. The injury list, long on a short week, didn’t rule out anyone heading into the weekend. Christian Watson didn’t practice again all week to get his hamstring right and was listed as doubtful on the last injury report of the week.
Seven players are questionable including the top two running backs trending in the wrong direction. A.J. Dillon did practice with his right hand wearing a large, white padded glove to protect a broken thumb. This comes a week after he missed his first practice as a Packer in nearly four years with a sore quad. Aaron Jones on the other hand, is feeling spry enough to think a return from his MCL sprain is very possible Sunday. With Watson’s status shaky, Dontayvion Wicks is also questionable with a sore ankle. Defensively, Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage, Quay Walker and Eric Stokes are question marks. It’s the same road Alexander traveled last week and the shoulder still wasn’t good enough to go against the Giants. Stokes is hoping his next trip to the 53 man roster will last longer than four snaps.
Players on the list with no designation were Kingsley Enegbare, Elgton Jenkins, Keisean Nixon, Jonathan Owens, Jayden Reed and T.J. Slaton.
14 teams reach the post-season from both conferences. Of the 14 in the brackets right now, only two teams have losing records. The Packers and the Buccaneers. There’s a crowd of 6-7 and 5-8 clubs dying to swap places with the NFC South Division leaders and the final Wild Card holder. Should be a spirited afternoon.
First sign of Pirates Friday afternoon.
When the Packers have the ball.
The two biggest issues are how effectively can the ball move on the ground with a one armed hammer or a likely rusty returner and if there’s no field stretcher out wide, can pass catchers operate in a constricted space? Unless Patrick Taylor has the breakout game of his life, the Packers will be hard pressed to control this game on the ground. That could change if Vita Vea, considered doubtful, joins Will Gholston on the out list. A couple of other defenders are also on Tampa’s injury list. Pressure will still come from Head Coach Todd Bowles scheme. Jordan Love will need a clean pocket to hit short to medium routes on time, if receivers get to crowded spots on time. If things don’t develop downfield, Love’s awareness of check down options will be key. Those were the only real explosive plays the offense produced last Monday night when Dillon juked a defender and Tucker Kraft ran through one for the two biggest gains of the game. The Buccaneers aren’t nearly as fierce as the Tony Dungy days, they do rank 27th in yards allowed per game, but they are opportunistic. Another loose football or ill conceived throw could prove just as devastating as they did against the Giants. Kraft might be the secret ingredient. If wide receivers can force safeties or corners to run deep, openings might be created in windows underneath.
When the Buccaneers have the ball.
If Tampa Bay is able to soften the Packers with Rachaad White which in turn unleashes Mike Evans downfield, it could be a difficult day. Baker Mayfield is more than capable to hurt defenses, just ask Atlanta. The heart and soul of the offensive line, center Ryan Jensen, has been on injured reserve since training camp. They have one of the best left tackles in Tristan Wirfs. After being unable to even frazzle Tommy DeVito through the most porous offensive line in the league, the Packer front will have to get home on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry really loves having to use only four on the rush to help so many youngsters on the back end. When those four don’t get there, pressure mounts on the back end. Evans is bigger than anyone who’ll cover him. Affecting Mayfield brings opportunity. In two prior December appearances at Lambeau, Mayfield has thrown three touchdowns against five interceptions, four on Christmas Day two years ago. If the Packers limit explosive runs to White, they’ll have a chance to show they can get done what didn’t get done six days ago and get to Mayfield or force a mistake.
The bottom line.
The Packers got humbled at home by the two teams above them in the NFC North but they haven’t lost at Lambeau since, the L.A. pair and then taking down the defending champion Chiefs. It’s going to be another close one, Green Bay is 2-5 in games decided by four points or less, time to even that out and show they are worthy of a playoff spot with three weeks to go.
I like the Pack 23-20.
