Matt Lafluer and the Green Bay Packers fall to 2-4, the franchise’s worst start since 2006. The 17-19 loss puts the Packers in contention for the first pick in the draft.
Coming into the game, the team struggled to score in the first half. The Broncos are the worst defense in the first half, and the Packers failed to score a point. It is worrisome to come out of a bye and look this disorganized.
Here are this week’s studs and duds vs. the Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers Studs
Runningback AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon led the backs with 15 carries for 61 yards. Additionally, he had two receptions for 34 yards. He was hitting holes and running hard. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get him going earlier in the game—still, another strong showing building off the previous game against the Raiders.
Outside Linebacker Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary started the game with two pressures on the first two plays. Gary was, once again, disruptive in the passing game. He had a huge stop against the run on 4th and one to turn it over to the offense. The Packers are still missing someone to match his intensity and skill level on the line.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas
The touchdown to Courtland Sutton was a heckuva play design, and it’s hard to blame Rasul Douglas. The wide receiver on the outside bumped into Douglas and gave Sutton a wide-open look at the endzone. Outside of that play, Douglas was once again our best guy in the secondary. He showed sticky coverage and tackled well. Douglas is also one of the few secondary guys to stay healthy.
Green Bay Packers Duds
Cornerback Carrington Valentine
With the absence of Jaire Alexander and the Packers trying to work Eric Stokes back, Valentine got the nod opposite of Rasul Douglas. Russel Wilson and the Broncos picked on Valentine all game. Courtland Sutton had four first downs off of routes against Valentine in the first half.
The preseason star had a humbling game. Joe Barry resorted to more man coverage, but Valentine struggled to defend. Valentine might be a good depth piece, but he got exposed Sunday.
Left Tackle Rasheed Walker
Watching Rasheed Walker struggle is frustrating when you know David Bakhtiari should have that side covered. Walker completely missed a few blocks in the run game. The Packers could not get the run game going in the first few drives, partly due to not getting the blocks.
The Packers paid four million dollars to have Yosh Nijman back on the team; I wonder if they eventually switch to him over Walker.
Quarterback Jordan Love
On paper, Jordan Love looked like he had a solid day. He was 21-31, 180 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Once again, it comes down to his decision-making. Sadly, decision-making was his biggest knock coming out of college. Sitting behind one of the best quarterbacks to take care of the ball in the NFL should have helped him.
Jordan Love underthrew Romeo Doubs in the back corner of the endzone, but Doubs made a spectacular play on the ball. Love threw the ball off-platform rather than stepping into the throw. If he steps into the throw, it is an easy pitch and catch at the back pylon.
The Packers had an excellent drive to start the second half. It ended with Love taking a shot to the back corner of the endzone to Doubs, but it was uncatchable. He could throw the screen to Aaron Jones or take the shot in that play. The shot was not open, but the screen play might’ve scored.
The interception to end the game may have been a poor decision, but it was a worse throw. He had AJ Dillon on the check-down, which he would’ve picked up about half the yards they needed. Overall, we need to see more from Jordan Love.
Final Thoughts
The first half was atrocious. The team is young and has not shown much progression. The optimistic side is that three of the four losses have been four points or less and have had the lead in the fourth quarter. The Green Bay Packers had a legitimate chance to be 5-1. All While missing their best players for the better part of the season.
Matt Lafluer and the offense must figure out a cohesive plan quickly, or the Packers will be staring down the first overall pick in the draft.
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