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| Bulaga might be the most missed. |
Yikes.... doesn't that sound promising?
It depends how you look at it really. The bright side is that Aaron Rodgers is still playing, and the Packers are currently 6-3 and one game behind the Bears for first place in the division with the head to head tiebreaker.
If the replacement players continue their stellar pace, and can provide depth and reliability down the stretch, Green Bay has the potential for their second championship in 3 years.
If the injuries continue to pile up, an early playoff exit looks as if it is more and more likely.
5 Reasons to be pessimistic.
1. Woodson, Matthews, and Bishop have all been the main leaders on defense, and Matthews has had hamstring issues throughout his short career. An aging Woodson and unreliable Matthews in terms of health can't be overlooked.
2. Green Bay is returning from their bye with two away games against talented teams in Detroit and the New York Giants. Both have been struggling and will be desperately seeking wins.
3. The Packers started the season allowing a lot of sacks (remember those 8 they gave up in Seattle?), and with one of their top lineman in Bulaga being on the sidelines, protection of the MVP is in doubt.
4. There are currently four rookies (Worthy, Daniels, Heyward, Mcmillian) who are getting extensive playing time right now. While they are deserving of it, it remains to be seen whether they can handle the pressure of a potential road playoff game.
5. No running game. There seemed to have been a breakthrough against Arizona, but it doesn't look like Alex Green or James Starks are going to be effective to finish the season.
5 Reasons to be optimistic.
1. The team's health is improving, along with their depth. With how effective James Jones and Randall Cobb have been this year, it's hard to imagine how much more Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson adding much to the offense, but last time I checked they are both still decent receivers.
2. Randall Cobb. I'll leave it at that.
3. Four of the last 7 games are against the Lions and Vikings, who are both starting to show their true form. If the Packers can take advantage of them struggling, four more wins puts them at 10, which is usually the benchmark for a playoff spot.
4. The defense has a pass rush that is making plays, with more to come. Currently, Green by is tied for second in the league in sacks with 28, and Matthews has nine of them after having six in his first two games. There hasn't been a pick six yet this year, but with Dom Capers running things, we can expect a few of those.
5. KUUUUUHHHNN! Has anyone noticed that he hasn't been playing the last couple games? He is one of the most underrated fullbacks in the league and his return is going to boost the running game as well as the passing game. Plus, you know you want to hear his name again... can you say morale booster?
Green Bay has been pretty spoiled the last few years, and this year seems to be a disappointment. The reality is that the Packers should* be 7-2 and tied for first in the division right now, and they are still one of the best teams in the league. They showed they can beat quality competition in Houston and Chicago, and there is still a bitter taste in their mouths from the way they went out last season.
Mid Season Grade: B
Rest of Season Prediction: 5-2
Final Record: 11-5, Wild Card Berth
