4 Reasons The Packers Are Slipping
On Sunday, the Mike Zimmer-led Vikings will face off against one of the franchise's greatest rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
While the Pack started the season strong, things have taken a sour turn in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, the young Vikings team headed by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has found its rhythm, syncing with star running back Adrian Peterson and standout rookie receiver Stefon Diggs.
Minnesota now leads the NFC North with a 7-2 record. The Packers, on the other hand, have slipped to 6-3.
So why are the Packers, who still have one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league with Aaron Rodgers, slipping this season?
Reason No. 1: No Jordy
Green Bay's greatest receiving weapon was sidelined this year following a knee injury in the offseason. While the Packers were able to bag six wins at the season's start, when they went up against the strong defenses of the Broncos and the Panthers, they couldn't break through.
Those two defeats may have mentally jarred the Pack in last week's upset loss against the last place Lions.
Had Jordy Nelson been healthy, he could have been a dependable, deep target for Rodgers. Without him, the multiple-MVP-winning quarterback seems hard-pressed to find solutions under pressure or when his other receivers can't get open.
Reason No. 2: The Receivers Aren't Winning
This could have something to do with Nelson's absence, making the Packers something like an ecosystem where a top predator suddenly goes extinct. After that, the entire landscape goes into disarray.
Last week, wideout Davante Adams was targeted 21 times and only caught 10 passes. That can't happen with such a pass-focused offense.
With other receivers, such as Randall Cobb, Rodgers doesn't seem to be clicking.
The timing is off and Cobb is struggling to deal with two-man coverage.
Overall, the receivers aren't winning their match-ups, and the machinery of the offense is too often breaking down.
Reason No. 3: Rodgers Is Hurting
On Wednesday, Rodgers was listed as a limited participant in the injury report. He appears to be suffering from a shoulder injury following the game against Detroit.
While he was likely placed on the list as a precaution, he still may not be feeling 100 percent healthy for Sunday's game at TCF Bank Stadium.
As a side note, the forecast for the Sunday looks to be cold. Just a few degrees above freezing.
Reason No. 4: Their Strategy Is Stale
In their current losing streak, the Packers have yet to change up their play style. As they continue to throw the ball over and over again, their running game has all but evaporated.
Without variety in play possibilities, teams can adapt the few options the Packers have on the field.
Moreover, coach Mike McCarthy isn't calling the shots. He's given that role this year to assistant head coach Tom Clements.
While McCarthy has said he won't take the reins against Zimmer's Vikings, that might be another factor in the Packers' not being able to bring the conference title back to Lambeau.
