Packers Offense Struggles Under the Spotlight: Midseason Grades Tell a Harsh Truth.
The Green Bay Packers are 6-3 at the season’s midway point, positioning themselves for a potential playoff run. As we take stock of the offense, here’s a breakdown of their performance so far:
Passing Offense
The passing game has been exciting but inconsistent. Entering Week 10, the Packers rank second in the NFL with 32 pass plays of 20 or more yards, trailing only the Ravens. However, while big plays have been frequent, the overall performance has been shaky.
Quarterback Jordan Love, who received a lucrative $220 million extension in training camp, has struggled to meet expectations. Despite flashes of potential, Love ranks near the bottom of the league in completion percentage (32nd) and interception rate (33rd). He and Geno Smith are tied for the league’s most interceptions, with 10. While injuries (knee and groin) may be factors, Love’s decision-making continues to be a major concern, particularly after costly pick-sixes against the Rams and Lions.
Receivers, too, have been part of the issue. While Jayden Reed has been a standout, ranking near the top in yards per target and yards after catch, others like Dontayvion Wicks have struggled with drops, and Romeo Doubs has been inconsistent. Overall, the Packers have had 16 drops, with Love’s completion percentage suffering as a result. The offensive line has provided solid protection, ranking highly in both pass-blocking efficiency and win rate, with right tackle Zach Tom and guard Elgton Jenkins shining.
Grade: C-minus.
Rushing Offense
The decision to swap Aaron Jones for Josh Jacobs has paid off for Green Bay. Jacobs, now in his first year with the team, is third in the league in rushing attempts (158) and yards (762), averaging 4.82 yards per carry. His pace puts him on track for over 1,400 rushing yards, one of the best seasons in franchise history. Jacobs has been particularly effective after contact, ranking fourth among running backs in yards after contact per carry.
Backup running backs Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks have also provided solid depth, and rookie MarShawn Lloyd’s return will be interesting. While the Packers’ run-blocking hasn’t been great, ranking 23rd in run-block win rate, they’ve still managed to move the ball when needed, with Jacobs breaking 33 tackles and having 20 runs of 10-plus yards.
Grade: B-plus.
Special Teams
Special teams have been an area of concern, with the Packers ranking poorly in several key categories. They are 27th in punt return average (7.4 yards), 24th in average starting position following a kickoff (28.8-yard line), and 31st in field-goal percentage (75%). Kicker Brandon McManus has been inconsistent, missing a field goal in a rain-soaked game against Detroit but also hitting two game-winners.
Returner Keisean Nixon, while a two-time All-Pro, has struggled to make an impact, with only a 37-yard long on kickoff returns and a costly turnover against Houston. Additionally, the Packers have committed eight special teams penalties, one above the league median.
Grade: D-plus.
Conclusion
The Packers have had their share of ups and downs offensively, but with a promising running game and a young quarterback still working through growing pains, there’s potential for improvement. Special teams, however, remain a weak point that will need attention as the season progresses.
