by Mike Joerndt
Neenah, WI
Expectations were rather high as the team progressed through training camp and the preseason. Fans and members of the media were talking about a Super Bowl run for Green Bay. But after two games the Packers have looked like anything but a championship-caliber team.
I wish I could say Green Bay just encountered two quarterbacks with the unique balance of arm strength and mobility. But Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks did not live up to the pregame comparisons to the Falcons' Mike Vick. Not only was Brooks less mobile, but he threw two interceptions. Vick threw none against Green Bay.
The reality is the Green Bay defense has been terrible against the run and surprisingly vulnerable to the pass, say nothing of yards after the catch. The Saints running backs, led by Deuce McAllister, burned the Packers for 146 yards rushing. Meanwhile wide receiver Joe Horn put up 120 yards against the Packers on just 6 catches.
In New Orleans, the offense seemed to fall apart for the Packers as well. Ahman Green's mild fumbling problem hemorrhaged into a team-wide inability to hang on to the ball. I will grant the Saints hit very hard, but there was no excuse for costly fumbles or dropped passes at key moments.
In addition, a normally solid offensive line looked porous and mistake-prone against the Saints. Brett Favre was forced to scramble too often and committed two intentional grounding penalties.
This is not exactly the season we were hoping for.
Both of the Packers first two games should have been victories. In regulation. I'm not suggesting either opponent should have given up and let Green Bay win. I do suggest the Packers are a better team than either the Saints or Falcons. A defense long on skill and experience should have contained Mike Vick and Deuce McAllister. A high-octane offense should hang on to the ball, protect the quarterback and put more points on the board.
Are there solutions to these problems? Of course. Are they easy and obvious to the average observer. No. It isn't just a matter of changing a few schemes or cracking the whip in practice. Those measures will help, but the problems are too complex to fix with simple solutions.
There is certainly cause for concern. However, it is far too soon to panic. I have a great deal of faith in coach Mike Sherman's ability to examine and correct these issues. I believe the coaching staff as a whole can address the Packers' woes on both sides of the ball.
Besides, the news isn't all bad. Brett Favre has not killed the team with interceptions. His one pick this season came on a tipped pass. When they hang on to the ball the Packers backs and receivers are demonstrating an ability to rack up yardage. On defense Green Bay took a positive step against the Saints by making two interceptions, compared to none against Atlanta. Josh Bidwell is punting solidly so far this season, and Ryan Longwell's kickoffs seem to be slowly improving. The Packers can build on these positive aspects as they work to address the negatives.
Green Bay has played just one-eighth of the 2002 season. There is reason to worry after two poorly-played games, but not enough cause to predict a losing season or give up on that Super Bowl run.
Though I'll probably change my tune if these issues persist next week against the hapless Lions.