Green Bay Packers: First Quarter Report Card
The Green Bay Packers are going back to elementary school. Four weeks in, the season is at the quarter mark, and the team is ready for an evaluation. Boasting a perfect record, Green Bay has been impressive to begin the season.
Exorcising their demons in the NFC West with wins against the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers are flying high with confidence, and it appears as though they will be a challenge to bring down. Clearly the Green Bay Packers have earned good grades during the first quarter, but in order to do the team justice, an examination of each unit is required.
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Here are the first quarter grades:
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Offense (A-):
Despite the injuries, the offense continues to play exceptionally well. Aaron Rodgers continues to dazzle the football world with his precision passes and successful scrambles. Leading the league with 11 touchdowns, Rodgers has already started his MVP campaign.
The injuries to Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams put a strain on the receiving corps, but Rodgers refuses to allow those problems to decimate the passing game.
Randall Cobb and James Jones have undeniable chemistry with their quarterback, and they continue to be reliable targets for Rodgers. Ty Montgomery lacks experience, but he has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and could become a vital part of the offense.
The injury to Eddie Lacy was concerning, but the running back has powered through it to provide Green Bay with pivotal rushing yards. Green Bay currently ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards, and they are averaging 4.4 yards per carry. James Starks has also been important to the offense, especially with the limited ability of Eddie Lacy.
Green Bay possesses one of the best offenses in the NFL. For this reason, they earn an A- for the first quarter.
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) practices before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Defense (A-):
Beginning the season in Chicago with a weak performance against the Bears, fans prepared themselves for disappointment regarding the defense. Yet, the Packers’ defense has played entirely differently in the last three games. They currently rank third in points allowed per game, with 17.8.
After allowing the Bears to rush for 189 yards in the season opener, the Packers have allowed their opponents to earn 271 total rushing yards in the last three games. 168 of those yards were quarterback yards, meaning that Marshawn Lynch, Jamaal Charles, and Carlos Hyde have combined for 110 yards against the Packers.
While it may be too early to decide, the run defense seems to have turned the corner.
Similar to the run defense, the pass defense has been stellar. They currently rank second in sacks, and eighth in total yards. Green Bay has been able to successfully apply pressure to the quarterback and disrupt the passing game. Forcing teams to go three and out, opposing teams have not been able to gain momentum, and the Packers have been able to use that to their advantage.
While their was some criticism of the defense during the fourth quarter against the Chiefs, fans should remember that Kansas City only made things interesting in garbage time. The Packers controlled the entire game, and the points scored during the final minutes were meaningless.
Besides, any skepticism of the defense should have disintegrated with their performance in San Francisco.
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The defense has been unbelievable, which earns them an A- in the first quarter.
Special Teams (B+):
The Packers’ special teams unit is ranked in the middle this year. While they may not be the best in the league, they have improved since last season, when they were ranked last in the NFL. Mason Crosby continues to be consistent with his kicks, and Micah Hyde is solid on the return.
Special teams has shown improvement this season, and they receive a B+ for their efforts.
There is still plenty of time left in the season, and things could change at any moment, but Green Bay appears to be one of the best teams in the league. If they can overcome their long list of injuries, and continue to play at a high level, they will have no problem snatching up the one-seed and going to the Super Bowl. Enjoy it, Packer fans, this team is special.
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