4 ways Packers can run the table heading into playoffs

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 talks with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during the game against the Washington Football Team at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Green Bay defeated Washington 24-10. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 talks with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during the game against the Washington Football Team at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Green Bay defeated Washington 24-10. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Green Bay Packers
Nov 28, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of leaving points on the board, the Packers’ red zone offense has been horrible this season. Aaron Rodgers and company have discussed these problems at length, but have yet to find a solution.

When offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett took over, he labeled this area of the field the “gold zone” after the famous Austin Powers’ movies. He put an emphasis on scoring touchdowns when inside the 20-yard-line and it worked. Last year, the Packers were first in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage at 80 percent. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to replicate the same success in 2021 as they rank a measly 24th at 55.3 percent.

The struggles may have cost them at least one victory when they traveled to Minnesota to play the Vikings a few weeks ago. The Packers lost by three points on a last-second field goal, but it didn’t have to come down to that. They had three red zone attempts, yet, only scored on two of them. Rodgers also pointed out postgame that this should’ve been a 40-point game for their offense.

Green Bay can ill-afford those types of missed opportunities against the good teams they’ll see in the playoffs. You can bet your bottom dollar Hackett, Rodgers, Matt LaFleur and everyone else has been working hard to address the issues during the bye week.