So we're a quarter of the way through the regular season and the Pack is 2-2. Their starting QB has an injury of unknown severity to his throwing shoulder and is backed up by two rookies. They've lost their most effective defensive lineman (Cullen Jenkins) for the season. They may lose their rock of a CB (Al Harris) for the season as well. And if you count Rodgers, Jenkins and Harris, 10 of their 22 starters were listed on the injury report for this week's game against the Falcons. Their leading rusher from a year ago (Ryan Grant) is averaging 3.38 yds/carry, has lost two fumbles, and has rushed for fewer yards on the season than he did in a single playoff game against Seattle last season. Oh, and they may cut their punter (Derrick Frost) if he doesn't show marked improvement this week.
There's a term for what the Packers are facing right now - gut check. Altanta's not a great team. RB Michael Turner is leading the league in rushing but they're starting a rookie QB (Matt Ryan) and their two losses were by matching 24-9 scores to divisional opponents (Carolina and Tampa Bay). The Packers need to put together an inspiring performance this week at home to prove to themselves (and their fans) that they can win games which, on paper, they should win.
If Rodgers is too hurt to play and the defense can't stay healthy this team could well end up looking like the 1990 Packers, who followed an out-of-nowhere 10-6 '89 season with a frustrating 6-10 season that featured starts at QB by forgettables Anthony Dilweg and Blair Kiel for an injured Don Majkowski. With the exception of a 31-0 week 15 drubbing at the hands of Randall Cunningham, Reggie White and the Eagles, the Packers were competitive in every contest. But key injuries (Majkowski, stalwart OT Ken Ruettgers and steady LB Brian Noble missed starts), an anemic running game (not-so-legendary Michael Haddix led the way with 311 yards), and high expectations based on the previous season's thrills ('89 was the year of the "Cardiac Pack") were too much for that team to overcome.
Let's hope this year's Pack takes care of business this Sunday, gets healthy, and manages expectations better than the '90 Pack did.
Keywords: Aaron Rodgers, Al Harris, Anthony Dilweg, Atlanta Falcons, Blair Kiel, Brian Noble, Cardiac Pack, Cullen Jenkins, Derrick Frost, Don Majkowski, Green Bay Packers, Ken Ruettgers, Matt Ryan, Michael Haddix, Michael Turner, Philadelphia Eagles, Randall Cunningham, Reggie White
