It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.. And that was the storyline for Jordan Love and the Packers in Monday night’s loss.
Poised to overrun the Giants after a great Thanksgiving showing versus Detroit, it caused a double-take as to how it was such a close game. All in all, I’ve decided to chalk these inconsistent games up to youth, both on the roster and coaching staff.
It could have been a much, much worse rebuilding year, however. I’m thinking of teams that were doormats for everyone, years after a major player or coaching staff left; the Rams after Warner left, Cleveland and Buffalo for many years in the gutters. At least our losses are close.
If the core players and coaches stay on, there’s going to be leaps next season. Coach Matt LaFleur is also starting to call more creatively than he did to start the year. This is the first season we get to see him coach his team, without Aaron Rodgers’ shadow looming over.
We gotta give the coach at least a full season if not 2 in my opinion when he’s rebuilding an organization. Some Packers fans were prematurely calling for his resignation in my opinion.
Jordan Love is looking more comfortable and playing freely compared to week one. Aj Dillon is my absolute new favorite back since Ryan Grant. He just runs angry! He has the size to run over people like Eddie Lacy but is more explosive and aware like Ryan Grant. A pass out to the flat and “Quadzilla” chunked off a large gain after the catch, putting the offense in scoring position.
Immediately after that, Reed jogs into the endzone for a confident touchdown run. Rookie Jayden Reed also showed some flashes of “the right stuff” he should be an edge for our special teams returning, plus receiving depth.
Flashes are what we had on offense and defense, and the Giants were ready to counterpunch each time we slipped. We lost our rhythm allowing a backup quarterback (DeVito) to catch up. The secondary on our defense stepped up big to make tackles when the line was getting pushed around or over-pursued the ball. But that wears thin after 2 series or so.
I’m happy not to see the big gashing runs that I used to see, but we’re still giving up enough small plays. That’s where they’re worn down by half from being out there.
Stay tuned to the future Packer Nation. Another offseason of workouts, bonding, and building, this team will be a force to reckon with again.
Hosting Tampa Bay this week, 3 of the top 4 receivers are out leaving Jordan short-handed. Reed, Wicks, and Watson are all currently out. I’m expecting a big game out of Aj Dillon and probably some running from Jordan Love if needed to manufacture offense. The Pack is gonna need everyone from the Tundra to get this must-win and stay playoff-relevant.
Go Pack!
