The Green Bay Packers’ offense already looked like it needed a jolt of creativity in the run game before last Sunday’s upset loss to the Carolina Panthers, but the events of that game made it an absolute necessity. Between a dismal 13-point performance and an abhorrent 1-for-5 day trying to score touchdowns in the red zone, the creativity and execution were not up to par.
A run game that has lain dormant for much of the season continued to be inconsistent, though there were a few sparks here and there. Josh Jacobs did rip off his second-longest run of the season, though that was still just an 18-yard gain. A few plays were blocked up well up front, suggesting that perhaps gap concepts should be an area of focus for the run game moving forward. But performance near the end zone was again lacking.
Then there is, of course, the absence of Tucker Kraft for the remainder of the season. While his loss does not require a complete rebuild of the offense from the ground up, it will necessitate some changes in approach, particularly in the passing game. Luke Musgrave can help out in some areas (deeper and intermediate routes), but Kraft’s ability to get yards after the catch is what makes him a unicorn.
Monday’s game against the Eagles will be a heck of a litmus test for whether or not LaFleur can adjust to the loss of one of his best playmakers and to find ways to be productive in the run game. If he can do that, this team can still achieve great things this season.