So how long before I say the inevitable? I’m almost daring myself not to say the weakest link. Not to mention the unit that protects the quarterback. Not give a whisper about the difference between a good and terrible season.
Ah, forget it. The offensive line is in the obvious crosshairs. It’s not that it was just bad — it’s that it was historically dreadful.
The Packers offensive line only won on nine percent of its pass blocking attempts, which was No. 32 — dead last. For perspective, the Arizona Cardinals were No. 31 last week with a 22 percent win rate.
Also, the official box score listed 15 quarterback hits on Jordan Love, but Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich made it even worse by tallying 18 quarterback hits.
So now the debacle in Minnesota is over with. The Packers head to MetLife Stadium on Sunday looking disheveled and confused. The illness that the Packers have been suffering from last year has now infected this team.
The Packers can get a lead on teams. That has never been the problem. They have one of the top passers in the league. The problem is keeping that and finishing teams off.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur first uttered the phrase, “All gas, no f—----- brake” on Oct. 20, 2019. That seems like forever ago. When he said that line, I remember being galvanized. There were T-shirts printed, it was appearing all over social media and it became a rallying cry.
So what has happened since then? Why are the Packers content with a lead rather than going back to that old 2019 line?
And speaking of line, the Packers offensive line will not suddenly be vastly superior. Maybe offensive line coach Luke Butkus will move the Titanic deck chairs around by changing the lineup on Sunday, but the production won’t be much different. The Packers have plenty of inexperience plus they have guys that are banged up.
That puts the onus on LaFleur. He will have to scheme some things in order to cover up Green Bay’s largest flaw. That includes crossers, swing passes and hitches. If it’s a seven-step drop, it’s gone from the playbook. There is no way that Love is getting that pass off. With this line, he has to get passes out in 2.5 seconds or risk becoming road kill.
Which also means that long developing running plays are also gone from the playbook. I get that misdirection would really help, but with this line, you cannot trust anything.
And obviously with a poor offensive line, more blockers have to stay home. So all five man protections are out. Get a tight end and maybe even a running back in there to chip.
Why is all this so important? Because Love was pure magic in the first half last week. He was throwing across his body, somehow avoiding the rush and literally doing it all. If Love cannot play to his potential, the Packers suddenly are at risk of making the playoffs.
Now, let’s get something straight. Sunday is not a must-win game, nor will LaFleur be fired if the Packers lose. Remember, LaFleur received a contract extension this past January, so the Packers aren’t going to cut him loose before the season is out.
The Packers have to realize who they are and be self aware. Without Josh Jacobs or Micah Parsons, things are going to be tough, but all they need are wins.
It likely won’t look pretty, but all that matters is the final score.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn