I am going into the rest of the season with very minimal expectations so that if they are exceeded, I can still have some enjoyment. 😁
The title of this thread should read, "Without our starters, what do we do?" While there is no doubt in my mind that Rodgers leaves the BIGGEST hole in this team, the surrounding injuries make it all that much worse.
Let's start with the offensive line..
By the end of yesterday's game, the Packers had a 3rd string guard playing LT, their 5th tackle off of a practice squad playing RT, and a below-average UDFA guard at LG. Our only two starters available are Linsley and Evans at this time.
This will be the issue at hand for Hundley being successful. Rodgers was able to mask the holes this offense had in the offensive line with his pocket presence and his scrambling ability. Hundley does not have the same ability to escape the pocket and throw on the run. This was something he absolutely struggled with in the preseason (this is something Tom Silverstein has always touched on).
I do not see our offensive line situation getting any better.
Packers will have to somehow drum up a running game. Aaron Jones should be given the opportunity to do his thing. Unfortunately, for him (and Ty) they aren't going to have much room to run.
Add to this, how banged up the defense is. At the end of yesterday's game, the Packers were starting the 3rd and 4th string safeties at corner.
-House is unreliable. Injuries are becoming common with him.
-Rollins' status is unclear. He was carted off--probably bad. He wasn't adding much while healthy anyways.
-King has a concussion. Hopefully this is a one-time thing. He needs to be playing on the 1's ROS.
-Randall is Randall. We know what we are getting with him and it is nothing special.
Unfortunately, I do not see the defense keeping them in games with the better teams remaining on the schedule.
ROS (glass half full)
Saints- loss
Lions- loss
@ Bears- win
Ravens- win
@ Steelers- loss
Bucs- win
@ Browns- win
@ Panthers- loss
Vikings- loss
@ Lions- loss
ROS (we are doomed)
Only other wins are against the Bucs and Browns.