The Green Bay Packers problems this season have been well documented, but in the interest of fair play, lets attempt to put a positive spin on the teams modest 2-2 start. Here are some compelling reasons why its too soon to write the Packers off:
Despite trailing the first-place Minnesota Vikings by 2 games, the Packers could make up ground quickly in the next month because of a soft schedule. The Packers face the lowly Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns (2-8 combined record) in the next two weeks. If that doesnt cure the Packers ills, nothing will.
The Packers could easily take a 4-2 record into their Nov. 1 rematch with the Vikings, who will be severely tested in their next two games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Its not inconceivable that the Vikings will lose twice and bring a 5-2 record to Lambeau Field.
Even if Minnesota splits its next two games, the Packers could tie for the NFC North lead by beating the Vikings and following it up with a road victory the next week against a bad Tampa Bay team.
The Packers two defeats came against teams with a combined 9-1 record. Its not as if theyre losing to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
When the Packers were upended by the Bengals at Lambeau Field, it was viewed in some circles as a debacle of epic proportions. In light of Cincinnatis 4-1 record and first-place standing in the rugged AFC North, that loss can now be viewed in a different light.
As for the Packers loss at the Metrodome, what else is new? A solid team like the Vikings is expected to defend its home turf in front of noisy, partisan fans. Even the Packers Super Bowl championship team in 1996 couldnt beat the Vikings on the road.
In addition, the Packers victory over Chicago in the season opener happens to be the Bears only loss of the year.
For as poorly as the Packers have protected their quarterback and run the football, and for as inconsistently as theyve played on defense, and for as many passes as theyve dropped and penalties theyve committed, its telling that the Packers stayed in contention against the Bengals and Vikings until the bitter end.
No, theres no such thing as a morale victory. But perhaps those games indicate the Packers, in spite of tripping all over themselves, possess enough talent to keep pace with some of the better teams in the league.
If tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher make healthy recoveries from injuries, how much better might the offense perform? Maybe the Packers will once again be able to protect Aaron Rodgers from harms way and show off their explosiveness.
If safety Atari Bigby returns to the starting lineup, maybe the Packers wont be forced to play essentially a man short on defense. With the potential emergence of rookie B.J. Raji, and players becoming more familiar with the 3-4 scheme, chances are good the defense will only get better as the season progresses.