The Green Bay Packers offense roared to life in the opening weeks of the NFL season, with impressive displays against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 and a solid three-quarter performance in Atlanta.
However, as the season has progressed, the unit’s consistency has become a cause for concern. The Packers’ offense has consistently performed as a second-half team lately, with just 6 points scored in the first half over the past three weeks. If Green Bay’s offense doesn’t come alive against the Denver Broncos, when will it?
Although the Packers have had their own offensive struggles, their upcoming matchup against the Broncos might be the perfect opportunity to reignite that unit. According to PFF, before Monday Night Football, Denver’s defense is at the bottom of nearly every defensive ranking. Sean Payton’s defense ranks dead last in overall defensive grade, 29th in run defense, 32nd in tackling, 26th in pass rush, and 32nd in coverage.
The Broncos have played historically poor defense early this season. Week after week, they have allowed opposing offenses to exploit their vulnerabilities, with some startling results. In Week 2, Denver allowed 35 points to quarterback Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders. Their defense was even more porous in Week 3, surrendering 70 points to the Miami Dolphins, a point total more akin to a basketball score than a football game. To compound their issues, they made Justin Fields look like a seasoned veteran in Week 4.
Not only are Denver’s defensive struggles evident in traditional rankings, but their performance has also earned them the dubious distinction of being historically bad according to advanced statistical metrics, such as DVOA. The Broncos currently find themselves ranked dead last in both defensive and passing DVOA. Vance Joseph’s defense is also the second-worst DVOA defense ever through the first six games of an NFL season.
Denver’s defense is the worst in the league in allowing the highest completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks at 76.4%. Moreover, they surrender the highest yards per attempt, with an average of 8.2 yards allowed, highlighting their vulnerability to explosive plays. The Broncos also rank second in the NFL for total passing yards allowed, illustrating their inability to contain opposing aerial attacks. They lead the league in passing touchdowns allowed, giving up 14 scores through the air.
The game at Denver presents Green Bay with a golden opportunity for a “get-right” game. However, the path ahead isn’t easy. Following the Broncos clash, the Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams. Although their record may not reflect it, the Vikings still have significant potential, boasting one of the best defensive coordinators in Brian Flores. Led by future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, the Rams present a formidable challenge. After playing the Vikings and Rams, the Packers enter a demanding stretch of games. They will play the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Detroit Lions, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Each of these matchups promises to be a tough test.
Green Bay’s offense must have a strong performance against Denver. Not only does it have the potential to set the tone for the team’s upcoming challenges, but it can also significantly impact their confidence and momentum. A victory on Sunday would not only provide a much-needed boost in the win column but also instill a sense of confidence and belief within the team as they enter this challenging stretch of games. Getting it right against the Broncos could serve as a catalyst for success, helping the Packers build essential momentum and cohesion, which will be vital against the formidable opponents awaiting them in the weeks to come.
It’s important not to set the bar too high in terms of expecting a mistake-free performance from Green Bay’s young offense. The ups and downs are an inherent part of a developing offense, and there will undoubtedly be moments where execution falters. However, if the downs outweigh the ups, especially when facing a historically bad defense like the Broncos, it could lead to a frustrating spectacle on the field. The pitfalls, from execution mishaps to Matt LaFleur’s questionable play-calling, will become glaringly evident.
The Packers should beat the Broncos on Sunday. While youthfulness is a factor worth considering, it should not serve as an excuse for failing to triumph over a struggling football team. If LaFleur’s offense performs as it did against the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders, he will need to reevaluate and re-scout his approach.
