Packers struggles hurt in tight NFC race

Although the record shows an NFC North-leading 5-2-1 record heading into a week 10 primetime matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers’ recent struggles can hurt them in such a tight race in the NFC right now.

Even sitting three games above .500, the Packers would be the fourth seed (before week 10 games) if the season ended today. Ten teams sit at an even .500 record or better, with eight of those teams 5-3 or better.

Looking back, Green Bay should easily be 5-0-1 at the worst if it weren’t for stupid mistakes by the offense in the Cleveland and Carolina games. I can’t even blame the defense for either one of those losses after giving up just 10 and 16 points, respectively. Simply put, the offense needs to be better and that starts with Jordan Love and MLF.

With such a tight conference race, throwing an interception at that point of the Cleveland game is unacceptable, and the playcalling throughout the Panthers loss was questionable.

I’m usually one to not overreact to games like this with just less than half of the season remaining, but right now every single game matters with how much the teams have improved and how close everything sits at the moment. One loss against a lesser opponent could be the difference between hosting a playoff game and sitting at home watching Wild Card weekend.

It’s not that Love is playing terribly, it’s the inconsistency that hurts on a weekly basis. Having 13 touchdowns to just three interceptions through eight games is fine, but going from one performance to another not knowing who we’ll get is the most frustrating thing to us fans.

I’m not calling for anyone’s job like some people, because in all honesty, who are you going to get that’s better. MLF is a great coach. I just think he needs to open things up a little more offensively and that might free things up a little bit.

Green Bay still leads the NFC North by a slim margin, with every team at or above a winning record. Things should remain that way for the remainder of the season, so consistent play is a must.