Unlike the PBS show, we’ll look forward on a week in the Washington D.C. neighborhood rather than back. For the 3-3 Green Bay Packers, the urgency to get back on track against the 2-4 Commanders is rising exponentially after the past two offerings. It’s an interesting contrast in that while one team has lost it’s way on the field, the home franchise is almost drowning over the off-field scrutiny it is enduring.
For the Packers to right the ship at Fed Ex Field Sunday, they’ll have to convince me they’ve finally escaped the London Fog.
Two weeks ago, the team departed for the United Kingdom with mixed emotions among the coach and quarterback. One dreaded it, another wanted to embrace it. The team stayed well outside of London, partook in only regimented NFL events from practice to a pep rally. Once a lead was built against the Giants, the Packers slammed headlong into a wall of fog and shockingly, couldn’t finish the game. The long return home, a relaxed practice week and a following noon Sunday kickoff somehow kept the team in a fog resulting in an all-three phase meltdown of a loss. Funny thing, outside of a light rain shower Friday night which brought low hanging clouds, the weather was spectacular all weekend in London-town.
In the wake of the back end of the New York spankings, semantics over the word “simplify” has captured plenty of attention. Again, the quarterback and coach, agreeing they are on the same page, haven’t been able to turn the page on a game plan that can exploit crowded boxes and man coverage.
The offensive line was so offensive, noise is being heard about juggling the combination to ensure the “best 5” are out there. Elgton Jenkins to right guard perhaps? It’s the only spot he hasn’t started as a Packer. Maybe going all the way over to left, pairing the knee surgery All-Pro’s together again. Stick Jon Runyan on the right side and maybe give Yosh Nijman a shot at right tackle? Jake Hansen’s promotion over the benched Royce Newman lasted a series and a biceps injury.
There’s been hollering among the populace than the team is used to hearing six games into a season. Get Aaron Jones the ball more. Plug the damn Special Team leaks. Cries for more aggressive defensive play were heard last week but that unit still wilted late.
LaFleur opened the practice week but saying the locker room vibe is good, he’s urging the team to seek out more fun from simply playing the game. The 1-0 mentality doesn’t change but changing all that needs fixing will be a challenge. Saddled with the first losing streak of his time, is this LaFleur’s biggest challenge? He said no, but is the team facing a healthy dose of adversity? It’s yes.
Aaron Rodgers was not seen on the practice field during the media’s limited viewing time. The guess is he resumed treatment on the sore thumb. Randall Cobb, Christian Watson and Hansen didn’t practice. Cobb and Hansen will be out a spell. Watson did some stretching but the team is being careful with his hamstring.
Sammy Watkins (11) returns.
Sammy Watkins returned however. Still limited coming off his hamstring pull in week two, by simply practicing, he’s been elevated from the injured reserve list. LaFleur cautioned it’s a real stretch to think he’ll play this weekend. Rookie Samori Toure could be an option. He made several plays in camp and the pre-season but has been a healthy scratch from the 53 every week.
New offensive tackle Luke Tenuta has also arrived. LaFleur admitted he didn’t know much about him but he’s not hard to notice at 6-8 and 319. He’s donning jersey number 78.
The Packers practice squad continues to be very fluid. Safety Innis Gaines has returned to the squad and one opening was filled by another wide receiver. Kawaan Baker was a 7th round pick of New Orleans last year. He spent almost all of his rookie year on the practice squad. Baker received a six game suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing substance policy. He did play briefly in the pre-season before the suspension took effect. Once the six weeks have expired, New Orleans cut him loose. Two departures from the squad were linebacker Ray Wilborn and defensive back Benjie Franklin.
