Packers Struggle to Inspire in Win Over Bengals

The Green Bay Packers got their first win in just over thirty days on Sunday, but despite the positive outcome, there was a lot left to be desired.

Heading into week seven against the Cardinals, here are my main takeaways from the 27-18 victory.

Green and Golden

Of the keys I discussed for the Green Bay Packers’ offense over the bye week, the one that was the easiest to implement was an uptick in Matthew Golden‘s usage.

Head coach Matt LaFleur seemed to agree, and as a result, the first round draft pick had his best game as a pro.

Golden caught three of his five targets for a total of eighty-six yards, adding another sixteen yards on the ground for his first game of over a hundred yards from scrimmage.

What stood out the most however was his ability to produce in clutch time, which the Packers saw glimpses of in their last game against the Cowboys.

In Cincinnati, Golden had two big time catches, one for thirty-five yards when the Packers’ offense threatened to stall at the end of the first half, and one for thirty-one yards to put Green Bay in field goal range at the end of the game.

Both catches directly resulted in points, and the thirty-one yard catch in particular showcased his ability to create for the quarterback when a play breaks down.

Without Golden, the Packers wouldn’t have won the game, and while he may not yet be a superstar, his future is becoming brighter and brighter each week.

All Green Bay needs to do is get him the ball.

No More Excuses

I’ve been giving the Packers’ offensive line the benefit of the doubt for the past couple of games, mostly due to injury concerns, but that is benefit is no longer.

Despite the fact that the raw numbers have improved week-to-week, it has become increasingly clear that the Packers won’t be able to rely on their performance like they have in the past, especially when it comes to pass protection.

Jordan Love was under fire for most of the game against a subpar Bengals front, even when Trey Hendrickson wasn’t on the field, and although QB1 was able to create time for himself, that won’t be the case against more talented defenses.

Per PFF, Love was only pressured on 26.5% of his dropbacks, but the eye test didn’t match the stat.

Green Bay was forced to play horizontally, especially in the first half, and Matt LaFleur’s play-calling continues to suffer as a result.

If the Packers want to open up their playbook, especially when Christian Watson and Jayden Reed return, Jordan Love needs more time to throw.

Five for Five

Despite the overall frustration that many fans felt against the Bengals, I’d like to take a moment to recognize Lucas Havrisik, who served as the Green Bay Packers’ interim kicker in the win.

Havrisik worked out for the Packers on Friday, signed Saturday, and was the starter on gameday, and even though he’d been inconsistent in his career to this point, he was perfect at Lambeau Field.

Havrisik went three for three on extra points and kicked two critical field goals, including the one that sealed the win, earning himself a game ball in the process.