The Green Bay Packers were accustomed to winning the NFC North until recently. Freddie Boston of Fansided states, “After winning the division title eight times in 13 seasons between 2002 and 2014, including four years in a row, the Packers have now finished in [the] first place just once in the past four seasons.” Last season, the Packers finished with a 6-9-1 record and third place in the division. The last few seasons have not gone according to plan for Green Bay. For 2019 to be the year they steal the division back, a few things need to happen. The Pack must remain healthy, refrain from making careless mistakes, and win road games early.
How the Green Bay Packers Can Win the NFC North
The Packers Must Remain Healthy
In 2016, Green Bay had 13 players on injured reserve, namely Corey Linsley (hamstring), Sam Shields (concussion), Eddie Lacy (ankle), and J. C. Tretter (knee). In 2017, 17 players were on I.R. Most notably missed were Aaron Rodgers (collarbone), Don Barclay (foot), and Jason Spriggs (hamstring). In 2018, 19 players were placed on I.R., namely Geronimo Allison (groin), Jake Ryan (knee), and Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle). Clearly, the Packers’ issue with injuries is trending in the wrong direction.
All week the Packers have said Rodgers would be starting (at least a few snaps) the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. On the eve of said game, the Packers announced that head coach Matt LaFleur was holding out Rodgers for back tightness. Additionally, he was sitting starting running back, Aaron Jones, because of hamstring tightness. LaFleur states these are precautionary decisions. Fans certainly hope so. After years of facing a multitude of injuries, this team cannot face another without key player if they expect to win the NFC North.
The Packers Must Eliminate Careless Mistakes
In 2018, Green Bay lost 223 yards from 23 offensive holding penalties and 78 yards from 16 false starts. These careless mistakes must stop if the Pack intends on winning the division and making it far in the postseason. No team is perfect, sure, but a team that expects to be great and win championships cannot accept less than everyone’s best. These penalties and loss of yards are 100 percent preventable.
Cleaning up these routine plays is essential for Green Bay to win the NFC North. They must require their players to give their all and be completely focused for every snap. Each snap of every game matters. They can’t treat games that should be easy wins like throwaway games. To win the division and achieve the coveted home-field advantage come January, the focus has to be high for every game.
The Packers Must Win on the Road Early
Last season, the Packers lost seven of eight road games. This bad habit left Green Bay feeling defeated. Any opposing team who hosted them felt sure they could win. The once elite and unbeatable Packers became vulnerable.
This year, the Pack will begin their season on the road and on national television as they play the season opener against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Thursday Night Football. Week One is a must-win for Green Bay. Starting the season with a road win over their arch-rivals would help get the 2019 campaign off to a positive and hopeful start and increase their chances to win the NFC North.
