The NFL season is four weeks underway. The Green Bay Packers own a 2-2 record, and they have had an interesting route in getting there. Beginning the season with a rough loss to the Seahawks, big questions were raised about the Packers' defense. Then, after a stunning comeback against the Jets in week two, fans in Green Bay gained confidence. The defense played surprisingly well against the Detroit Lions in week three, but the offense did not back the defense's solid performance and the Packers experienced a tough loss. Finally, the Packers offense bounced back in week four and dominated the Chicago Bears. Now, a quarter way through the season, are the Packers legitimate contenders or are they simply pretenders?
Contender Qualities: The Packers offense is a strong component in their case for contenders. As long as Aaron Rodgers is on the field, the Packers have a strong chance of beating any opponent. Jordy Nelson has proven that he is now the number one receiver in Green Bay. Leading the NFL in receiving yards, Nelson has been able to step up in place of James Jones, who left for Oakland in costless agency. Randall Cobb also provides Rodgers with another reliable target. He and Nelson both collected two touchdowns in the win against Chicago.
While the defense has some major concerns, it is not without its good qualities. The defense has had flashbacks to 2010. Throughout the Packers' Super Bowl campaign, the defense was prominent in takeaways. Green Bay has three interceptions and three forced fumbles so far in 2014. The key for the Packers is to capitalize on these opportunities. Whenever the defense can give Aaron Rodgers another possession, the Packers are in a good place. If they can continue this trend, the defense could be vital to this team's success.
Pretender Qualities: While the Packers' passing has shown flashes of brilliance, the running game needs to improve. Eddie Lacy is currently averaging three-yards per carry. That is a trend that simply cannot continue. The Packers' offensive line needs to work to create holes so that Lacy can take advantage. The offense needs balance, and Eddie Lacy has proven that he can provide the team with that balance. Furthermore, James Starks works particularly well with Lacy. Between Lacy and Starks, the running game could be dynamic. Defenses around the league are aware of the threat that is Aaron Rodgers, now the Packers need to create another threat with the running game.
The defense is obviously a major concern in Green Bay. The performance against the Seahawks was alarming. The first half against the Jets was a nightmare, as was the first half against the Bears. The defense has had its moments, playing well in the second half for both the Jets and Bears games. They also had a nice performance against the Lions. The run defense is the primary concern at this time. Marshawn Lynch and Matt Forte ran wild on the Packers' defense. Dom Capers has to find a solution for the run defense, and he has to do it quickly.
The Consensus: The decision of whether to place the Packers on the contenders or pretenders list was actually quite simple. Any team that includes Aaron Rodgers is a contender. While this writer finds the Green Bay defense extremely alarming, the offense may be this team's saving grace.