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When the Green Bay Packers take the field on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they should have a nearly-full complement of playmakers on offense for the first time in a long time. Realistically, the Packers have had their full slate of receivers, running backs, and tight ends in just two games this season, the first two of the year. Perhaps it is no coincidence that they hit the 40-point mark and accrued over 450 yards in each of those contests and have not achieved either mark since.
It looks like Allen Lazard will come back off injured reserve in time for Sunday’s game, while Jamaal Williams has already made his return from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Having those two players back should free up some more opportunities in the passing game and will likely allow Aaron Rodgers to spread the ball around a bit more.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars bring the NFL’s 31st-ranked defense (in terms of both points and yards allowed) to town. That’s not a good sign for trying to upset a pretty well-rested Packers team at Lambeau Field. Let’s look at the Packers’ feelings about their offense and much more in today’s cheese curds.
Packers have ‘more room out there’ on offense | Packers.com
That could mean that the coaches are scheming players open in the passing game, which is true. But Matt LaFleur really means that there is still room for the offense to grow, particularly since it is scheduled to get back some key players like Allen Lazard and Jamaal Williams this week.
Green Bay Packers at midseason: How they measure up to past champions | Packersnews.com (subscription)
Where the Packers really need to improve is in forcing turnovers on defense. Of the teams who appeared in the Super Bowl over the last ten years, none were in the bottom five in the NFL in takeaways as the Packers are now.
Updating status of Packers’ 2020 free agent departures | Packers Wire
Blake Martinez has been fine for the Giants, though he once again leads the NFL in total tackles. Bryan Bulaga has missed half of the Chargers' games. And Jimmy Graham? Bears fans aren't much happier with him than Packers fans were over the past two years.
Explaining the shield slant from both sides of the ball – The Athletic
The Packers have used the shield slant concept on offense a handful of times this season with solid success. It's a tough play to defend, which helps explain why it's so common nowadays.
Mother bear and cub shot after climbing onto Russian nuclear submarine - BBC News
2020 has now brought us bears that want to take over nuclear subs. Great. It's a good thing the bears still suck.