Have Injuries Already Ruined Packers Season?

Aaron Rodgers proved he does not lack toughness, playing with a separated shoulder. More than that, he played well: 25-37, 313 yards, 3 TDs, 1 interception.

The 109.4 passer rating Sunday was only his third highest in the five starts this year. Brett Favre only exceeded that number in half of last season's starts, in a year he was the runner-up for the MVP.

Rodgers is on pace for 4,077 yards (plus 262 rushing), 29 TDs (plus six rushing), and only 13 interceptions (plus three lost fumbles). By comparison, Favre had 4,155 yards (plus only 12 rushing), 28 TDs (0), and 15 interceptions (plus three fumbles).

Thus, including using his legs, Rodgers is on pace to net 172 more yards and seven more touchdowns, while accounting for three fewer turnovers. He is doing this while being on pace for 26 fewer completions in 13 fewer attempts, but 28 more rushes.

But one reason he is projecting fewer passes and more rushes is that the line has not been healthy, and they have not adequately protected their quarterback. That's why Rodgers is also on pace to take 35 sacks for 227 yards, compared to Favre last year taking just 15 for 93 yards last year. This would lower his net to +38 yards in 45 more plays.

The line is also not opening holes for the running game, forcing the team to pass more. This, coupled with the lack of protection, may explain in part why Rodgers is hurt.

Today, we finally saw some flashes of a running game. Ryan Grant rushed for 83 yards in 18 attempts, and the team overall generated 104 yards in 23 carries. One could argue the Packers did not run enough, but the passing game was working and the team was behind from the first possession thanks to two defensive backs falling down in the Falcons' first four plays.

The problem was on defense. While the loss of Al Harris may be devastating to the defensive backfield, the Falcons were held to 194 yards through the air—i.e. it may take a better passing attack to take advantage of the Packers.

But the loss of Cullen Jenkins from the defensive line left the Packers without a sack, and allowed 176 rushing yards on 36 carries (4.9 per rush). Needing a stop to get Rodgers one more chance, and knowing Michael Turner would get the ball, the defense gave up 11 yards on three carries to allow the Falcons to seal it with two kneel-downs.

So one must ask, if the Packers cannot stop the rush, can they win again this year?

They can if they grab an early lead and teams eventually need to abandon the run. They can if teams cannot run. They can if they eventually get healthy.

But instead of buying themselves a week, they added new bodies to the report: stud left tackle Chad Clifton pulled a hamstring. While he should be able to play next week, he may not be 100 percent.

More reason for Rodgers to fear for his safety. And if anyone blames him for this loss, you better be willing to stand behind your comment enough to give me your address, 'cause I'm coming after you like a defensive end comes after Rodgers.