Five takeaways from Packers’ humiliating loss to Redskins

Lack of depth killing Packers

Injuries happen in the NFL, not just to the Packers. Depth wins championships, and Green Bay lacks talent in the secondary beyond Sam Shields and Damarious Randall.

Even when healthy, Randall, a first-round pick in 2015, has struggled to reach his rookie promise. Quinten Rollins, selected a round later, has offered no improvement to the defensive backfield since returning from a groin injury of his own.

Between LaDarius Gunter, Micah Hyde and Demetri Goodson, the talent pool is thin.

Relying on undrafted free agents, such as Gunter and safety Kentrell Brice, comes with its risks, and the Packers are paying the price.

Sure, had Shields not got hurt the secondary would be in better shape. He’s talented enough to mask over many of the deficiencies elsewhere. But relying on one player to hold up the entire secondary is almost asking for disaster.

The Packers expected more out of Randall and Rollins this year, although both have been hit with injuries. As high draft picks, the defense needs both to live up to their potential.

Shields’ future in Green Bay remains in doubt after a history of concussion problems. Randall and Rollins were expected to take over the reigns.

If not, it’ll be back to square one in the defensive backfield next spring.