Packers: Four ways 2018 team can mirror 2011 success
2. Offensive efficiency
One mind-blowing stat to tell you just how efficient the 2011 Packers offense was, is the fact that they were 27th in the league in terms of offensive plays ran, with 988 total plays, but third in the league in terms of yardage (6,482 yards), and first in scoring offense with 560 points. Meaning they got down the field quick and put points on the board quick, which directly correlates with Rodgers’ career high 9.2 yards per attempt.
The 2011 team also took care of business on third down, that is when the offense even made it to a third down. They ranked 31st in the league in third down attempts, but finished third in third down conversion percentage at 48.1 percent.
As Packers fans, we have become accustomed to very few turnovers, as long as Rodgers is on the field. Rodgers’ worst season in terms of interceptions, was during his first year as a full-time starter, when he threw 13 picks.
In 2011, the Packers ranked 31st in the league for offensive turnovers, with eight interceptions and only six fumbles lost. This is one facet of the game where we can be very confident in the Packers mirroring the 2011 team.
One person who played a major part in orchestrating such a potent and efficient offense, was offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. He did such a fine job that he was offered a head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins following the 2011 season. Luckily, Philbin is back in Green Bay for his second stint as the team’s offensive coordinator, and word is that Philbin and McCarthy went through the offensive playbook with a fine-tooth comb to remaster their offensive approach.
Something that the 2011 offense seemed to have an abundance of, but has lacked on offense in recent years, are the receivers creating separation. With the list of playmakers I listed above, it is no wonder that group of receivers did so well creating separation. This is something the current group of receivers and coaching staff must find a way to address.
They can start by studying how Davante Adams creates separation at the line of scrimmage and how Randall Cobb creates separation in and out of his breaks.