Packers: Eagles game a great opportunity for offense to get going

Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles could give the Green Bay Packers’ offense a chance to find some rhythm.

Uncharacteristically, the Green Bay Packers‘ offense has been inconsistent through three games. And frustrating to watch. We’ve seen them at their best, scoring three touchdowns with ease on their opening three drives against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. And we’ve seen them at their worst, failing to score another point in the three quarters that followed.

That’s very much been the story for this offense so far this season. They’ve shown glimpses of their potential, which is encouraging, but this still feels like an offense out of sync and still trying to discover its identity in a new system.

And the results reflect that. Green Bay’s offense ranks 28th in yards per game after three weeks, and just 23rd in points per game. According to Team Rankings, the offense has converted just 25 percent of its third downs, which is third-worst in the NFL.

Fortunately, the defense has been outstanding, owning the second-best record in points allowed through three weeks. The Packers have done just enough offensively, and more than enough defensively to win all three games and enter Week 4 with a perfect record.

Aaron Rodgers was right this week when he said the offense needs to “wake up and start making some plays”. And against the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, they might have the perfect opportunity to do so.

Through three weeks, the Eagles have struggled to stop the pass, allowing 293.7 yards per game through the air, fourth-most in the NFL. They will now almost certainly be without cornerback Ronald Darby, who will likely miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Philadelphia has allowed 26 points per game, tied for ninth-most in the NFL, and now has to travel to Green Bay on a short week. It’s never easy to travel to play on a Thursday night.

The Packers’ offense has showed signs of what it can be, but it must now become more consistent, particularly on third down. The good news is that the Eagles’ defense allowed the Lions to convert 42.86 percent of their third downs last week. Without Darby, the Packers should be able to find success on offense.

Green Bay’s offense is a work in progress, but it’s also played three excellent defenses so far this season. Up against Philadelphia’s struggling pass defense, this might be the week for Matt LaFleur’s offense to get going.