Packers: Loss to Bucs shows work still needs to be done

Work still needs to be done for the Packers.

The Green Bay Packers came crashing back down to earth in Week 6.

After a perfect first quarter of the season, and then an equally impressive first quarter on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it all fell apart.

Anytime a matchup between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady ends with Tim Boyle and Blaine Gabbert in for their respective teams, it shows it’s not been a balanced game. Unfortunately for the Packers, they were on the receiving end of a 38-10 loss.

In a game that felt eerily similar to the Packers’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last season, Rodgers threw for 160 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

The offense found life difficult to move the ball on the ground, while the offensive line struggled to hold up against the Bucs’ dominant pass rush, allowing five sacks.

In the big picture, it’s one loss. At 4-1, the Packers are still in good shape and well on their way to another playoff berth. What is key moving forward is to prove this was just a one-off, bad performance, and not a sign of what can happen when they are matched up with a strong defense in the postseason.

The offense was off to a hot start this season and looked impressive on the opening drive, putting up 10 points and controlling time of possession. They looked in-rhythm, on the same page, and ready for a tough challenge. But Rodgers’ pick-six changed everything. Just like that, the offense couldn’t sustain a drive, the defense couldn’t get a stop, and the Packers were heading for their first loss of the season.

Work still needs to be done. Matt LaFleur’s team needs to bounce back ahead of another tough road game next week.