4 Packers to blame for ugly loss to Broncos in Week 7
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The Green Bay Packers are a bad football team. That's the reality.
They have played two games in 24 days against teams with losing records and struggling defenses. Green Bay had additional time to prepare for both games. The result? Two embarrassing defeats, with the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders outscoring the Packers 36-30.
Denver had allowed 28 or more points in four of its opening six games. The Miami Dolphins scored 70 points against the Broncos' defense. But the Packers could only manage 17, including zero in the first half.
There are so many problems with this team, but we start with the four Packers who deserve the most blame for Sunday's deflating loss to the Broncos.
4. Rasheed Walker
The Packers didn't give up a sack, but second-year tackle Rasheed Walker made too many mistakes. It's tough to put too much blame on Walker. He was a seventh-round pick a year ago and barely played as a rookie. He's now the starting left tackle.
While his pass protection has been fine, Walker's run-blocking struggles continued against the Broncos.
Rasheed Walker is struggling in the run game. Second straight run play he flat out whiffs
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) October 22, 2023
Green Bay's run-blocking remains a major issue. For all the criticism AJ Dillon has received this season, he ran well when the Packers created rushing lanes for him against the Broncos. That included an explosive 15-yard gain. Dillon also showed off his ability in space with a 29-yard catch-and-run.
The Packers' running backs are often met by defenders behind the line of scrimmage. According to ESPN, Green Bay ranked 29th in run block win rate entering Week 7. And we saw why.
Walker continues to get beaten far too easily in the run game, and it's a real problem. Why Matt LaFleur hasn't turned to the more experienced Yosh Nijman is baffling.