The Green Bay Packers Need A Change

Going into the season, I had extremely high hopes for the Green Bay Packers. I thought with Jordy Nelson back from his ACL injury, Lacy losing weight in the offseason, and signing Jared Cook, that the Packers would be back to the offense of old and put up big time and possible historic numbers on their way to the best record in the NFC. The offense this year has had their moments, but for the most part they've struggled. 

This past Sunday, they played the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts came into the game ranked in the bottom 10 in the league in every defensive category, including 31st in the pass and 27th in scoring. This was supposed to be the game where the Packers continued their hot streak on offense and got back into the division lead. But instead they put up a pathetic 13 points through three quarters. They came back later in the 4th and made it look competitive when the Colts played prevent defense, but yesterday's performance was extremely disappointing and I believe has to be the tipping point. 

This problem has been highly discussed in the media and across the Packers fan base. We all see that something is off. You can be like Colin Cowherd and say it's all on Aaron Rodgers, but lets be real here, the offense has been stale for the last few seasons. ESPN's Rob Demovsky has written plenty about it and ESPN's Louis Riddick has been saying for the last few weeks that teams are starting to figure out the Packers and their offense due to their lack of adjustments. The receivers aren't getting open like they used to, but even when I watch the games the route running is extremely average, and the play designs just lack ingenuity and creativity. Which lands on the head coach Mike McCarthy. Aaron Rodgers in the postgame also commented on the teams lack of energy. Saying it was evident on the sidelines and it's unacceptable considering the position that they're in. That's another thing that I think lands on the head coach as well. 

I don't necessarily think that the Packers need to replace McCarthy right now, but if things keep trending in this direction and they end up missing the playoffs because of this, then they need to seriously consider bringing in a new voice and a new offense. Possibly bringing in Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Another problem I have with the Packers and their direction is with General Manager Ted Thompson. He's very well known as a guy that loves his draft picks and doesn't dabble in free agency or the trade market much at all. During his tenure he's been able to hit in the draft, and when he does go out and sign players they usually do well (Charles Woodson and Julius Peppers), but right now what he's doing is not nearly enough.

Thompson doesn't go out into free agency because he likes to keep his cap space for the players they currently have on the roster. That's great and all, but when that talent doesn't develop like you expect, you run into trouble like they have right now. 

John Elway the last few years has proved that you can be aggressive in free agency without being dumb. In Denver he's been able to bring in players that fit his system and have a huge impact, all while being smart with the money he's handing out. Green Bay might not be the market that Denver is, but I refuse to believe that players don't want to play in Green Bay. With a future Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm players will come. 

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

I'd also like to see Thompson be more aggressive in the trade market as well. This year there were several players that were available such as Browns CB Joe Haden and Bears WR Alshon Jeffery, but the player I'd like to see the Packers mortgage the future on is Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins has become increasingly frustrated this year with the play of newcomer Brock Osweiler and has only one more year left on his deal. Hopkins has never had great quarterback play but still grew to become one of the most productive wide receivers in the game today. I have no doubts that Hopkins would take a bit of a discount to be able to play with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers and I believe that Rodgers would be willing to restructure part of his deal to be able to bring a talent like that in.

In the end I think something has to change in Green Bay soon. Whether it's going out to bring in new personnel for Rodgers and McCarthy, or bringing in a new coach with a more dynamic offense and someone that's willing to adjust week to week like the Patriots do. 

Because right now, what's happening on the field and in the front offense isn't cutting it and the Packers are wasting the prime years of Aaron Rodgers career. One Super Bowl win is not enough for this kind of talent.

Post by Thomas Mooney

Follow on Twitter: @thomas_mooney1, @AFewGoodMics