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And so the dark clouds of disbelief and depression have descended upon Packer nation, and it’s dreadful. Yet for reasons perhaps known only to a handful of neuroscientists, there is always enough green and gold in our DNA for us to imagine the sun breaking through, to let us entertain hopeful questions such as: Could we really beat the Bills on Sunday?
Spoiler alert: nah.
But let’s pretend, as a wild and crazy thought experiment, that such a thing was possible. How could it be done? The coaches seem out of answers, so let’s do this ourselves.
First, let’s talk about running the ball. This is such a radical idea that no one has mentioned it anywhere else, or at least anywhere inside 1265 Lombardi Ave. But I know what you’re thinking: You’re thinking that the Bills are number 1 in DVOA when it comes to rush defense. Doesn’t this suggest not running the ball?
No. But it also does not mean swinging the pendulum all the way from hardly ever running the ball to nearly always running it. That kind of over-correction is almost as bad as not changing anything at all. Especially against Buffalo’s D.
Instead, Rodgers needs to get back under center and run a relentless regimen of play action and RPO. It’s the best way to keep the defense guessing and to neutralize heavy pass rush, provided the coaches mix in some fresh formations and designed plays that the Packers have not yet put on tape.
It means giving up on virtually all deep shots, and deploying a patient, short and medium passing game that uses the middle of the field much more aggressively, instead of constantly testing the two-high shell with go-balls. Properly executed, this would have the added benefit of keeping Josh Allen off the field. Use more rub routes, clear-outs and crossers to scheme receivers open.
Second, dial up the pressure. It’s been a mystery why Joe Barry doesn’t blitz more. Not to Wink Martindale levels, necessarily, but the Packers had some success blitzing Washington. Do it more. This probably also means assigning a spy to monitor Josh Allen and not let him get big chunk plays with his legs.
Third, pull out all the trickeration you can muster. What is there to lose? Sneak in an eligible lineman and pass him the ball. Try fake punts or field goals, and direct snaps to the running backs. Use three-tight-end sets but vary the plays you run out of it. Anything to put the defense on their heels and slow them down.
Fourth, get the basics right. Stop taking dumb, drive-killing penalties. Play clean on special teams.
Fifth, when something is working, keep doing it. And when it stops working, have a plan for what you switch to next. And then switch.
Bottom line: Come in with an aggressive mindset and an even more aggressive game plan. Surprise the Bills with energy and intensity and grab the initiative first. In other words, come out swinging, punch them in the nose (figuratively), and prove Robert Saleh is wrong about this team being soft. The Packers are great at playing down to the level of their competition. It’s time to play up to it as well.
Even with all this, it will take a lot of luck to win. Not to mention the biggest X factor: whether the Packers will actually make the changes necessary.
But we can dream.
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