I have finally given up on the Packers Super dreams for the year... too bad.
Injury list that seals the deal (in order of importance):
1. Nick Barnett (middle Linebacker) already a thin position due to minor injuries, he is out for the year and the drop off is big.
2. Morgan Burnett (Strong Safety) rookie off to a good start. We don't get Atari Bigby back for another two weeks and he has never stayed healthy through a full NFL season. Behind him is the dung heap, maybe I should try out.
3. The entire defensive line I think 1 or 2 might be more or less healthy, the rest are hurt or scraps picked up to try and field a team...
4. Ryan Grant (Running back). No human would take the running game seriously with what we have in the backfield. No pass attack is good enough with no threat of the run.
5. Old Man River and his side-kick Doc (Right and Left O-Tackle) Both injured and old, at least the young dudes behind them will be good... someday.
So basically, I legitimately thought the Pack was a Super Bowl contender this year. After the amount of pounding taken so far, I don't see it happening. Here is Coach Justin's recipe for making something out of the slim chance we have left.
1. Recognize that John Kuhn is a running back sent forward in time from the 40's. Change running scheme to a direct block system (we zone block now for our running game) and allow him to punish the defense head up. This way, we can grind them into the 4th quarter where we should be able to pound out some control. The other side effect of a pounding style run game is that it will allow for some good play action waggles and other pass attacks.
2. Go to church A LOT and pray to God that Al Harris and Atari Bigby can come back strong enough to finish the season in good fashion.
3. Spike Kevin Greene's KoolAid with cocaine so he can bring his energy level to unforeseen craziness and get some good action out of that motley crew of linebackers he has to deal with.
So there you have it. We are screwed, unless we start getting lucky somehow...
What does your team need?