You'll never hear Mike McCarthy use injuries as an excuse for losing, but that doesn't mean it's not true. The difference between the 13-3 team last year and the team that's already equalled that loss total in five games (2-3) this year, is injuries.
Last season, the Packers had few injuries to speak of. And the one or two young players that were called upon to help out, did just that. This season, the number of young players being asked to step up and play well is a much larger number, and those players have struggled to do the job. If the Packers don't have to worry about losing veterans to injury, then they're not likely this bad early.
Notice I used the word “bad” in describing the teams play. Over the last few weeks, it's been exactly that. Too many penalties, an offense that has struggled to run the ball until last week, and a defense that not only can't stop anybody, they've been absolutely getting run over.
Injuries have depleted the depth on the defensive line to the point where that group rarely pressures the passer and a tackle for loss has been stricken from their vocabulary.
Fortunately for the Packers, they play in the NFC North. It means they should be in the division title chase for awhile. If they can get healthy, they might have a chance to compete for a playoff spot. If their health doesn't improve soon, the Packers may be able to start making their offseason vacation plans early.
Listen / Download – Mike McCarthy says the young players aren't doing enough. :23