Packers offense needs more easy buttons to sustain early success

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There’s a reason “mid-range jump shot” grew into a dirty word in the NBA. The Ivy League MBAs in front offices realized those shots offer less value and lower efficiency than long-range shots -- did you know a three-pointer is worth more than a two-pointer? -- and were going to hit at a much lower rate than layups and free throws.

Right now, the Green Bay Packers are living off the football equivalent of those pull-up jumpers from the elbow because they can’t hit anything from distance and are barely attempting to get to the rim.

Through two weeks, head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love are running the Kyle Shanahan playbook to perfection, both the actual and metaphorical playbook in this case. They’re attacking the middle of the field, creating yards after catch, setting up opportunities to hit deep shots, and not putting the ball in harm’s way. But they’re relying far too heavily on difficult intermediate throws to move the ball and aren’t hitting their deep throws with any consistency. They need more easy buttons.

But luckily for them, they have the personnel and the coach to find some.

First, it would be easy to wonder why criticize the offense at all. After all, Love leads the league in expected points added per play, passer rating, and passing touchdowns. He’s yet to throw an interception. He’s made some wow throws and had the Packers up double digits in each game the team has played. But that’s not the whole story.