The Packers offense has moved away from its roots

The Packers tweaked the offense this offseason. While the unit has performed well in two of three games, perhaps the adjustments have gone too far.

From a certain standpoint, the Green Bay Packers have fared well through the first three weeks of the season. They currently stand at 2-1 with no losses inside the conference, a record that the vast majority would have accepted going into the year. Green Bay also should enter every game through at least October as favorites, a testament to the quality of the roster and coaching staff in place.

At the same time, the injury bug has already ravaged the team. On offense alone, starters Aaron Banks and Zach Tom have gone down multiple times, contributing to the six O-line combination that the Packers have tried thus far. Their leading receiver in each of the past two years played only 23 snaps before landing on IR. Tucker Kraft, perhaps their most reliable pass catcher, even dealt with an injury scare that likely affected the team’s game plan against the Cleveland Browns.

“There were definitely things that happened, Zach getting injured right there, Banks going out. So, we’re shuffling guys around,” quarterback Jordan Love said last Sunday. “But I think the first two games, that’s kind of how it’s been.

“It’s that next-man-up mentality. Everybody that suits up, be ready to play. I think those guys did a good job coming in on those short-notice plays. But, you know, it’s tough.”

Perhaps all that shuffling helps explain why the Packers offense has moved away from its roots.