For years, we've complained about early bye weeks that force the Packers to grind through the regular season with declining health on the roster. This year, however, our wish was granted, as the Packers received a Week 13 bye week. With Aaron Rodgers nursing a toe injury and several other key contributors still on the mend, the timing couldn't be better.
But, in recent years, the bye week has produced more side effects than R&R for the Packers: they are winless in games following their bye week over the past four seasons, with only one of those games being particularly competitive.
While the Packers have clearly made a habit of sleepwalking out of the bye, it's important to note that three of those four losses came on the road and against the team that ultimately represented the NFC in the Super Bowl. Flipping back to 2015, the Packers' schedule had them face both eventual Super Bowl teams following their bye week, which quickly turned their undefeated season into one where they nearly missed the playoffs.
While some might blame the schedule makers, the real scrutiny should lie in how the coaching staff is getting the team up-to-speed in the week following their bye. During the two post-bye performances under head coach Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay offense looked completely out of sync, scoring a total of 18 points across the two games (albeit against two good defenses).
With the division all but locked up, it would be easy for the Packers to let down their guard again when they return to action in Week 14. We can only hope that the return of key personnel and hosting the rival Bears at home help infuse energy into LaFleur's team heading into their Sunday night showdown.
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