3 Takeaways from Packers' Week 7 Loss vs. Commanders

It may not be time for Green Bay Packers fans to panic, but there's no reason to relax following Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Packers have very real problems that must be addressed immediately if they hope to make a run at the postseason. Aaron Rodgers and the passing game continue to play inconsistent football in the post-Davante Adams era. The offensive line continues to sort through injuries and shakeups, and the defense keeps failing to protect leads.

All of these problems were at the surface against an underwhelming Commanders team playing with backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke. This was a game many fans may have circled as a likely win, but it was one in which Washington looked and played like the superior team.

The Packers have rarely been the clear best team on the field this season, and at no point have they played like a squad that claimed the NFC No. 1 seed a year ago. Sunday's loss was the latest disappointment that sees them sitting at just 3-4.

Here are our three biggest takeaways from Green Bay's Week 7 loss to the Commanders.

Many of Green Bay's issues can be traced back to the offense, and we'll get to that soon enough. But we need to start with an examination of the defense, which certainly let the Packers down on Sunday.

Green Bay led 14-3 at one point in the second quarter, but Washington was able to mount a comeback and take a 20-14 lead in the third. Heinicke played well enough, going 20-of-33 for 201 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, but it was the ground game that largely carried the Commanders.

Washington racked up 166 yards on the ground while picking up 22 first downs and holding the ball for 37:07 of game time. The Commanders' ability to play keep-away was particularly effective because the Packers offense keeps struggling to find a rhythm. It didn't convert a third down until the fourth quarter, and that came via a Washington penalty.

Green Bay's struggles against the run are not new. It came into Week 7 ranked just 27th against the run and 25th in yards per carry allowed (4.9). Now, this isn't much different from where it was a year ago: ranked 30th in yards per carry allowed (4.7).

The difference is that with the Packers offense struggling, teams aren't afraid to pound the ball against them.

Last season, only three defenses had fewer runs called against it than Green Bay's. Teams are now leaning on the run, and the Packers can't stop it. Until the offense finally finds a spark, this is a defensive flaw that could take Green Bay out of the playoff race.

The Packers lack reliable receivers, and they can't find a dependable and consistent lineup on the offensive line: Left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) was out Sunday.

However, veteran quarterback Rodgers doesn't believe it's time for offensive concern.

"I'm not worried about this squad. In fact, this might be the best thing for us," the 38-year-old told reporters after the game.

While Rodgers may not be concerned, he needs to be better. Now every missed throw or hesitation in the pocket can be blamed on underperforming receivers or a shaky offensive line—and we saw plenty of both against Washington.

The four-time NFL MVP rarely seemed sure of where he was going with the ball, and a few of his passes were wildly off the mark. He finished the game 23-of-35 for 194 yards and two touchdowns, but he didn't crack the century mark until deep in the second half.

And Rodgers' play hasn't been great all season. After tossing 37 touchdown passes last year, he's thrown just 11 through seven games. He came into Sunday averaging just 6.7 yards per attempt, a full yard lower than last season's average.

Elite quarterbacks are supposed to make those around them better. While his supporting cast isn't great, the reality is that his play in 2022 has been far from elite.

It's fair to blame a lack of weapons and a subpar line on some of the offensive issues, but Rodgers deserves some of the blame as well.

If the Packers figure out how to fix their offensive and defensive issues, then perhaps Sunday's loss can be a good thing for them, as Rodgers insinuated.

However, Green Bay needs to find answers in a hurry, and they may have to come via the trade block.

The November 1 trade deadline is looming, and the Green Bay quarterback noted last week that general manager Brian Gutekunst is likely to be active.

"There's the possibility if certain guys emerge of us having a chance to make a run. I know [GM] Brian [Gutekunst] believes the same thing," Rodgers told reporters last week. "But if there’s an opportunity, I would expect that Brian will be in the mix."

It's time for the Packers to flip the switch on a trade, specifically targeting a run defender or a receiver. Green Bay relied heavily on running back Aaron Jones (nine catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs) in the passing game against Washington, and it's clear Rodgers needs another dependable target.

"A few general managers I've spoken to are certain Green Bay is looking for potential receiver help on the trade market," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote last week.

If Green Bay is interested in making a trade—and it should be—time is running short.