Injuries, Defense and Bakhtiari

One thing is for sure after last night's 38-28 win over the Chiefs is that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' offense is good, very good. The Chiefs have a very stout defense and, despite, being rushed Rodgers was unstoppable.

 

However, the victory was marred by three things. 1. Injuries. 2. Late defensive effort. 3. David Bakhtiari.

 

Injuries:

 

Eddie Lacy was able to play and finish on a sprained ankle, but I thought it would have been best if he rested this game and let James Starks and Alonzo Harris handle the rushing duties. That gamble paid off, but I still feel it was too much of a gamble to take at this time of the season.

 

Eddie Lacy made it through the game without further injury

Davante Adams lasted just one play and now may be out for an extended period of time after re-aggravating his high ankle sprain. I also thought playing him was a risk and in this case it didn't pay off.

 

This injury did not need to happen and I think will come back to bite Coach Mike McCarthy. He evidently has absolutely no confidence in Jeff Janis, so it's time to cut him and bring in somebody he does trust, so this doesn't happen again.

 

Carroll Dale being introduced

When Jordy Nelson went down he went out and got James Jones, instead of the next man up working as it does at almost every other position. Boyd Dowler and Carroll Dale were in town, maybe sign one of them.

 

Jeff Janis at least plays on special teams

Without trust it's time to let Janis go so he can get a chance to play. Reggie Wayne is still available and it certainly would be more fun to play in Green Bay than it was for sourpuss Bill Belichick.

 

Reggie Wayne looking for fun

Finally when Andrew Quarless came off witness protection he gets a knee injury and it might be serious. Let's hope its not season or career ending.

 

Defense:

 

Spoiler alert: I lied. For the second week in a row Dom Capers dialed up a dominating defense. However, as always happens whether it is going for a shutout or just finishing the game on a good note Capers dialed back and the Chiefs came back from a 31-7 deficit to make it a 10-point game. You can't win championships with this kind of defensive effort late in games. DAMN IT!!!!!!!!

 

Bakhtiari:

 

David Bakhtiari needs to step up his game

David Bakhtiari was a revelation two years ago when Bryan Bulaga went down, but he has not progressed with his pass protection and even has fallen back this season.

 

He has been bull rushed into Rodgers' lap too many times and I fear when Bulaga returns he will be moved to left tackle, which No. 1 might lead to another injury and No. 2 is not Bulaga's best position or heaven forbid Don Barclay is moved back where he proved he was not a left tackle.

 

I would hope some old pro like Ernie McMillian, Bruce Wilkerson or Tootie Robbins is out there somewhere to shore up left tackle. Former Falcon Sam Baker is retired and Michael "The Blind Side" Oher could be had. Not good choices, but Bakhtiari is a very big liability.