Packers Still Seeking First Road Win In NFL's Final Month Of Regular Season Play

TheSportster

By Gene Kosowan

Published Nov 26, 2018

The Green Bay Packers have struggled through most of the 2018-2019 season, and as we inch closer to the end, they're still looking for a road win.

Minnesota defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (93) sacs Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the fourth quarter of an NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Minnesota beat Green Bay, 24-17. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

One element of the Green Bay Packers legacy that still remains true today is that they're practically unbeatable at home. The loyal fans combined with the dropping mercury in the waning weeks of the NFL season almost guarantees the pack won't be winless at Lambeau Field. This year's home stats bear that out as Green Bay's home record stands at four wins and a tie.

On the road, however, it's a totally different situation as the Pack have failed to win an away game this season. Their last defeat took place in Minneapolis on Sunday as the Vikings handed the cheeseheads their own fromage skulls back on a platter by beating them 24-17. The loss puts the Packers at 4-6-1, ahead of the Detroit Lions, a team that managed to beat Green Bay earlier this season. It also bumped the hapless Wisconsin team further down the playoff pecking order as they sit third in the NFC North Conference and four slots away from a wild-card berth.

The Packers woes certainly aren't due to a lack of talent, but their on-field play has hardly indicative of a championship team. QB Aaron Rodgers, still one of the best pivots in the game, lacked protection in the pocket having been sacked four times on Sunday as his offensive line collapsed on drive after drive. Rodgers was 17 for 28 in passing, managing a paltry 198 yards. The defense wasn't much better as they lacked the fortitude in tackling, as the Vikings managed several first downs on first effort alone.

The Packers have five games left, including three at home. Statistically, they have a good chance of keeping their Lambeau performance reputation intact, given that visiting teams Arizona, Atlanta, and Detroit have similar records. On the road, they have the capability to beat the New York Jets, but a visit to Soldier Field in Chicago will be a brutal experience. Even though Green Bay edged the Bears in their home season opener 24-23, Chicago's since become vastly improved and currently lead the NFC North.

If the Pack can win four of their last five home games, a wild-card berth is possible, as is the possibility that Mike McCarthy will keep his coaching job. But if this season's away record is a preamble of things to come, especially when a postseason appearance is guaranteed to be on the road, there's no way they'll advance any further.