After four weeks of plays, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are tied atop the NFC North with 3-1 records. For head coach Mike McCarthy, it has been a successful but challenging start to a season in which the franchise is looking to reach the playoffs for a ninth straight year and the Super Bowl for the first time since 2010. So as the Pack gets ready to face the Dallas Cowboys in a rematch of last year’s fantastic playoff encounter, what do we think of the team’s play so far this season? We have looked at all three vital areas and delivered a grade.

Offense, defense, and special teams

First things first. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to make his claim as not only the best quarterback in the league but perhaps the NFL’s best player. That’s a discussion for another time. Once again, the Green Bay Packers ground attack has had issues and the offensive line has been battered. Rodgers has thrown for 1,146 yards and 10 scores compared to only three interceptions during the club’s 3-1 start. This despite being sacked 15 times in those four contests.

Defensively, things have been much better. The Packers have allowed only seven offensive touchdowns in four games. They have still had some issues against the run and having defensive tackle Mike Daniels healthy would help.

Green Bay has totaled 10 sacks and forced six turnovers in their first four games. Rookies such as cornerback Kevin King and safety Josh Jones have been assets to Dom Capers’ unit.

Finally, kicker Mason Crosby has been perfect to date. He’s hit on all 12 PAT attempts and is 4-of-4 on field goal tries. Trevor Davis has been more than adequate on punt returns.

Meanwhile, the Packers have yet to return a kickoff this season.

Grade: B+

Later this afternoon, the Green Bay Packers will begin the second quarter of the 2017 season. After Sunday’s clash with the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy’s team heads to the Twin Cities for a divisional clash with the Minnesota Vikings. Then there’s a three-game stretch in which the Pack hosts the New Orleans Saints, has an off week and then returns to host the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football in Week 9.

As for the first four games, Green Bay has done pretty much what it needed to do, winning all of its home games while coming up short at Atlanta. The defense has certainly made some strides and maybe even better if it can get a little support from a running game that once again has been bitten by the injury bug. Add in the fact that the Packers’ offensive line has had its share of bumps and bruises and it is easy to see why Rodgers is as highly regarded as it is. Still, we will learn a lot about this team in these next four games – all vs. conference opponents.
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