The Lass Word: First Down Is Killing The Packers

Team can't overcome negative plays.

One of the reasons for the struggles of the Green Bay Packers offense in general, and quarterback Jordan Love in particular, is too many third and long situations. In the loss to the Raiders Monday night, the Packers had a total of twelve plays on third down. Seven of those plays required at least five yards or more to move the chains. On six of those seven plays, Green Bay failed to convert.

But a closer look reveals the key down when the Packers have the ball is first down. When the Packers gained at least three yards on first down, they were able to convert the subsequent third down play five out of seven times. AJ Dillon converted with third down runs…