At 3-3 the Packers aren't where they thought they'd be at

The Green Bay Packers dropped another game against this season, this time against the Miami Dolphins 23-20 in Overtime. This marked the third time the Packers lost a game on a last minute field goal in the last four games. The Packers did not expect to be at .500 for the season, but this is what it has come down to. There is not much to worry about though, as the NFC is littered with many underachieving teams giving hope to still make the Playoffs and possibly win the division if the productivity picks up.

Coach Mike McCarthy is considered by many to be on the hot seat, but if there were to be a coaching change, it would not happen til the end of the season as the team sees things through regardless of the situation. It isn't all McCarthy's fault though, as the Packers have been marred by injuries. On the injured reserve alone are Jermichael Finley, Ryan Grant and Nick Barnett. When three of the team's all-stars are on IR you can expect some productivity on the field, regardless of who you are. The season is not lost though. Last year the Packers went into the same situation, at .500 but made a run to basically win out and make the playoffs. What needs to improve though is the offense. Aaron Rodgers has been good, but the running game has been unproductive, at best, and the offensive line is struggling. This is slowing down an offense that was predicted to tear through defenses in the league and lead Green Bay to the Super Bowl.

The Packers have had their struggles to close out games. Last season it seemed to pick up in the second half of the season after blowing multiple leads in the first half. Green Bay still has not learned from their mistakes, and their losses have proved it, with the loss against Washington. Green Bay was up 13-3 but could not close out the game costing them the win. If the Packers could close games out and put points on the board, the wins would pile in, but as soon as they learn how to do so, they will continue to be a .500 team.

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The defense has had it struggles as well, with many regular starters out. The return of Al Harris and Atari Bigby could help tremendously for the Packers. Physicality has always been the root of the Packers defense and Bigby and Harris have made a living because of their hard nose defensive style of play, and could definitely bring more depth to the team as they are thin in the defensive backfield. Another physical presence that can hopefully stay healthy is the "One Man Pass Rush Machine" in Clay Matthews. His hamstring has been bothering him coming over from last season, and if he can't go, then the Packers lose their pass rush altogether shown that without him, they struggled against Miami. So the talent is there for Green Bay, its just either hurt or struggling to get anything going.

The Packers host the Vikings this week on Sunday Night in what could be a defensive strangle hold as the Vikings are struggling just as the Packers are, if not worse. The Packers could get their case in for NFC North champions with a win, and a win to build off of in their hopes to regain composure and momentum. Clearly not the favorite anymore, the Packers have everything to gain, and nothing to lose anymore. Look for them to come out and play against the Vikings with Favre back in Lambeau. Should be a good one folks amidst all the struggles. Go Pack Go.

By Byron Reyna
ProFootball-fans.com Green Bay Packers Correspondent