The hype around Aaron Rodgers returning to the Green Bay Packers was at a fever pitch. People saw the return as something of a savior coming back to revive a team who needed it after they barely escaped in two overtime games against Tampa Bay and Cleveland. Packers fans thought this was the start of something special. Instead, it ended in grave disappointment as Packers fell 31-24 which will likely mean they are outside of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. They have a snowball’s chance in hell in making it, but it’s more likely that they’ll be out. For Green Bay, a season that started with much promise ends in sadness.

Rodgers didn’t look ready to play. Simply put, he struggled to make some of the throws we’ve seen over the year. Two of his three interceptions could have easily been touchdowns if Rodgers put his body into the throw. Since he didn’t step up, the throws landed short leading to interceptions. But the disappointment does not fall on Rodgers, rather, questions need to be raised about the coaching staff as well as the rest of the team. Both came out looking flat playing with the emotion of a team who did not get their superstar quarterback back.

Mike McCarthy calling only 13 run plays is senseless. In the last four weeks, Green Bay showed they could run the football, and they hit on a couple big plays resulting in Aaron Jones rushing for 47 yards on three carries. Instead, they put in all in Rodgers’ hands which is a dumb move by McCarthy. Carolina does have a good rush defense, but Packers were able to pop some holes in it. Why McCarthy ignored the run game is beyond me, and something Packers fans will wonder about for a long time.

The defense continued to struggle as hopefully Dom Capers is seeing his last days as Packers defensive coordinator. He continued to see his scheme get ripped to shreds. This time by Carolina who thrashed it with Cam Newton, Greg Olsen and Christian McCaffrey. It was ugly to watch Capers’ defense surrender so much easy yardage to all of Panthers offense.

Charlie.