Jordy Nelson a tough blow to Packers, and more
The Green Bay Packers are likely to still win the NFC North, but suddenly the offensive firepower has been significantly reduced. On Sunday, the Packers watched as Jordy Nelson caught a pass in the first quarter, pivoted to head upfield, and then crumbled to the ground without being touched.
Nelson was eventually diagnosed with a torn ACL, putting him out for the season. It is a brutal blow for Green Bay, which arguably has the most prolific offense in the National Football League with running back Eddie Lacy, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receivers Randall Cobb, DeVante Adams and Nelson. Now, the Packers are without Nelson, who racked up 98 catches for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014, making his first Pro Bowl team.
With Nelson, the Packers will rely more than ever on Cobb, who is entering his fifth year. Many believed Green Bay was going to let Cobb walk this offseason as a free agent, but the two sides were able to come together on a four-year deal to keep the former University of Kentucky star in Wisconsin. Cobb now becomes the top dog on the outside, taking his presence out of the slot for the majority of the snaps. Second-year man Adams will be stepping into a starting role, with Jeff Janis getting more action. Last year, Adams notched 38 catches for 446 yards, while Janis snagged just two passes.
Provided the rest of the offense enjoys good health, the Packers are still going to score plenty of points. However, without Nelson on the outside, good secondaries will be able to make life much tougher on Rodgers. Should Cobb go down with injury as he did two years ago (broken leg), Green Bay would be in a world of hurt.
Orlando Scandrick tears ACL, MCL
The Dallas Cowboys sustained a serious loss on Tuesday afternoon during practice, when cornerback Orlando Scandrick has to be carted off the field with an apparent knee injury. It is now being reported that Scandrick sustained a pair of torn ligaments in his knee, tearing his ACL and MCL. While it has not been officially announced yet, Scandrick will miss the entire 2015 season.
With Scandrick injured, the Cowboys have all kinds of problems on defense. Dallas is trying to repeat as NFC East champions, but will need to do it without defensive end Greg Hardy and inside linebacker Rolando McClain for the first four games due to suspension, along with Scandrick being gone for the duration.
Look for rookie Byron Jones and former first-round pick Morris Claiborne to see ample time with the loss of Scandrick. Claiborne was a potential cut at the end of training camp, but this latest development is a game-changer. Dallas will need its high-powered offense more than ever to keep this leaky defense afloat.
