Zielinski: New coach, same old problems for Packers

By DAN ZIELINSKI

Following an embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 2, the Green Bay Packers fired coach Mike McCarthy. Making an in-season coaching change won’t improve the team and will cause little affect in the remaining four games this season.

The Packers still lack talent and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t playing up to the standard he’s displayed throughout his career.

As underwhelming as the offense has been this season, the defense has dealt with injuries and struggled to slow down opposing attacks.The Falcons are loaded with offensive weapons, and stopping quarterback Matt Ryan will be difficult for the Packers. In Week 13, they gave up 20 points to the Cardinals, who have the worst offense in the NFL.

It’ll be interesting to see how interim coach Joe Philbin handles the play-calling duties. Although he might take more chances, the Packers are banged up and don’t have the talent to keep up with the Falcons on either side of the football.

Prediction: Falcons 31, Packers 17