GB (2-5) T2 (4-3)

TO:SS Nation Studio has been experiencing some technical difficulties, so, we come at you with the written word.

Packers have been experiencing technical difficulties too. You’d think it would be “Zoning” Joe Barry’s defense that’s the problem. Nope, not really. For better or worse, they’ve been the reason Green Bay has been in every game with the exception of that beat down by Detroit. It’s been the, at times, rudderless offense of head coach Matt LaFleur.

The problems are everyone’s to share. Defense hasn’t been perfect, offense can’t execute, can’t stay disciplined, can’t generate points, can’t hold on to passes, and coaches aren’t adjusting. It all equals a 2-5 record with not a whole lot of confidence of a turnaround. (The Rasual Douglas trade hit hard. That certainly doesn’t help locker room morale.)

The Los Angeles Rams are in a tough spot of their own. The defense is still physical, but the offense has been banged up. Matthew Stafford has a thumb injury (and is not expected to play versus Green Bay), Cooper Kupp hasn’t been himself for a few weeks, running backs haven’t been healthy, and the league may have caught up with Puka Nacua. (Maybe.) They sit at 3-5 on the season.

Both teams look to get back on track and view this as a game to do just that. So who wins? Who prevails? Week 9. Rams. Packers. Lambeau Field. Sunday afternoon?

I’ll go Green Bay 20, Los Angeles 17.

With the Rams hedging their bets on backup quarterback Brett Rypien, you have to believe this will neutralize the likes of Kupp and Nacua. Look for them to lean on their carousel of running backs and the defense to carry them through. (Maybe a big play from TuTu Atwell.)

For the Packers, Matt LaFleur wants to “unleash” Aaron Jones. (Insert eye roll) I’ll believe when I see it. But, they do need to get back to the run game as the lead and take some pressure off Jordan Love. (Who is only part of the problem, not THE problem.) Get the run game going and it’ll open up those downfield shots to Watson. But also use quick passes as an extension of the run game. Doubs, Reed, Musgrave, and Wicks would appreciate it. (If they keep hands on the passes sent their way.) The defense needs to keep on keeping on. Whether you like Joe Barry or not, you can’t really blame his unit for the struggles.

20-17 Packers over Rams. 20-17 Green Bay over Los Angeles. Remember, it does not matter the score. All that matters is I said the Packers would defeat the Rams in Week 9.