My history as a Green Bay Packers fan is not as long as some, as I grew up in the 90s, but the memories of team tendencies stick out like a sore thumb. There were many seasons where it seemed like the Packers' calling card was to either have a strong first half and then kick into neutral to hang on in the second. Or to start slow in the first, only to pile it on in the second to pull off the victory. 

Since their Bye week, the Packers have leaned towards that second-half pile-on. Starting with the post-bye match-up against Cincinnati, the Packers of the second half have outscored the Packers of the first half 66-23.  Of those 66 points, 52 of them occurred in the fourth quarter. 

While a dominant second half is good for business in the end, it makes for frustrating football if you're not getting things done in the first. While the Packers may be currently on top of the NFC with the best record, the lurking feeling is ever-present that playing football this way isn't going to cut it against some of the other top teams later on in the season. One day, only scoring 7 in the first half is going to come back to bite us. 

So, what's the issue?

Inconsistent Running Game

Ask any coach what they want from their offense, and they'll likely tell you that they want a balanced attack. A good mix of run and pass with success at both options to keep the defense honest. 

While the Packers haven't exactly been one-dimensional, they've struggled to find consistency on the ground. On Sunday night against the Steelers, the Packers only put up 94 yards on the ground, with 61 of those yards coming from their number two running back, Emanuel Wilson, off 11 carries. Josh Jacobs struggled in this game, only amassing 33 yards on 13 carries. Against the Cardinals, it was the same total. Jacobs ran for 55, though, with Wilson only grabbing 17, and Jordan Love held the rest of the total. Against the Bengals, it was a different story with the Packers earning 153 yards on the ground, Jacobs with 93, but a good chunk of that was achieved in the second half. 

It's worth noting that in the last two games, Josh Jacobs has been plagued with a calf injury that may have more of an impact on his game than we're led to believe. 

In the first half, Matt LaFleur is focused on a balanced offense. He wants that healthy blend of run and pass that all coaches desire. But lately, he has not been receiving it. If the issue is an ailed Josh Jacobs, then perhaps we need to see more Emanuel Wilson in the first half, splitting carries. Forcing that balance, or forcing what's worked before with only Jacobs handling the majority of touches, is just going to lead to more of the same. 

Put the Ball in Love's Hands

What, in fact, has been consistent in the last three games? Jordan Love and the passing attack in the second half. Once all equal balance attempts are abandoned, Jordan Love has shown that he can carry the load of this offense on his shoulders. And he has the weapons to get it done. 

If the running attack isn't where it should be, give Jordan Love the chance to shine in the first half as well. Some of Emanuel Wilson's success in the second half against Pittsburgh on Sunday night, I'd argue, was due to the Steelers getting continually diced by Jordan Love, so they played softer against the run. 

Christian Watson has returned with a vengeance, Tucker Kraft is carving his spot among the best tight ends in the league, Romeo Doubs is consistently making plays, Matthew Golden is open often and ready to take that next step. It's time to take a few risks and let the fireworks fly in the first half. The running game will follow when it's ready.

This is not the end-all all be-all solution. But it seems like a good place to start to cure the first-half lulls that have been plaguing the Packers.