tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153932152024-03-05T05:53:10.210-06:00Packer Fans UnitedThis blog is for all fans of the Green Bay Packers...all across the universe!packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comBlogger1794125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-18876452505497452562024-01-19T18:54:00.006-06:002024-01-19T18:54:34.810-06:002023 Season Divisional Round Playoff Game: Packers vs. 49ers Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">While all the attention is rightly on Saturday evening's NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers, we have to take a moment to acknowledge what is — factually — the biggest upset in NFL history: the 7th seed Packers beating the 2nd seed Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. Not just beating the 'boys, but smokin' them. 27-0 in the 1st half. A final score of 48-32 with Dallas' final two scores coming in garbage time. Never before had a 7th seed won a playoff game. Well done Jordan Love, Aaron Jones, Matt LaFleur, Joe Barry (?) and everyone in the Packers organization. Wow. Just wow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, let's get to the game in Santa Clara, shall we?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/16/PMJS/72241391007-mjs-packers-14-34.jpeg?crop=5268,2959,x0,y0&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/16/PMJS/72241391007-mjs-packers-14-34.jpeg?crop=5268,2959,x0,y0&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>If Packers QB Jordan Love continues his lights-out performance</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Saturday evening, the Packers have a chance to pull off another</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>upset win and find themselves in the NFC Championship game.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As it turns out, with this game, the Packers and Niners will now have faced each other 10 times in the playoffs, more than any other pair of teams in the NFL. Amazing. Of the prior 9, San Fran has a 5-4 edge, with the Packers having lost four straight. Meh. Time to change the script, right, Packers fans?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There is admittedly a degree of difference in the overall team talent level at present between these two teams. Yet, all the young Packers don't seem to care about that. If they did, they would have likely lost in Dallas last weekend. All this Green Bay team knows how to do at this point is to play hard and to play for each other. It doesn't matter who gets the ball, who has to block, who has to tackle or cover. And head coach Matt LaFleur's wide-open play-calling has launched a first-year starting quarterback (i.e., Jordan Love) into the stratosphere of quarterbacking, and has solidified his status as "<i>The Guy</i>" not just this year but going forward. And not just going forward but, to the horror of Bears' fans and others, perhaps for the next decade or more. (On a related note, and particularly for my great friend Billy Da Bears Fan, Jordan Love has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in his first year as the starter; in the <i>entire</i> history of the Chicago Bears they have <i>never</i> had a single QB throw for more than 4,000 yards. Just in case you want to know.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Niners are solid on offense and defense, hence their number 1 seed and the reason they are currently favored to win by a wide margin. And, if the Packers do not match San Fran's physicality, they won't be in the game. The game will ultimately be determined, as has so much of the Pack's season, by the defense. If they show up — as they have for the last month or so — they can stay in the game. If they can create a turnover or two, they can help win the game. That's no throw-away comment: when the Niners have no turnovers, they were 8-0 this season; when they had one or more turnovers, they were 4-5 this season. If the Packers want to increase their chances for a win, they need to get to QB Brock Purdy and help create a turnover or two. Do that, and the odds of a win go up; don't get near him and ... well, it makes things more difficult.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Niners defense also presents its challenges, as all football fans know. The O-line will really need one of its best games of the season to protect Jordan Love as well as to make an opening now and then for RB Aaron Jones. As all Packers fans know, the return of Jones and his 100+ yards rushing per game over the last three games has been a key to the Pack's win streak. Getting 100 yards rushing in this game will be a challenge. But if Jones can get 100+ yards combed rushing and receiving, that would be a significant boost to the Pack's chances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Which Packers receiver will get 100+ yards receiving? Who knows. Over the span of the past three games, three different receivers have accomplished that feat. The Packers have a lot of weapons for the Niners to worry about. If the play-calling and scheming are in sync, the Pack can keep San Francisco if not exactly on their heels at least giving them a pause now and then ... which might be just enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, another factor to consider in this game is the weather. Yes, yes, we're not talking cold and snow; the game is in the Bay area (as the San Fran locals say) not the Green Bay area. That means, this time of year, rain. There is an 80 percent chance of rain throughout the day and into the evening, although it seems from the various forecasts that the heaviest rain will take place Friday evening and Saturday morning. Then, it's hit and miss. But at least one local forecaster is advising those attending the game to bring some rain gear, just in case. Winds of 10 to 15 mph at game time are expected, but again, a bit of a moving target forecast-wise. Not horrible winds if that's indeed the case, at least in dry conditions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As former Carolina Panthers (and Wisconsin Badgers) punter, Brad Nortman, said on his radio show Friday, these wet conditions actually will act as a bit of an equalizer for the Packers. It tends, in his experience, to help the defense as offensive skill players — running backs, returners and receivers — need to think a bit more about whether or not they can make a particular cut, for example. The QB needs to think about whether he can make a certain throw (btw, QB trivia: Jordan Love's hands are larger than Brock Purdy's making for a better grip on the ball). And place kickers need to be sure of their plant when making kick attempts. The argument could be made that the Packers are probably more used to playing in adverse weather conditions than are the Niners. Who knows? All we do know is that the wet field, rain and wind conditions will likely play a role in the game. To which team's advantage, and to what degree, we will have to wait to see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We also can't forget the referees in this game, especially given how poorly the NFL refs performed overall this season in getting calls right...which includes not making calls when none were needed. Unfortunately, the crew referring this game will be that of referee Alex Kemp, whose regular-season crew led the NFL with an average of 15.3 flags per game. And guess what? Both the Pack and Niners finished in the top third of the NFL for most flags this season. What are the odds that some bad and game-changing calls will be made? Oy. But both teams will have to play with this crew calling the shots. Let us pray.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Depending upon who you are looking at, the Niners are favored by 9-1/2 to 10 points over the Pack at the time of this posting. The Packers are used to being the underdog most of this season, and certainly in the playoffs. In other words, we've got 'em just where we want them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There are so many story lines at play in this game, as there were against the Cowboys. The weather and the referees are outside factors that will affect both teams in various ways. If the Packers play at the same level they have over the last month-plus, they can stay in the game and win. Against any team. If they don't get off to a fast start and get beat physically, they will have a hard time pulling out the win.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We are of the view (gold 'n' green-colored, of course) that the Packers will keep things rolling. San Fran has been sitting and didn't look exceptional in their last few games. Of the two, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the Packers are the hot team.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> And you gotta go with who's hot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 31 - 49ers 30.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-9952112426581411012024-01-13T18:42:00.000-06:002024-01-13T18:42:53.314-06:002023 NFL Season Recap & Wildcard Game: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Who'da thunk it, Packer fans? The youngest team in the NFL this season, with a first-year starting QB by the name of Jordan Love and loads of first and second-year players, made NFL history by becoming the youngest team ever to make the playoffs. And how was it done? By turning their season around at mid-season and going 6-2 in the final eight weeks of the season to finish at 9-8 and gain the seventh playoff spot. And, lest we forget, finishing things off in fitting fashion last weekend by beating Da Chicago Bearz at Lambeau Field in the final game of the regular season. Sweet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">By way of a very quick recap, if you go back to our <a href="http://packerfansunited.blogspot.com/2023/09/with-2023-packers-season-upon-us-our.html" target="_blank">preseason preview</a> in September, we had the Pack finishing at 10-7 ... so close. Especially when few were projecting the team to win more than 6 or 7 games in this changeover season. Given the Packers could have / should have beaten at least one or more of the Falcons, the Raiders, the Broncos, or the Steelers, our prediction can be said to be ... not too bad.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, with all that said, let's take a sneak peek at the Wildcard game vs. the Cowboys down in Jerry World, shall we?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/01/PMJS/72076243007-packers-31-22.jpg?width=600&height=756&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/01/PMJS/72076243007-packers-31-22.jpg?width=600&height=756&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packers QB Jordan Love has put together remarkable</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>and historic performances over the second half of the 2023</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>season. Fans are hoping that trend continues in his Wildcard </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers come into this game riding high. Too young, some say, to know they aren't supposed to win this game against the highly favored Dallas Cowboys. They did what they had to do in the second half of the season to turn things around and give themselves a chance at making the playoffs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This required epic performances from their first-year starting QB, Jordan Love (including back to back weeks as NFC Offensive Player of the Week, something neither Brett Farve or Aaron Rodgers did in their careers), solidifying the play of the offensive line, getting the young first and second-year receivers in sync with their quarterback, having RB Aaron Jones get healthy at the right time, and getting at least occasional "<i>This is how you should be playing every game</i>" performances from the Joe Barry-led defense, which was also missing the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL for a good chunk of the season (and who also might not be able to play in this game because of an ankle, not shoulder, injury).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It really is remarkable. And regardless of how the game turns out, this is already a successful season, Packer fans. One that sets things up very well for the future.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With Aaron Jones in the backfield to take some of the pressure off Love, with the O-line protecting against very good defenses, and the receivers and tight ends running great routes, making contested catches, and gaining valuable yards after the catch, the Packers can score points. Which is something we said last week, too, that actually didn't play out in the final score, although to be fair the Pack left at least 6 points on the field with a missed field goal (a growing concern with K Anders Carlson) and running out of time at the end of the first half without even having a field goal attempt ... plus there were those two touchdown-catch drops that would have put points up, as well. The offense will need to be near-perfect against the Cowboys to stay in the game and win.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's because the Cowboys come into this game undefeated at home this season and putting up something like 37 points on average per game in their home wins. Yowzers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Dallas defense is one of the best in the league. So a creative offensive game plan, perfect execution, no turnovers, and scoring touchdowns instead of field goals (or having missed ones) in the red zone will be essential to a Packers win. Simple. No? One indication of how Green Bay will be feeling is if they take the ball if they win the coin toss. We're saying if that happens, the Pack will go on offense first. They'll want to get out front if at all possible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The big question — as it has been most of the season — has been which Green Bay defense will show up? Is it the one that made Steelers QB Tommy Devito and Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield look like All-World players with zone coverages where no one was even in the same area code as the receivers? Or will it be the one that helped win against the Lions and the Chiefs and also held even Da Bearz to only field goals? We don't know. But it seems that after the embarrassment of the game against Tampa Bay, when head coach Matt LaFleur indicated he was taking on more of a role with the defense, there has been a change from zone coverages to more man, as well as more blitzing ... and that has made a difference. A huge difference.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers defense and their veteran front and linebackers, along with over-achieving players in the secondary, will need to contain Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb and their other weapons to keep the Pack close.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Not many are giving the Packers much of a chance in this game. The oddsmakers, at the time of this writing, have the Cowboys favored by 7 points over the Packers. That's a pretty big spread.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We haven't even gotten into the various storyline aspects of this game including the big one: Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy coaching against his former team with, rumor has it, his job on the line if he loses. But that translates to this: the real pressure is on Dallas to win, not the Packers. The Pack, as some have said this week, are playing on "house money": they're there and shouldn't be so win or lose, it's OK. It's experience for a very young squad they can build on next season.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But, you know what? This season isn't done yet. The game is afoot, as Sherlock Holmes used to say.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Indeed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We're riding the vibes with our heart and not our head and calling it <b>Packers 24 - Cowboys 23</b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></div>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-77525834996665740272024-01-07T14:27:00.002-06:002024-01-07T15:25:17.843-06:002023 NFL Week 18: Regular Season Finale — Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy New Year, everyone!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here it is Packers fans: the 2023 regular season finale against that team from south of the border. You know. Da Chicago Bearz. As you'll recall, the Pack started the season in Chicago and left with a win in QB Jordan Love's first start. Would be a nice way to bookend the regular season games with another win in Lambeau Field, wouldn't it? And, even better (well, really, is there <i>anything</i> better than beating Chicago?), a win gets the Packers into the playoffs as the number 7 wildcard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Getting to the playoffs: what a great way to put a highlight on Love's first season as the starter, something neither Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers was able to do, by the way, in their first seasons as the starter. They managed pretty well anyway overall, but wouldn't this just be the icing on the cake as the Pack seems to have found — again — their franchise quarterback going forward? Indeed. It's been 30 years of misery for NFC Central/North opponents with those 2 under center. May it continue thusly with Mr. Love.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/11/PPAN/4c9a9f3c-ec2c-45ff-9afd-ad4af795c560-8018cb26-cbe5-4dfc-ae0b-d715b998170a-PACKERS_BEARS_0632.JPG?crop=2399,1350,x0,y0&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/11/PPAN/4c9a9f3c-ec2c-45ff-9afd-ad4af795c560-8018cb26-cbe5-4dfc-ae0b-d715b998170a-PACKERS_BEARS_0632.JPG?crop=2399,1350,x0,y0&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packers QB Jordan continued the ownership of Da Bearz in</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>his first meeting with them in the first game of the 2023 season in Chicago.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Fans hope to see that ownership continue in today's game at Lambeau Field.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, what does this game look like? Let's see ...</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>The Preview</u></span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Both the Packers and Da Bearz (the latter, believe it or not) come into this game on a bit of a roll. The Pack has certainly been a different team offensively the second half of the season as Love has taken command, complemented, as we know, by a group of gritty and talented first and second-year players at the skill positions. Plus a solid offensive line. It's been impressive. As for the Packers defense ... well, that's been hit and miss. When they miss, as in tackles or coverages, for example, it hasn't been good. Defeats snatched from the jaws of victory in some cases. On the other hand, when they play as they are capable of (as in last weekend's dominant victory against the ViQueens in Minnesota) they can hold their own against any team. Which will show up today?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>LATE EDIT</i></b>: The Packers will <i>NOT</i> have WR Christian Watson available; TE Luke Musgrave is, albeit limited given his recent injury status. There may in fact be 7 wideouts active today, not including the tight ends. (And, hey, what about recently-activated practice squad player WR Bo Melton setting a record in last week's game? Wow.) RB Aaron Jones will have to play a key role in keeping Chicago's top-rated run defense from shutting down that aspect of the game. Unfortunately, RB A. J. Dillon is not active today due to a stinger he sustained in the game against Minnesota so RB Emanuel Wilson was activated off the practice squad. He had actually been performing well before a shoulder injury sidelined him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On defense, Jaire Alexander is coming off his 1-game suspension and, by all accounts, was perhaps a bit humbled by that experience. He may take out his angst on Chicago's top receiver, D. J. Moore. That would be perfectly appropriate. And helpful. LB De'Vondre Campbell will be active today and that should also help, as long as defensive coordinator Joe Barry doesn't ask him to cover receivers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The main task for the Packers defense will be keeping Chicago QB Justin Fields from shredding them with his legs. He has admittedly been throwing better in recent games, but if the defense can make him hold the ball (statistically, he holds the ball longer than any other QB) and contain him, they could get sacks and, even better, generate some turnovers. But they better keep Fields from running free or they will be in trouble and the game will be closer than it should otherwise be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're not concerned about the Packers offense given what they have demonstrated lately. Love was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his game against the Vikes. He has arrived, arguably, as a legitimate top 5 QB at this point. Not bad for his first season as the starter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Granted, Chicago's defense is actually playing as well or better than any defense in the league lately, not only against the run but in terms of interceptions. They have been a take-away factory. Now, supposedly their top d-back is out today (remains to be seen) which will help. But with the plethora of weapons the Packers have on offense, and if the O-line can hold up against a good defensive front and create a running lane once in a while, Green Bay should put up points.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The question, as unfortunately we have asked every game this season, is what the defense and special teams will do. Which D will show up today? Will they cover? Will they tackle? Will they keep Fields in check? Will special teams minimize breakdowns and will K Anders Carlson be perfect in his PATs during this game (he has missed 5 this season...not good).</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The oddsmakers have the Packers favored by 3 points, the home field advantage. Some are surprised it's not more than that. But, OK, it's seen going in as a close game with the Packers sitting at 8-8 and Da Bearz at 7-9. Got it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are playing for the playoffs: win and they're in (but they can still get in, with help, even with a loss). Chicago is playing to be the spoiler, as Detroit was in the final game of last season. They are also playing, perhaps, for Fields' career in Chicago and the survivability of the coaching staff. They already have the number 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, so not much too lose at least in terms of the franchise regardless of whether they win or lose today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Normally at this time of year, we also start to factor in the weather and how it may impact the game. Here's the current forecast:</span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0a0a0a; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 2px 0px 0px; transition-property: none;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 21px; margin-top: 4px; padding-top: 4px; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; transition-property: none;">Expected Temperature:</strong> Low-30s</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 21px; margin-top: 4px; padding-top: 4px; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; transition-property: none;">Showers:</strong> <10% chance of precipitation</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 21px; margin-top: 4px; padding-top: 4px; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; transition-property: none;">Wind:</strong> 8 mph westerly</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;">So, cold, yes, but snow or rain and winds should not be a factor.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;">Now, I did request predictions from some of our buddies about today. Gonzo (a loyal Packers fan and PackerFansUnited reader in AZ) says 27-24 Packers. Our token Bearz fans friends are split. Billy Da Bearz Fan says it will be Da Bearz on top 21-19. Stan the Realistic Bearz Fans says, while he hopes it would be 40-0 Bearz, he sees the game going in the Packers favor 28-24.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 31 - Bearz 24</b>.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></div>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-19893324343942963892023-12-31T17:24:00.000-06:002023-12-31T17:24:26.026-06:002023 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy (almost) New Year, Packer fans! And what will make it very happy is if the Packers get a <i>win in Min!</i> Gotta get this game against the ViQueens to keep slim playoff hopes alive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What could go wrong? Well ... it begins with "d" and ends with "e". Specifically, defense, as in even more specifically, the Pack's defense. What a train wreck it has become especially over the last half of the season.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That has been particularly true when facing rookie and iffy quarterbacks, whom the Packers defense have made look like MVPs these last three weeks. The tales of woe in this regard are well known among Packer fans so no need to rehash here. Other than to say two players on defense that would be helpful in today's game against Minnesota's very good receivers — Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes — will not be playing. Alexander because of his well-documented error in judgement at the time of the coin-toss against Carolina, resulting in his one-game suspension by Brian Gutekunst, and Stokes because of a hamstring injury which now sees him on the IR list, which has been the bane of the Packers existence this season across many players. Oy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yet again today, the Packers defense will face a rookie QB, Jaren Hall, who is very mobile. And you know how mobile QBs do against this Packers defense, right? Yeah: have career games. Let us pray ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, let's just get on with the prediction, shall we? No preview needed. We have New Year's celebrations to get to (along with the game, of course!).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/10/29/PAPN/71375266007-apc-pack-vs-vikes-40829-102923-wag.jpg?width=600&height=692&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/10/29/PAPN/71375266007-apc-pack-vs-vikes-40829-102923-wag.jpg?width=600&height=692&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Packers offense will need a big game from QB Jordan Love</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">today </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to overcome expected lapses by the Packers defense.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Wm. Glasheen, USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Prediction</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Minnesota is currently favored by 1 to 1-1/2 points depending upon what source you are looking at. So, basically, a pick 'em game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Both the Packers and ViQueens come into this game at 7-8. The Packers offense, statistically, have scored more points over the course of the season than have the Vikes. But Minnesota's defense have given up 32 fewer points over the 15-game span than have the Packers. In fact, the Packers offense has only scored 2 points more than its defense has given up. That helps explain our meh record at this point in the season. To the Packers advantage, statistically, is that Minnesota has a 2-5 record at home and 5-3 on the road; the Pack is 3-5 away from home. So...hmm. What to make of that?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If the Packers defense can get back to its early season form, and create at least one turnover today, they should pull off a tight win. If it once again makes a MVP out of a rookie QB, and doesn't get lights-out play from the offense, playoff chances for the Pack will go from slim to none.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still, we're going to wear the green 'n' gold glasses yet again. We're call this game <b>Packers 27 - ViQueens 24</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>GO PACK GO!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-11367316100256071062023-12-23T17:37:00.000-06:002023-12-23T17:37:02.878-06:002023 NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Panthers Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">So-o-o-o-o...for the second straight week...looking back...the Green Bay Packers disappointed fans with poor performances. Coming off two great wins no less. Up and down. The story of a young team. But at some point, as even head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged, that "young" bit doesn't hold water any more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The season is 3 games from being over. Either the team wins out against poor to so-so teams and keeps their now-slim playoff chance alive, or we start looking to next season. We have said for the past couple weeks that each game was a must-win. Well, if the upcoming Christmas Eve day game vs. the lowly Carolina Panthers isn't a must-win, then Santa is just a fat ol' man. And we <i>know</i> that's not true!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, the Pack have seemed to nearly always make a looser into a winner. Check the performances of the last two winning opponent quarterbacks, for example. Oy. The biggest problem in the last two losses, of course, has been the Joe Barry-led defense. Or, as <a href="https://www.theonion.com/james-webb-telescope-finds-evidence-of-packers-secondar-1851108512" target="_blank">The Onion</a> declared in a headline following the most recent defensive debacle, "<i><b>James Webb Telescope Finds Evidence Of Packers Secondary Lined Up 20 Million Light Years Off Receivers</b></i>".</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_1315/9e862a5ca6e0b7a828423c5cbe22b7df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_1315/9e862a5ca6e0b7a828423c5cbe22b7df.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Let's hope we don't see this Packers secondary coverage scheme any longer.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Image via theonion.com)</i></span></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Do we really need one at this point, Packer fans? We know the Pack is a toss-up team at this stage of the season. When they show you who they are, as the saying goes, believe then. They have shown us that they are a 6-8 team. Meh. So close and yet so far. Yes, they are/were "young". Yes, they've had a lot of injuries at key positions (btw, will Jaire Alexander <i>ever</i> see the field again for the Packers???). Next man up. And with 8 first-round picks on defense </span><span style="font-family: arial;">as we were reminded ad nauseum this week in the aftermath of the defensive meltdown vs. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. T</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ime for these guys to step up. Especially the defense. If going against rookie QB Bryce Young isn't an occasion for feasting on sacks and turnovers...check please. You know what we're saying.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Panthers are 2-12 for a reason, just as the Packers are 6-8 for a reason. The Packers have better talent on the field. But in sports, especially football, commitment to show up and perform to the best of one's capability is key...by <i>all</i> on the field. This will be a telling game for the Pack. Will they show up and perform? Or have they already packed it in, so to speak (no pun intended), especially on the defensive side of things? We will find out shortly.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are favored by 4 points. They have won something like 7 straight Christmastime games. Matt LaFleur is 16-2 in December since becoming the head coach of the Packers. This is a game the Packers should win. But we've said that the last 2 weeks and where did that get us? Up the creek without a paddle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So now what? We're sticking with the Packers because of the "should win" part of the prediction equation. We're calling it <b>Packers 27 - Panthers 17. </b>Confidence level? Take a guess.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still ... <b><i>GO PACK GO!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-48926886022958427962023-12-17T09:23:00.000-06:002023-12-17T09:23:46.493-06:002023 NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Buccaneers Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Oh...so...close.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers had it...then didn't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">How many times have we said this over the course of the 2023 season? More than we'd like.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And it was the case yet again last Monday night against the Giants. Snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. In a game where the opposing offense was starting a third-string quarterback and with a line that had given up 69 (?!) sacks going into the game, the Packers defense didn't get one sack. Not one. And it allowed a QB that still lives at home with his parents to beat them with his legs throughout the game and hit a few throws down the stretch that allowed for a winning field goal. C'mon, say it with me: "Thank you, Joe Barry. Once again." SMH</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, the offense and special teams performances left much to be desired, as well. QB Jordan Love was off his game, turning the ball over twice with one fumble on an ill-advised run and one interception...his throws were off most of the night because, as he admitted after the game, his footwork and mechanics were not the same as they had been during his hot streak. And head coach Matt LaFleur's play-calling was not the best. How many times do you run a wide receiver (i.e. Jayden Reed) end-around before the defense knows exactly what you are doing? Oh, and Keisean Nixon, you're great. But when you muff a punt, get on it and stay down. A horrible decision to try to advance the ball after the muff. And you knew it immediately. But by then...well, only a few plays later...the damage was done in the form of 7 points going to the Giants. An early Christmas gift. Oy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway...time to turn the page. The Packers are back home at Lambeau Field for a noon (CT) game Sunday vs. Tampa Bay. Is it yet again the Battle of the Bay of Pigs? No. At least, we don't think so. But let's have a look, shall we?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/12/12/PMJS/71888824007-ap-packers-giants-football-4.jpg?width=660&height=441&format=pjpg&auto=webp/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="660" height="267" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/12/12/PMJS/71888824007-ap-packers-giants-football-4.jpg?width=660&height=441&format=pjpg&auto=webp/" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>This is a look from QB Jordan Love that we hope <i>not</i> to see</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>after </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">the game vs. the Buccaneers.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Seth Wenig, Associated Press)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This comes across as a pick-em game. The Packers are sitting at 6-7, as are the Buccaneers. The catch is that in the train wreck that is the NFC South, Tampa is basically in a 3-way tie for first while the Pack — with the same record — is in 3rd place in the NFC North.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bottom line, though, is both are playing for playoff spots. Tampa currently sits in 4th place while the Packers are in the 7th and final spot for a wildcard. According to the latest projections, if the Packers beat the Bucs Sunday, they have a 71% chance (in some models) to make the playoffs; lose and that goes below 30%. With the Vikings loss Saturday to the Bengals in an epic 4th quarter collapse, they are sitting at 7-7. The Packers need to win this game to keep apace.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Both teams come into Sunday's game without key personnel. The Pack will likely be without one if not both of their starting running backs. Aaron Jones may be back — or not. A.J. Dillon, we learned after the Giants game, has a broken thumb on the hand with which he carries the football. Not ideal. In a game where the rushing attack is key to helping take the pressure off QB Jordan Love and open up the passing game, the Packers may be down to their back-up backs. So it goes. WR Christian Watson will also likely not be available. Again. On the flips side, the Buccaneers will be without some of their top defenders which should help a short-handed Packers offense.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That only matters if the Packers offensive line does a better job protecting Love than they did in the Meadowlands. And if the Packers defensive front can get to Tampa QB Baker Mayfield, who has been known to toss a few INTs in his 2 prior visits to Lambeau. Oh, and Packers special teams need to be special.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are favored in this game by 3-1/2 points at the time of this writing. If they play the way did in their wins against the Lions and the Chiefs, they can beat anybody. If they play the way they did vs. the Giants (and others) they can keep things close but still wind up losing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're putting the green-n-gold colored glasses back on and hoping the Pack have worked out at least some of the issues — in all 3 phases of the game — that led to their defeat on Monday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 24 - Buccaneers 20</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-3538070406612920422023-12-11T16:16:00.000-06:002023-12-11T16:16:37.828-06:002023 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Giants Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Green Bay Packers are on a roll. A sweet roll. And it is most yummy indeed for us Packers fans (sorry for the sweet roll pun). But after taking down the Lions in Detroit and the S</span><span style="font-family: arial;">upe</span><span style="font-family: arial;">r B</span><span style="font-family: arial;">owl Champ</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ion Chiefs at Lambeau F</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ield, the Pack find themselves in the hunt for a wildcard spot in the pla</span><span style="font-family: arial;">y</span><span style="font-family: arial;">offs at 6-6 after winning 3 out of their last 4 games and 4 out of their last 5. We really didn't see that coming earlier in the season now did we? (Although, looking back at our pre-season prediction, we had them finishing with a 10-7 record ... still in play!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still, Green Bay's playoff odds are now set at roughly 72% after a run of thousands of future game simulations by t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he New York Times</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. If the Pack wins their remaining 5 games, beginning tonight against the Giants in the Meadowlands, their chances improve to 100 percent. Nice. D</span><span style="font-family: arial;">rop one? Still good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But this playoff run starts in earnest tonight. So let's have a look, shall we?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/images/smg/2023/11/14/USAT/71578192007-USATSI_21883701-e1699824058433.jpeg?crop=2970,1671,x0,y98&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/images/smg/2023/11/14/USAT/71578192007-USATSI_21883701-e1699824058433.jpeg?crop=2970,1671,x0,y98&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packers QB Jordan Love has been the talk of the NFL</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>for the last month or so.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">(Ph</span><span style="font-family: arial;">o</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">o v</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">ia the M</span></i></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>i</i></span></span><i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">lwa</span></i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>u</i></span><i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">kee J</span></i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>our</i></span><i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">nal Sen</span></i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>ti</i></span><i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">nel)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps we should begin with a look at tonight's weathe</span><span style="font-family: arial;">r and field conditions. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The </span><span style="font-family: arial;">rai</span><span style="font-family: arial;">n and winds </span><span style="font-family: arial;">that </span><span style="font-family: arial;">i</span><span style="font-family: arial;">mpacted the East C</span><span style="font-family: arial;">oas</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t over the weekend </span><span style="font-family: arial;">supposedly will be gone by kickoff. Expect a temp in the upper 30s and winds around 10 mph. Artificial turf. Accep</span><span style="font-family: arial;">table December conditions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Pack will be without the services once again of RB Aaron Jones, CB Jai</span><span style="font-family: arial;">re Alexander and WR Christian Watson. Also appears as if LB Quay Walker will be on the sidelines. The Packers have been dealing wi</span><span style="font-family: arial;">th key injuries all season and finding ways for the back-ups to step in and make plays...which they have been doing. Yay. Tonight's yet another occasion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The 4-8 Giants have a backup QB, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Tommy DeVito, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">starting, and a so-so offense apart from RB Saqu</span><span style="font-family: arial;">o</span><span style="font-family: arial;">n Barkley, who could single-handedly deal the Packers a loss if the running game defense doesn't find a way to contain him more often than not. And while </span><span style="font-family: arial;">DeVito's passe</span><span style="font-family: arial;">r</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> ra</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ing is actually slightly ahead </span><span style="font-family: arial;">of J</span><span style="font-family: arial;">o</span><span style="font-family: arial;">rdan L</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ove's over </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the same s</span><span style="font-family: arial;">tretch of las</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t 3 games, he hasn'</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t had </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to face </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the k</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ind </span><span style="font-family: arial;">of pass r</span><span style="font-family: arial;">u</span><span style="font-family: arial;">sh </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the Pack can b</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ring</span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Giants defense isn't great either. It is </span><span style="font-family: arial;">ranked 26th in the league in points allowed per game. B</span><span style="font-family: arial;">u</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t that's a bit deceiving because t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he</span><span style="font-family: arial;">y are in the top 10 in opponen</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t passer rat</span><span style="font-family: arial;">in</span><span style="font-family: arial;">g. S</span><span style="font-family: arial;">o L</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ove w</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ill have </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to c</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ontin</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ue h</span><span style="font-family: arial;">is sha</span><span style="font-family: arial;">rp wa</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ys t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">on</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ight. And get </span><span style="font-family: arial;">c</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ontin</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ued h</span><span style="font-family: arial;">igh pe</span><span style="font-family: arial;">rf</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ormances from his receivers and support from </span><span style="font-family: arial;">RB A.J. D</span><span style="font-family: arial;">illi</span><span style="font-family: arial;">on and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">others, not the least of which is the offensive line who have been performing at a high level during this turn-around.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are 6-point faves tonight, only the second time they</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> have been favored all season.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We see them continuing their winning ways this evening. We're calling it <b>Packers 24 - Giants17</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-76801063202606601602023-12-03T14:39:00.001-06:002023-12-03T14:39:16.767-06:002023 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Chiefs Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">OK, Packer fans ... first things first. The last few weeks, we have not predicted Packers wins. As noted in those predictions, we have said that the team needed to show up in all phases of the game for a full four quarters to help us believe once again. On Thanksgiving Day, in Detroit, the Pack finally put it all together in defeating the Lions. It set a good tone for the rest of the holiday, didn't it? And that was with a LOT of starters missing from action. The backups showed up. Big time. A great win that actually puts Green Bay back into a playoff wildcard race. Long way to go, but at least it's positive. And we believe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tonight will be another test for this young team: the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs come to Lambeau Field. Let's consider what might be at play in this game.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/21/PMJS/71666241007-mjs-sb-still-coaches.jpg?width=660&height=495&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="660" height="301" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/21/PMJS/71666241007-mjs-sb-still-coaches.jpg?width=660&height=495&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>It may not be Vince Lombardi leading the way for the Packers against</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Hank Stram and the Chiefs tonight, but the pride and history of both teams</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>will be on full display, with much at stake for both.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">(Photo via the National Football League</span>)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Can QB Jordan Love and the Packers continue their recent trend of game-by-game progress? Or will there be drop off after the huge win against the Lions? For the Chiefs, will QB Patrick Mahomes recapture his magic performances? And will the KC defense continually blitz to throw off Love's timing with his budding receiving corps, especially given that Packers RB Aaron Jones will again not be on the field and give the offense a way to mitigate the blitz? Will the Packers defensive line be able to contain and pressure Mahomes the way they did Jared Goff in Detroit? Will the defense for the Packers be as stingy and turnover-generating as against the Lions?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So many questions. And we will have to wait to learn the answers. It's why they play the game, as the saying goes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The good news for Packers fans is that the team has won three out of its last four games. Love is performing at a high level. His young receivers are learning where they need to be and, hopefully, that part of the job is catching and holding onto the ball no matter what. Head coach Matt LaFleur is gaining confidence in his young QB and offense and starting to open the playbook. Finally. We've also seen defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defense improve itself. It is still somewhat unpredictable in terms of stopping the run, but if it plays with the energy and determination it did against Detroit, they can stop anyone. Even Kansas City. Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Preston Smith et al need to once again dominate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And if the defense can create a turnover or two, all the better.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, and perhaps Packers special teams can pull off a return that helps turn momentum. That would be good. Very good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In a game such as this, a turnover or big return can be the difference between a win and loss, especially for the Packers.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Chiefs come into Green Bay tonight heavily favored, but the line has decreased since earlier in the week. KC went from 7-point favorites to 6-1/2 and are now listed as 5-point faves.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This time of year, we also have to start looking more and more at the weather forecasts. The weather shouldn't be much of a factor tonight. Both teams are accustomed to the early December Midwestern conditions. While the snow this morning (about 2 inches in Green Bay as of 9 a.m. CT) should end well before gametime, things will still be seasonable: temps in the low to mid-30s are expected. Wind shouldn't be a problem despite a wind advisory in place until about 3 p.m. So, as the natives in these parts say, "It's a bit brisk". Or, "Perfect football weather" ... depending upon one's point of view, of course.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On a related note, this will really be Packers rookie kicker Anders Carlson' first cold weather game. As Packers great, LeRoy Butler said in his preview prediction, he's gotten a bit nervous whenever Carlson comes out. Carlson has been good for the most part, but has missed some kicks, too, including PATs which is <i>never</i> a good thing. We don't want a missed PAT to decide a game like this. Let's hope that the PAT and FG unit has worked outdoors this week because you know KC will be really looking to get a block or two, if possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, where do we go with our prediction? We're going to call it an upset tonight. We think the Pack will keep ascending. They know that they can play with any team if they come together and play at a high level for a full 60 minutes. But it will be tight, as we should expect from head coach Andy Reid and his team ... and Matt LaFleur and his.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 26 - Chiefs 24</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-65965867730155393192023-11-22T17:41:00.002-06:002023-11-22T17:41:50.035-06:002023 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're happy to note, Packers fans, that our prediction for last Sunday's game vs. the Chargers in Green Bay was incorrect. Or "wrong" as some have gently put it. Whatever.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The youngsters on offense came through in the clutch, taking the lead 23-20 with less than 3 minutes to go on a great pass from QB Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs in the end zone. In the remaining time, they could have held onto the ball once more and not given the Chargers a chance to tie or win outright if only head coach Matt LaFleur had not been so conservative in his play calling (run 3 times and give the ball back to a team with timeouts remaining and Justin Herbert at QB?). Thank goodness, the defense rose up and saved the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For a team that had lost 4 of their 5 games going into Sunday by a combined total of 11 points, this was a huge win. A record of 4-6 is a lot better than 3-7, let's be honest.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">However, this win over the Bolts came at a cost. Both RB Aaron Jones and his backup Emanuel Wilson were lost to injury. Jones wound up with a sprained MCL, although it looked much worse at the time. Wilson wound up with a shoulder injury and has been placed on the IR list. After the game, TE Luke Musgrave reported a stomach injury. Turned out, he spent the night in the hospital where it was determined he had a lacerated kidney (likely from falling on the ball after a catch). He was also placed on the IR list and will be out at least 4 weeks. A sad turn for the rookie as he was just starting to come on and be not only a good blocker but a receiver Love could look for.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So the Packers have made some roster moves to replenish the squad, including re-signing RB Patrick Taylor; A.J. Dillion can't do it all. In fact, he's listed as questionable for the game, as well, with a groin injury. The Pack also signed veteran RB James Robinson.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is not the way you want to go into Detroit on a short week. Not at all.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2022/08/08/PPAN/2703a9a2-00b0-4c6a-a877-fff43de11585-GPG-Training_camp-08082022-0002.jpg?crop=4499,2531,x0,y0&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2022/08/08/PPAN/2703a9a2-00b0-4c6a-a877-fff43de11585-GPG-Training_camp-08082022-0002.jpg?crop=4499,2531,x0,y0&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Running backs are in short supply for the Packers</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>going </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">into the Turkey Day game at Detroit.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With the running backs in short supply, and Detroit ranked 5th in the league against the rush, expect the offense to run mostly through Love. Good thing he had the best game of his young starter's career against LAC, throwing for 2 TDs and more than 300 yards.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Love will need a career game against the Lions in order to allow his team to have a chance at pulling out an upset win. But In addition to Musgrave, TE Josiah Deguara is listed as doubtful with a hip injury, so rookie Tucker Kraft will no doubt get a lot of snaps. It will also mean that the troop of rookie and 2nd year receivers that have begun to step up their games must take another step Thursday. Putting the bulk of the effort into the passing game (likely), the offensive line will also have to give Love time against a tough Detroit defense. Let's not forget: the Lions are 8-2...8-2! Who'da thunk it?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers defense has been sieve-like for the most part against the run. Which doesn't set up well against Detroit...or any team, for that matter. Oh, and the Lions have a not-so-horrible QB in Jared Goff, despite one of his worst games on Sunday. With Packers defenders CB Jaire Alexander, LB De’Vondre Campbell and S Rudy Ford listed as questionable, and S Darnell Savage out for his fifth straight game, Green Bay's defense will also be put to the test.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's not shaping up favorably for the Packers.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Detroit is favored by 7-1/2 points at the time of this writing. We hate to say it, but we think all of the injuries, on a short week, on the road, is just too much for the Pack to overcome.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Lions 31 - Packers 17</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We were wrong last Sunday and we hope we are again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Happy Thanksgiving!</i></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-8711052458985781602023-11-18T19:46:00.000-06:002023-11-18T19:46:42.358-06:002023 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Chargers Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite it arguably being QB Jordan Love's best game last weekend vs. the Steelers, and the Packers really being in it till the end, the defense's impression of a sieve against Pittsburgh's running game ultimately led to yet another disappointing loss. We and many others predicted it, which offers no satisfaction whatsoever. As we've said for a while now, until the Pack can show us that they can click in all 3 phases of the game, we're hard pressed to be optimistic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So what does that mean for Sunday's game against the Chargers? Let's see.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/05/PMJS/71468021007-packers-05-5.jpg?crop=4662,4661,x3000,y0&width=240&height=240&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/05/PMJS/71468021007-packers-05-5.jpg?crop=4662,4661,x3000,y0&width=240&height=240&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">The Packers offense will need to score and score often in order for</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">the Packers to have a chance at beating the Chargers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><i>(Photo from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Every preview you read will say that this is the best QB the Packers defense will have seen to this point in the season. The Chargers are number 7 in scoring in the league. They are averaging nearly 27 points per game. If the Packers defense plays the way it did last week, well, the same result can be expected.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, the Packers offense got some things clicking against the Steelers last week. In large part, it might be argued, because RB Aaron Jones was back on the field and involved. A lot. That always bodes well in terms of giving the Pack a chance. RB A.J. Dillon also had a good performance. If the two of them can establish a ground game this weekend and keep LA QB Justin Herbert on the sidelines, that will help. Control the clock. Please.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jordan Love looked confident last week, made some nice throws, but also missed a few he needed to have, especially in the closing minutes. Let's hope he learned from the mistakes and kicks his game up a notch, as Chef Emeril might say. Need to find a way to close out a game with a W for a change instead of the L.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But it was the Packers defense, particularly against the run, that failed miserably. Two down lineman? How often did we see that scheme? Without adjustments? The Joe Barry approach. Oy. And still the Pack had a shot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This game vs. the Chargers, who may be as vulnerable as the Steelers on defense, seems like one in which it will come down to how the Packers defense shows up. They have the talent. But, at least to this writer, they don't have (and haven't had for a few seasons now) the defensive coordinator to put them in position to succeed more often than not.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the game being played at Lambeau Field, the Chargers come in at the time of this writing being 3-point favorites.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We hate to say it, but — once again — until the Packers can show us that they can show up in all phases of the game — for all 4 quarters — we don't see this game going the Packers' way against the Chargers offense. Hope we are wrong.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling this game <b>Chargers 34 - Packers 24</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-6322812531702499602023-11-12T11:05:00.001-06:002023-11-12T11:05:55.744-06:002023 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Steelers Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">OK, Packer fans: we finally got a win last week over the Stafford-less LA Rams. We'll take it. Definitely. It showed what could be possible given the presence and performance of RB Aaron Jones. Also showed what could happen when a young defense flies around with some energy. What are the lessons that can be drawn for today's game against the Steelers? Let's see.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Unfortunately, it appears as if CB Jaire Alexander will once again be missing from the playing field. Not good when the Steelers will have a receiver the calibre of George Pickens coming at you (btw, the Pack selected Christian Watson ahead of Pickens in last year's draft). On the other hand, Pittsburgh also has a young QB, Kenny Pickett, running the offense. So if the Packers defense can get pressure on Pickett and hold down Pickens ... well, both would be good. (Thank you, Captain Obvious!)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/05/PMJS/71468195007-packers-06-packers-1131.JPG?width=600&height=836&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="574" height="400" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/05/PMJS/71468195007-packers-06-packers-1131.JPG?width=600&height=836&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Rookie safety Anthony Johnson Jr. had a big day</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>against the Rams. He may or may not see the field today</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>if Rudy Ford is able to play.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal)</i></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers will also likely be without </span><span style="font-family: arial;">LB Quay Walker and have listed as questionable DL Kenny Clark, S Rudy Ford, C Josh Myers, LT Yosh Nijman and RG Jon Runyan.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The latter three are concerning because the Steelers have a servicable defensive front, led by edge rusher T.J. Watt (remember that draft where the Pack could have picked him and instead went with DB Kevin King? Yeah... "Hulk sad.") The Packers offensive line has been a problem area all season, with very little continuity because of injuries. This has led to a plethora of pre-snap penalties and pressures on QB Jordan Love, who needs all the help and time he can get to connect with his equally young receivers. If Aaron Jones can replicate his game of last week and take pressure off Love, and the O-line can hold its own and minimize the pre-snap mistakes, the Packers have a chance today, despite being on the road.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers and Steelers have both had their challenges this season. The Pack are 3-5 despite having chances to pull out at least 1 or 2 more wins. The Steelers are 5-3 </span><span style="font-family: arial;">despite, as Ryan Wood notes in his prediction for the game (<a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2023/11/11/green-bay-packers-vs-pittsburgh-steelers-predictions-nfl-week-10/71517332007/" target="_blank">see here</a>) <i>"an offense that ranks 28th in yards gained and a defense that ranks 31st in yards allowed. Both marks are worse than the Packers (24th offense, 11th defense). The Steelers have one of the few NFL quarterbacks with a lower passer rating than Jordan Love (Kenny Pickett is 26th in the NFL with 81.6, Love 25th with 81.9)."</i> Wood also notes that Steeler head coach Mike Tomlin seems to always put his team in a position to win despite their deficiencies, which are more than they have had in past seasons, it seems.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So it seems as if the game is close, the Packers have tended to not get it done while the Steelers somehow find a way. Pittsburgh is at home and with a crowd that can get into the game if you let them. Neither are to the Pack's benefit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Pittsburgh is favored by 3 at the time of this writing. Yup, home field advantage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling this <b>Steelers 20 - Packers 17</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still ... as always ... <b><i>GO PACK GO!!!</i></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-76651854793697470292023-11-05T08:56:00.000-06:002023-11-05T08:56:02.030-06:002023 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. Rams Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Remind me again: who did the Packers lose to last week?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This has been a recurring question for a few weeks now. Extremely slow starts by the offense, penalties, injuries ... it's been a dumpster fire ... that just won't go out. We said in our brief (and, unfortunately, correct) prediction last week, that <i><b>"... until the team shows up … in all 3 phases of the game … for all 4 quarters … we regrettably see this game going in the loss column."</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, did anything change in that point of view from last week to this? You tell me. Plus, add into the mix that one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball — DB Rasul Douglas — was traded to the Bills for a 3rd round pick in next year's draft...along with a 5th round pick for the privilege. Didn't seem to make sense to many, including this writer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But it is what it is. The season is bumpier than anticipated by far, perhaps even by the team's general manager and coaching staff ... which is perhaps also a red flag about where the Packers are headed not only this season but next, as well. That's a whole other conversation.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/24/PPAN/874cd857-c9e5-4e63-a2b8-e6001673436f-70956707007-usat-pack-vs-saints-092423-3910-ttm.jpg?width=1320&height=980&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/24/PPAN/874cd857-c9e5-4e63-a2b8-e6001673436f-70956707007-usat-pack-vs-saints-092423-3910-ttm.jpg?width=1320&height=980&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">It's time for Packers QB Jordan Love to raise his game.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: normal;"><i>(Photo by Tork Mason, USA Today NETWORK-Wisconsin)</i></span></div><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You know what the read on the Pack is: issues. Lots of issues. The offensive line play has been inconsistent at best and abysmal at worst. And, due seemingly largely to Aaron Jones' ailing hamstring, the running game and much of the offensive schemes have been stuck in neutral over the course of this now four-game losing streak. Play-calling by head coach Matt LaFleur has been uninspired. Defensive schemes ala defensive coordinator Joe Barry have been hit-and -miss. Still it must be said that, generally, the defense — while not creating turnovers — has usually done enough to keep the Pack in the game ... if there was any semblance of an offense, that is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Any opposing team knows that if they can put pressure on QB Jordan Love, which has been the case give the spotty O-line play, they have a great chance of winning the game. With the anticipated return of Jones against the Rams, that should help open things up a bit more for the Pack. We'll see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The big question for the Rams today really centers around whether or not QB Matthew Stafford will play. He injured the thumb on his throwing hand in last week's game and his ability to grip the ball will likely be the determining factor as to whether he plays or not. A game-time decision, no doubt. Despite notable weapons on offense and defense, Stafford's absence would be a plus in terms of increasing the chances for a </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Packers</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">win as LA's backup QB isn't a game-changer. Or at least, hasn't been.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As some others are doing ahead of the game, we're going to offer two predictions: one <i>if</i> Stafford plays and the other <i>if</i> he doesn't. Seems fair.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>If Stafford plays</i>, we're calling it <b>Rams 24 - Packers 13.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>If Stafford does <b>not</b> play</i>, we're calling it <b>Packers 17 - Rams 14.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Either way, <b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-26196897286889892522023-10-29T11:39:00.000-05:002023-10-29T11:39:10.928-05:002023 NFL Week 8: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">OK, Packers fans, here we go again. Not much time on this end for a full-on preview due to travels, so will get to the prediction.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">THE PREDICTION</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For the last few games, we have believed the Pack would get things together, avoid the slow starts, and — very important in football — score occasionally. A rash of injuries and, it must be said, lack of veteran leadership especially on offense, has led to a 3-game losing streak. Players don’t seem well-prepared. That’s on both the players AND the coaches.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So can they get it together against an arguably hot ViQueens team right now, albeit one missing its top receiving threat? We’d like to think, at home and with some key players activated for the Packers, that the answer would be “Yes”.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But, alas, until the team shows up … in all 3 phases of the game … for all 4 quarters … we regrettably see this game going in the loss column.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We ‘re calling this game ViQueens 24 - Packers 17.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Very much hope we’re wrong.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">GO PACK GO!!!</span></div>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-35309760523083991252023-10-21T20:54:00.000-05:002023-10-21T20:54:17.398-05:002023 NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Broncos Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wait, you may be saying: What happened to NFL Week 6? It still happened, of course. Just not for the Packers. Bye week and all that. So a couple weeks since the Pack last played. Seems like forever, doesn't it? A really goofy schedule. On the one one hand, it gave the guys time to heal up a bit. And for coaches time to figure out how to put together a game plan to defeat one of the worst teams in the league right now. Which they pretty much had the opportunity to do, as well, in Las Vegas. But didn't. So the Pack went into their early-season bye at 2-3 (we had them at 3-2 in our preseason prediction).</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, Green Bay faces the worst rushing defense in the league and a veteran QB in Russell Wilson who's apparently on the downside of his career. So it would seem there should be opportunities for the Packers to run the ball. If RB Aaron Jones can figure in on at least a portion of plays, that is. Or, if A.J. Dillon can find his form from a few years ago. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">And the defense can force Wilson into making some bad choices.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> A few turnovers going the Pack's way would be a help.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/11/PMJS/2dbeedf1-7f52-41d5-b6cf-80a9c91da05c-PACKERS_BEARS_1123.JPG?width=1320&height=884&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/11/PMJS/2dbeedf1-7f52-41d5-b6cf-80a9c91da05c-PACKERS_BEARS_1123.JPG?width=1320&height=884&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Packers RB Aaron Jones has been limited or out since the opener </span><span style="font-family: arial;">against Da Bearz.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">He's listed as questionable for Sunday's game </span><span style="font-family: arial;">vs. the Broncos.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Head coach Matt LaFleur will need to have a balanced offensive plan (a-duh, I know, I know). That begins with the offensive line not putting the offense behind the eight ball series after series with penalties and miscues. They have to give QB Jordan Love time to find mid-range receivers. And, have those young receivers, oh, I dunno, run the right routes. And catch the balls when thrown to them. This isn't rocket science. It's football. And other than a few shining moments through these first weeks, the Packers have been grinding at playing the game effectively. Now they need to be effective and grind out a win.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, as some pundits and fans are asking: is this a <i>must-win</i> game for the Pack? Not necessarily. But it sure seems like it given the opposing team.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers at the time of this writing are anywhere from 1 to 1-1/2 point favorites. So, pretty much a pick 'em game. And </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the over-under is set at 45.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We've been burned on our most recent predictions for the Packers. Is this a game the Pack could lose? Of course. They have to show up. They have to execute. Especially the defense, who may be called upon to win the game in a potentially close game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sure, Denver gave up 70 points against Miami. Well, the Packers aren't Miami-good right now. So toss that anomaly out the window. But Denver is still bad. Are the Packers better? Time to prove it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 23 - Broncos 17</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-58515096337557821362023-10-09T12:54:00.001-05:002023-10-09T18:06:04.603-05:002023 NFL Week 5: Packers vs. Raiders Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">First, a word about the Thursday night game vs. the Lions: <b><i>patooie!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Can you relate, Packer fans? I thought so. Moving on...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/09/29/PMJS/70999922007-packers-28-10.jpg?width=600&height=614&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/09/29/PMJS/70999922007-packers-28-10.jpg?width=600&height=614&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="391" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packers QB Jordan Love will need a balance game plan</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>to beat </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">the Raiders in tonight's game in Las Vegas.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">This will be the Pack's first-ever visit to Las Vegas. Let's hope its many distractions can be kept to a minimum for the players. They will have enough to deal with on the field. While the Raiders are 1-3, they could cause problems. Let's not forget that this is the home of former Green Bay receiver Davante Adams. He can cause problems of many kinds. And while Jaire Alexander is expected to be on the field for the Packers tonight, it will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Joe Barry decides to deploy him in coverage. Does he put Alexander on Adams every play? Does he keep Alexander in a particular spot and rotate coverage of Adams? We each likely know what we would do. But Barry??? Let us pray.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Raiders also had a great ground game last season which hasn't quite come around yet this season. Let's hope they don't decide to make tonight the night they choose to return to old form. Because, as Packer fans know all too well, the Pack's run defense still leaves much to be desired.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Raiders QB is someone who is 3-1 against the Packers, including playoffs: yes, ol' Jimmy Garappolo. But that record was with the Niners; the Raiders are definitely <i>not</i> the Niners. While he is coming off the concussion protocol for this game, Garappolo has been consistent in his propensity to toss interceptions. If the Packers pass rush can put pressure on him, Jimmy G should put a couple of passes up there for picks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the Packers side of the offensive ledger, QB Jordan Love should have Elgton Jenkins back to help protect his blind side and give some stability to the offensive line, which has been less than stellar the last few games. John Runyan should also return. In terms of weapons, RB Aaron Jones and WR Christian Watson should be on the field more than versus the Lions, which bodes well for the offense. <b>(LATE UPDATE: RB Aaron Jones has been declared inactive for the game. Packers elevated RB Patrick Taylor to the 53-man roster.)</b></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At the time of this writing, the Raiders are favored by 2 points...which amazes many. Not the full home field advantage, but...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is another one of those early season games where both teams are still trying to figure out their identities. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Granted, injuries for both teams have played a role in their respective records to this point.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But it's about time the Packers took hold of that challenge on both sides of the ball. With a Week 6 bye coming up for the Packers following this game, it should be all hands on deck. They need to go into the bye at 3-2, which would put them right where we predicted they'd be in our pre-season prediction (look for yourself in the prior posts).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling this game <b>Packers 31 - Raiders 27</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-70175370741528793282023-09-27T17:41:00.000-05:002023-09-27T17:41:24.779-05:002023 NFL Week 4: Wait, what happened to Week 3? Plus Lions Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello, Packer fans! Well, well, well. Some of you may have been wondering what happened with our preview and prediction for NFL Week 3: the game last Sunday vs. the Saints. Funny story. I was traveling. Attending a high school class reunion, to be exact. One of those major ones. Was so great to be back among old friends. And I do mean old. Crikey! Time marches on. As does the 2023 NFL season.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But the other interesting part of things is that had I <i>had</i> the occasion to post a preview and prediction for that Saints game, you know what? I would have actually predicted a lackluster performance by the Packers for the first 3 quarters of the game leading to them being shut out, but...then rallying for a dramatic 4th quarter comeback to win 18-17. Really. No doubt about it. And if you believe that ... I've got some choice swamp land for sale for you in Florida. (Come to think of it, I wouldn't do that to you; it's Florida. Ewww...)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, on to the quick turnaround Thursday night game vs. the Lions at Lambeau.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Lions and Packers both come into this game sitting at 2-1 with the early lead of the NFC North in play. Both teams have some young players already making a mark in the NFL and some injuries to key players. The teams seem pretty well matched at this point, but at the time of this writing Detroit is favored by the pundits by either 1 or 1-1/2 points depending upon who you're reading. The over-under is set at around 45.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As Packer fans no doubt recall, the Lions knocked the Pack out of the playoffs at the end of the 2022 regular season by dealing them a loss at home in the final game in an uninspired effort by Green Bay. Detroit had nothing to play for. The Packers did. And Detroit won. Not great. It was former QB Aaron Rodgers' last game as a Packer. And his last pass was an interception. Just like his predecessor, Brett Favre, as a matter of fact. Football weirdness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Lions have a rookie running back in Jahmyr Gibbs and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta that can both do damage if given the opportunity to do so. QB Jared Goff has seemingly found himself, so to speak, in Detroit. RB David Montgomery is also supposed to be back for Detroit. The lateral running game — getting the backs to the edge — has been a challenge for the Pack's defense going back to last season. What the Falcons did to the Packers in Week 2 this season is a likely template for other teams wishing to take advantage of the lack-of-edge containment ... at least until the Pack can prove they can consistently hold that edge.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And let's not forget WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. He seems to step up against the Packers. He can be particularly dangerous in the slot, creating coverage challenges for the Packers. Do they put Jaire Alexander on him no matter where he lines up or keep Alexander on the outside only and allow Keisean Nixon to cover St. Brown when in the slot? Will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Joe Barry decides to arrange the coverage and adjusts throughout the game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers pass rush will be key. Goff can get the ball out of his hands quickly, and with the Lions' good offensive line, getting to him will be a challenge. But necessary ... or it may be a long night for the Packers' defense.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qPbEI1cvT2q0wwE0PfvcJ7ScLRbTUTwh5g_W06Dc9WVv__cQZyV-AHyxRMMK7wBKqdzPm-Dr_aSYRbDBlzyaHsenhzF4a5pD9gUFTT_CEjqZBr837s0znlxWti23GoU6bBaLUcYszgENE3Nq824v_wXt93oOw229yRCmBS3qSC7VkLFA0l3wJQ/s900/Jordan%20Love%20Lambeau%20-%209-24-23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qPbEI1cvT2q0wwE0PfvcJ7ScLRbTUTwh5g_W06Dc9WVv__cQZyV-AHyxRMMK7wBKqdzPm-Dr_aSYRbDBlzyaHsenhzF4a5pD9gUFTT_CEjqZBr837s0znlxWti23GoU6bBaLUcYszgENE3Nq824v_wXt93oOw229yRCmBS3qSC7VkLFA0l3wJQ/w400-h225/Jordan%20Love%20Lambeau%20-%209-24-23.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packers QB Jordan Love celebrates the team's 18-17 comeback win</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>vs. the Saints on Sept. 24 at Lambeau Field.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo via SI.com)</i></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>On the Packers' side of the ledger, they are coming off an improbable 4th quarter comeback win against the Saints, which should boost their confidence that they can overcome a lot of their own mistakes, in particular, to do what they need to do to win. QB Jordan Love continues to impress and so do his young receivers. The offensive line is banged up, as it has been since the first game. But Love has no problems using his legs if the situation calls for it. What hasn't been impressive so far has been RB A.J. Dillon. With RB Aaron Jones out the last few games with a hamstring issue, Dillon has been called upon to carry the load. As much as fans love Dillon for his love of Green Bay, Door County and Wisconsin, that doesn't gain yards, smash through holes, or move the pile when needed. With word out as we write this that Jones might once again miss action Thursday night, Dillon needs to step up. It is time, as a famous saying goes.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While second-year WR Christian Watson said on Tuesday that he will play Thursday (for the first time this season), he is still listed right now as "questionable" on the injury report. So he is once again an unknown. But his absence through these first three games has provided opportunities for the other young receivers to get time and make plays, in some cases, big plays. So there's that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We also have to give kudos to rookie kicker Anders Carlson who is perfect with his field goals and PATs so far this season, including from long distance. May it continue thusly.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With all that being said, and considering the short turn-around time for both teams, the injuries, et al, and the home field advantage for the Packers (which the oddsmakers still aren't fully factoring in), we're calling this game <b>Packers 27 - Lions 24</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-54139503035102561962023-09-16T21:42:00.000-05:002023-09-16T21:42:30.899-05:002023 NFL Week 2: Packers still own Da Bearz, Plus Falcons Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, well, Packers fans. Glad to say our win prediction for last week's regular season opener in Chicago came true. Not even as close as expected: 38-20.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Yay.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> The Pack still owns Da Bearz. Won't see them again until an end-of-season game in Lambeau Field. We'll certainly know the tale of these two teams after a long season then. As it stands, and as most national media also opined, Chicago has a lot more work to do than do the Packers.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/05/PMJS/ac2c41fa-8115-4be3-bce1-9b9d726ce52e-505ef456-f619-4362-b2d8-4da5e97874a3_thumbnail.png?crop=480,480,x213,y0&width=240&height=240&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2023/09/05/PMJS/ac2c41fa-8115-4be3-bce1-9b9d726ce52e-505ef456-f619-4362-b2d8-4da5e97874a3_thumbnail.png?crop=480,480,x213,y0&width=240&height=240&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>The new owner of the Chicago Bears: Packers starting QB</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Jordan Love </b></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>had a spectacular </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">opening game vs. Chicago.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But for this week, against the Falcons, what do things look like? At this stage of the season, do we still really know anything much about either the Packers or Atlanta? Both 1-0. Both young. Heard one pundit say that both teams are actually fairly similar. So where do we go from here?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While it's encouraging to hear that RB Aaron Jones and WRs Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson participated in walk-throughs Friday, Jones and Watson are both listed as questionable on the injury report at the time of this writing. So is LT David Bakhtiari, but that will probably be the case for most of the season, it would seem. While we won't know the final status of these players until 90 minutes before Sunday kickoff, we do know that if the key players on offense are out or limited it will certainly impact the game plan. Conversely, LB Quay Walker got out of concussion protocol and will play, which is certainly a boost to the defense.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And that will be needed as the Pack defense will have to keep speedy rookie RB Bijan Robinson in check, along with tight end Kyle Pitts. There's enough there to present challenges, particularly if it's a tight game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In a game such as this, a special teams play either way, for either team, could be the difference.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still, we know that Jordan Love is not one to get rattled easily. He's playing behind a very good O-line. If Aaron Jones can't go, A. J. Dillon will need to step up. He had a bit of a down year last year and didn't show well in the first game. It's a contract year for him, so now would be a good time for him to return to his form of a few years as Quadzilla.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">OK, not much of a preview, but for now...good enough.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Falcons are currently favored by 1.5 points; recall that Da Bearz were favored by 1 last week against the Pack. So, basically the same...not even getting the full home field advantage. The over-under is set at 40.5 points right now; a low scoring event, in other words. To which we say: maybe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We like the vibe of this young Packers team. They are talented and maybe they just believe it. This is a pick-em type game. And we will.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 24 - Falcons 23</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-71404377024057259692023-09-09T17:48:00.000-05:002023-09-09T17:48:21.156-05:002023 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here we go ... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's always interesting when Packers-Bears week arrives. Especially when it arrives Week 1 of the season. In Chicago. With a new starter QB ... for the Pack. Without a team's top deep-ball threat ... for the Pack. And the youngest (by age) roster in the NFL ... for the Pack. Toss in a coaching regime change ... for Da Bearz. And a new and proven receiving threat ... for Da Bearz. Interesting, indeed.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2022/12/25/PPAN/96a20e68-55ef-40a3-a4d8-5dc5a91c6a9f-Getty_1452382378.jpg?width=1320&height=880&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2022/12/25/PPAN/96a20e68-55ef-40a3-a4d8-5dc5a91c6a9f-Getty_1452382378.jpg?width=1320&height=880&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packer fans had hoped to see 2nd-year WR Christian Watson stretch</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>the field against Chicago. Unfortunately, he's been ruled out for Sunday's game.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Megan Briggs, Getty Images, via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You basically got the overview in the paragraph above. The fact of it is: no one really knows — especially in the first game of the season — what either of these teams actually can bring to the field. The Packers feel good about who they are and where they are at, albeit without their deep-ball threat, Watson. It's also possible that second-year WR Romeo Doubs might also be held out of the game, also with a hamstring injury. Taking your top two receivers out of the mix in the first game of the year is <i>not</i> a plus. A-duh. When Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Watson's absence for this game, he indicated that the team had basically had all week to plan around that. Probably have planned for either limited or no action by Doubs, too. The rookie receivers and tight ends will be called upon to step up. There's talent there, just not the experience you'd like to have out there. It is what it is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We may expect as a result that there is a heavy reliance on the running game with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon called upon to take some of the pressure off the receiving game, although we could likely expect that Jones, especially, may be used in screen and outlet passes. It's going to be interesting to see the adjustments that will be made before and during the game. New starting QB Jordan Love is a confident young man and if he can limit mis-reads in the early going, there may be opportunities to take advantage of Chicago's defense.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Conversely, the Packers defense — with its eight 1st-round draft picks — needs to finally earn its keep. They were highly touted going into last season and were a let down. They played soft and defensive coordinator Joe Barry seemingly was unable or unwilling to make adjustments. The run defense was porous and defensive backs often were not even in the same zipcode as the guys they were supposed to be defending, whether near the line of scrimmage or downfield. Especially with the youth of this team on offense, and whether or not the defense could actually win a game, the defense must contain Chicago QB Justin Fields who can and will run at any time and change the complexion of the game. Chicago management also gave Fields a bona fide receiving threat in DJ Moore who will probably give the Packers secondary fits.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At the time of this writing, the oddsmakers have basically made the game a toss-up (Bears -1). In other words, they really don't have special insights to offer either. The over-under was 43-1/2 points, which seems about right for this game under these circumstances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether the Packers continue their dominance of Da Bearz ... we'll see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While we wouldn't be surprised to see Chicago pull out a close one, we think the Pack will come out on top .. in a close one.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 21 - Bears 20</b>.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-12455666158923929232023-09-09T14:14:00.001-05:002023-09-09T14:17:07.235-05:00With the 2023 Packers season upon us ... Our season prediction. Crikey!<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello, again, Packers fans ... and all who wish they were...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, we've had a looooong hiatus, haven't we? Since April, as a matter of fact. Before OTAs, summer training camp, roster cuts, you name it. Now, it's game time (almost). Too much to cover here and you know it all already anyway. So we'll get on with what we see in store for this season. A very different season than the past 18. Ol' #12 is now in New York City (New York City!). We hope he plays at least 65% of the snaps AND that the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets have a dismal record so the Packers get a higher draft pick as part of the trade deal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But let's just get to the important matters of the moment: the season prediction. We'll do the prediction for Sunday's opener against Da Bearz (in Chicago) in a separate post. We invite you to please check back for that.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2022/12/04/PPAN/3684b9f7-b5cf-425b-8b49-717b510e0ed1-MJS_APC_PackVSBears_1204221209djp.jpg?crop=3499,1969,x0,y271&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/presto/2022/12/04/PPAN/3684b9f7-b5cf-425b-8b49-717b510e0ed1-MJS_APC_PackVSBears_1204221209djp.jpg?crop=3499,1969,x0,y271&width=1320&height=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>2023 first game scrum between the Packers and Da Bearz.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A Quick Season Overview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the big picture of things, as every fan of the Packers knows, and likely most NFL fans, as well, given all the news and kerfuffle about the youth of the team, the new starting quarterback, etc., etc., expectations for the Pack this season are...basically unknown, but skewing towards...how shall we say...<i>meh</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Most teams would be hard pressed, given the circumstances, to be about .500 for the season. That may well be the case when all is said and done here. But, while young at certain skills positiions, i.e., receiver, the Packers are a talented team. In addition to one of the best running back tandems in the league with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, an experienced and good offensive line, first-time starter QB Jordan Love — with 3 years sitting behind ol' #12 — is not the same as a rookie would be. Assuming his young receivers step up, Love will have opportunities to put points on the board. He is as much of an unknown at the start of the season to defensive schemers than those schemes are to him. I give the advantage to Love. Defensively, the Packers have 8 1st-round draft picks on board; it's well-past time they showed up as the 1st-rounders they are.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A big unknown in this whole overview is the kicking game. There's a new long snapper, a new rookie punter and a new rookie kicker. What could go wrong? Lots. Strong legs count for a lot. But so does accuracy and experience. We would anticipate probably losing at least 2 games because of kicking issues which would indeed change our final win-loss tally. Not great. Part of the growing pains that we have to accept will likely be part of things this season.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Season Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Since the start of this blog in 2005 (18 years ago ... 18!), we have looked at the season preview not game by game (those are done individually at the relevant time) but more quarter by season quarter, so to speak. With a 17th regular season game in place for the third consecutive year, we'll have quarters plus one extra game...and the bye week, too, resulting in 18 weeks to examine...not exactly a straight quarterly set-up but you'll figure it out. <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Home games are in green.</span></b> Be aware, of course, that the NFL may flex various game times, especially later in the season, so the days/times shown here are as they are now indicated.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1st Quarter of the Season (+1)</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 1: @ Da Bearz - Sun 9/10 · 3:25 PM CDT</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 2: @ Falcons - Sun 9/17 · 12 PM CDT</span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 3: Saints - Sun 9/24 · 1</span><span style="font-family: arial;">2 PM CDT</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial;"><b>Week 4: Lions - Thurs 9/28 · 7:15 PM CDT</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 5: @ Raiders - Mon 10/9 - 7:15 CDT</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Note, to begin with, that we have added the extra game into this first "quarter" of the season. Seemed to make sense as the following week is the bye.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Da Bearz are favored by not even the usual home field advantage point spread of 3; instead, they are 1 to 1-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. Because the fact is, Chicago is also an unknown under a new coaching regime. Yes, QB Justin Fields is a talented athlete, more so as a running threat than as a passer so far. But Chicago did acquire some receiving help for him. So who knows how that will play out on game day? For the Packers, WR deep threat Christian Watson is likely out because of a late arriving hamstring problem. Not helpful. WR Romeo Doubs was also limited late in the week with a hamstring issue. (What is it with the Packers and hamstring issues seemingly year after year???) So, it would seem the oddsmakers likely have this game figured out as well as anyone...which is...a toss-up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, without getting into a breakdown of each game at this point, we see the Packers going 2-3 in this stretch leading up to the bye. A lucky bounce here and there (including, perhaps, off a goal post) and the Pack could be 3-2 at the bye.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2nd Quarter of the Season</span></h4><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;"><b>Week 6: BYE - Sun 10/15</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 7: @ Broncos - Sun 10/22 · 3:25 PM CDT</span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial;"><b>Week 8: Vikings - Sun 10/29 · 12:00 PM CDT</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial;"><b>Week 9: Rams - Sun 11/5 - 12:00 PM CDT</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This stretch of 3 games after the bye should be quite telling as the schedule hits the mid-way mark. Depending upon injuries, of course, and how well the offense and special teams, especially, have gelled, we could have 2 scenarios possible: a team beginning to rise toward a second half push towards playoff eligibility, or a team stuck in neutral. We see the Packers going 2-1 here.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3rd Quarter of the Season</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 10: @ Steelers - Sun 11/12 - 12 PM CST</span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 11: Chargers - Sun 11/19 · 1</span><span style="font-family: arial;">2 PM CST</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: arial;">Week 12: @ Lions - Thanksgiving Thursday - Thurs 11/23 · 11:30 AM CST</span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial;"><b>Week 13: Chiefs - Sun 12/3 · Sunday Night Game - 7:20 PM CST</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A gauntlet, at least from this far down the road. We would be happy to see the Pack go 2-2 in this stretch. Anything more than that is gravy.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4th Quarter of the Season (+1)</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 14: @ Giants - Mon 12/11 - 7:15 PM CST</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Week 15: Buccaneers - Sun 12/17 - 12:00 PM CST</b></span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 16: @ Panthers - Christmas Eve Game - Thurs 12/24 - 12 PM CST </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Week 17: @ Vikings - New Year's Eve Game - Sun 12/31 - 7:20 PM CST</span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: arial;"><b>Week 18: Da Bearz - TBD</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With only 2 home games in the last 5 of the regular season, including 2 away games on Christmas Even and New Year's Eve, and with the last 2 against NFC North Division opponents, this is the series of games that, if the Packers have been holding their own as a young team, can seal their fate one way or the other. We see the Packers going 3-2 in this final stretch.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Summary</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking back at our predictions, we have the Packers going no better (or worse) than 10-7, which would surprise many. As fans know, many projections have the Pack going 6-11 or, at best, 9-8. Lots of unknowns this season.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But it seems as if the love for Love among many sports pundits has been trending upward recently. And, if #10 stays healthy — along with his O-line, running backs and receivers — we see this team putting up points, if not initially, as the season goes on. And if the defense can remain consistent — good consistent, that is — we think this team could surprise some folks. While last season's team underperformed on many levels, we think the opposite may be true this season. Let us pray...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>As always, <i>GO PACK GO!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-52703514698649371442023-04-30T17:55:00.000-05:002023-04-30T17:55:49.958-05:00Turning the page ... A-A-Ron gone ... NFL Draft done. Hit it ...<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear fellow Packers fans, yes, I know. There have been no posts here since the debacle against Detroit that dropped us from the playoffs before we could even get started. That was a tough one, as you know.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb walked off the Lambeau Field turf together, you kind of knew: this was it. Yes, Rodgers was still under contract. A <i>big</i> contract. But keeping him on at this stage, approaching age 40 with seemingly declining performance late in the season in the cold, even at home, was problematic at best on a number of levels. The Packers needed to see what they had in backup QB, Jordan Love. Time to turn the page. Not with a rebuild per se, but definitely a new era in Packers football was going to begin. Somehow.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2023/03/16/PMJS/c8be69e9-0b47-4df6-b661-b20f9c190de4-MJS-PACKERS-JETS_0166_115363946.jpg?width=1320&height=970&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="800" height="235" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2023/03/16/PMJS/c8be69e9-0b47-4df6-b661-b20f9c190de4-MJS-PACKERS-JETS_0166_115363946.jpg?width=1320&height=970&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Thanks for the memories, Aaron Charles Rodgers.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>See you in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>You know ... when you retire.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source: Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p>Enter the New York Jets. Yes, the same Jets that executed a trade for our last aging Hall of Fame, MVP QB, Brett Favre. It took a while for the Rodgers trade to get done. But it did early in the week leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. And GM Brian Gutekunst got the better part of the trade, in the opinion of many NFL pundits. For what it's worth, I agree with that assessment.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, farewell and thanks for all the years of remarkable memories, Aaron. You will be missed. Hope you stay healthy and play at least 65 percent of the offensive plays for your new team this coming season. And ... that the Jets' record is a poor one. If both happen, the Packers will get a high 1st round draft pick next season to complete the trade particulars.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Turning the page officially ...</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The three-day 2023 NFL Draft completed its 7th round yesterday. The Pack wound up, through trades and compensatory picks, with 13 draft picks. Will they all stick? Nope. But, it's interesting that at least one source (see below graphic) thought the Packers had the best draft of all 32 teams.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWowN86DMU7CzXSC2Fanhv19R0mrrlyH8dXqfmrMCxp0AZ2NDTex-gDbfZYaujCGtP5HgKcIgz-a3gcxhVG9as-7WYrviwvoSw21DlWlCExsArpC_WTKiM1SVPIG1hQ5WVTdFMyG52scTuD9dnnlwVuTMkZ_RGNkvoJABsyQQcFmDbzwWAJyc/s1080/Pro%20Football%20Network%20Draft%20Best%20of%20Class%202023.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWowN86DMU7CzXSC2Fanhv19R0mrrlyH8dXqfmrMCxp0AZ2NDTex-gDbfZYaujCGtP5HgKcIgz-a3gcxhVG9as-7WYrviwvoSw21DlWlCExsArpC_WTKiM1SVPIG1hQ5WVTdFMyG52scTuD9dnnlwVuTMkZ_RGNkvoJABsyQQcFmDbzwWAJyc/s320/Pro%20Football%20Network%20Draft%20Best%20of%20Class%202023.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Pro Football Network declared the Packers to have</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>the best draft class of the 2023 NFL Draft.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source: Pro Football Network</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">With needs in many areas, and with a clear objective to give new starting QB Jordan Love offensive weapons to grow with, the emphasis was on that side of the ball, while tending to defense and special teams, as well. GM Gutey picked up a couple tight ends (needed!) and a couple wide receivers (needed!), as well as a couple edge rushers, among others. Wasn't surprising to see the Packers pick up a QB for camp and to compete with Danny Etling, the current backup behind Love. Plus, there will be the need for arms in camp to keep all the receivers and tight ends busy. The Pack also went with a late round running back; decisions will need to be made about both Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon next off-season, so having some backs on hand...yes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It also became more of a likelihood as the draft approached that the Packers would likely draft a kicker to replace venerable, aging, and all-time franchise scoring leader, Mason Crosby, who is currently a free agent. Now, Gutey made it clear in post-draft interviews that they had not closed the door on bringing Mason back in. But there would have to be a real failure on the part of this young kicker from Auburn. Stat-wise, he doesn't appear to have been especially accurate from long distance. And kicking in the south, despite growing up in Colorado, it remains to be seen how he'd do at Lambeau and other cold-weather venues come December and January. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">But with kickers and punters, especially, it always seems to be a shorter leash than with other players.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> As with all the picks, we just have to wait to see.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Also immediately following the draft the Packers and other teams began signing undrafted free agents. You can see those on packers.com and other sites that track these developments. Yes, there are sometimes some diamonds in the rough that actually emerge among this group so it's always interesting to keep an eye on this list, as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As draft experts are quick to remind us, evaluating any draft immediately after the fact, is a bit foolish as it typically takes three years before these young players "arrive", so to speak. A big jump usually takes place between the first year and the second. But patience is needed. Think Davante Adams. It took a while. But then ... wow!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As noted earlier, while the Packers assert that they are not in rebuilding mode — and I agree with that view for what that's worth — they are re-tooling. Lots of great veterans. And lots of young guys.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It's going to be an exciting year, Packers fans. Stay tuned.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As always, <b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-91031443953645109022023-01-08T14:27:00.000-06:002023-01-08T14:27:10.876-06:002022 NFL Week 18: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers took care of division opponent Minnesota at Lambeau Field last weekend to keep their slim — but increasing! —playoff hopes alive. And they did so in fine fashion: a kickoff return (a kickoff return!) and a pick-6 interception return. Getting 14 points from special teams and defense always comes in handy, doesn't it?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, it set things up for tonight's regular season finale at Lambeau vs. the surging Detroit Lions. While both teams are sitting at a traditionally mediocre 8-8, the league decided the implications of this game were so good — and ... Packers! — that it decided to flex the game to the last slot on the weekend schedule. Let's take a look, shall we?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/11/06/PMJS/3f6659c5-0b01-4b4d-9611-41cb273909ed-USATSI_19374315.jpg?width=1320&height=880&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/11/06/PMJS/3f6659c5-0b01-4b4d-9611-41cb273909ed-USATSI_19374315.jpg?width=1320&height=880&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Packers will be looking, as usual, for QB Aaron Rodgers to help</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>lead the team to the NFC Playoffs with a win over the Lions tonight</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>at Lambeau Field.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Lon Horwedel, USA Today Sports)</i></span></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Why would the league put this game between two 8-8 teams in primetime? Because — Packers! — it's possibly a win-and-in game for Detroit, if the lowly Rams can somehow beat Seattle earlier today <i>AND</i> the Lions can beat the Pack, as they did in Detroit earlier in the season at Green Bay's low point. And because, regardless of how the Rams vs. Seahawks game turns out, if the Pack can beat the Lions Green Bay will secure the final wild card spot for the playoffs. In short, there's a lot on the line for both teams. Especially for the Packers. And, sorry Lions fans, this primetime coverage is happening precisely for <i>that</i> reason. You're along for the ride.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Given where the Packers were sitting just a bit ago, 4-8 and on life support, to having control in their own hands for making the playoffs ... wow. Nothing short of remarkable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Since hitting rock bottom at Detroit, the Packers have gotten their offense more in sync with a balanced run-pass game and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">trending upward in average points-per-game since they began their winning streak.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">QB Aaron Rodgers has more confidence in his young receivers, rookie WR Christian Watson has provided the ability to stretch the field and open up other aspects of the game, and returner Keisean Nixon has become the league's leading returner and a legitimate threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defense has, astoundingly, rounded into shape, becoming more physical and covering receivers so at least they are in the same zip code together, thereby creating turnovers. Unimaginable a month or so ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But let's not forget that Detroit is bringing a lot to tonight's party, too, having won 7 of their last 9 games. The team has taken up head coach Dan Campbell's toughness. QB Jared Goff can cause problems if given time to throw (his last INT was against the Pack, by the way). And Packer fans recall all too well what RB Jamal Williams can do if given room to run. While Detroit boats the number 4 offense in the league, they do not score as well on the road as at home in a controlled environment, i.e., dome. Tonight, that offense will have to perform on the road, in 23-degree weather (at kickoff), on a slick turf to which they are not accustomed. Advantage Packers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A Packers defense that was seen as a liability has been getting key stops and takeaways that have changed the outcome of games. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Advantage, too, in that the Packers defense has been a turnover machine during the current four-game winning streak. If the defense can generate one or, better, two key turnovers this evening that bodes well for the final outcome. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">And special teams, aside from a minor hiccup or two (blocked punt/FG, etc.), with Nixon's emergence as a returner, has become a real strength of this team ... something we haven't seen arguably in decades.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are getting hot at the right time. Detroit has been on a roll, as well, no denying that. But with the playoffs so close — and all they've had to overcome to get in this position — it's hard to see the Pack laying an egg tonight. The oddsmakers apparently feel the same way, installing the Pack as 5-point favorites at the time of this posting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling this one <b>Packers 31 - Lions 20</b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></div>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-19202182619288227182023-01-01T13:36:00.000-06:002023-01-01T13:36:43.671-06:002022 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers did what they had to do last week in Miami: come away with a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Now sitting at 7-8 after a 3-game winning streak, the Pack roll into the last 2 weeks of the season with games at home against division rivals. First up today, the NFC North Division winners, the Minnesota ViQueens, and concluding the season — depending upon happens at Lambeau Field and elsewhere today — in what could essentially be a playoff game against the Detroit Lions. Yowza.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's jump in with a closer look at today's game, shall we?</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, we must hope that the past is not the prelude when it comes to this game. Specifically, the Packers cannot let WR Justin Jefferson do what he did in the first game of the season in Minnesota, i.e., go off.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/09/11/PPAN/521566a7-c431-4e11-98cf-d9a4d39ca4d1-MJS_APC_PackVSVikings_0911220785djp.jpg?width=1320&height=1096&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/09/11/PPAN/521566a7-c431-4e11-98cf-d9a4d39ca4d1-MJS_APC_PackVSVikings_0911220785djp.jpg?width=1320&height=1096&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Packers saw this little TD dance from ViQueens receiver, Justin Jefferson,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>in the first game of the season. This scene cannot be repeated today.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The ViQueens, as especially their fans are wont to remind the world, are the winners of the NFC North this season, currently sitting with a record of 12-3. They have won 11 of those 12 games by one score and a season-long point differential of +5. So not really blowing any team out, just winning close and often and late. Now is that all luck? Or do they make some of their luck? As the saying goes, good teams win close games. So do some lucky ones. We can come to the conclusion that the 'Queens are better than we'd like them to be, but perhaps not quite as good as some Purple People would have you believe. Still, given the option of being 7-8 and fighting for your playoff lives and being 12-3 and winner of the NFC North, I think we know where Packer fans would rather be. 'Nuff said about that.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, with good early January weather expected at Lambeau Field for a 3:25 CT start time, the only thing that Minnesota really is playing for today is keeping the Packers out of the playoffs be dealing Green Bay a loss. That is incentive enough for the 'Queens.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Minnesota has quality performers on both sides of the ball. Offensively, QB Kirk Cousins has receiving and running weapons around him, as we know all too well. If the Packers defense is unable to make Cousins uncomfortable in the pocket, and Packers defensive backs let Jefferson and company wander as freely as they did in the first game, this game could become ugly. Thankfully, Green Bay's defense has been performing better of late, most notably in the second half of games. The trick is not to let an opposing offense jump out to a big lead before half or the Packers may have a tough time coming back. That was not the case last week, but the Dolphins are not the 'Queens.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We need to have the Packers defense step up in a way they really haven't all season and play a 4-quarters game. They need to continue to generate turnovers, as well. They likely won't get 4 as was the case last week, but a couple timely takeaways could definitely turn the tide of the game. The Packers young defenders, in particular, along with veterans Kenny Clark and Preston Smith, need to come up big.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In terms of the Packers offense, they should be getting David Bakhtiari back at left tackle today. That would be helpful if he is really ready to go. But it's still unclear at the time of this posting as to whether rookie WR sensation Christian Watson will be ready to go today. He was basically a non-entity, according to reporters, during practice this past week after sustaining an unspecified hip injury in last week's game that saw him unavailable the entire second half. If he can't go, that certainly limits that Pack's offense and also changes the way Minnesota's defense will play.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's also the case that RB Aaron Jones' ongoing ankle issue is still something that is limiting his availability during not only practice but especially during the game. Do fans really think that, if Jones was healthy, the Packers would only be putting the ball in his hands 6 times as was the case last week? Not a chance. It is the reason why they elevated and started using Patrick Taylor in spot duty and why they late this week elevated RB Tyler Goodson. Now, in the latter case that might also be a signal that Packers exceptional breakout kickoff returner Keisean Nixon might not be ready to go today. Nixon was dealing with a groin injury going into last week's game in Miami and came out of it in no better form. You hate to lose Nixon's explosiveness and take-it-to-the-house potential but you also want to have him available if the season continues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">QB Aaron Rodgers will have to really be in command today, of himself as well as his weapons, if the Pack is to stay in this game and win it down the stretch. Part of that process is converting red zone opportunities, which he and the team have been horrible at over the course of the season. Case in point: last week's game. A couple deep opportunities and instead of coming away with touchdowns they had to settle for field goals. That can't continue and especially not today. Each red zone opportunity needs to result in 7 points not 3.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One other player was elevated late this week from the practice squad and it caused a raised eyebrow or two: kicker Ramiz Ahmed. Does that mean, fans and pundits wondered, if K Mason Crosby's team-record consecutive games streak was coming to an end for some reason? Or, just that the Packers will have Ahmed handle kickoffs? As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes, Ahmed was active "<i>for one other game this season, against the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, he had five kickoffs: two were touchbacks, three were returned and two of those were kicked within the 3-yard line. Ahmed's elevation allows the Packers to aim for more touchbacks against dynamic Vikings returner Kene Nwangwu. </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Nwangwu is second in the league (behind only Green Bay's Keisean Nixon) in kickoff returns, averaging 26 yards per return, with a 97-yard touchdown.</i>" We're betting Ahmed handles the kickoffs today while Crosby takes care of field goals.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Managing player resources, particularly in such strategic situations as today's game, will be key to a Packers victory.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are anywhere from 3 to 3-1/2 point favorites over Minnesota today, basically the home field advantage. Many pundits don't see the Packers defense as being able to handle the 'Queens offense, much as in the first game, and are predicting a Minnesota win.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Reminder: this isn't the first game of the season. Granted, the season has not gone the way the Packers or their fans have expected. But the team seems to be playing better now than before. So there's that. As usual, there are a lot of "ifs" that will impact this game. But 3 wins in a row, combined with a defensive performance we haven't seen in a while, also would tend to make the Packers players believers in themselves. With their entire season in the balance, and playing at Lambeau Field, we also are believers today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're calling it <b>Packers 27 - ViQueens 24</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-90741641277239604462022-12-25T10:43:00.000-06:002022-12-25T10:43:28.397-06:002022 NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Dolphins Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">First things first: the Green Bay Packers have won two in row to get back on track and stay mathematically alive in the hunt for a playoff wildcard spot. Yes, a long shot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>But</i>...in the Christmas Eve games in which the Pack needed help, each of the teams ahead in the standings that needed to lose <i>did</i>: the Seahawks, the Giants, the Lions, the Commanders. Now the Pack just has to beat the Dolphins on the road today. And then beat the ViQueens and the Lions at Lambeau Field in the last two weeks of the regular season. In fact, if they do that and the Seahawks and Lions wind up splitting their last 2 games (with the latter still losing to the Packers, of course) both could still wind up losing a tiebreaker to the Packers if they finish with a similar 8-9 record.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But let's take a closer at the game versus Miami. Have to win that one first.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/09/19/PMJS/d1bd6a8c-e757-4589-9679-29f484e9bc4e-PACKERS_BEARS_PACKERS19_3523.JPG?width=1320&height=1118&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="800" height="339" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/09/19/PMJS/d1bd6a8c-e757-4589-9679-29f484e9bc4e-PACKERS_BEARS_PACKERS19_3523.JPG?width=1320&height=1118&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Packers RB Aaron Jones and QB Aaron Rodgers will have to have</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>big days against the Dolphins to keep the team's slim playoff chances alive.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</i></span></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers, as fans so well know, have underperformed in terms of expectations all season long. They have yet — as we enter into week 16 of the 2022 NFL season — to play a complete game in all phases. They sit at 6-8 coming into this game. There are a lot of things to watch and consider about this game. The best summary you'll find is by Tom Silverstein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Be sure to check it out <a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/12/23/5-things-to-watch-in-green-bay-packers-week-16-game-vs-miami-dolphins/69747847007/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">News arrived Saturday evening that LT David Bakhtiari </span><span style="font-family: arial;">is unlikely</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to play Sunday, but beside that it seems all hands are on deck. The offensive line, without Bakhtiari for most of the season, has been doing a good job, generally, of protecting Rodgers, as well as opening holes for the running game. One other bright spot for the Packers recently has been the emergence of returner </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Keisean Nixon who is opening up that aspect of the game that has been nothing short of a disaster for several years running. If he can continue his recent streak of productivity that will be a big help in the game overall. It should also be noted that Nixon has apparently been pressing coaches to put him in as receiver. That would raise some interesting possibilities and it would be interesting to see if the Packers were actually able to scheme something in the form of a trick play of some kind to make use of Nixon's talents, although we wouldn't expect that anytime soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, we have also seen more moments of, well, possibilities recently. There's rookie WR Christian Watson's emergence. Add in the return last week of WR Romeo Doubs. QB Aaron Rodgers' thumb seems to finally be back to near normal. The running game of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon can get things done if head coach Matt LaFleur sticks with it. In fact, as Silverstein notes in the aforementioned article, "<i>When the Packers have an explosive run (10 or more yards) on one of their drives, there’s a pretty good chance they’re going to get in or near the end zone. Of their past 13 drives in which they had at least one rush of 10 or more yards, six resulted in touchdowns and three resulted in field goals.</i>" Most of these runs have been between 10 and 17 yards. The Pack will need a few of these runs on Sunday to keep things close. Watch for them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That's because it's expected that the fast offense of the Dolphins will create problems for the Packers defense, particularly the secondary. The expectation is that Miami will put up points as the Pack defenders struggle to contain their receivers. QB Tua Tagovailoa can cause problems off the run-pass option but is more apt to get the ball out of his hands quickly than to run. It will be a challenge for the Packers defense — which has shown moments of greatness as well as moments of ineptitude — to contain Tua and the offense. If they can do so, and the Pack's offense continues on its upward trend, can eat up the clock through sustained drives, the Pack could win a close one.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While the Packers have won a couple in a row and the Dolphins have lost a few in a row, the pundits have the Dolphins set as 3-1/2 point favorites at the time of this posting. The Pack are 2-5 on the road this season and have been outscored by 41 points total in those games. On the flip side, and perhaps surprisingly, the Pack's defense has allowed fewer than 20 points in four of the team's six wins. So, if the defense shows up ... and the offense is able to run the ball well, be balanced, and keep Miami's offense off the field ... there's a real shot at this game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Not many are calling for a Packers win. And I guess we've done it a few too many times already this season, but we're going to put on those green 'n' gold-colored glasses once more and call it <b>Packers 30 - Dolphins 27</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></span></p>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-25086298502611690332022-12-19T17:23:00.000-06:002022-12-19T17:23:15.851-06:002022 NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Rams Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, in our preseason prediction, we had the Packers sitting at a possible 8-5 going into this last "quarter" of the season. So much for that idea. That record is the inverse of the actual current record of 5-8. Not the season anyone had imagined. Not even close. We don't need to reiterate the many reasons for why the Pack's season and playoff chances are hanging by an icicle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We do need to just mention, as all Packers fans are aware, that the team is coming off its late-season bye week. Lots of time to rest and recoup. Still, the Packers waited until a little after 11 a.m. CT today to announce that they were releasing veteran WR Sammy Watkins after an experiment that obviously didn't work for either party. Couldn't have done it over the bye. Had to wait to game day ...? OK, so it goes. No seemingly corresponding roster move was announced at the time. The team will, however, be getting rookie WR Romeo Doubs back for the first time in weeks so expect to see him and fellow rookie WR Christian Watson on the field at the same time ... to see what might have been if both had been able to stay healthy earlier in the season. But we're veering into preview territory right now, so we might as well get on with it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/11/28/PMJS/336120e1-bca6-4d7a-966a-545a594146fc-MJS_APC_Packers_vs_Rams_00187_112821wag.jpg?width=1320&height=932&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="800" height="283" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/11/28/PMJS/336120e1-bca6-4d7a-966a-545a594146fc-MJS_APC_Packers_vs_Rams_00187_112821wag.jpg?width=1320&height=932&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Green Bay Packers will need a big game from QB Aaron Rodgers,</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>and all the </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">team, in tonight's game vs. the Rams at Lambeau Field.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo by Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)</span></i></span></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First thing to mention, it is going to be classic Frozen Tundra weather tonight, i.e., cold. Maybe even a few bits of snow floating around. This should favor the Packers (a-duh). But as has been the case in recent memory, that hasn't always played out the way expected. So who knows? Yes, the mediocre team from LA really isn't going to want to be there. So every member of the Packers knows — and the coaches will no doubt reiterate it before and during the game — that they need to get up early and big on the Rams and not let up. All gas no brake. Start to finish.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The wind is not supposed to be much of a factor tonight. But how well the cold ball will feel in QB Aaron Rodgers' hand, with a still-recovering bad thumb, remains to be seen. If he can maintain a decent grip, the Pack's receivers should be able to stretch the field, particularly with Watson. And that will open up the running game. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon could both have big games with the Rams' big run stopper Aaron Donald out of the game. One would think the odds would favor whoever can run the ball better. That should go the Packers way, although we also know that stopping the opposing team's running game has not been among the Pack's defense's strong suit this season. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">New LA QB Baker Mayfield won in his debut last week. Good to see after what he's been through with unfulfilled expectations. But he doesn't need to do that again. At least not in Green Bay. The Rams are banged up and nowhere near what they were as last season's Super Bowl champs. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Mayfield is a young, mobile QB, exactly the kind who typically presents problems for the defense, as well. We'll see how defensive coordinator Joey Barry schemes for Mayfield.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Ahh ... there's also the slickness of the ball in the cold to consider. There should be opportunities for takeaways ... let's just hope the turnovers come from the Rams and not the Pack as the conditions <i>should</i> play out in general in the Pack's favor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still, the Packers aren't anywhere near where anyone thought they'd be at this point in the season. Imagine how ESPN is feeling after what could/should have been one of the top Monday Night football games of the season playing out this way with the teams' current standings. Oy.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The pundits are favoring the Packers by 7-1/2 points at the time of this writing. Former Packers right tackle and member of the Packers Hall of Fame, Mark Tauscher, said on his radio show this morning (Wilde & Tausch), that the Packers need to win this game "in a romp". Said it shouldn't be close and, as noted earlier, the Pack need to get up on the Rams early to put them away.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With all that being said, we're calling this one <b>Packers 27 - Rams 17</b>. Not sure if that's exactly the romp Tausch had in mind but we'd take it at this point. One game at a time. Let's get this one and then see how things play out on a short week for the Christmas game at Miami.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go.</i></b></span></div>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15393215.post-14879255825525050652022-12-04T09:17:00.000-06:002022-12-04T09:17:34.706-06:002022 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Before we look at this weekend's game in Chicago vs. Da Bearz, let us first pause for a moment of silence for the repose of the soul of the Green Bay Packer defense. It's demise last weekend vs. the Philadelphia Eagles was a true — and embarrassing — exercise in futility. Depending upon who was providing the statistical analysis, there were somewhere around either 15 or 20 missed tackles, many of which were directed toward QB Jalen Hurts, who ran for miles against this inept Packers defense. Oy. What more can you say?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's move on to the game at hand.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Preview</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Packers are sitting at 4-8 while Da Bearz are 3-9. Both teams have their issues, as evidenced by the records. Da Bearz, especially after trading away some their better players, have a woeful defense. But at this stage of the season, and after last weekend's debacle, can we say anything different about the Packers? Not really.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The difference in this game will be the offenses. Chicago has a banged up QB in Justin Fields, who, while not a great passer even when healthy, can still beat you with his legs. In that last regard, it's potentially a Philly deja vu moment if the Packers can't contain him. And tackle. Especially the tackling thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Chicago also has a good RB, so there again are problems to be dealt with. Receivers? Meh. On the other hand, if the Pack's secondary continues its defensive scheme of playing opposing receivers as if in a different zip code, that won't work so well even if the team was the Little Sisters of the Poor. With defensive coordinator Joe Barry at the helm, the Packers defense seems uninspired and confused most of the time. Really don't expect that to change in this game. Or the remainder of the season for that matter. Head coach Matt LaFleur has said he sees no reason to change direction with a new coordinator at this stage. Keep digging that same hole deeper, coach.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That leaves it to the Pack's offense to outscore Da Bearz. Now, despite a very banged up QB named Aaron Rodgers at the helm, that should be possible, even probable. And, we can at least feel a bit better if backup QB Jordan Love comes in as he did in last week's game. The kid's got spunk. And an arm. An arm that was quick and accurate in that brief showing. But Rodgers gives the Pack the best chance as long as he can remain upright. Especially against Da Bearz. In Chicago.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/11/28/PPAN/222ed18e-acdb-4aef-92d8-820d4e295a6b-GAN_20221127eh_se7_1029.JPG?width=1320&height=880&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/11/28/PPAN/222ed18e-acdb-4aef-92d8-820d4e295a6b-GAN_20221127eh_se7_1029.JPG?width=1320&height=880&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>The emergence of Packers rookie WR, Christian Watson, has been one</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>of the bright spots </b></span><b style="font-family: arial;">for the Pack over the past few weeks.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: arial;">If he continues his progress, </b><b style="font-family: arial;">the Packers should have a good day in Chicago.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo by Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, about that last point, about staying upright. We just learned Friday that LT David Bakhtiari had a spur-of-the-moment appendectomy that day. Surprise to him, the coaches, and us. So he's out again for a bit. Figures doesn't it?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But Chicago's defense is not Philly's so Rodgers should still have more time to find his receivers. Of course, he'll be throwing to Rookie of the Month for November, WR Christian Watson. And, it's possible rookie WR Romeo Doubs might also be available, coming off his high ankle sprain injury. Toss in the dependable Allen Lazard and Rodger's best buddy and Bearz destroyer, Randall Cobb, and there should be opportunities to stretch the field and open things up for running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Or vice versa: get that running game going early and often and it could lead to a big day for the receiving corps.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This would be a good time for the Packers to play a nearly complete game. We've been waiting a long time to see that out of this team. The entire season, really. Perhaps going into their bye week, they can finally put things together by putting Da Bearz away. And the earlier the better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Prediction</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points. That doesn't mean much in these rivalry games ... despite the fact that Rodgers has indeed owned Da Bearz for his entire career. It also doesn't mean much give that the Packers have been favored in games more often than not this season only to disappoint fans and pundits alike.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Still, despite the ineptitude of the Packers defense we believe their offense has more weapons available and should be able to outscore Da Bearz.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's why we're calling this one <b>Packers 31 - Da Bearz 27</b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Let us pray ...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Go Pack Go!!!</i></b></span></div>packrphanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488133931889867314noreply@blogger.com