2025 NFL Week 6 Packers vs. Bengals: Preview & Prediction

A quick review, Packer fans ... Week 4 against the Cowboys in Dallas ... a wholly unsatisfying 40-40 tie (following the loss in Cleveland!) to put the Packers at 2-1-1 going into their Week 5 bye. Oy. A game the Pack was in control of during the first half that got away from them through the issues which also arose in the loss — LOSS! — at Cleveland, namely penalties, bad tackling and abhorrent special teams play that likely once again — as versus the Browns — cost the team the game.

Week 5 ... the bye week. A time when you figured that it might be a time for the Packers to get a bit healthier and regain the mojo they exhibited in the first two games of the season. Well, think again. Because it seems as if the Packers are as snack-bitten as any team early in the season with injuries. Even coming out of the bye week, questions arise in some critical areas. Key among them, at least according to a concerned head coach Matt LaFleur, is a right leg quad issue with kicker Brandon McManus. McManus sounds as if he'll be good to go; LaFleur is not so certain. In fact, the Packers brought in and activated another kicker, Lucas Havrisik, just in case McManus can't go today. In addition, OL Anthony Belton, DL Devonte Wyatt and OL Rasheed Walker all missed some practice this week, with Belton, Wyatt and WR Christian Watson listed as out for the game. Offensive linemen Zach Tom, Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk are all questionable as is DB Nate Hobbs.

Fans may or may not see reliable Packers Kicker Brandon McManus

against the Bengals today.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Amazing. It's a good thing it's a home game today against the Bengals. Although after the debacle in Cleveland, it's clear we can't take any opponent for granted, not even one that just signed (from Cleveland) veteran QB Joe Flacco to try to at least be competitive in the absence of regular starter Joe Burrow.

The Preview

As noted above, the Packers will be seeing QB Joe Flacco for the second time in three weeks today. Signed just this past week to help a reeling Bengals team without their phenom starter Joe Burrow. So, Flacco knows the Pack and the Pack know him. As was the case when he was with the Browns, the Packers need to get pressure on him because he's a statue back there. Flacco had had time to prepare with his receivers in Cleveland and executed quick releases to keep the Packers defense from getting to him; he has not had that amount of time with his Bengals receivers, especially deep threats Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, or the offensive scheme, which will undoubtedly be simplified to put him in the best place to succeed.

Still, the Packers defense has to do what they are capable of doing: getting to the QB, covering downfield and making sure tackles. If the defense does that today, the Packers will emerge with the "W". DE Micah Parsons needs to continue to inspire this entire defense with his own play-making ability to elevate the level of play overall.

One element of the Pack's defense, among others that has been especially lacking so far has been the ability to create turnovers. If memory serves, there has been only a few interceptions through four games and no — zero — fumble recoveries. They need to start generating takeaways.

Now, the trick for the Packers offense, regardless of who is on the offensive line, is opening holes for running backs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson to set up the passing game for Jordan Love whom they also must protect. The Bengals defense, led by DE Trey Hendrickson, can present problems if the O-line doesn't handle business. The Packers have all the offensive weapons they need to beat any team. Bu they have to execute. And Coach LaFleur has to do a better job in play-calling and time management if push comes to shove (which, if you think about it, is pretty much what the entire game of football is about).

Packers special teams ... oy. They arguably have already lost one game and helped cause the tie in the other. Breakdowns on kick protection are inexcusable. As is lack of production on punt and kick returns, both in terms of coverage as well as returns themselves. Then today, toss in the unknown variable of McManus' availability and the possibility of the kicking team working with an entirely new kicker...the recipe for disaster once again rears its ugly head...not that it needed any help in that regard.

The Prediction

So here we are, Packer fans. Back at Lambeau Field for the first time in a month ... and won't be back at Lambeau for another month ... yes, really. What a weird schedule the league saddled the Packers with.

Anyway, the Packers are favored in this game by a lopsided 14-1/2 points as of the time of this writing. In our point of view, this is never a good thing. Unless you are a betting person, of course, and play the odds one way or another. Still, the oddsmakers are putting the game clearly in the Packers hands. Could they be upset again, as in Cleveland? You bet (pun intended). Could they mismanage the game again as in Dallas and get another tie? Extremely doubtful.

As the identity of this Packers squad is still not clear, and with the questions about player availability and special teams play, we're calling this game Packers 27 - Bengals 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

A Note About Week 7 at Arizona

It's a bit unclear to us at the moment whether we will have our regular Preview & Prediction for next Sunday's game in Phoenix. The reason being that we will actually be at that game, along with a couple of ol' (both literally and figuratively) buddies and wives (you know who you are!). Travels prior to the game may preclude our pondering and prognostication. Just so you know. If we can toss anything out ahead of time, we will. But just in case ... we'll call it now in favor of ... the Packers, of course!  :-)

2025 Week 4: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction

OK, first things first, Packer fans: the Packers (and, by extension, yours truly) really laid an egg in Cleveland last weekend. Huge favorites, the Packers offense couldn't get anything going. RB Josh Jacobs couldn't find any running lanes and QB Jordan Love was under frequent pressure from the strident Browns defensive front, led by DE Myles Garrett. Both problems stemmed from the makeshift offensive line; three of the regulars were out ... RT Zach Tom going down one play into the game. The backups were not ready for prime time ... or even game time, for that matter.

As was the case with the first two games, winning efforts both, the Pack's defense played well enough to win; if a team gives up 13 points one expects an offense such as the Packers to score more than that. Apart from the uninspired and mediocre play of the offense, head coach Matt LaFleur's play-calling in this effort didn't put the team in the best position to win either. Odd. And an upset of epic proportions was the result. Embarrassing.

The best we can hope for is that lessons were learned by one and all. In this regard, perhaps former Packers center (12 years, 1973-1984) and longtime broadcaster Larry McCarren said it best in a Packers-Cowboys preview segment on YouTube: (paraphrasing) One of the best motivators for a player is self-redemption in the next game following a poor performance. Many players on that offensive line in particular, as well as Jordan Love, should be motivated to show that they are better than they played in Cleveland. Let's see how that might play out.

Packers DT Devonte Wyatt will be counted on to get after

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott in tonight's game in Dallas.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

As Packers reporter Pete Dougherty writes in his pregame preview in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Packers have big injury issues on their offensive line, though, with Zach Tom (oblique) likely out, Aaron Banks (groin) very possibly out, and backup right tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) shaky to play." So, as noted in the earlier review of last week's game, this was not and is not a good situation for the Packers. But they have had all this week to prepare for it. Because the depth along the line is seriously lacking, the Pack actually elevated an O-lineman from the practice squad...just in case: center Lecitus Smith.

But as Dougherty also notes, he believes the Packers defense will rise to the occasion — especially with Micah Parsons' return to Jerry World — to do enough to hold down a challenged Dallas offense, who lost top WR CeeDee Lamb to injury last week. But they still have WR George Pickens and TE (and former Wisconsin Badger) Jake Ferguson, with Ferguson an early favorite this season for Prescott.

Yes, the buzz around this game has things set up as a revenge game between Parsons and Jerry Jones. No doubt, Parsons will have extra motivation in this game, which will raise the level of play of the entire Packers defense. Perhaps some of that mojo will carry over to the Pack's offense, which would certainly be nice side effect. On the flip side, DT Kenny Clark will similarly want to show his former Packer friends what they gave up by shipping him off to Dallas. There will be a lot of subtexts to this game, obviously.

With WR Jayden Reed out for the foreseeable future, and Christian Watson still not ready for return, this is a game that presents an opportunity for all the young wide receivers and tight ends to have a big day. That will depend on how well the running game goes. And both of those depend on whether the offensive line is able to create running and passing lanes for Jacobs and Love.

Let's hope that Larry McCarren's statement about personal redemption for players noted earlier really is at work tonight. As last week's game showed once again ... "On any given Sunday ...". We don't need two such games in a row ... especially going into the Week 5 bye week for the Pack.

The Prediction

The Packers are coming off a close and demoralizing loss to the Browns in which it could be argued they lost the game rather than Cleveland winning it (recall all the penalties and special teams snafus!), while the 'boys are coming off a blow-out loss to Da Bearz. Which is indicative of the true nature of each team? We think the latter.

That's why we are calling this game Packers 27 - Cowboys 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2023 Season Divisional Round Playoff Game: Packers vs. 49ers Preview & Prediction

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.

Now, let's get to the game in Santa Clara, shall we?

If Packers QB Jordan Love continues his lights-out performance

Saturday evening, the Packers have a chance to pull off another

upset win and find themselves in the NFC Championship game.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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?

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 "The Guy" 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 entire history of the Chicago Bears they have never had a single QB throw for more than 4,000 yards. Just in case you want to know.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Prediction

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.

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.

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, the Packers are the hot team. And you gotta go with who's hot.

We're calling it Packers 31 - 49ers 30.

Go Pack Go!!!

2023 NFL Season Recap & Wildcard Game: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction

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.

By way of a very quick recap, if you go back to our preseason preview 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.

Anyway, with all that said, let's take a sneak peek at the Wildcard game vs. the Cowboys down in Jerry World, shall we?

Packers QB Jordan Love has put together remarkable

and historic performances over the second half of the 2023

season. Fans are hoping that trend continues in his Wildcard 

playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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.

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 "This is how you should be playing every game" 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Prediction

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.

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.

But, you know what? This season isn't done yet. The game is afoot, as Sherlock Holmes used to say.

Indeed.

We're riding the vibes with our heart and not our head and calling it Packers 24 - Cowboys 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Eagles Preview & Prediction

OK, Packers fans ... on to the next. (Yes, we're bypassing the review of last week's disappointing  — again!  — loss, this one against the Titans. There's only so much self-abuse we can take, right?)

So in this evening's primetime game, the Pack travel to take on the 9-1 Philadelphia Eagles. Oy. What can be said by way of a preview? At this point in the season, sitting at 4-7, the Packers are who they are. Which is inconsistent and underperforming in every phase of the game. Hence, the mediocre record. While QB Aaron Rodgers' broken thumb is part of the story, it is by no means the only reason the Pack's dwindling playoff hopes rest on winning tonight ... and every remaining game following their long-overdue bye week.

We can only dream of seeing the Packers celebrate tonight in their

game vs. the Eagles in Philly.

(Photo by The Associated Press)

The Preview

Do the Packers have a chance in tonight's game vs. the Eagles? Yes. If they play mistake-free football. Is that likely? You tell me. It really has not happened much at all that way this season. If the Packers can play as they did against the Cowboys two weeks back, they could pull an upset. And, truth be told, as it was versus Dallas, the key in Philly will once again have to come via the ground game. Green Bay needs big performances out of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. They also need rookie WR Christian Watson to stretch the field once in a while to help open up the ground game. And, of course, continuing his hot stretch of TD catches would be helpful, too.

The Packers defense also has to play one of its top games of the season. Likely? Who knows? And that's the problem with this Packers team, and the defense in particular. Despite all the investment on that side of the ball, to say the defense is underperforming is an understatement. Things that should have been corrected a couple games in, haven't been. And that's a direct reflection on Joe Barry, the current defensive coordinator. He should be sent on his way at season's end. (By the way, University of Wisconsin-Madison interim head coach Jim Leonhard, who had interviewed for the defensive coordinator job with the Pack previously and reportedly turned it down, will now likely be available once again as Luke Fickell from the Cincinnati Bearcats is apparently being named the Badgers new head coach. Packers? Are you on the phone???)

The Eagles offense and defense will present all sort of problems for the Packers. On offense, a QB in Jalen Hurts that is playing at an MVP level — and can beat you as much with his legs as his passing — throwing to a couple of great receivers who will give the Packers secondary fits. On defense, Philly has brought in some aging but A-list players to supplement an already decent defense. It does not set up well for this Packers team right now.

A near-perfect game by the Packers could keep things close and maybe, just maybe, they find a way to eke out a win.

The Prediction

The Eagles are favored by 6-1/2 points at the time of this writing. Seems quite reasonable given the relative state of the two teams right now. Anything can happen, of course. But ...

We're calling it Packers 17 - Eagles 34.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Titans Preview & Prediction

Have we exhaled yet from Sunday's overtime thrilling win vs. the Cowboys, Packer fans? Wow. Down 14 and ultimately giving the 'boys their first loss with a lead by that much in the 4th quarter in 196 games. Yay. They finally showed up on both sides of the ball. Special teams? Well, a missed FG early by Mason (even a long one) usually is not a good harbinger of things to come. Then toss in the now-departed-from-the-Packers Amari Rodgers' punt problems and it nearly looked as if things were just too much to overcome. Thought my prediction of a loss would unfortunately come to fruition.

But not.

Thankfully, rookie wide receiver Christian Watson had his coming-out party with 3 touchdown catches, including a few long ones. Finally. Finally. If he can keep the injury bug away, and keep hanging on to the ball, he will continue to create issues for opposing defenses.

While it was a gutsy win, and not perfect, it sure was the best we've seen the Packers perform all season. That level of play will need to continue this evening, on a short turnaround, vs. the Titans.

QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be wearing their all-white 'color flash'

uniforms tonight at Lambeau Field. Let's hope they bring the team continued luck.

(Photo by Jonathon Daniel/Getty Images)

The Preview

We know that the Packers may have found a winning formula on offense: running the ball at least as much or more than passing it. That includes having the starting 5 offensive linemen start and finish the game for the first time this season. That was huge. The trick tonight will be how well David Bakhtiari's and Elgton Jenkins' surgically repaired knees hold up on a short week. This will be a key to success tonight against one of the league's top rushing defenses.

The Packers will need to stick with the run early and not become one-dimensional in the passing game, as was the case for most if not all of the 5-game losing streak. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will have to really pound the ball tonight, and to open up passing opportunities. WR Randall Cobb will be coming off IR and will likely see limited play, but may come up with a key catch or 2 to keep drives alive. Watson will stretch the field. Allen Lazard can be the mid-range over-the-middle guy. But in those passing situations that line is going to need to give Rodgers time as it did on Sunday. And if nothing is there, and the field opens up ... "Run, Aaron, Run".

As for how to handle the Titans' offense, that really boils down to handling that beast-of-a-running-back Derrick Henry. He's fast and as big or bigger than some linebackers...a one-of-a-kind threat. The Packers will need to jam up the inside lines and contain on the edges. A tough challenge. If Henry could be limited to under 100 yards that would be a win for the Packers defense. As would minimizing explosive plays, something which hasn't been the Pack's strong suit much of the season. We have been witnessing better play out of Joe Barry's defense over the last several games. So, maybe. But with De'Vondre Campbell being out again tonight that doesn't help. Young players such as linebackers Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie will have to fill the void in major ways tonight. If the Packers can hold Henry in check, Titans QB Ryan Tannehill will have to win the game. Not impossible. But the Packers secondary should be able to hold down the Titans' passing game if they continue to play the way they did vs. Dallas.

Tennessee will be missing some key players of their own tonight: K Randy Bullock, OL Bud Dupree, S Amani Hooker, DB Lonnie Johnson, and C Ben Jones. Those missing pieces are not insubstantial. If the Packers can get through the game as relatively unscathed as on Sunday, they have a great shot of emerging on top tonight.

The Prediction

Given the prime time focus of this game tonight — on which Rodgers seems to thrive, as we know — and the 3 out of 4 wins in prior games wearing the all-whites, the cohesiveness we saw play out on Sunday should continue this evening. The weather advantage favors the Pack, as well: it will be cold, with air temps about 24 F and with wind chills likely in the single digits. Perhaps even some flurries. Yes, both teams have to play in it. But this is the time of the year when the Frozen Tundra feel starts to work its magic for the home team.

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points at the time of this posting.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Titans 21.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction

Let's take a moment to review last week's loss by the Packers to the Lions, shall we? OK, that's enough. Trying to put any positive spin on that debacle in Detroit would be like putting lipstick on a pig. No insult to pigs intended.

Yes, the Pack have now lost 5 games in a row. Including to teams they really should have had no business losing to. But what's a team to do with a $50-million-a-year quarterback and no receivers to throw to? And a defense that has been underperforming since the regular season kickoff? Special teams that are not horrible, but not making much of an impact in the way expected either. Toss in a coaching staff that just seems to not know what to do about much of it at all ... and then injuries ... yeah, every team has them ... but the Packers have just seemed to be snake-bit at so many positions that it has really made a struggling team even more inept.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur trying to figure out where the

season went off the rails. Sunday's game against the Cowboys

will do little to help the situation.

(Photo by Lon Horwedel, Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports)

The Preview

The Cowboys come into Lambeau Field off their bye week and are sitting at 6-2 with more going for them in all aspects of the game than the Packers have going right now. Plus, the 'boys have a head coach who knows a little bit about the Packers from the inside: former head coach Mike McCarthy. He still loves Green Bay — still has a home there, actually — but also has a bitter taste in his mouth for the way his tenure came to an end. He'd like nothing more than to make his first trip back a winning won for his new team. Given the comparative positions of these two teams right now, that seems quite likely.

Without even going into the Cowboys side of things, this game rests with the Packers. And they are just too out of sync across the board, and have too many injuries, to put up an even fight. As an example of this last point, the Pack have activated a number of players off the practice squad just to fill the active roster for the game including kicker Ramiz Ahmed because veteran Mason Crosby was a limited participant in practice this week with a knee injury. Figures, doesn't it? The hits just keep on coming. And not in a good way.

The Prediction

The Cowboy's are 4-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. We hate to say it, but we have been so let down by the ongoing problems with this team — on full display in the embarrassing loss to Detroit last weekend — that we don't see a path to victory against Dallas. Even with all hands on deck and everything rolling, the game would be tight. Not this game.

We're calling it Packers 13 - Cowboys 34.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021-22 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview and Prediction

Since the last time the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings met (a win by MN), the Pack's defense has seen its excellent performances leading into that game drop off, allowing for some finishes of late that were a bit too close for comfort. Tonight's game at Lambeau Field, however, should — in theory — be one with a little breathing room when all is said and done.

That's due in large measure to the Covid-19-related absence of ViQueens starting QB Kirk Cousins. He was ruled out late in the week. Minnesota will now have backup QB Sean Mannion under center. He came out of Oregon State and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams (yeah, that's right, the St. Louis version of the Rams!) in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He's been with a few teams, has seen limited action, and has yet to throw a TD pass in his NFL career. This is why the line on this game went from about 6-1/2 points in favor of the Pack earlier in the week to one at the time of this writing being 12-1/2 points in the Packers' favor. In a game where the Packers could lock up the #1 seed (with a win and a Dallas loss), the lone first-round bye in the NFC, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, we appreciate the favor of this change at QB.

Thankfully, there will be no change at QB for the Pack. While he still is bothered by his broken pinkie toe, Aaron Rodgers will be ready to go. Yay!

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will once again lead his team

at Lambeau Field tonight against the Minnesota Vikings.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

A couple things play into the game tonight.

First and foremost, the Packers are looking to lock up the #1 seed in the NFC, as noted above. With a win and a loss by the Cowboys, the Pack will have that secured. They'll know the outcome of that Dallas game before they take the field. That may change how they play the season finale at Detroit, but it won't change anything about the importance of tonight's game.

Secondly, without ViQueens QB Kirk Cousins at the helm, it would seem likely that Minnesota would ride the coattails of RB Dalvin Cook as much as possible. He's had some big games against the Pack. The defense will need to slow him down. They will also need to make sure WR Justin Jefferson doesn't go off on the secondary the way he did in the teams' last meeting in Minnesota. That seems less probable with Cousins out, but apparently Mannion, his replacement, has a strong arm that could stretch the defense if nothing else. He's also reportedly more of a pocket passer than a run-and-gun type of QB so if the Pack can contain Cook and get pressure on Mannion that will go a long way to skewing the game in Green Bay's favor. Make no mistake: Minnesota is still playing for a wildcard spot and need to win out in order to even stay alive in that hunt. There will be no let up by head coach Mike Zimmer's squad, that's for sure. The Packers need to come out ready to go because the ViQueens sure will.

Third, the Packers will have WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling available tonight which give Rodgers a downfield threat that he's come to rely on. TE Mercedes Lewis can also provide Rodgers with a security blanket in those short and mid-range situations that occur so often.

Finally, it's going to be cold ... single digits they say at game time. Brrrr. Especially brrrr for the skill-position players who need to keep hands, fingers and toes warm to do what they need to do. If the passing game becomes less reliable than usual due to the conditions, the Pack's thunder 'n' lightening running back duo of A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones will be relied upon to keep moving the chains ... and to hang on to the ball.

The Prediction

As noted earlier, this game went from 6-1/2 points in the Pack's favor to 12-1/2 once Cousins was ruled out. You'd like to think, if one were a betting person, the Pack could cover that spread. They haven't done so the last few weeks. But a double-digit spread is still a tough nut to crack.

So, yes, this would be a good time, ramping up to the playoffs, for the defense to resume its former productive ways. And for special teams to be, if not spectacularly special, at least reliable enough not to lose a game the Packers should win. In that regard, the Pack dodged a bullet with the activation off the Covid list of punter Corey Bojorquez for the game. (The Packers also got back linebackers Oren Burks and Ty Summers and made a number of other roster moves ahead of the game you can read about here.)

We're calling this game Packers 27 - ViQueens 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 5 Review of Packers win vs Cowboys, NFL Week 6 Preview vs Lions — Yes, Another twofer!

We've fallen into a thoroughly revolting pattern, Packers fans. No, not the Pack...they're doing pretty well, thanks. We refer to our now season-long trend of doing combined posts about the last game and the one coming up. Sorry. But it is time efficient, isn't it it, for both you — dear reader — and yours truly? Yes, yes it is. So without further ado...a very quick look back at the win in Dallas.

Packers Beat the 'boys in Big D

It's always a pleasure to beat the Cowboys, especially in Dallas. Something QB Aaron Rodgers has been pretty good at over time. Last weekend was no different. Racing off to a fast start, with RB Aaron Jones turning in his best game of the young season if not one of his best as a Packer, and the defense holding Ezekiel Elliot in check and generating turnovers. The 'boys made a late run and it got a bit concerning there for a while (admit it), until a late fourth quarter field goal attempt "doink" off the upright really put an end to Dallas' comeback dreams. Final score: 34-24. Sweet.

This was game we and many others thought the Packers would drop. So glad we were wrong as that win left the Pack at 4-1 and atop the NFC North Division.

QB Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur are still working on their
new relationship. But at 4-1, it seems to be working just fine.
(Photo JSOnline,com)

The Lions Visit Lambeau Tonight

Once upon a time, Detroit couldn't buy a win in Wisconsin. Was years...decades...centuries...something like that before they finally pulled one out. But the Lions have now won four straight (home and away) against Green Bay, including the two games last year by a combined score of 62-23. Now, to be fair, within this four-game streak Rodgers was injured and out of the game for either all or part of the game in two of them and in a third K Mason Crosby uncharacteristically missed 5 field goal attempts. Really, what are the odds of that?

The Lions are 2-1-1. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur says they are one of the scariest teams he's seen on tape. They are, to our view, hard to figure out. They tied the Cardinals in the first game of the season, barely beat the Chargers, just sneaked by the Eagles in Philly (the same Eagles, as you know, who handed the Packers their lone loss on home turf), and then narrowly lost to the very good Kansas City Chiefs. Now, factor in that the Lions have had 2 weeks to prepare for this game against Green Bay and this game is no gimmee, that's for sure.

Detroit has a defense-oriented head coach that concentrates on stopping the run. Expect that to be the formula again. With WR Davante Adams still sidelined with turf toe, other receivers are going to have to step up. Adams was out last week, too, and Rodgers only completed 4 passes to his wide receivers. Whether that was due to their failure to get open or good coverage...? Fortunately, Rodgers was able to work his tight ends and backs in the passing game. Not big yards, and not even a TD pass if memory serves, but effective. And if the Pack needs to do that again, so be it. As Rodgers said after the game, "It's about the Ws" not the stats. The Packers will be without one of their tight ends tonight, though. Robert Tonyan, who sustained a hip injury in last week's game, is out for tonight.

If the Packers can do what they've done so far this season, getting out to a fast start and a big lead, have the defense put pressure on Lions QB Matthew Stafford to generate a turnover or two, have JK Scott boom his field-position-changing punts, it all should be enough to carry the day. If.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 4 points in this game. There will be a Fall evening low of about 34 degrees. Good NFC North football weather. The Lions, unfortunately, have experienced recent success against the Packers which will make them a confident team coming in. The division lead is on the line.

We're calling this one Packers 31 - Lions 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 4 Review of Packers Loss vs Eagles, NFL Week 5 Preview vs Cowboys — Another twofer!

The 34-27 loss by the Green Bay Packers at home to the Philadelphia Eagles a week ago Thursday dropped the Pack from the ranks of the undefeated. It was another surprisingly sieve-like performance by the rush defense.

Conversely, the Packers rush offense was dealt a blow early when RB Jamaal Williams took a direct hit to the helmet that saw him being carted off the field. Luckily, the injury wasn't severe, although he will still be out this weekend because of precautionary measures. Attempts to get untracked with the run were unfruitful.

Anyway, bottom line, albeit with a late goal-line tipped pass for an Eagles interception that should have been a pass interference call (along with another earlier), offensive and defensive deficiencies cost the Packers the game. It's usually how it goes in such situations, right?

Our preseason prediction for where we felt the Pack would be after the first quarter of the season was 2-2; instead, the team is 3-1. We'll take that.

Let's move on.

The Cowboys

The Cowboys also come into this game in Jerry's World at 3-1 following a loss to the New Orleans Saints in their last game. The 'boys have weapons on offense – RB Ezekiel Elliott and QB Dak Prescott in particular.  Elliott had one of his worst games in the loss to the Saints, rushing for only 35 yards on 18 carries. You have to believe he's licking his chops to scorch the Pack's defense. And let's not forget that Prescott can run as well as pass. So lots for the Packers' D to worry about.

Can the Pack pull this game out? Of course, QB Aaron Rodgers always seems to come up big in Dallas. He'll be without his number one receiver, Davante Adams, who is out with a turf toe. That means the other receivers, and especially TE Jimmy Graham, will need to step up. So, too, will rookie RB Dexter Williams, who will be the number two back behind Aaron Jones.

The Prediction

The Packers are 3-1/2 point underdogs at the time of this writing. This is a critical game for both teams: one will emerge at 4-1 and the other will fall to 3-2. While neither record guarantees success or failure going forward the rest of the season, it may foretell directional fortune for a few games, shall we say. The Packers will come home for two games, against the Lions and the Raiders, and then play two away at the Chiefs and the Chargers. How do you read those future games? They will be much better if the Pack pulls out a win in Dallas.

Despite having 10 days to fix some issues, we think the absence of Adams and Williams on offense will prove to give the 'boys just enough room to eek out a win.

We're calling it Cowboys 27 - Packers 23.

Still...Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 5: Packers vs. Cowboys

It's been 10 days or so since we last saw our beloved Green Bay Packers take to the field. As you'll recall, they beat Da Bearz at Lambeau on a Thursday night "Rush" uniform game...still hate that whole "Rush" uniform concept. And, of course, we're not fond of Da Bearz, either.

So coming out of the first quarter of the season the Packers are 3-1. If you look back to our season prediction for the Pack, that's right where we had them: 3-1. So there's that.

But what about today? What about Jerry's Kids, the 'boys? How are the Packers going to handle things in Dallas later this afternoon?

The Packers will need a big day from Jordy Nelson and help from

Davante Adams and others for the team to win in Dallas today.

(Photo: Jim Matthews/USATODAY NETWORK-Wi)

The Cowboys are favored by 2 points, staked to a point less than the usual home field advantage. They have a big and aggressive defensive line which could present problems for the Pack, particularly if the team is again without its two starting tackles. Both Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari are listed as questionable today; we may seem them some, little or not at all. 

WR Davante Adams has -- believe it or not -- cleared the NFL concussion protocol following that brutal hit in the Chicago game and may be able to play today. The same can't be said for RB Ty Montgomery. Broken ribs don't seem to recover quite as quickly as a concussion...although the comparative long-term effects of the latter...? Let's not go there today. So it will be the three rookie running backs who will be charged with getting something, anything, done on the ground to keep the 'boys from teeing off on QB Aaron Rodgers, especially behind what may still be a makeshift offensive line. Still, if the Packers are able to develop a bit of a running game, the line is able to protect, Rodgers could have a big day against the Dallas secondary. Lots of "ifs" there.

Defensively, the Packers may get Mike Daniels back today in some capacity. Even a little of Daniels is better than a lot of some other players so we'll take whatever he is able to give, particularly in the way of helping slow down Dallas RB Ezekiel Elliot. It will also be interesting to see if DB Damarious Randall sees much playing time today after his hissy fit during Da Bearz game which resulted in him spending a chunk of the game in the locker room after being sent off by Packers coaches. Let's hope he uses this incident as positive motivation.

The Prediction

On to the reason you're here: the prediction for today's game. We're seeing this as a being a close game through the first half, perhaps well into the third quarter. But we think the Packers have the tools to pull away at some point.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Cowboys 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL NFC Divisional Playoffs: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview and Prediction

Today's the day, Packer fans: the Green Packers take on the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas for the right to meet the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game next weekend. How are you feeling about today's game? If you have mixed feelings, you are clearly not alone. On the other hand, if you're riding high off the Pack's seven-game winning streak you'll see them as an unstoppable force no matter what. So let's look at just a few particulars to consider.

Head coach Mike McCarthy and QB Aaron Rodgers
need to come up big today against the Cowboys.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Offenses
Deserving of all the praise it gets, the Dallas offense ranks fifth in the league overall in terms of both points scored (26.3) and yards per game (376.7). It is 23rd-ranked in terms of passing yards per game (226.9), which might be expected behind a rookie quarterback...a very good one, admittedly. Where the team gets its bump up the rankings comes via the rushing game and another outstanding rookie, Ezekiel Elliott. The 'boys generate 149.8 rushing yards per game, giving them the number two spot overall in terms of rushing attack. While QB Dak Prescott and Elliott may get the headlines, it's the Cowboys offensive line that provides the basis for everything that happens behind it. Led by Travis Frederick at center (both a southeastern Wisconsin native and UW-Madison Badger, by the way), this was and still is the best offensive line the Packers have faced all season. The Packers defense will need to keep the mojo going the way they did in the win against the Giants at Lambeau last weekend in order to stay in the game today. Elliott could take over the game if the Pack doesn't play the game of their season so far. Add to the offensive mix the fact that number one receiver Dez Bryant will return to play today. Coming off a week's rest, Dallas will put up points, no doubt.

As for the Packers offense, the Pack actually ranks ahead of the 'boys in terms of points scored during the regular season, at 27 points per game (4th overall). The Packers are a few spots behind Dallas, at number 8, in terms of yardage per game: 368.8. Not surprisingly, behind the arm of Aaron Rodgers and the hands of his many capable receivers, the Pack finished seventh overall in terms of passing yards per game: 262.4. The rushing game ranks 20th overall with 106.3 yards per game behind an efficient, albeit not explosive, attack now led by Ty Montgomery. Christine Michael, having now been with the team for sufficient time to get the playbook down, also offers a burst and rushing threat the Pack didn't have in the first match up. And, of course, FB Aaron Ripkowski can move the pile and also provide a pass outlet for Rodgers if needed. The Packers offensive line doesn't get the credit it deserves for its incredible protection given to Rodgers, allowing him time to move in and out of the pocket to find his receivers downfield. One of the strategies Dallas used in its October win over the Pack at Lambeau -- and will try to use again today -- was to keep Rodgers in the pocket. There's no secret to the fact that Rodgers is at his most dangerous when he breaks out of the pocket to scramble and find his receivers. The Cowboys frustrated Rodgers and the Packers offense in the first meeting. We'd expect Dallas to apply the same strategy as before and also expect the Packers to make adjustments. One of the biggest adjustments in that regard today will be playing without WR Jordy Nelson who was injured in the game against New York. Luckily, Randall Cobb returned in good form last weekend, Davante Adams is making big plays and undrafted rookie Geronimo Allison is in position to have a breakout game if other receivers are covered. Add another weapon the Pack didn't have in the first match up: TE Jared Cook. Cook's return from injury has coincided a great deal with the Pack's winning streak. Coincidence? We think not. Finally, neither the Packers nor the 'boys turn the ball over much; Rodgers, in particular, has been amazing during the winning streak, with no interceptions vs. the touchdowns thrown. That trend must continue today. So does the need for the Pack to get at least one or two takeaways. The Dallas strategy will be to keep Rodgers on the sideline by running the ball as much as it can to eat the clock and thus play defense by playing great offense.The Packers -- like Dallas -- will put up points, no doubt.

Defenses
Let's just cut to the chase here and say that the Dallas defense ranks higher than the Pack, 14th overall vs. 22nd. In terms of each statistical category, Dallas ranks ahead of the Pack. So given basically a "push" in terms of offenses (for argument sake), shouldn't the nod go to the team with the better defense? You'd think so. But one of the elements which factored heavily into the earlier Dallas win was an inept Packers offense that still hadn't found itself...AND...four turnovers by the Pack. You may be surprised that the Packers actually ranked ahead of the 'boys in terms of season turnover differential. This is particularly the case, as fans know, for the Packers during their winning streak. The Packers tied with several other teams for second in terms of interceptions, with 17. Defensive back Damarious Randall appeared on the injury report yesterday and just how much he's able to play, and at what level, is a concern given the already thin defensive backfield. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has done a masterful job of cobbling together a defense given the injuries. The Packers will need a pass rush as well as run stuffers today. Veterans Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers need to play at the level they are capable of, that is disrupting the other team. The Packers defense has often given up yardage...big yardage on big plays. As long as touchdowns don't accompany all of those big yards, the Packers are in it. That will have to be the case again today: bend don't break.

The Prediction
We could go on and on, of course. But your head is already spinning, we know. Whether from all the data presented here or pre-game tailgating, we don't know. But either way, let's get to it, shall we?

The Packers will need to do something they really haven't done in the past three weeks, which is get out to a fast start. If they are able to do that, that will go a long way to easing the pressure on the defense to win this game...which, in fact, is something they may need to do anyway: come up with a couple big stops. But forcing Dallas to win behind a rookie QB in his first playoff game is preferable to having to grind it out against trying to stop a running back of Elliott's calibre.

The Packers will need to play their best game of the season on offense, defense and special teams to walk out of Dallas with the win. Luckily for Packer fans, they have been doing just that in recent weeks. They'll do it again today.

We're calling this one Packers 34-31 over Dallas.

Go Pack Go!!!

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NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Just a few days following a demoralizing 30-16 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers (3-2) will host the archrival Chicago Bears (1-5) this evening. The Pack will tonight be without seven players, including running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks, as well as defensive backs Sam Shields, Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. Shields -- who is still in the league's concussion protocol -- was actually placed on injured reserve to open up a roster spot; he could return in Week 14. Wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, TE Jared Cook, and S Chris Banjo are also out. Wide receiver Davante Adams is listed as questionable.

As bad as it is for the Packers, Da Bearz' injury report is even longer. We wish we could feel bad about that, but given the current state of affairs in Green Bay, we don't. We'll take all the help we can get even if it's a banged-up opponent. Although, we did so hope Bears QB Jay Cutler could have played. That's always a factor in the Pack's favor.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and the offense
must be in sync to beat Da Bearz tonight.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Given the condition of both teams, it's likely this game could be mediocre at best. Despite how out-of-sync the Packers seemed on Sunday, they need to somehow find the will -- and the ways and plays -- to beat what is arguably one of the worst teams in the league at this stage of the season.

It used to be the case that after a poor personal performance, QB Aaron Rodgers would light up the following week's opponent. But given the 17-game slump that Rodgers seems to be in in terms of personal performance, we're not sure what to count on any longer. Without a sure-fire running attack to take the pressure off him, play at the level we've seen recently would not be unexpected.

The Packers did finally decide to provide some help in this regard with the acquisition via trade Monday (a trade!!!) of Kansas City running back, Knile Davis. While Davis became expendable for the Chiefs, he might at least fill a temporary need for the Packers. Don't expect much tonight, other than perhaps a few basic plays. But the other option was to keep running wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb out of the backfield...which, let's just say it...is no solution and, well, a bit nuts, right? The Packers did have one other option, activating practice squad RB Don Jackson to the active roster. For this game, at least, the Pack will try to make it with Davis, et al. (By the way, Milwaukee Journal Packers beat writer extraordinaire, Bob McGinn, has a great article today about Davis; it's highly suggested reading.)

Prediction
Depending upon your source, the Packers are currently favored by 7-1/2 to 9-1/2 points. We'd like to think that's how things will roll tonight. But are we confident based upon what we've seen so far this season? Not really.

Still, we need to make a prediction. We're calling it 24-13 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers fail to show up against Cowboys

In as depressing a showing as a Green Bay Packers team has had in recent memory, the team fell to the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field 30-16 on Sunday, and go to 3-2 on the season, 2 full games behind the Minnesota ViQueens who had their bye this weekend.

The litany of woes are many: an ineffectual offense which included receivers failing to get separation against their defenders, dropped and missed passes, turnovers, failure to execute in the red zone, miscommunications between coaches and players, and a MVP-level quarterback who essentially has been average at best for the last 17 games; the top rushing defense in the league who got shredded by the top rushing offense and a rookie running back, as well as a depleted Packers secondary who got shredded by a very good rookie quarterback.

It. Was. Ugly. Start to finish.

The Packers have exactly 3 days to somehow get their collective act together before facing Da Bearz Thursday night at Lambeau. Chicago, at 1-5, could be just what the doctor ordered to help right the ship.

But only if the Packers play far differently they played yesterday. Let us pray...

2016 Week #6: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction

Due to power and Internet outages in our area from overnight storms, the posting of this preview and prediction is coming along much later than we'd like. Our apologies. So, we'll do our best to just cut to the chase on this one.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers needs to begin regaining
some of his old form against the Cowboys today.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Offense needs to get in gear
This is a "Thanks, Captain Obvious" statement: the Pack's once high-flying offense, led by QB Aaron Rodgers and a top-notch receiving corps, has been rather mediocre despite the team's 3-1 record. The Packers are at or near the bottom on first-down production and Rodgers' completion percentage -- if you can believe it -- is at the bottom of that category league wide. Receivers aren't getting open and, despite great protection from his offensive line, Rodgers seems to have forgotten some of his solid technique fundamentals in favor of operating outside the pocket. As the article today in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by the great Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn, demonstrates, Rodgers seems to be falling from his elite status over the course of the last 16 games. You be the judge. But the article is tough to argue with.

Part of the problem today might be a limited Eddie Lacy at running back. He was off to a great start last week against the Giants before suffering an ankle injury. He will apparently play today, but that heavily-taped ankle will likely hinder his effectiveness. Also, James Starks will not be available today or for the next several weeks. A report this morning by Jay Glazer stated that Starks had knee surgery this very morning. No specifics as to the nature of the injury or timetable for return. The only other running back the Packers have is on the practice squad and was not made active for this game. So if Lacy can't go, look for Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery to operate out of the backfield. Not...ideal. It puts more pressure on Rodgers, which in the days of yore might have been no worries. Now...we don't know. If they can replicate their first half performance against the Lions for a full 60 minutes, great, the Pack should emerge with a victory. If not...?

Rushing defense vs. rushing offense: who will win the day?
The angle to this game that has been played up by the national sports media is that of the Packers' number one rushing defense vs. the Cowboys' number one rushing offense. According to the pundits, the 'boys have perhaps the best offensive line in the game right now. The Packers have a dominant front 7 opposing them. If the "D" can hold the Cowboys' rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott in check, and put an effective pass rush on rookie QB Drew Prescott, the Packers should be able to score enough points to win this game.

Our prediction
At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 5.5 points. We think it might be more of a slugfest than that.

We're calling it 23-20 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers come up bigger than Giants

OK, I know. That headline was a bit cheesy. Ooops! There's another pun. Get it?

Sorry.

It's about all that can be mustered in light of the Packers 23-16 win over the New York Giants Sunday night at Lambeau Field. What started out in a very promising way -- offensive rhythm, running game, defensive toughness -- wound up being a rather ho-hum victory. I know, I know. No victory in the NFL is either easy or mundane. It's just that many Packer fans, including yours truly, are waiting to see a complete game from this team on both sides of the ball. We do see a dominant defense, no denying that, at this early stage of the season. With the return this week of defensive lineman Mike Pennel from his four-game suspension, the front line of that defense will get even tougher for opposing teams. Gotta like that.

Second-year CB LaDarius Gunter celebrates
after breaking up a pass intended for Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
Photo by Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis
The other part of the defense on display was the depth in the secondary. Despite missing their two starting cornerback, the Packers young D-backs prevented the potentially high-flying Giants passing game from making big plays, let alone breaking big plays. Their only touchdown catch of the night came in the waning moments of the game which, admittedly, did tighten things up for a bit. Not only on the scoreboard but in Packer fans' stomachs, as well.

Offense had its moments, just not enough of them
Things were tighter than they needed to be throughout the game and down the stretch because the Packers just couldn't seem to get unstuck, on offense or special teams. Offensively, the game could have nearly been put away early except for an illegal shift call on WR Davante Adams that negated a great throw by Aaron Rodgers and catch by Randall Cobb resulting in a touchdown that would have put the Pack up by 14-0 late in the first quarter. (Whew! Long sentence. Sorry about that.) Instead, an interception followed and led to the Giants putting a drive together and getting on the board with a field goal to make it 7-3 early in the second quarter.

While the Packers seemed to dominate the game, especially in the first half in terms of time of possession, and through the powerful running game of Eddie Lacy, there were just enough misfirings by Rodgers, drops by his receivers, and penalties to always seem to keep the Giants in striking distance. Add to this that the new Packers punter averaged under 36.5 yards per punt for the game with a long of just 42 yards. The result was generally always good starting position for the Giants, often past their own 40. Special teams coverage by the Packers also didn't help; there were a number of broken tackles by Giants returners which added to their field position advantage.

Be all that as it may, the Pack came away with the win they needed. With Minnesota atop the NFC North -- and the only still undefeated team in the NFL -- the Packers can't afford to drop behind by losing games they should win.

Which brings us to Sunday's game at Lambeau versus the Cowboys. Is that a game the Pack should win? Needs to win? (OK, dumb question that. Never mind.)

The 'boys are playing well behind their rookie quarterback and running back. We'll look at this game as we get closer to game time. Please keep checking back. We appreciate it.

NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Cowboys at Lambeau Field, McCarthy to call plays

Late Breaking News: Head Coach Mike McCarthy is taking back the play-calling duties today!!!
After the Miracle in Motown a week ago Thursday, the Green Bay Packers got some much needed rest. Lots of players were banged up, particularly on the offensive line. They will need as many healthy bodies as can be found as the Dallas Cowboys come to town later this afternoon. They will also need a rejuvenated Eddie Lacy to resume his 100-yard-per-game rushing effort as he had in back to back weeks before his curfew violation earned him time on the bench in the game vs Detroit. Expect Lacy to run with a vengeance today.

Packers RB Eddie Lacy (27) is looking for redemption today against the Cowboys.
(Photo: William Glasheen/P-C Media)
But beyond that, what can we expect? The Cowboys are averaging a little more than 16 points per game under backup QB Matt Cassel. The defense has been..meh. Despite the presence of Greg Hardy, the defensive standout is LB Sean Lee. Keep him under control and that will go a long way toward helping the Packers win this game, whether or not Dallas decides to blitz. Actually, the Packers seem to prefer teams to blitz because then Rodgers et al can improvise out of the pocket where QB Aaron Rodgers is most dangerous.

Hopefully, some of the issues that the Packers have been having on offense -- slow starts, dropped passes, bad routes, no separation with defenders -- have been mitigated, especially since head coach Mike McCarthy is taking back the play-calling duties today, something fans and pundits alike have been calling for for many weeks now. Also, if that electrifying no-seconds-on-the-clock win at Ford Field doesn't help jump start this team nothing will. The Packers defense has been carrying this team; time for the offense to finally do its part at the level at which they are entirely capable of performing.

The Prediction
The Packers are currently favored by 6-1/2 points over the Cowboys. Despite what might be wet weather conditions later today, expect the Packers to cover the spread...if you're a betting person that is...which this writer is not, so...

We're looking for a performance similar to what the Packers had against the ViQueens. In short, something unexpected in the way of both offensive and defensive performances. Look for the Pack to extend its NFC North first place position with a win today.

We're calling this one 31-17 in favor of the Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers...win? Packers...WIN!!!

For nearly 60 minutes Thursday evening in Detroit, it was the worst of times for the Green Bay Packers. They went down by 17 points in the first quarter to the Lions and then were ultimately down 20-0 in the second half before staging one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory and, overall, the fourth-greatest points comeback in team history. Final score: 27-23 Packers over the Lions.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and teammates celebrate a zero-seconds come-from-behind win at Detroit.
(Photo USATSI)
The winning score, as the entire football world now knows, came on an untimed "extra" down courtesy of a defensive penalty on the Lions with the clock reading zero. It was a "Hail Mary" pass of epic proportions -- 61 yards from scrimmage but about a million miles in terms of the arc on the pass -- from QB Aaron Rodgers to TE Richard Rodgers who made a leaping grab in the endzone to resurrect the Packers from their recent doldrums and send the Lions back to their den for yet another year thinking about what might have been.

The pass -- the Miracle in Motown -- has been discussed for the last day in terms of its scope. Not only for what it did to get the Packers to 8-4 and stay clearly in the NFC Division title and playoff hunt, but also in terms of just the pass itself. Check out the photo below for how close the arc of the pass came to actually hitting the rafters inside Ford Field. Amazing.

This photo above was clipped from a fan's cellphone video of the final play. You can view that video here. It's worth your time to check it out. Really amazing.

There was a lot of what has been typically wrong about the Packers for the last six games on display in this game, ever since the bye, particularly on offense. The defense, once again, kept the team in striking distance if only they could figure out a way to score.

Somehow, someway, the improbable -- the near-impossible -- happened. Perhaps it was just what this team needed to see them through this final stretch of four games. The team now has a few extra days to get healthy -- and they are definitely banged up, especially on the offensive line -- before taking on the Cowboys at Lambeau Field on Dec. 13. They then have back-to-back road games against the Raiders and the Cardinals, with the final game of the season at home against the ViQueens...a game which might very well be for the division title.

Go Pack Go!!!

Lacy missed curfew, Smith cut, Crockett gets opportunity

The big news coming out on Friday was that the reason RB Eddie Lacy didn't get the start and didn't see more than a handful of snaps was because he and fellow RB Alonzo Smith missed curfew Wednesday night. The result for Smith was worse than for Lacy: he got cut with no chance of return according to reports out today.

The situation opened an opportunity for practice squad RB John Crockett to get a chance. He did. He was signed to the active roster three hours before game time. He started the second half of Thursday's game and injected some energy into what had been up to that point a moribund rushing game.

Will the Packers keep three running backs (including James Starks) active for the remaining games? We'll have to see. Whether Lacy emerges from the doghouse he seems to have put himself in, only time will tell.

Packers RB John Crockett made the most of his first NFL opportunity Thursday night against the Lions.
(Photo by Mark Hoffmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, had said in post-game comments that Crockett had been playing the part of ViQueens RB Adrian Peterson on the scout team during the Packers build up to the game against Minnesota. He was running hard and really showing great ability during those practices. Crockett has obviously made a positive impression on head coach Mike McCarthy: "I'll just say, it just puts a smile on my face when I think of Crockett," McCarthy is quoted as saying. "You come off the field here at Lambeau, he's the first guy in the tunnel, greets the team. He's got unbelievable energy." For more about Crockett, be sure to check out this great article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Tom Silverstein.

Personally, this writer liked Crockett coming out of college as an undrafted free agent. He may finally get his chance to show what he can do to help the Packers this season and beyond.