Friday evening's preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field was not a great one from the Green Bay Packers perspective. There was the final score, a 17-10 loss. Which is not a biggie in the preseason. Of more concern was the level of play and the rash of injuries that hit the Packers.
Let's start with the latter first.
Injury report
Morgan Burnett -- the Pack's starting safety and signal caller in the defensive backfield -- was lost to a hamstring injury. Inside linebacker Brad Jones, who registered a sack on the elusive Russell Wilson, also left with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Casey Hayward re-aggravated the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for most of training camp. RB DuJuan Harris, who got his first action of the preseason after being sidelined throughout camp, left during the first series after re-injuring his knee. All week, head coach Mike McCarthy was saying how excited he was to see Harris back in action. So much for that. OLB Jarvis Reed also sustained a knee injury.
While all of these injuries are a concern, of course, there is more depth at linebacker and running back than there is at safety. If Burnett is lost for any amount of time, M.D. Jennings, Jerron McMillian, or perhaps free agent Chris Banjo (who was in on several plays last night) will be called upon to fill the gap. A veteran free agent could also be added. The Packers could get by, but Burnett's return is key to the defensive backfield's performance.
These new injuries, of course, are on top of the current injury list: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Matthew Mulligan, Andy Mulumba, Tramon Williams, James Nixon and Jarrett Bush all sat out last night's game with injuries.
The season opener against the 49ers is just two weeks away. The Packers need to get all these guys healthy, and soon. With them, the Pack is a force to be reckoned with every week. Without them, the team becomes average.
Backup quarterback still up for grabs
Coach McCarthy was trying to get some clarity on the backup quarterback situation last night. He gave Graham Harrell every chance to solidify a hold on the number two spot behind Aaron Rodgers. Harrell worked for a good period behind the first team offense. His performance was less than stellar, although to be fair the penalties and entire lack of rhythm exhibited by the offense at that time were not totally Harrell's fault. His lack of passing precision downfield, however, was. He did not inspire confidence, despite his supposed knowledge of the offensive scheme.
Veteran QB Vince Young, though, did inspire confidence despite his lack of knowledge of the Packers' system at this point. He led two series in the second half, including an 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. In addition, Young displayed the ability to break the pocket when needed; he scrambled three times for 39 yards. He's got the legs and he's got the instincts that Harrell doesn't have.
B.J. Coleman did mop up duty at the quarterback position and didn't generate much with the backups.
The early guess from this pundit is that Coleman gets cut or put on the practice squad, while Young and Harrell make the regular roster. And while the game plan for Young would of necessity be sparse early in the season compared to Harrell, the best option to win -- if, God forbid, something happens to Rodgers -- is for Young to be the first man in.
Level of overall play was not good
While the Packers were not as flat as for the first game, they didn't show the same level of performance as they did in beating the Rams last weekend. Of course, the Seahawks are much better than the Rams and it showed. They gave the Packers problems on both sides of the ball last night, despite the defense registering several sacks on 'hawks quarterbacks.
While it shouldn't be a concern given the weapons available, the fact that the Packers number one offensive unit has yet to score a touchdown is at least starting to be a discussion point. The unit moves the ball but stalls out without crossing the goal line. That leaves things on the leg of kicker Mason Crosby, who has been less than steady. You know this will get worked out. But it would be nice to see some TD production clicking with the first unit. So far, we haven't seen it.
RB Eddie Lacy wasn't able to get any running room last night. Even the best back needs blocking, and that wasn't readily present particularly with the backup line operating. On defense, there were some good individual moments, but there were often huge gaps up the middle on both running and receiving plays.
Bottom line: the Packers still have a lot to get straightened out before the start of the season. They also need to get their key players healthy again. That would go a long way to making things click.
Showing posts with label M.D. Jennings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label M.D. Jennings. Show all posts
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Packers Preseason Game 3: Seahawks come to Lambeau Field
In their first meeting since the infamous "Fail Mary"game last September, the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks will meet Friday night in Lambeau Field. That "loss" in the regular season -- with replacement referees (one in particular) making mind-numbingly dumb calls -- had implications for both teams in the playoffs. Replays clearly showed that Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings had intercepted and had possession of the ball. Somehow, someway, a replacement official failed to see what the rest of the universe did. But, as head coach Mike McCarthy was quick to point out, to his credit, after the game, the final result should never have come down to that one play. There were other opportunities for the Packers to leave Seattle with a win. Never should have gotten to a judgement call by a ref incapable of making a competent decision about a close play.
OK, there...venting is good. Let's move on...
Going into this third game of the preseason, several things are clear:
There are many other observations to be made, but time runs short. So this will have to do as the pre-game post. Check back this weekend for post-game observations.
Go Pack Go!!
OK, there...venting is good. Let's move on...
Going into this third game of the preseason, several things are clear:
- The Packers are nowhere near ready for the start of the regular season...but are getting closer.
- Special teams is very much in flux, particularly at the critical positions of kicker and returner. The rest of the unit will be filled out, as usual, with those who will primarily make the roster through their special teams play and as backups to the starters on both offense and defense.
- Speaking of kicker, Mason Crosby continues to have his ups and downs in camp. Despite a fairly good performance in last week's game, his sessions this week in camp reportedly have been spotty. Giorgio Tavecchio, Crosby's camp competition, seems to match Crosby's inconsistency. Several veteran kickers became available through cuts this week but the Packers -- if they had any interest -- didn't move quickly enough and each was signed by another team. Be worried, Packer fans...be very worried.
- The backup quarterback position is still in flux. Coach McCarthy is still waiting for one of the three candidates -- Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman or Vince Young -- to claim the number two spot. Harrell is going into his fourth year with the Packers and still doesn't inspire confidence. Young, signed after the start of camp, may or may not have anything left in the tank after being out of football for a year. He certainly hasn't had a chance to fully learn the Packers' offensive scheme. Coleman perhaps has the best arm among the three, certainly better than Harrell, but is still raw. If things can start to click for him sooner rather than later, he'd likely be the best long-term backup option in case something happened to Aaron Rodgers. In the meantime...pray for Rodgers' well-being.
- D-lineman Johnny Jolly -- a long shot at the start of camp to make the team -- now has a very good chance to do so and resume playing a key role on the defense. I hope you're rooting for him...I am.
- Rookie CB Micah Hyde, while not a speed burner, just seems to make plays and be around the ball more often than not. Yes, he'll still make rookie mistakes, but it looks as if he's a keeper.
- We haven't had a chance to see much of what rookie DE Datone Jones can do thanks to an ankle injury, which was re-aggravated earlier this week. Whether he sees action Friday night or not is uncertain.
- We also haven't had a chance to see much of rookie RB Johnathan Franklin. There are a number of talented backs in Green Bay this year; this is a situation the Packers haven't had to deal with much in recent years. Coach McCarthy has said he's anxious to see what penciled-in starter DuJuan Harris shows Friday evening. He knows what rookie RB Eddie Lacy can do...be very dangerous. Alex Green looks to regain his explosiveness and be part of the mix. James Starks may wind up being the odd man out, assuming the Packers actually retain four running backs on the roster rather than three. If it's three, which is the likely scenario, Alex Green may also be looking for work elsewhere. In fact, reports a week ago were that the Packers were shopping Green around for a possible trade.
- OT David Bakhtiari appears to have won the battle for starter at left tackle with his solid play. Right tackle, however, still seems to be a bit in question, although reports are that Don Barclay has the edge on Marshall Newhouse.
There are many other observations to be made, but time runs short. So this will have to do as the pre-game post. Check back this weekend for post-game observations.
Go Pack Go!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Packers escape in Detroit, now in driver's seat
Following their nailbiter victory in Detroit on Sunday, and the delightful smackdown of Da Bearz in San Francisco last evening, the Green Bay Packers now find themselves atop the NFC North Division. Granted, the Pack and Da Bearz have identical 7-3 records. But, let's not forget: the Packers beat Chicago in their first meeting, so the Pack owns the tiebreaker and thus is technically in first place.
Some pundits and fans alike, let's be honest, are somewhat conflicted about this first-place thing. Realitstically, the Packers are 8-2 except for the replacement referee debacle in Seattle. Could have been 9-1 if not for the second half collapse in Indianapolis. All that aside, and with Detroit fighting for a playoff lifeline and needing this win badly on Sunday, the Packers played what could arguably be one of their worst offensive games of the season. For most of the first 58 minutes of the game it certainly looked and felt like the Packers were going to lose that game. Thankfully, QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb are not among the Packers' list of broken and wounded at the moment and pulled out a miracle TD to put the Packers up by one, 21-20.
Then current head-case kicker, Mason Crosby, hit his one and only field goal of the day to make the final score 24-20. Crosby was one for three on the day...or four, if you count the missed kick hit after a Lions' timeout. McCarthy was adamant after the game that the Packers are sticking with Crosby and would not be bringing kickers in to compete for the job. When your kicker is barely above 50 percent on his made field goals you'd think something would be done. On the other hand, the available alternatives are apparently not viewed as much better. No doubt Crosby has leg strength. But he has to be counted on to make kicks. Right now he kind of reminds you of Tiger Woods struggling with his driver; you know and he knows he's completely capable of hitting a good one...but something in his psyche is doing just enough with his technique to cause these ongoing misses. That last made field goal on Sunday might have been just what he needed. You could see from the replay and the slow motion close up on his face the relief he felt making that kick. You could also see the support he had from his teammates. Let's just hope and pray that Crosby is able to get this figured out and soon.
So the Pack escaped Motor City with a "W," which in this case stands for "Whew!" as well as "Win."
The few bright spots of noted for the offense -- and there were not many -- were the key catches by Jermichael Finley and the hard running of James Starks. In fact, this was a game where the Packers rushed more times than passed; 29 rush attempts vs. 27 pass attempts. When was the last time that happened?
But while the ineptitude of the offense, admitted by Rodgers and everyone on the offense, as well as head coach Mike McCarthy, might be considered the story of the day, I'd have to say the story was really the Packers' defense keeping them in the game. Actually, they even contributed 7 vital points to the victory courtesy of a pick-6 interception return of 72 yards by M.D. Jennings. The youngsters in the secondary have really picked up their games and are making plays. What was a weakness for the Pack last season seems to be turning into a strength right now. And the back up linebackers who are filling in for injured starters are also making an impact. Case in point: Dezman Moses' strip of the ball from Lions' QB Matthew Stafford on a scramble. The ball was recovered by the Packers and helped preserve the Packers' victory. It was huge.
Yes, it was an ugly win. But a win that set up the Packers in the driver's seat of the division for the stretch run. The team has a tough game on the road coming up this Sunday evening at the New York Giants. This has once again become a key rivalry type game, not quite on the level of the 1960's games, but getting there. The Giants over the last few seasons have seemed to stumble in November and get hot in December. The Packers, winners of now five in a row, need this game to keep their momentum going and position themselves for the playoffs. They will likely still be without some key players and that may catch up with them in this game unless they correct some of the issues they had on offense this past Sunday.
We'll keep an eye on things as the week progresses. Stay tuned!
Some pundits and fans alike, let's be honest, are somewhat conflicted about this first-place thing. Realitstically, the Packers are 8-2 except for the replacement referee debacle in Seattle. Could have been 9-1 if not for the second half collapse in Indianapolis. All that aside, and with Detroit fighting for a playoff lifeline and needing this win badly on Sunday, the Packers played what could arguably be one of their worst offensive games of the season. For most of the first 58 minutes of the game it certainly looked and felt like the Packers were going to lose that game. Thankfully, QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb are not among the Packers' list of broken and wounded at the moment and pulled out a miracle TD to put the Packers up by one, 21-20.
Then current head-case kicker, Mason Crosby, hit his one and only field goal of the day to make the final score 24-20. Crosby was one for three on the day...or four, if you count the missed kick hit after a Lions' timeout. McCarthy was adamant after the game that the Packers are sticking with Crosby and would not be bringing kickers in to compete for the job. When your kicker is barely above 50 percent on his made field goals you'd think something would be done. On the other hand, the available alternatives are apparently not viewed as much better. No doubt Crosby has leg strength. But he has to be counted on to make kicks. Right now he kind of reminds you of Tiger Woods struggling with his driver; you know and he knows he's completely capable of hitting a good one...but something in his psyche is doing just enough with his technique to cause these ongoing misses. That last made field goal on Sunday might have been just what he needed. You could see from the replay and the slow motion close up on his face the relief he felt making that kick. You could also see the support he had from his teammates. Let's just hope and pray that Crosby is able to get this figured out and soon.
So the Pack escaped Motor City with a "W," which in this case stands for "Whew!" as well as "Win."
The few bright spots of noted for the offense -- and there were not many -- were the key catches by Jermichael Finley and the hard running of James Starks. In fact, this was a game where the Packers rushed more times than passed; 29 rush attempts vs. 27 pass attempts. When was the last time that happened?
But while the ineptitude of the offense, admitted by Rodgers and everyone on the offense, as well as head coach Mike McCarthy, might be considered the story of the day, I'd have to say the story was really the Packers' defense keeping them in the game. Actually, they even contributed 7 vital points to the victory courtesy of a pick-6 interception return of 72 yards by M.D. Jennings. The youngsters in the secondary have really picked up their games and are making plays. What was a weakness for the Pack last season seems to be turning into a strength right now. And the back up linebackers who are filling in for injured starters are also making an impact. Case in point: Dezman Moses' strip of the ball from Lions' QB Matthew Stafford on a scramble. The ball was recovered by the Packers and helped preserve the Packers' victory. It was huge.
Yes, it was an ugly win. But a win that set up the Packers in the driver's seat of the division for the stretch run. The team has a tough game on the road coming up this Sunday evening at the New York Giants. This has once again become a key rivalry type game, not quite on the level of the 1960's games, but getting there. The Giants over the last few seasons have seemed to stumble in November and get hot in December. The Packers, winners of now five in a row, need this game to keep their momentum going and position themselves for the playoffs. They will likely still be without some key players and that may catch up with them in this game unless they correct some of the issues they had on offense this past Sunday.
We'll keep an eye on things as the week progresses. Stay tuned!
Monday, October 22, 2012
No blues for the Packers in St. Louis
The Green Bay Packers did Sunday what they usually do when playing in St. Louis: win. The Pack beat the Rams by a score of 30-20 and it really was not even that close. The Packers dominated on both sides of the ball, despite moments defensively where an opposing team with more weapons might have lit the Packers up. More on that later.
Woodson's out for extended time
For now, the Packers are 4-3 with the Jaguars and Cardinals coming into Green Bay over the next two weekends. And just when you thought the Packers escaped the major injury bug -- although DE Mike Neal went out with a leg injury during the first half -- we learned today that future Hall of Fame defensive back, Charles Woodson, broke his collarbone with less than three minutes left in the game; he'll be out at least a month, with most reports putting it at six weeks. Ouch! In more ways than one.
If Woodson can come back in a month, his absence might not be missed all that much over this stretch, although losing a veteran of Woodson's caliber is a blow for whatever time he's not on the field. But in addition to the Jags and Cards over the next two weeks, the third week -- ninth week overall of the NFL season -- is the Packers' bye week. Coming out of the bye, the Packers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions. It would be great to have Woodson back then. But it will be even more important the following week when the Packers travel to New York to play the Giants. Woodson's presence on the field -- even if not for the entire game -- would be huge. On the other hand, if he's indeed out for six weeks, he'll not only miss the aforementioned games but also a crucial division game against the ViQueens. If Woodson's out for the full six weeks, he won't return until the Pack's second game against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 9. That's a long stretch for a young defensive backfield to cover on its own, but that group is a talented one as we're already seeing. M.D. Jennings or rookie Jerron McMillian or a combination of both will be called upon when the Packers are in their base defense to fill Woodson's spot.
Rodgers and receivers roll
While credit must be given to head coach Mike McCarthy for sticking with the running game despite Alex Green not being able to get untracked (20 carries for 35 yards), it was once again QB Aaron Rodgers and his receivers who dazzled. With starter Greg Jennings still sidelined with his groin injury, Rodgers threw for three touchdowns against the Rams, two to the amazing Randall Cobb and one to Jordy Nelson. Once again, James Jones was also one of Rodgers' preferred targets on the day. Despite being pressured a fair amount on Sunday, Rodgers was able to move in -- and out -- of the pocket to buy time and make some amazing throws. He's looking very much like he's getting his MVP mojo back, throwing for nine touchdowns in the past two games. Rodgers was 30 for 37 and 342 yards. Oh yeah.
Defense bends, doesn't break
The Packers' defense had a better showing against the Texans last weekend, but they were able to carry some of that new-found confidence into St. Louis. Despite appearances, the Pack held RB Steven Jackson in check, limiting him to 57 yards. Receivers too often were running open, and that's something the Packers will have to correct going forward. And they will.
I could give more of a recap but why do that when my favorite Packers sportswriter has already done a really great job. Check that report out here.
Then, stay tuned through the week and weekend. We'll be back with more about the upcoming game against the Jaguars.
Go Pack Go.
Woodson's out for extended time
For now, the Packers are 4-3 with the Jaguars and Cardinals coming into Green Bay over the next two weekends. And just when you thought the Packers escaped the major injury bug -- although DE Mike Neal went out with a leg injury during the first half -- we learned today that future Hall of Fame defensive back, Charles Woodson, broke his collarbone with less than three minutes left in the game; he'll be out at least a month, with most reports putting it at six weeks. Ouch! In more ways than one.
If Woodson can come back in a month, his absence might not be missed all that much over this stretch, although losing a veteran of Woodson's caliber is a blow for whatever time he's not on the field. But in addition to the Jags and Cards over the next two weeks, the third week -- ninth week overall of the NFL season -- is the Packers' bye week. Coming out of the bye, the Packers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions. It would be great to have Woodson back then. But it will be even more important the following week when the Packers travel to New York to play the Giants. Woodson's presence on the field -- even if not for the entire game -- would be huge. On the other hand, if he's indeed out for six weeks, he'll not only miss the aforementioned games but also a crucial division game against the ViQueens. If Woodson's out for the full six weeks, he won't return until the Pack's second game against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 9. That's a long stretch for a young defensive backfield to cover on its own, but that group is a talented one as we're already seeing. M.D. Jennings or rookie Jerron McMillian or a combination of both will be called upon when the Packers are in their base defense to fill Woodson's spot.
Rodgers and receivers roll
While credit must be given to head coach Mike McCarthy for sticking with the running game despite Alex Green not being able to get untracked (20 carries for 35 yards), it was once again QB Aaron Rodgers and his receivers who dazzled. With starter Greg Jennings still sidelined with his groin injury, Rodgers threw for three touchdowns against the Rams, two to the amazing Randall Cobb and one to Jordy Nelson. Once again, James Jones was also one of Rodgers' preferred targets on the day. Despite being pressured a fair amount on Sunday, Rodgers was able to move in -- and out -- of the pocket to buy time and make some amazing throws. He's looking very much like he's getting his MVP mojo back, throwing for nine touchdowns in the past two games. Rodgers was 30 for 37 and 342 yards. Oh yeah.
Defense bends, doesn't break
The Packers' defense had a better showing against the Texans last weekend, but they were able to carry some of that new-found confidence into St. Louis. Despite appearances, the Pack held RB Steven Jackson in check, limiting him to 57 yards. Receivers too often were running open, and that's something the Packers will have to correct going forward. And they will.
I could give more of a recap but why do that when my favorite Packers sportswriter has already done a really great job. Check that report out here.
Then, stay tuned through the week and weekend. We'll be back with more about the upcoming game against the Jaguars.
Go Pack Go.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Packers get beat by NFL replacement refs
In a game the announcers and pundits and retired referee commentators all agree the Packers won, the Pack lost due to several horrible calls by the replacement refs, but one in particular: the final Hail Mary pass by Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. Golden Tate pushed off a defender in the endzone -- offensive pass interference, not called -- and the jump ball was caught by DB M.D. Jennings. He clearly had possession of the ball. Everyone agreed, at least those on TV and watching TV. Unfortunately the not-ready-for-primetime refs somehow, called it a touchdown for Seattle. Even after reviewing the play, the call was the same. Unbelievable.
Final score, 14-12 Seahawks.
It is one of the most horrendous ends to a game that many commentators have said they have ever seen.
The NFL's lockout of the regular officials has had many negatives so far in this early season. However, none has been as bad as this. And not just because I'm a Packers fan. I would be saying this regardless of team. Any team that had victory taken away from them like this should be thoroughly disgusted with the league at this point.
Fans, if not the team owners themselves, need to call, write, Tweet, fax, etc. the NFL Commissioners office. This is ridiculous.
These replacement refs cost the Packers the game. Plain and simple.
There will be more forthcoming here and elsewhere about this bogus finish. Horrible. Horrible.
Final score, 14-12 Seahawks.
It is one of the most horrendous ends to a game that many commentators have said they have ever seen.
The NFL's lockout of the regular officials has had many negatives so far in this early season. However, none has been as bad as this. And not just because I'm a Packers fan. I would be saying this regardless of team. Any team that had victory taken away from them like this should be thoroughly disgusted with the league at this point.
Fans, if not the team owners themselves, need to call, write, Tweet, fax, etc. the NFL Commissioners office. This is ridiculous.
These replacement refs cost the Packers the game. Plain and simple.
There will be more forthcoming here and elsewhere about this bogus finish. Horrible. Horrible.
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