Today's game at Lambeau Field between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals is one of those games which could very well be a trap game of sorts for the Packers. The team comes off a lackluster win against the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday; favored by 15 points, they managed to win 24-15 in a game that always seemed much closer that that.
Today, the Packers are favored by 10-1/2 points. They come into the game -- as they did last week -- with many injuries to key players and back ups. The team's bye week follows this game. Head coach Mike McCarthy has offered an incentive to his weary team: win today and they get the whole bye week to themselves. That would seem to be a pretty good incentive, along with going into the bye at 6-3 instead of 5-4, which will make a whole lot of difference on the other side of the bye as 5 of the 7 remaining games come against NFC North Division opponents. The Packers need to win this game at home today. Period.
The Cardinals need this game even more than the Packers do. They come into this game 4-4 and desperate for a win to keep pace in their division. They are a team that, despite lesser talent even given the Packers' injuries, will give the Packers everything they have. The Packers don't need a perfect game to win today, but they will need to play with more energy than was the case last week; if they let Arizona hang around as they did with the Jags last Sunday it could be an upset in the making. But I think after hearing about their poor performance from the coaches, fans and even inside their own locker room, the players will be more on their game.
Plus, expect to see a bit more of RB James Starks today. While coach McCarthy feels Alex Green has earned his time at starting running back, Starks will get his share of reps today as well. That could definitely help out the passing game, which was also stuck in neutral most of last week's game. WR Jordy Nelson is expected to be a game-time decision. My guess is that he will be held out of this game to give his hamstring plenty of time to heal up, especially with the bye week added in.
So, bottom line prediction...I realize I didn't go into as much depth and analysis here today as is sometimes the case with these posts, but lack of time necessitates me cutting to the chase...Packers 27 - Cardinals 17.
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Packers win ugly over Jaguars
In what can only be described as one of their ugliest performances of the season -- and there have admittedly been more than a few this year -- the Green Bay Packers somehow managed to beat a woeful 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars team that the Pack made look like Super Bowl contenders.
Yes, it was that bad.
Installed as prohibitive 15-point favorites, the Packers hung on to win by nine points, 24-15. The key to the victory, as it finally turned out, was a blocked punt which the Packers recovered in the endzone for a touchdown, as well as a poor decision early on by the Jags to go for the 2-point conversion after their lone TD.
The Packers again had no rushing attack, and QB Aaron Rodgers was left to find covered receivers most of the afternoon. On those occasions where no one could get open, Rodgers had to endure pressure and sacks, including one which led to a fumble in the redzone and a touchdown by the Jags (mentioned above).
The day was so bad that K Mason Crosby, who hadn't missed a field goal inside 50 yards all season (although he has had some wild misses from outside 50) dinged one off an upright for a miss from inside 35 yards...normally a chip shot for him. That's how you can always tell things are going kattywampus (look it up).
Fortunately for me and you, dear readers, I vented most of my frustration with this game in real-time via Twitter (@packfansunited). Thus, not much more to say at the moment. Look to Packers uber-beat writer, Bob McGinn, for the gruesome details and analysis in his report.
The best that can be said about the game yesterday is that it was a win for the Packers. In the end, that's what matters. Although the manner in which the team is playing -- fairly regularly, it seems -- doesn't bode well at this moment. They have lots of things to get straightened out at the halfway point of the season...things that they shouldn't have to get straightened out at the halfway point of the season. The Packers also have a growing list of injured players and the bye will do them lots of good. It can't come quickly enough. But they have to get through the Cardinals first.
The Cardinals come into Lambeau next Sunday on a short week, playing the 49ers tonight. They aren't great, but the Jags are worse and took the Pack to the brink of a loss. Unless the Packers play with much more urgency and passion than they did yesterday they could well go into their bye week at 5-4 instead of 6-3. Given the way Da Bearz (6-1...how does that happen???) are also winning ugly, the Packers need to stay close. They can't let one slide at home to the Cards.
More on the Packers and Cards coming throuhgout the week.
Yes, it was that bad.
Installed as prohibitive 15-point favorites, the Packers hung on to win by nine points, 24-15. The key to the victory, as it finally turned out, was a blocked punt which the Packers recovered in the endzone for a touchdown, as well as a poor decision early on by the Jags to go for the 2-point conversion after their lone TD.
The Packers again had no rushing attack, and QB Aaron Rodgers was left to find covered receivers most of the afternoon. On those occasions where no one could get open, Rodgers had to endure pressure and sacks, including one which led to a fumble in the redzone and a touchdown by the Jags (mentioned above).
The day was so bad that K Mason Crosby, who hadn't missed a field goal inside 50 yards all season (although he has had some wild misses from outside 50) dinged one off an upright for a miss from inside 35 yards...normally a chip shot for him. That's how you can always tell things are going kattywampus (look it up).
Fortunately for me and you, dear readers, I vented most of my frustration with this game in real-time via Twitter (@packfansunited). Thus, not much more to say at the moment. Look to Packers uber-beat writer, Bob McGinn, for the gruesome details and analysis in his report.
The best that can be said about the game yesterday is that it was a win for the Packers. In the end, that's what matters. Although the manner in which the team is playing -- fairly regularly, it seems -- doesn't bode well at this moment. They have lots of things to get straightened out at the halfway point of the season...things that they shouldn't have to get straightened out at the halfway point of the season. The Packers also have a growing list of injured players and the bye will do them lots of good. It can't come quickly enough. But they have to get through the Cardinals first.
The Cardinals come into Lambeau next Sunday on a short week, playing the 49ers tonight. They aren't great, but the Jags are worse and took the Pack to the brink of a loss. Unless the Packers play with much more urgency and passion than they did yesterday they could well go into their bye week at 5-4 instead of 6-3. Given the way Da Bearz (6-1...how does that happen???) are also winning ugly, the Packers need to stay close. They can't let one slide at home to the Cards.
More on the Packers and Cards coming throuhgout the week.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Packers vs. Jaguars preview and prediction
Despite perhaps having more players injured than at any time since 2010, a beat-up Green Bay Packers team has a few things going in its favor today: they are playing at home for the first time in nearly a month, and the 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars are the opponent.
Now, in any given game...blah blah blah. If this is that kind of game, Packer fans, we should all fill our pockets with rocks and walk into the nearest body of water available. The Packers are favored by 15 points at the time of this writing. Yowza! Oddsmakers don't just lay out that kind of spread for no reason.
Jags' offensive woes
So what might at least one of those reasons be? How about second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert? Since trading a second round pick in the 2011 draft to Washington for the right to move up from the No. 16 to No. 10 slot to pick the Missouri QB, and giving him the starting role in game 3 last season, Gabbert and the Jags have gone 5-15. He isn't very likely to run although can when flushed from the pocket, but he is more of a pocket passer. There are questions as to whether he sees the pass rush well. He was also struggling this week with a shoulder problem sustained in last weekend's game. All in all, this should set the Packers up for a sack marathon today.
Now, LT Eugene Monroe is regarded as the Jags' best O-lineman. Generally, we can expect LB Clay Matthews to be lined up against him most of the day. It will be a good match up on athleticism but Matthews strength and speed give him the definite advantage in this match up. As for the rest of the Jacksonville offensive line...well, if the Packers don't pick up more than a handful of sacks today something is very wrong.
As for the Jags' offensive weapons, there aren't many. Rookie WR Justin Blackmon hasn't shown much yet depsite being a No. 5 overall draft pick. But the biggest blow to the Jaguars' offense was the loss last Sunday of RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who suffered a major foot injury. He will be replaced by Rashad Jennings who is just an average running back at best.
The Jags have scored 88 points in the six games they've played so far. Their one win on the season came in Week 3 when they beat the Colts in Indianapolis, 22-17 (there's that "In any given game..." thing again!). The Jaguars' offense ranks dead last in points scored, passing yards, and total yards gained. Its defense ranks near the bottom in all related categories.
Without the threat of a legitimate running game, a so-so offensive line, an average set of receivers, and a second-year QB who is still trying to figure out the pro game and will be under pressure all day, the Jags are justifiably two-touchdown-plus underdogs coming into Lambeau Field.
Packers problems today
The biggest problems the Packers will have today are themselves, namely in the way of injuries. WR Greg Jennings is out for an undetermined length of time as he has opted to have surgery for his lingering groin problem. FB John Kuhn is out today with a hamstring problem. LB Nick Perry is out with a knee injury sustained in last week's game, as are CB Sam Shields (ankle) and CB/S Charles Woodson with a broken collarbone. WR Jordy Nelson is listed as questionable with a hamstring problem that developed during the course of this week; my guess is he will not play today. On the positive front, the Packers will see NT B.J. Raji return to the D-line...that's a great thing for the Pack and not so great for whoever is across the line from him.
The injuries to the linebacking corps, defensive backfield, and receivers open up opportunities for other players to step in. I think that will be very much the case today for the Pack. This squad is nothing if not deep. The depth of the Packers backups, combined with the skill of the starters, will be more than enough to handle the Jaguars. And, of course, there is also Aaron Rodgers. 'Nuff said.
Prediction
I'm calling this one Packers 41 - Jaguars 13.
Say it with me: Go Pack Go!!!
Now, in any given game...blah blah blah. If this is that kind of game, Packer fans, we should all fill our pockets with rocks and walk into the nearest body of water available. The Packers are favored by 15 points at the time of this writing. Yowza! Oddsmakers don't just lay out that kind of spread for no reason.
Jags' offensive woes
So what might at least one of those reasons be? How about second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert? Since trading a second round pick in the 2011 draft to Washington for the right to move up from the No. 16 to No. 10 slot to pick the Missouri QB, and giving him the starting role in game 3 last season, Gabbert and the Jags have gone 5-15. He isn't very likely to run although can when flushed from the pocket, but he is more of a pocket passer. There are questions as to whether he sees the pass rush well. He was also struggling this week with a shoulder problem sustained in last weekend's game. All in all, this should set the Packers up for a sack marathon today.
Now, LT Eugene Monroe is regarded as the Jags' best O-lineman. Generally, we can expect LB Clay Matthews to be lined up against him most of the day. It will be a good match up on athleticism but Matthews strength and speed give him the definite advantage in this match up. As for the rest of the Jacksonville offensive line...well, if the Packers don't pick up more than a handful of sacks today something is very wrong.
As for the Jags' offensive weapons, there aren't many. Rookie WR Justin Blackmon hasn't shown much yet depsite being a No. 5 overall draft pick. But the biggest blow to the Jaguars' offense was the loss last Sunday of RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who suffered a major foot injury. He will be replaced by Rashad Jennings who is just an average running back at best.
The Jags have scored 88 points in the six games they've played so far. Their one win on the season came in Week 3 when they beat the Colts in Indianapolis, 22-17 (there's that "In any given game..." thing again!). The Jaguars' offense ranks dead last in points scored, passing yards, and total yards gained. Its defense ranks near the bottom in all related categories.
Without the threat of a legitimate running game, a so-so offensive line, an average set of receivers, and a second-year QB who is still trying to figure out the pro game and will be under pressure all day, the Jags are justifiably two-touchdown-plus underdogs coming into Lambeau Field.
Packers problems today
The biggest problems the Packers will have today are themselves, namely in the way of injuries. WR Greg Jennings is out for an undetermined length of time as he has opted to have surgery for his lingering groin problem. FB John Kuhn is out today with a hamstring problem. LB Nick Perry is out with a knee injury sustained in last week's game, as are CB Sam Shields (ankle) and CB/S Charles Woodson with a broken collarbone. WR Jordy Nelson is listed as questionable with a hamstring problem that developed during the course of this week; my guess is he will not play today. On the positive front, the Packers will see NT B.J. Raji return to the D-line...that's a great thing for the Pack and not so great for whoever is across the line from him.
The injuries to the linebacking corps, defensive backfield, and receivers open up opportunities for other players to step in. I think that will be very much the case today for the Pack. This squad is nothing if not deep. The depth of the Packers backups, combined with the skill of the starters, will be more than enough to handle the Jaguars. And, of course, there is also Aaron Rodgers. 'Nuff said.
Prediction
I'm calling this one Packers 41 - Jaguars 13.
Say it with me: Go Pack Go!!!
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.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Packers vs. Rams: preview and prediction
Coming off their much needed victory against the Houston Texans last Sunday evening, the Green Bay Packers make a stop in St. Louis today as the third of their back-to-back-to-back road trips on the schedule. Sitting at 3-3, the Pack has yet to win back-to-back games. Today offers an opportunity to get on a roll and go into their bye a few weeks down the road at 6-3.
But first, the Rams. Also sitting at 3-3, but one could -- and I will -- make the argument that these are very different 3-3 teams facing each other. The oddsmakers apparently have a similar view as they have the Pack installed as 5.5-point favorites. Granted, the Packers will be without five key starters in this game: WR Greg Jennings, NT B.J. Raji, LB Nick Perry, CB Sam Shields and LB D.J. Smith. Note that four of these five are on the defense. For a unit that seemed to just be getting its mojo in gear, it's not ideal. The Packers have become particularly light in the linebacking corps; don't forget that Smith was starting in place of the injured Desmond Bishop. So look to Brad Jones and Robert Francois to plug in the gap. Replacing Sam Shields will likely be Casey Hayward, the rookie who had two interceptions in last week's game and already has three on the season in a backup role. He always seems to be around the ball, and may have opportunities again today, particularly if the Pack's front seven can hold down the Rams' running game and then create the kind of pressure on third-year QB Sam Bradford the way they did against Matt Schaub. Also look for CB Davon House to get some action today for the first time this season. He was showing great promise in camp before being injured.
On the offensive side of the ball for the Packers, with the exception of Jennings, QB Aaron Rodgers will have his full complement of receivers. James Jones seems to be finally rounding into the player that everyone thought he could be. Jordy Nelson had his belated season coming out party last week with three TD catches after only one in the preceding five games. Randall Cobb continues to emerge as a threat on many levels. RB Alex Green will again get the start. Green did a servicable job last week keeping defenses honest and thus opening up the passing game for Rodgers and crew. If he can continue to do that this week, the offense gets a boost. If not, there are really not many options for the Packers at running back right now, especially with the season-ending injury to backup RB Brandon Saine...and of course, Cedric Benson was lost the week before for at least a couple months if not the season. That pretty much leaves James Starcks as the primary replacement, and he hasn't seen much action at all this season, nor can he seem to avoid nagging injuries and stay on the field when given the chance. The Packers did claim RB Johnny White off waivers from Buffalo this week, but don't expect him to probably even be active today.
The Packers' offensive line will have its collective hands full with a very good defensive front on the part of the Rams, led by Chris Long. The Rams have also drafted DE Robert Quinn (2011) and DT Michael Brockers (2012) to help bolster the D-line. Given how well the Packers' offensive line handled JJ Watt et al in Houston, if they can reprise that effort today, Rodgers could have another big day. Remember: this is another dome game and Rodgers and the receivers like that fast track as it opens things up downfield. While mis-firing in that regard a bit too often early in the season, it seemed as if things started to finally click last Sunday night. Again, that pattern should continue today.
Prediction
I'm a big fan of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn, as frequent readers of this space know. Here's his take on today's game: "In three of their six games, the Rams have faced rookie quarterbacks. They're 2-1 there, and they've also defeated Arizona's Kevin Kolb. Given their voids in the offensive line, at wide receiver and at safety, the Rams should not compete with, let alone defeat good teams. It's the Packers in a rout."
I concur with McGinn. It's a big "if" given the Packers injuries in key spots. But it seemed as if last week was the Pack's first complete game of the season; it was how we expected this team to be. I think they've found their groove, injuries aside.
I'm calling it 38-24 in favor of the Pack. Don't know if that qualifies as a rout or not, but it's a win and that's all that matters.
With the Jaguars and Cardinals coming to Lambeau Field over the next two weekends, this game is the key to being 6-3 heading into the bye. Then, with five of their remaining seven games coming against NFC North Division opponents -- twice against both the Lions and ViQueens and once against Da Bearz -- the Packers would be well set to make a playoff run -- if not outright division title -- down the stretch.
First things first, though...say it with me: GO PACK GO!!!
But first, the Rams. Also sitting at 3-3, but one could -- and I will -- make the argument that these are very different 3-3 teams facing each other. The oddsmakers apparently have a similar view as they have the Pack installed as 5.5-point favorites. Granted, the Packers will be without five key starters in this game: WR Greg Jennings, NT B.J. Raji, LB Nick Perry, CB Sam Shields and LB D.J. Smith. Note that four of these five are on the defense. For a unit that seemed to just be getting its mojo in gear, it's not ideal. The Packers have become particularly light in the linebacking corps; don't forget that Smith was starting in place of the injured Desmond Bishop. So look to Brad Jones and Robert Francois to plug in the gap. Replacing Sam Shields will likely be Casey Hayward, the rookie who had two interceptions in last week's game and already has three on the season in a backup role. He always seems to be around the ball, and may have opportunities again today, particularly if the Pack's front seven can hold down the Rams' running game and then create the kind of pressure on third-year QB Sam Bradford the way they did against Matt Schaub. Also look for CB Davon House to get some action today for the first time this season. He was showing great promise in camp before being injured.
On the offensive side of the ball for the Packers, with the exception of Jennings, QB Aaron Rodgers will have his full complement of receivers. James Jones seems to be finally rounding into the player that everyone thought he could be. Jordy Nelson had his belated season coming out party last week with three TD catches after only one in the preceding five games. Randall Cobb continues to emerge as a threat on many levels. RB Alex Green will again get the start. Green did a servicable job last week keeping defenses honest and thus opening up the passing game for Rodgers and crew. If he can continue to do that this week, the offense gets a boost. If not, there are really not many options for the Packers at running back right now, especially with the season-ending injury to backup RB Brandon Saine...and of course, Cedric Benson was lost the week before for at least a couple months if not the season. That pretty much leaves James Starcks as the primary replacement, and he hasn't seen much action at all this season, nor can he seem to avoid nagging injuries and stay on the field when given the chance. The Packers did claim RB Johnny White off waivers from Buffalo this week, but don't expect him to probably even be active today.
The Packers' offensive line will have its collective hands full with a very good defensive front on the part of the Rams, led by Chris Long. The Rams have also drafted DE Robert Quinn (2011) and DT Michael Brockers (2012) to help bolster the D-line. Given how well the Packers' offensive line handled JJ Watt et al in Houston, if they can reprise that effort today, Rodgers could have another big day. Remember: this is another dome game and Rodgers and the receivers like that fast track as it opens things up downfield. While mis-firing in that regard a bit too often early in the season, it seemed as if things started to finally click last Sunday night. Again, that pattern should continue today.
Prediction
I'm a big fan of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn, as frequent readers of this space know. Here's his take on today's game: "In three of their six games, the Rams have faced rookie quarterbacks. They're 2-1 there, and they've also defeated Arizona's Kevin Kolb. Given their voids in the offensive line, at wide receiver and at safety, the Rams should not compete with, let alone defeat good teams. It's the Packers in a rout."
I concur with McGinn. It's a big "if" given the Packers injuries in key spots. But it seemed as if last week was the Pack's first complete game of the season; it was how we expected this team to be. I think they've found their groove, injuries aside.
I'm calling it 38-24 in favor of the Pack. Don't know if that qualifies as a rout or not, but it's a win and that's all that matters.
With the Jaguars and Cardinals coming to Lambeau Field over the next two weekends, this game is the key to being 6-3 heading into the bye. Then, with five of their remaining seven games coming against NFC North Division opponents -- twice against both the Lions and ViQueens and once against Da Bearz -- the Packers would be well set to make a playoff run -- if not outright division title -- down the stretch.
First things first, though...say it with me: GO PACK GO!!!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Packers lasso Texans 42-24
In their most dominating performance on both sides of the ball in a long time, the Green Bay Packers upset the Houston Texans in Houston last night 42-24. It was even better than the score indicated; Houston's final touchdown came courtesy of a late blocked punt recovered in the endzone for a TD.
This is the game Packer fans have been waiting for all season long. At 2-3, the Pack's back was against the wall. After blowing a second half 18-point lead in Indianapolis last Sunday, the Packers dominated this game -- both offensively and defensively -- from the start and never let up.
Offense Clicks
Despite a few sacks and dropped balls, the offense showed what it is capable of doing. The offensive line generally held up well against arguably one of the league's better defensive fronts to this point in the season. RB Alex Green, getting his first start in place of the injured Cedric Benson, performed quite well and did his job by making the defense respect his running ability. He had 22 carries for 65 yards, with a long run of 10 yards. The wide receivers made some remarkable catches which helped to mask a few inconvenient drops. Jordy Nelson had 9 receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns. After only having one TD catch all season, Nelson had his coming out party for 2012. Second-year standout Randall Cobb had 7 catches for 102 yards. James Jones had just three catches for 33 yards, but two of those were for touchdowns and were amazing catches. Even TE Tom "Mr. Tattoo" Crabtree had two catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, including an evening-long 48 yards. Oh, yeah...the man throwing all those passes was of course QB Aaron Rodgers who was 24 of 37 for 338 yards and those six touchdowns. His quarterback rating was something like 133 if memory serves.
Defense Dominates
The defense played fast and aggressive at the start, stopping the run and getting to Texans' QB Matt Schaub for three sacks on the night. They also forced three interceptions, one by Sam Shields and two by rookie Casey Hayward. Playing without NT B.J. Raji who was sidelined with his ankle injury from last week's game, veteran Ryan Pickett was extremely stout against the run. Rookie Jerel Worthy played extremely well, as did C.J. Wilson and Mike Neal. LB A.J. Hawk also played a good game at the line, even picking up one of the three sacks on the night. While LB Clay Matthews didn't get a sack on the evening, he was making life miserable all night long for Schaub. Safety Charles Woodson was often used in the position of an outside linebacker as the night went on and the Packers began sustaining injuries.
Injuries Hit Hard
In that regard, the win was a costly one for the Packers on the injury front. Reports are that LB D.J. Smith (starting in place of the injured Desmond Bishop, who is out for the season) and running back Brandon Saine suffered significant right knee injuries. Both players were said to be on crutches in the locker room with their knees heavily wrapped. Both players could be lost for the season. Rookie LB Nick Perry sustained a knee injury in the second quarter and didn't return to the game. CB Sam Shields got kicked in the right shin late in the game and also didn't return.
What's Ahead
This is the game we've been waiting for, Packer fans. Now let's see if the team can put two wins together back-to-back for the first time this season. They can do that next weekend in St. Louis. The Rams are also 3-3, but that's where the comparison ends.
With two home games, against the Jaguars and Cardinals, following the trip to St. Louis, the Packers could be 6-3 going into their bye week, which would set them up well for the second half of the season. With five of their remaining seven games against NFC North division opponents, the Packers could be in position for a playoff run. If they keep up the intensity on display last night. And if injuries don't disrail them.
There's a long way to go in the season, Packer fans. What we saw last night gives hope it may still be a good one.
P.S. I'm very glad to say my pre-game prediction was wrong. I'm very glad indeed.
This is the game Packer fans have been waiting for all season long. At 2-3, the Pack's back was against the wall. After blowing a second half 18-point lead in Indianapolis last Sunday, the Packers dominated this game -- both offensively and defensively -- from the start and never let up.
Offense Clicks
Despite a few sacks and dropped balls, the offense showed what it is capable of doing. The offensive line generally held up well against arguably one of the league's better defensive fronts to this point in the season. RB Alex Green, getting his first start in place of the injured Cedric Benson, performed quite well and did his job by making the defense respect his running ability. He had 22 carries for 65 yards, with a long run of 10 yards. The wide receivers made some remarkable catches which helped to mask a few inconvenient drops. Jordy Nelson had 9 receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns. After only having one TD catch all season, Nelson had his coming out party for 2012. Second-year standout Randall Cobb had 7 catches for 102 yards. James Jones had just three catches for 33 yards, but two of those were for touchdowns and were amazing catches. Even TE Tom "Mr. Tattoo" Crabtree had two catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, including an evening-long 48 yards. Oh, yeah...the man throwing all those passes was of course QB Aaron Rodgers who was 24 of 37 for 338 yards and those six touchdowns. His quarterback rating was something like 133 if memory serves.
Defense Dominates
The defense played fast and aggressive at the start, stopping the run and getting to Texans' QB Matt Schaub for three sacks on the night. They also forced three interceptions, one by Sam Shields and two by rookie Casey Hayward. Playing without NT B.J. Raji who was sidelined with his ankle injury from last week's game, veteran Ryan Pickett was extremely stout against the run. Rookie Jerel Worthy played extremely well, as did C.J. Wilson and Mike Neal. LB A.J. Hawk also played a good game at the line, even picking up one of the three sacks on the night. While LB Clay Matthews didn't get a sack on the evening, he was making life miserable all night long for Schaub. Safety Charles Woodson was often used in the position of an outside linebacker as the night went on and the Packers began sustaining injuries.
Injuries Hit Hard
In that regard, the win was a costly one for the Packers on the injury front. Reports are that LB D.J. Smith (starting in place of the injured Desmond Bishop, who is out for the season) and running back Brandon Saine suffered significant right knee injuries. Both players were said to be on crutches in the locker room with their knees heavily wrapped. Both players could be lost for the season. Rookie LB Nick Perry sustained a knee injury in the second quarter and didn't return to the game. CB Sam Shields got kicked in the right shin late in the game and also didn't return.
What's Ahead
This is the game we've been waiting for, Packer fans. Now let's see if the team can put two wins together back-to-back for the first time this season. They can do that next weekend in St. Louis. The Rams are also 3-3, but that's where the comparison ends.
With two home games, against the Jaguars and Cardinals, following the trip to St. Louis, the Packers could be 6-3 going into their bye week, which would set them up well for the second half of the season. With five of their remaining seven games against NFC North division opponents, the Packers could be in position for a playoff run. If they keep up the intensity on display last night. And if injuries don't disrail them.
There's a long way to go in the season, Packer fans. What we saw last night gives hope it may still be a good one.
P.S. I'm very glad to say my pre-game prediction was wrong. I'm very glad indeed.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Packers vs. Texans: who lassoes who?
Prior to the start of the 2012 NFL season, both the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Texans were projected to be the likely winners of their respective divisions. At 5-0 coming into tonight's game, the Texans certainly look like they are on their way. The Packers? Not so much right now.
Sitting at a mediocre 2-3, and while referees of both replacement and regular stripes have certainly done them no favors overall, the Packers have to look in the mirror and blame themselves for their sorry state. They are two games behind Da Bearz and the ViQueens...the 'Queens, for gosh sakes!
Whatever the reasons there are for their failures -- including a collapse of Biblical portions in the second half of last Sunday's game versus the so-so Colts -- it's up to the players to execute, regardless of who is on the field. Yes, not having WR Greg Jennings impacts the offense in any number of ways but it doesn't explain the one touchdown to date by WR Jordy Nelson or his drops in key situations. As to the seemingly emerging malcontent TE Jermichael Finley, he should do less talking about everyone else and do his job: catch the ball! The loss of RB Cedric Benson for at least 8 weeks if not the season -- just as he was starting to get rolling as a key element of the offense -- isn't something the Packers needed. They finally had a running game that defenses had to respect. Now, unless Alex Green (who gets the start today) or James Starks or Brandon Saine can keep defenses honest the already-beleaugered Packers' offensive line is going to appear to be even more of sieve than it has through the first five games. Today, going up against what is arguably one of the best defensive lines in the NFL will be a real challenge for this offensive line. Does the name J.J. Watt ring a bell? Let's just hope he's not ringing Aaron Rodgers' bell today. Time for the line and the receivers and the running backs to step up.
On defense, communication -- particularly in the defensive backfield -- supposedly continues to be an issue. How and why this isn't resolved by this point in the season is certainly a question that needs addressing. With B.J. Raji still questionable for today's game, stopping the Texans potent offense is going to be a challenge. They have a very good passing game and strong running attack. The Packers' defense needs to bring its "A" game all day long. In fact, that would be a good motto for the Pack in today's game: play a full four quarters! That's something they really have yet to do.
What, if anything, should we say about special teams? Some brilliant play on "trickeration" as the saying goes. But K Mason Crosby had better get back to being his reliable self after his own personal collapse in last week's loss. The wild shank to the left on his final field goal attempt to send the game to overtime was something you expect to see out of a high school or college kicker, not the kicker for the Green Bay Packers. Let's just hope it doesn't come down to a field goal again today.
It's possible, of course, that this team -- players, not coaches -- felt they could step on the playing field and win on last year's reputation. Not going to happen. Teams have had plenty of time to scheme how to handle the Packers' receivers...and they are. That begins the domino effect: QB Aaron Rodgers goes through his progressions, sees everyone covered, and by that time is either running for his life because of the pass rush or is getting sacked for having held onto the ball too long rather than throwing it away.
Things are still out of sync on both sides of the ball. But tonight's game would be a great time for them to finally come together. Head coach Mike McCarthy has a good history of rallying the troops when their backs are against the wall. And, they basically are. But with Chicago having their bye week and Minnesota at Washington, the Packers could pick up a game on both with a win. That would be critical as things start to get close to the half-way point of the season. Falling three games behind in the division wouldn't necessarily end the Packers playoffs hope at this stage, but it certainly makes the hill to climb much higher. Most of the Packers' division games come in the latter part of the season, so ground can be made up there. But that doesn't leave much room for errors...especially the kind of errors we've seen on display so far and far too much this season.
What's the call then?
What's the take on this week's game? Depends upon who you read or listen to, of course. SI's Peter King says this: "File this in desperate-team-plays-better-especially-against-team-coming-off-short-week category. The Texans have to adjust to the loss of inside 'backer and signal-caller Brian Cushing, out for the season with a torn ACL suffered Monday night, and that will provide a hiccup or two to overcome. I say the Pack will have an easier time overcoming the Cedric Benson loss -- as long as Aaron Rodgers can evade a terrific rush." King calls it 23-20 in favor of the Pack.
Interestingly, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Packers guru, Bob McGinn, says the Pack will upset the Texans (who are favored by 4 points with the over-under pegged at 46.5 points), although McGinn never predicts a score. Three of his fellow writers, however, all give the win to the Texans by anywhere from 1 to 17 points...ouch! Check out their analysis and comments here.
So, what's the take of yours truly after all the above? I hate to say it, Packer fans, and I truly hope that I am wrong, but not even my green 'n' gold-colored glasses have me seeing a win for the Pack tonight. Maybe, just maybe, this is what the team needs to gel. But given what we have seen so far this season, we are looking at what is at this moment a mediocre team, and one playing on the road at the home of a very good team.
I'm calling this one in favor of the Texans, 31-24. I hope I'm wrong. I really do. The Packers need this game as much as they've needed any game in recent years.
But I can still say this and keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for a win: Go Pack Go!!!
Sitting at a mediocre 2-3, and while referees of both replacement and regular stripes have certainly done them no favors overall, the Packers have to look in the mirror and blame themselves for their sorry state. They are two games behind Da Bearz and the ViQueens...the 'Queens, for gosh sakes!
Whatever the reasons there are for their failures -- including a collapse of Biblical portions in the second half of last Sunday's game versus the so-so Colts -- it's up to the players to execute, regardless of who is on the field. Yes, not having WR Greg Jennings impacts the offense in any number of ways but it doesn't explain the one touchdown to date by WR Jordy Nelson or his drops in key situations. As to the seemingly emerging malcontent TE Jermichael Finley, he should do less talking about everyone else and do his job: catch the ball! The loss of RB Cedric Benson for at least 8 weeks if not the season -- just as he was starting to get rolling as a key element of the offense -- isn't something the Packers needed. They finally had a running game that defenses had to respect. Now, unless Alex Green (who gets the start today) or James Starks or Brandon Saine can keep defenses honest the already-beleaugered Packers' offensive line is going to appear to be even more of sieve than it has through the first five games. Today, going up against what is arguably one of the best defensive lines in the NFL will be a real challenge for this offensive line. Does the name J.J. Watt ring a bell? Let's just hope he's not ringing Aaron Rodgers' bell today. Time for the line and the receivers and the running backs to step up.
On defense, communication -- particularly in the defensive backfield -- supposedly continues to be an issue. How and why this isn't resolved by this point in the season is certainly a question that needs addressing. With B.J. Raji still questionable for today's game, stopping the Texans potent offense is going to be a challenge. They have a very good passing game and strong running attack. The Packers' defense needs to bring its "A" game all day long. In fact, that would be a good motto for the Pack in today's game: play a full four quarters! That's something they really have yet to do.
What, if anything, should we say about special teams? Some brilliant play on "trickeration" as the saying goes. But K Mason Crosby had better get back to being his reliable self after his own personal collapse in last week's loss. The wild shank to the left on his final field goal attempt to send the game to overtime was something you expect to see out of a high school or college kicker, not the kicker for the Green Bay Packers. Let's just hope it doesn't come down to a field goal again today.
It's possible, of course, that this team -- players, not coaches -- felt they could step on the playing field and win on last year's reputation. Not going to happen. Teams have had plenty of time to scheme how to handle the Packers' receivers...and they are. That begins the domino effect: QB Aaron Rodgers goes through his progressions, sees everyone covered, and by that time is either running for his life because of the pass rush or is getting sacked for having held onto the ball too long rather than throwing it away.
Things are still out of sync on both sides of the ball. But tonight's game would be a great time for them to finally come together. Head coach Mike McCarthy has a good history of rallying the troops when their backs are against the wall. And, they basically are. But with Chicago having their bye week and Minnesota at Washington, the Packers could pick up a game on both with a win. That would be critical as things start to get close to the half-way point of the season. Falling three games behind in the division wouldn't necessarily end the Packers playoffs hope at this stage, but it certainly makes the hill to climb much higher. Most of the Packers' division games come in the latter part of the season, so ground can be made up there. But that doesn't leave much room for errors...especially the kind of errors we've seen on display so far and far too much this season.
What's the call then?
What's the take on this week's game? Depends upon who you read or listen to, of course. SI's Peter King says this: "File this in desperate-team-plays-better-especially-against-team-coming-off-short-week category. The Texans have to adjust to the loss of inside 'backer and signal-caller Brian Cushing, out for the season with a torn ACL suffered Monday night, and that will provide a hiccup or two to overcome. I say the Pack will have an easier time overcoming the Cedric Benson loss -- as long as Aaron Rodgers can evade a terrific rush." King calls it 23-20 in favor of the Pack.
Interestingly, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Packers guru, Bob McGinn, says the Pack will upset the Texans (who are favored by 4 points with the over-under pegged at 46.5 points), although McGinn never predicts a score. Three of his fellow writers, however, all give the win to the Texans by anywhere from 1 to 17 points...ouch! Check out their analysis and comments here.
So, what's the take of yours truly after all the above? I hate to say it, Packer fans, and I truly hope that I am wrong, but not even my green 'n' gold-colored glasses have me seeing a win for the Pack tonight. Maybe, just maybe, this is what the team needs to gel. But given what we have seen so far this season, we are looking at what is at this moment a mediocre team, and one playing on the road at the home of a very good team.
I'm calling this one in favor of the Texans, 31-24. I hope I'm wrong. I really do. The Packers need this game as much as they've needed any game in recent years.
But I can still say this and keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for a win: Go Pack Go!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
So...Packers lost to Colts. Wait...what???
I know this is old news. Really old news. As in at least three days old. Yawn.
But I was traveling. Didn't even get a chance to watch the game. Which was probably a good thing. If there had been a gas oven nearby I met have just stuck my head in and ended it all right then and there.
Yes, it was that bad. (And, yes, we sports fans tend to fall into hyperbole and overreaction at times. So it goes.)
The Green Bay Packers -- in one of their worst second-half collapses in recent memory -- lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 30-27, on Sunday. Leading 21-3 at halftime, both the Packers' offensive and defensive units were a no-show after halftime. And usually steady kicker Mason Crosby choked not once but twice when it really mattered; making just one of his two field goals would have put the game into overtime. But let's be honest: when you're ahead 21-3 at halftime it should never come down to a last second kick to get you into overtime.
Granted, they lost running back Cedric Benson to a foot injury; he was today placed on the Injured Reserve Return list...or whatever they call it now. This was part of the last collective bargaining agreement. Basically, he's not lost for the season, at least, not yet. He can, theoretically, begin practicing after six weeks and return to play after eight weeks. That's assuming Benson can actually do both. Remains to be seen with the type of injury he has sustained.
The Packers also lost B.J. Raji and Jermichael Finley. Those absences were felt, but should have been overcome. They weren't.
Sitting at 2-3 heading into Houston for a match against the 5-0 Texans, the Pack is in a world of hurt right now, beyond just the injuries. They are two games behind Da Bearz and ViQueens. Who would have thunk it?
The Packers are 4-4 in their last 8 games. Something is not right, and it didn't just start this season. But whatever it is, coaches and players better get it figured out fast or any hope of even making the playoffs will be slipping away faster than you can say "Jay Cutler is a whiny prima donna."
The Packers are far too talented of a team to be playing as poorly as they are. They don't have long to get their collective act together. The odds are not in their favor this Sunday evening...literally: the Texans are currently listed as 3.5 point favorites. Given the defensive pressure the Texans can bring, and the problem the Packers' offensive line has had even with inferior defenders, it doesn't bode well, quite frankly. I hope I turn out to be as wrong about that as I was about my prediction for the last game.
But I was traveling. Didn't even get a chance to watch the game. Which was probably a good thing. If there had been a gas oven nearby I met have just stuck my head in and ended it all right then and there.
Yes, it was that bad. (And, yes, we sports fans tend to fall into hyperbole and overreaction at times. So it goes.)
The Green Bay Packers -- in one of their worst second-half collapses in recent memory -- lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 30-27, on Sunday. Leading 21-3 at halftime, both the Packers' offensive and defensive units were a no-show after halftime. And usually steady kicker Mason Crosby choked not once but twice when it really mattered; making just one of his two field goals would have put the game into overtime. But let's be honest: when you're ahead 21-3 at halftime it should never come down to a last second kick to get you into overtime.
Granted, they lost running back Cedric Benson to a foot injury; he was today placed on the Injured Reserve Return list...or whatever they call it now. This was part of the last collective bargaining agreement. Basically, he's not lost for the season, at least, not yet. He can, theoretically, begin practicing after six weeks and return to play after eight weeks. That's assuming Benson can actually do both. Remains to be seen with the type of injury he has sustained.
The Packers also lost B.J. Raji and Jermichael Finley. Those absences were felt, but should have been overcome. They weren't.
Sitting at 2-3 heading into Houston for a match against the 5-0 Texans, the Pack is in a world of hurt right now, beyond just the injuries. They are two games behind Da Bearz and ViQueens. Who would have thunk it?
The Packers are 4-4 in their last 8 games. Something is not right, and it didn't just start this season. But whatever it is, coaches and players better get it figured out fast or any hope of even making the playoffs will be slipping away faster than you can say "Jay Cutler is a whiny prima donna."
The Packers are far too talented of a team to be playing as poorly as they are. They don't have long to get their collective act together. The odds are not in their favor this Sunday evening...literally: the Texans are currently listed as 3.5 point favorites. Given the defensive pressure the Texans can bring, and the problem the Packers' offensive line has had even with inferior defenders, it doesn't bode well, quite frankly. I hope I turn out to be as wrong about that as I was about my prediction for the last game.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Packers vs. Colts preview and prediction
The Green Bay Packers begin a consecutive three-game road trip today in Indianapolis. The Colts are coming off their bye week during which their head coach, Chuck Pagano, left the team to receive treatment for recently diagnosed leukemia. The Colts have a record of 1-2. The Packers are coming off a hard-fought battle against the Saints -- and the referees, for a second week in a row. With a 28-27 win, the Pack went to 2-2 on the season.
The Colts come into the game with a very good rookie quarterback in the person of Andrew Luck. Figure Dom Capers to throw a number of different looks at the young QB. Hopefully, the defense will confuse the offense rather than themselves as seemed to be the case for the Packers last weekend when it resembled last season's sieve. Of course, Luck is not Drew Brees, at least not yet. Expect the Packers to have their defense much more together than it was against the Saints. The Pack will also get a boost from the newly-activated DE Mike Neal who is coming off his four-game suspension. According to reports from Green Bay throughout the week, Neal looked very good in practice, much better than anticipated. If he views this as a bit of a new start to things, and plays the way he is capable of playing, he could be a huge factor in this game and going forward for the Packers' defense.
As for the offense, after being sluggish in their first three outings, the Packers seemed to find a bit more of their rhythm against New Orleans. Look for that to continue today agains the Colts. Cedric Benson is getting rolling and provides a much-needed and long-overdue spark to the running game. Aaron Rodgers and the receivers looked much more in sync, and that should also continue today. WR Greg Jennings, however, will not see the field as he is being held out due to his groin injury. Expect Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley to get lots of action against a bland secondary. Donald Driver will appear in his 197th career game for the Pack, which ties him with QB Bart Starr for second place in franchise history. Congrats, Donald!
The pundits have an over-under on this game at the time of this writing of 48 points, with the Packers favored by 7 points. The week after the game against the Colts the Packers play the Houston Texans, who are currently undefeated at 4-0 and looking very good on both sides of the ball. This game against the Colts could be a trap game in the sense that the Packers could wind up looking past them and ahead to the Texans. I don't think head coach Mike McCarthy or the veterans on this team will allow that to happen. The Colts could also come out emotionally charged up to win one for their absent head coach. That may carry them for a while but not throughout an entire game.
I'm calling this one in favor of the Packers (shocking, I know) 34-17.
Go Pack Go!!!
The Colts come into the game with a very good rookie quarterback in the person of Andrew Luck. Figure Dom Capers to throw a number of different looks at the young QB. Hopefully, the defense will confuse the offense rather than themselves as seemed to be the case for the Packers last weekend when it resembled last season's sieve. Of course, Luck is not Drew Brees, at least not yet. Expect the Packers to have their defense much more together than it was against the Saints. The Pack will also get a boost from the newly-activated DE Mike Neal who is coming off his four-game suspension. According to reports from Green Bay throughout the week, Neal looked very good in practice, much better than anticipated. If he views this as a bit of a new start to things, and plays the way he is capable of playing, he could be a huge factor in this game and going forward for the Packers' defense.
As for the offense, after being sluggish in their first three outings, the Packers seemed to find a bit more of their rhythm against New Orleans. Look for that to continue today agains the Colts. Cedric Benson is getting rolling and provides a much-needed and long-overdue spark to the running game. Aaron Rodgers and the receivers looked much more in sync, and that should also continue today. WR Greg Jennings, however, will not see the field as he is being held out due to his groin injury. Expect Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley to get lots of action against a bland secondary. Donald Driver will appear in his 197th career game for the Pack, which ties him with QB Bart Starr for second place in franchise history. Congrats, Donald!
The pundits have an over-under on this game at the time of this writing of 48 points, with the Packers favored by 7 points. The week after the game against the Colts the Packers play the Houston Texans, who are currently undefeated at 4-0 and looking very good on both sides of the ball. This game against the Colts could be a trap game in the sense that the Packers could wind up looking past them and ahead to the Texans. I don't think head coach Mike McCarthy or the veterans on this team will allow that to happen. The Colts could also come out emotionally charged up to win one for their absent head coach. That may carry them for a while but not throughout an entire game.
I'm calling this one in favor of the Packers (shocking, I know) 34-17.
Go Pack Go!!!
Monday, October 01, 2012
Packers beat Saints -- and refs -- in a close one
On a beautiful early Fall day on the as-yet-un-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers notched a victory in what was for them -- and their opponent, the New Orleans Saints -- a must win game. The Packers needed a victory to avoid falling two games behind in the NFC North, while the Saints were just trying to get off the schnide and avoid going 0-4. The Pack also needed to respond to the heartbreaking loss in Seattle where victory was taken away by inept replacement refs. They did. But, boy, it was oh so close to being another heartbreaker. And, sad to say, the regular officials left much to be desired in their first action of the season, as well, and almost cost the Packers this game (more on that later). But the Pack prevailed, 28-27. Whew!
The Packers and Saints combined for 765 yards and seven touchdowns. Yowza! And the Packers finally scored in the first quarter, the last team in the NFL to do so. The oddsmakers certainly had the over-under correct in this game, set at 53-1/2 points. But the Packers didn't come close to beating the point spread for this game: 7-1/2 points.
There were so many key moments to this game. Including, again, blown calls by the refs which could have led to a Saints win. In particular, as the article by Bob McGinn in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says, the Saints "got an enormous break when the officiating crew led by referee Jeff Triplette missed the fact Darren Sproles fumbled a kickoff that was recovered by Green Bay's Dezman Moses at the New Orleans 30 with 7 minutes left." Because Packers' head coach Mike McCarthy had already made two challenges and lost them both, he could not challenge this obviously blown call. At that moment, Packer fans across the universe were collectively saying "Oh no!" -- because this is a family-friendly site, I will refrain from posting what most fans probably said.
Another key play occurred the one play QB Aaron Rodgers was off the field on offense. After scrambling inside the red zone and getting poked in the eye during a facemask grab, Rodgers came out of the game and backup Graham Harrell came in. The ball, following the facemask penalty, was at the one-yard line with first and goal. A running play was called, but Harrell apparently didn't get out from behind center fast enough, was stepped on by one of his offensive lineman which caused him to fall and miss his handoff to Cedric Benson. The ball was recovered by the Saints. Four plays later, Saints QB Drew Brees hit a receiver for 80-yards and a touchdown to put the Saints ahead...a 14-point swing in the game.
But, as McGinn's article points out, "The winning touchdown (for the Packers) came midway in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard slant in which Jordy Nelson beat cornerback Jabari Greer and then ran right over muscular nickel back Corey White, who was waiting for him at the 2."
Still, the Saints had a chance to up by 3 points with less than three minutes remaining in the game. A 43-yard field goal was good but negated by a holding penalty. That made the attempt 53 yards...but an offsides penalty against the Packers got five of those penalty yards back. The 48-yard field goal attempt went just wide to the left, keeping the Packers ahead 28-27.
With just under two minutes left in the game the Packers faced third-and-three after two strong runs by Benson who had a very good day, averaging 4.7 yards in 18 carries. But rather than hand the ball to Benson for a third straight time, coach McCarthy did what he will usually do in this situation: keep the ball in Aaron Rodgers' hands. Again, from Bob McGinn: "On the far right, James Jones was confronted by Greer in the bump zone. After looking first toward Finley, Rodgers came back to Jones, who had flashed him a clean release. Greer was all over Jones and with his back toward Rodgers. Jones speared the ball with his right hand almost off Greer's hip for a remarkable 8-yard reception as penalty flags flew for defensive pass interference." First down Packers. No time outs remaining for New Orleans. Game. Set. Dagger! (By the way, did I mention that James Jones probably had one of his best performance as a Packer?)
This is a game where we finally saw the Packers offense start to resemble what we saw last season. The defense, unfortunately, also started to look like the sieve that it was last season. Will be interesting to see which way things go in the long run.
Prior to the start of the season, I had predicted the Packers would be 3-1 coming out of this first quarter of the season. In fact, they were...they won that game in Seattle, just didn't have the victory awarded to them as radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, pointed out. But the record shows 2-2 as the Packers now embark upon three consecutive road games. First up is the Colts. The Packers have something to build off of coming out of this game, and they should take it with them to Indianapolis for another win.
The first four games of this NFL season have seen many unexpected twists and turns. But the road to the playoffs and Super Bowl begins to straighten out as we get into the second quarter of the season.
Go Pack Go!!!
The Packers and Saints combined for 765 yards and seven touchdowns. Yowza! And the Packers finally scored in the first quarter, the last team in the NFL to do so. The oddsmakers certainly had the over-under correct in this game, set at 53-1/2 points. But the Packers didn't come close to beating the point spread for this game: 7-1/2 points.
There were so many key moments to this game. Including, again, blown calls by the refs which could have led to a Saints win. In particular, as the article by Bob McGinn in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says, the Saints "got an enormous break when the officiating crew led by referee Jeff Triplette missed the fact Darren Sproles fumbled a kickoff that was recovered by Green Bay's Dezman Moses at the New Orleans 30 with 7 minutes left." Because Packers' head coach Mike McCarthy had already made two challenges and lost them both, he could not challenge this obviously blown call. At that moment, Packer fans across the universe were collectively saying "Oh no!" -- because this is a family-friendly site, I will refrain from posting what most fans probably said.
Another key play occurred the one play QB Aaron Rodgers was off the field on offense. After scrambling inside the red zone and getting poked in the eye during a facemask grab, Rodgers came out of the game and backup Graham Harrell came in. The ball, following the facemask penalty, was at the one-yard line with first and goal. A running play was called, but Harrell apparently didn't get out from behind center fast enough, was stepped on by one of his offensive lineman which caused him to fall and miss his handoff to Cedric Benson. The ball was recovered by the Saints. Four plays later, Saints QB Drew Brees hit a receiver for 80-yards and a touchdown to put the Saints ahead...a 14-point swing in the game.
But, as McGinn's article points out, "The winning touchdown (for the Packers) came midway in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard slant in which Jordy Nelson beat cornerback Jabari Greer and then ran right over muscular nickel back Corey White, who was waiting for him at the 2."
Still, the Saints had a chance to up by 3 points with less than three minutes remaining in the game. A 43-yard field goal was good but negated by a holding penalty. That made the attempt 53 yards...but an offsides penalty against the Packers got five of those penalty yards back. The 48-yard field goal attempt went just wide to the left, keeping the Packers ahead 28-27.
With just under two minutes left in the game the Packers faced third-and-three after two strong runs by Benson who had a very good day, averaging 4.7 yards in 18 carries. But rather than hand the ball to Benson for a third straight time, coach McCarthy did what he will usually do in this situation: keep the ball in Aaron Rodgers' hands. Again, from Bob McGinn: "On the far right, James Jones was confronted by Greer in the bump zone. After looking first toward Finley, Rodgers came back to Jones, who had flashed him a clean release. Greer was all over Jones and with his back toward Rodgers. Jones speared the ball with his right hand almost off Greer's hip for a remarkable 8-yard reception as penalty flags flew for defensive pass interference." First down Packers. No time outs remaining for New Orleans. Game. Set. Dagger! (By the way, did I mention that James Jones probably had one of his best performance as a Packer?)
This is a game where we finally saw the Packers offense start to resemble what we saw last season. The defense, unfortunately, also started to look like the sieve that it was last season. Will be interesting to see which way things go in the long run.
Prior to the start of the season, I had predicted the Packers would be 3-1 coming out of this first quarter of the season. In fact, they were...they won that game in Seattle, just didn't have the victory awarded to them as radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, pointed out. But the record shows 2-2 as the Packers now embark upon three consecutive road games. First up is the Colts. The Packers have something to build off of coming out of this game, and they should take it with them to Indianapolis for another win.
The first four games of this NFL season have seen many unexpected twists and turns. But the road to the playoffs and Super Bowl begins to straighten out as we get into the second quarter of the season.
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Packers vs. Saints preview: who needs the win more?
After having victory stolen from them on Monday night by the ineptitude of replacement referees and NFL greed, the Green Bay Packers return to the friendly confines of Lambeau Field today knowing that at least the regular referees will be overseeing the game between themselves and the New Orleans Saints. That doesn't guarantee a victory or that there won't be blown calls. But the likelihood of there being a debacle like that experienced in Seattle has decreased dramatically.
Thank you, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, for finally seeing the light. That light would be the oncoming train -- as in wreck -- brought about by you and the team owners' greed in negotiating with the refs. You sacrificed the integrity of the game and the won-loss record of the Packers on the altar of "more money for us, less for you." (OK, OK, enough venting...for now...)
Back to today's game...The Packers are 1-2 while the Saints are 0-3. Both teams desperately need the win, although as radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, pointed out this week during a radio interview, the Packers did win the Seattle game, they were just not awarded the victory. Favored by 7-1/2 points today, the Packers have yet to get their high-powered offense into gear. By the end of the first quarter of the 2012 season, it's about time things get cooking, don't you think? After being embarrassed in Seattle in the first half with eight sacks given up, the offensive line will have something to prove. The entire unit does. And with a so-so Saints defense coming to town, now would be a good time to start.
The Packers defense has been playing better than expected during the first three games of the season. They should be able to get a pass rush today on Drew Brees. But, as everyone knows, Brees can make a defense pay if given the chance. The Saints will get their points. In fact, it seems as if the oddsmakers think this will be a high-scoring game: the over-under is set at 53-1/2 points, the highest of any game this weekend.
I think -- OK, hope, actually -- the Packers may finally start clicking on offense, and I anticipate the defense to continue to develop and improve. Either the entire team will come out with a chip on its shoulder after having the Seattle win stripped away from them or it will limp along for the rest of the season as a result. I have to believe, with McCarthy as coach and Rodgers, Matthews, Driver, Woodson and others providing veteran leadership, that it will be the former rather than the latter.
I'm calling it 31-24 Packers over the Saints.
Go Pack Go!!!
Thank you, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, for finally seeing the light. That light would be the oncoming train -- as in wreck -- brought about by you and the team owners' greed in negotiating with the refs. You sacrificed the integrity of the game and the won-loss record of the Packers on the altar of "more money for us, less for you." (OK, OK, enough venting...for now...)
Back to today's game...The Packers are 1-2 while the Saints are 0-3. Both teams desperately need the win, although as radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, pointed out this week during a radio interview, the Packers did win the Seattle game, they were just not awarded the victory. Favored by 7-1/2 points today, the Packers have yet to get their high-powered offense into gear. By the end of the first quarter of the 2012 season, it's about time things get cooking, don't you think? After being embarrassed in Seattle in the first half with eight sacks given up, the offensive line will have something to prove. The entire unit does. And with a so-so Saints defense coming to town, now would be a good time to start.
The Packers defense has been playing better than expected during the first three games of the season. They should be able to get a pass rush today on Drew Brees. But, as everyone knows, Brees can make a defense pay if given the chance. The Saints will get their points. In fact, it seems as if the oddsmakers think this will be a high-scoring game: the over-under is set at 53-1/2 points, the highest of any game this weekend.
I think -- OK, hope, actually -- the Packers may finally start clicking on offense, and I anticipate the defense to continue to develop and improve. Either the entire team will come out with a chip on its shoulder after having the Seattle win stripped away from them or it will limp along for the rest of the season as a result. I have to believe, with McCarthy as coach and Rodgers, Matthews, Driver, Woodson and others providing veteran leadership, that it will be the former rather than the latter.
I'm calling it 31-24 Packers over the Saints.
Go Pack Go!!!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
NFL costs Packers a game: Refageddon!
The outrage over the debacle at the end of the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks game continued through the night and is still going strong today. Not just among Packer fans, but nationwide. Just check out some of these choice Tweets and comments.
Bottom line is that the replacement referees hired by the NFL in its dispute with the regular refs blew the final and biggest call of the game, costing the Packers the game. There were certainly bad calls against both teams, although some of the biggest -- and the biggest of all -- went against the Packers.
What is being referred to as the worst call in NFL history -- Refageddon! -- should lead to an end to the lockout. But it won't. Despite calls from former players and coaches, sportswriters and fans to preserve the integrity of the game, integrity apparently stops at the bank. And the fact is that no matter how bad the referees are, and how their calls are already affecting standings, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners know that like lemmings football fans will still show up to games and still turn on their TV sets. Heck, that's exactly what happened in the early 1980s when replacement players were on the field. Like drug addicts who will still use a product cut with garbage, we'll still watch games refereed by garbage. Now, this is not a slam of the refs as individuals. They just are not qualified to referee at this level and are being asked to do something they are not capable of doing. That's on the league and on the owners and the commissioner.
So, it's time to send your Tweets to @nflcommish and say enough is enough. It's time, football fans -- not just Packer fans -- to pick up the phone and call the NFL Commissioner's office. The number is 1-212-450-2027. Call. Now.
We have to be realistic though: the bad call will not be overturned. Instead, the league will issue a written statement later today with an explanation. It should be a good work of fiction, hanging onto the "simultaneous possession" line even though every angle of replay clearly shows there was no such thing at any point in the play. Ask a 4-year-old child to watch the replay and say who has the ball; he or she would know who had it and who didn't. Unfortunately, the game was not called by 4-year-olds. They would have gotten it right.
It's sickening as a Packer fan to have a game stolen like it was last night. Regardless of whether you are a Packer fan, a fan of another team, or just someone who enjoys sports in general, you know the Packers won the game...and it was taken away by incompetent officials. And the NFL itself through its greed.
Bottom line is that the replacement referees hired by the NFL in its dispute with the regular refs blew the final and biggest call of the game, costing the Packers the game. There were certainly bad calls against both teams, although some of the biggest -- and the biggest of all -- went against the Packers.
What is being referred to as the worst call in NFL history -- Refageddon! -- should lead to an end to the lockout. But it won't. Despite calls from former players and coaches, sportswriters and fans to preserve the integrity of the game, integrity apparently stops at the bank. And the fact is that no matter how bad the referees are, and how their calls are already affecting standings, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners know that like lemmings football fans will still show up to games and still turn on their TV sets. Heck, that's exactly what happened in the early 1980s when replacement players were on the field. Like drug addicts who will still use a product cut with garbage, we'll still watch games refereed by garbage. Now, this is not a slam of the refs as individuals. They just are not qualified to referee at this level and are being asked to do something they are not capable of doing. That's on the league and on the owners and the commissioner.
So, it's time to send your Tweets to @nflcommish and say enough is enough. It's time, football fans -- not just Packer fans -- to pick up the phone and call the NFL Commissioner's office. The number is 1-212-450-2027. Call. Now.
We have to be realistic though: the bad call will not be overturned. Instead, the league will issue a written statement later today with an explanation. It should be a good work of fiction, hanging onto the "simultaneous possession" line even though every angle of replay clearly shows there was no such thing at any point in the play. Ask a 4-year-old child to watch the replay and say who has the ball; he or she would know who had it and who didn't. Unfortunately, the game was not called by 4-year-olds. They would have gotten it right.
It's sickening as a Packer fan to have a game stolen like it was last night. Regardless of whether you are a Packer fan, a fan of another team, or just someone who enjoys sports in general, you know the Packers won the game...and it was taken away by incompetent officials. And the NFL itself through its greed.
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.
Packers vs. Seahawks Week 3 Preview
We're just a little more than two hours away from kickoff in Seattle for the Green Bay Packers vs. the Seahawks. Monday Night Football!
There's an interesting stat which hit the Twittersphere today: Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers is winless on the road on Monday nights: 0-4. Yikes! He's 3-0 in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field on Monday nights. Hmmm. So, what can we look at in order to figure out a possible outcome tonight?
First of all, after two weeks of replacement NFL referees, we can count on the not-ready-for-primetime-refs to throw off the Packers' offensive rhythm. The Pack likes to get to the line with no huddle and catch the defense with incorrect personnel for certain plays. The refs will be certain to mess that up as they try to figure out where to place the ball, or where to find Waldo. That's one that eliminates the Packers advantage in that category. The overall offensive advantage, however, goes to the Pack given the aerial weapons which they'll bring to bear. Plus, if they can get RB Cedric Benson enough carries and get enough push from the offensive line it can really open things up for the offense. This will be a big challenge on both fronts, though, as the Seattle defense is tough against the run through the first two games.
Secondly, there's the infamous Seattle 12th Man syndrome which makes the venue one of the loudest in the league. Again, advantage Seattle.
Third, instead of starting veteran QB and former Packers backup Matt Flynn, Seattle has gone with rookie and former Wisconsin (Go Badgers!) QB Russell Wilson. Seattle has the last-ranked passing offense in the NFL through the first two weeks. Still, Wilson has a strong arm, is smart, and can run or throw outside the pocket. He's the type of quarterback that in the past has given the Packers' defense fits. Keeping him in the pocket will be to the Packers advantage. Whether or not they can do so remains to be seen. Which defense will show up tonight for the Pack is the question: the one that looked like a sieve against the 49ers or the one that smacked Da Bearz around? Keep in mind also that the 'hawks have a powerful running back in the form of Marshawn Lynch who can take over a game if you let him; the Packers have to hold him in check or it could be a long and disappointing night.
I realize that I could and probably should be giving a lot more stats about this and that. But you can really find that info just about anywhere, right?
So let's just cut right to the chase, shall we? This is a game which the Packers should win even if they haven't totally gotten into the groove on offense yet or found their identity on defense...although Clay Matthews is certainly doing his part to help on that front! The Pack is favored by 3 or 3-1/2 points depending upon who are listening to, with the over-under pegged at 45-1/2 points.
I think the Packers will beat the spread and I'd take the under if I was a betting man...which I am not, by the way.
I'm calling it 23-17 Packers.
Go Pack Go!!!
There's an interesting stat which hit the Twittersphere today: Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers is winless on the road on Monday nights: 0-4. Yikes! He's 3-0 in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field on Monday nights. Hmmm. So, what can we look at in order to figure out a possible outcome tonight?
First of all, after two weeks of replacement NFL referees, we can count on the not-ready-for-primetime-refs to throw off the Packers' offensive rhythm. The Pack likes to get to the line with no huddle and catch the defense with incorrect personnel for certain plays. The refs will be certain to mess that up as they try to figure out where to place the ball, or where to find Waldo. That's one that eliminates the Packers advantage in that category. The overall offensive advantage, however, goes to the Pack given the aerial weapons which they'll bring to bear. Plus, if they can get RB Cedric Benson enough carries and get enough push from the offensive line it can really open things up for the offense. This will be a big challenge on both fronts, though, as the Seattle defense is tough against the run through the first two games.
Secondly, there's the infamous Seattle 12th Man syndrome which makes the venue one of the loudest in the league. Again, advantage Seattle.
Third, instead of starting veteran QB and former Packers backup Matt Flynn, Seattle has gone with rookie and former Wisconsin (Go Badgers!) QB Russell Wilson. Seattle has the last-ranked passing offense in the NFL through the first two weeks. Still, Wilson has a strong arm, is smart, and can run or throw outside the pocket. He's the type of quarterback that in the past has given the Packers' defense fits. Keeping him in the pocket will be to the Packers advantage. Whether or not they can do so remains to be seen. Which defense will show up tonight for the Pack is the question: the one that looked like a sieve against the 49ers or the one that smacked Da Bearz around? Keep in mind also that the 'hawks have a powerful running back in the form of Marshawn Lynch who can take over a game if you let him; the Packers have to hold him in check or it could be a long and disappointing night.
I realize that I could and probably should be giving a lot more stats about this and that. But you can really find that info just about anywhere, right?
So let's just cut right to the chase, shall we? This is a game which the Packers should win even if they haven't totally gotten into the groove on offense yet or found their identity on defense...although Clay Matthews is certainly doing his part to help on that front! The Pack is favored by 3 or 3-1/2 points depending upon who are listening to, with the over-under pegged at 45-1/2 points.
I think the Packers will beat the spread and I'd take the under if I was a betting man...which I am not, by the way.
I'm calling it 23-17 Packers.
Go Pack Go!!!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Packers beat down Bears 23-10
Thursday night, on the hallowed ground of Lambeau Field, the 2012 Green Bay Packers rebounded from their Game One loss to the 49ers and throttled the Chicago Bears, 23-10. It was a hard-fought game on both sides of the ball, but the Packers dominated, particularly on defense. That's putting it mildly.
In fact, there's no better indication of the degree to which the Packers smacked Da Bearz around than can be garnered by listening to Chicago sports talk radio. As a Packer fan, there's nothing better than listening to Chicago sports pundits and fans ripping their team, and particularly QB Jay Cutler. Cutler was picked off 4 times and sacked 7 times, the first time that that has happened since Patrick Ramsey -- as a rookie -- had that kind of game in 2002 for the Redskins. Chicago's 168 total yards in offense was their worst against the Pack in 37 years. Cutler finished with a passer rating of 28.2. He was in perpetual pout mode throughout the game, often jawing at teammates in frustration, even bumping his left tackle as they want to the sidelines while chewing him out. (Yeah, Jay, that bit of leadership will sure get your teammates behind you.)
One of the keys to the game for the Packers, as was noted here yesterday in our game preview, was to get to Cutler repeatedly. They did. Cutler will be seeing Packers LB Clay Matthews, who had 4 sacks, in his nightmares for the rest of the season. The book on Cutler is when you get to him early and often he will get happy feet and start tossing the ball around. That's exactly what happened, and the result was 4 interceptions for the Packers, 2 by Tramon Williams.
The Packers defense, which was sieve-like against the Niners, played with an intensity and attitude that we can only hope to see carry over throughout the season. Pass coverage was tight, and the pass rush was effective. That typically will go a long way to helping increase the chances of a victory.
The other thing that helps increase the changes of a victory is the ability to run the ball. After only giving the ball to RB Cedric Benson 9 times on Sunday, the coaches finally decided to crank up the running game. Benson rushed 20 times for 81 yards. He also caught the ball four times for an additional 35 yards. That was huge. However, the Packers' inability to pick up a first down on third-and-one several times during the game was pathetic. Expect that to improve as the season goes along.
Another factor in last night's win, as suggested in our preview, was special teams. K Mason Crosby nailed three long field goals, including the longest by a Packers kicker at Lambeau, 54 yards. He also nailed field goals from 48 and 35 yards. He was also the decoy of sorts in one of the plays that helped break open the game: a fake field goal. Crosby lined up for a field-goal attempt of 45 yards. The holder, as always, was punter Tim Masthay. Crosby took his usual step after the snap and then veered hard left. As that was happening, TE Tom Crabtree, who was lined up on the left side in protection, moved back across the formation from left to right. From his kneeling position, Masthay flipped the ball to Crabtree, who broke around to the right side through a huge hole and scored without being touched to give the Pack a 10-0 lead. Great, gutsy call. And Tim Masthay wound up with a higher passing rating than Jay Cutler.
There's plenty of other pluses and minuses which we can go over...and maybe will later on. Or not. For now, let's just savor this great win for the Packers.
Say it with me: it's great to be a Packers fan!
In fact, there's no better indication of the degree to which the Packers smacked Da Bearz around than can be garnered by listening to Chicago sports talk radio. As a Packer fan, there's nothing better than listening to Chicago sports pundits and fans ripping their team, and particularly QB Jay Cutler. Cutler was picked off 4 times and sacked 7 times, the first time that that has happened since Patrick Ramsey -- as a rookie -- had that kind of game in 2002 for the Redskins. Chicago's 168 total yards in offense was their worst against the Pack in 37 years. Cutler finished with a passer rating of 28.2. He was in perpetual pout mode throughout the game, often jawing at teammates in frustration, even bumping his left tackle as they want to the sidelines while chewing him out. (Yeah, Jay, that bit of leadership will sure get your teammates behind you.)
One of the keys to the game for the Packers, as was noted here yesterday in our game preview, was to get to Cutler repeatedly. They did. Cutler will be seeing Packers LB Clay Matthews, who had 4 sacks, in his nightmares for the rest of the season. The book on Cutler is when you get to him early and often he will get happy feet and start tossing the ball around. That's exactly what happened, and the result was 4 interceptions for the Packers, 2 by Tramon Williams.
The Packers defense, which was sieve-like against the Niners, played with an intensity and attitude that we can only hope to see carry over throughout the season. Pass coverage was tight, and the pass rush was effective. That typically will go a long way to helping increase the chances of a victory.
The other thing that helps increase the changes of a victory is the ability to run the ball. After only giving the ball to RB Cedric Benson 9 times on Sunday, the coaches finally decided to crank up the running game. Benson rushed 20 times for 81 yards. He also caught the ball four times for an additional 35 yards. That was huge. However, the Packers' inability to pick up a first down on third-and-one several times during the game was pathetic. Expect that to improve as the season goes along.
Another factor in last night's win, as suggested in our preview, was special teams. K Mason Crosby nailed three long field goals, including the longest by a Packers kicker at Lambeau, 54 yards. He also nailed field goals from 48 and 35 yards. He was also the decoy of sorts in one of the plays that helped break open the game: a fake field goal. Crosby lined up for a field-goal attempt of 45 yards. The holder, as always, was punter Tim Masthay. Crosby took his usual step after the snap and then veered hard left. As that was happening, TE Tom Crabtree, who was lined up on the left side in protection, moved back across the formation from left to right. From his kneeling position, Masthay flipped the ball to Crabtree, who broke around to the right side through a huge hole and scored without being touched to give the Pack a 10-0 lead. Great, gutsy call. And Tim Masthay wound up with a higher passing rating than Jay Cutler.
There's plenty of other pluses and minuses which we can go over...and maybe will later on. Or not. For now, let's just savor this great win for the Packers.
Say it with me: it's great to be a Packers fan!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Packers vs. Bears: week 2 preview and prediction
As Sports Illustrated's Peter King said Wednesday on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, tonight's game at Lambeau Field versus Da Bearz is about as close to a must-win game for the Packers as a team can have in just the second week of the season.
After losing at home to the 49ers in the season opener on Sunday, the Pack didn't have much time to straighten out its flaws. Those flaws in the first game were many: no rushing game, little pass protection, an inconsistent pass rush, and pass coverage that was nearly non-existent. Oh, and did I mention poor tackling despite the supposed emphasis on that during training camp? While we're at it, toss in some questionable play calling and time management and it was not the way the Packers were expected to perform. At all. As a result, they trail each of the other teams in the division by a game. Yes, even the ViQueens (shudder!).
It's only the first game, of course. But this is where the sense of urgency that Mr. King referred to comes into play: lose this game and after just two games into the season the Pack would already be down to Da Bearz by two games. Not good.
The Packers need this game. They're at home, on a national stage. Again. There are lots of new and young players who are obviously still trying to understand what it takes to play in the NFL and for the Green Bay Packers. There's plenty of veteran leadership on the field and in the locker room, so that will not be an issue. Performance is what it's about. The offensive line needs to get some push and open some holes so that Cedric Benson can one-up his old team...you know he is looking forward to that opportunity. And along these same lines, head coach Mike McCarthy can't be so quick to bail out on the rushing game. Benson had the ball a total of nine times the entire game Sunday; that's not going to get it done. Obviously, the offense is built around Aaron Rodgers and the receivers, but you still have to have enough of a run threat to keep the defenders honest. By bottling up the run and getting a pass rush with just three or four linemen, the Niners were able to disrupt the Pack's passing game all day long.
Another potential downside for the Pack in this game is that WR Greg Jennings is not expected to play because of a groin injury. The Packers are deep at receiver, as we know. But taking your top receiver off the field in a must-win game is not what you want to have happen. Someone will have to step up. Several receivers will have to step up. And TE Jermichael Finley will need to hang on to the ball when it's tossed his way. He had some great catches against the Niners. But he also had a key drop or two that killed drives.
Now, Da Bearz' defense isn't near the caliber of the Niners. But they will be jacked up, as always, for the game against the Pack. Execution at all levels must be much higher than it was in the opener. If not, the Pack will be 0-2 to start the season.
Still, let us remind ourselves that Da Bearz QB Jay Cutler is 1-7 against the Packers. For whatever reason, the Packers seem to have had his number over the years. One might argue that the odds have got to be in Cutler's favor at some point. Let's hope not. At least not tonight. Of course, being the diplomatic person he is, Cutler also opined on Tuesday that the Packers' defensive backs had better watch out. Let's hope he and his team pay for that challenging remark.
The way to make sure Chicago has a bad night is to get to Cutler often. When that happens, he gets happy feet and starts flinging the ball all over the place. Even fans of Da Bearz admit this (c'mon, you know who you are!) Assuming that the Packers can cover receivers better than they did Sunday, that would bode well for interceptions.
Of course, the receiving corps for Chicago got a significant boost with the addition of Brandon Marshall. If the Pack takes care of Cutler, Marshall will become less of a factor; if they don't get to Cutler, we could see a reprise of Alex Smith's aerial success Sunday. The Packers also have to contain Matt Forte...no easy task...particularly after the way they let Frank Gore et al scamper about.
Game Prediction
The Packers are favored at the time of this writing by 5.5 points. I'd be happy to see that kind of margin. Many of these games, as all true Packer fans know, are slugfests. Sometimes they are decided by special teams, as this could well be. (Does the name Devin Hester ring a bell? Of course, we can now counter with Randall Cobb, can't we?) This could be a game where everything -- including wounded pride -- kicks in for the Pack. That would be great to see. The oddsmakers have the over-under at 51.5 so they seem to be counting on a shootout.
I think this will be a close one, as the Packers still have way too much to figure out. But I think they will have figured out enough. There will be more offense than defense on both sides.
I'm calling it 27-24 Packers. My good friend, Billy Da Bearz fan, agrees with the oddsmakers and says it's going to be a shootout, and calls it 38-35...for Chicago. (I'll refrain from going into his sad personal history which obviously has led to this wild-eyed hysteria on his part.)
Go Pack Go!!!
After losing at home to the 49ers in the season opener on Sunday, the Pack didn't have much time to straighten out its flaws. Those flaws in the first game were many: no rushing game, little pass protection, an inconsistent pass rush, and pass coverage that was nearly non-existent. Oh, and did I mention poor tackling despite the supposed emphasis on that during training camp? While we're at it, toss in some questionable play calling and time management and it was not the way the Packers were expected to perform. At all. As a result, they trail each of the other teams in the division by a game. Yes, even the ViQueens (shudder!).
It's only the first game, of course. But this is where the sense of urgency that Mr. King referred to comes into play: lose this game and after just two games into the season the Pack would already be down to Da Bearz by two games. Not good.
The Packers need this game. They're at home, on a national stage. Again. There are lots of new and young players who are obviously still trying to understand what it takes to play in the NFL and for the Green Bay Packers. There's plenty of veteran leadership on the field and in the locker room, so that will not be an issue. Performance is what it's about. The offensive line needs to get some push and open some holes so that Cedric Benson can one-up his old team...you know he is looking forward to that opportunity. And along these same lines, head coach Mike McCarthy can't be so quick to bail out on the rushing game. Benson had the ball a total of nine times the entire game Sunday; that's not going to get it done. Obviously, the offense is built around Aaron Rodgers and the receivers, but you still have to have enough of a run threat to keep the defenders honest. By bottling up the run and getting a pass rush with just three or four linemen, the Niners were able to disrupt the Pack's passing game all day long.
Another potential downside for the Pack in this game is that WR Greg Jennings is not expected to play because of a groin injury. The Packers are deep at receiver, as we know. But taking your top receiver off the field in a must-win game is not what you want to have happen. Someone will have to step up. Several receivers will have to step up. And TE Jermichael Finley will need to hang on to the ball when it's tossed his way. He had some great catches against the Niners. But he also had a key drop or two that killed drives.
Now, Da Bearz' defense isn't near the caliber of the Niners. But they will be jacked up, as always, for the game against the Pack. Execution at all levels must be much higher than it was in the opener. If not, the Pack will be 0-2 to start the season.
Still, let us remind ourselves that Da Bearz QB Jay Cutler is 1-7 against the Packers. For whatever reason, the Packers seem to have had his number over the years. One might argue that the odds have got to be in Cutler's favor at some point. Let's hope not. At least not tonight. Of course, being the diplomatic person he is, Cutler also opined on Tuesday that the Packers' defensive backs had better watch out. Let's hope he and his team pay for that challenging remark.
The way to make sure Chicago has a bad night is to get to Cutler often. When that happens, he gets happy feet and starts flinging the ball all over the place. Even fans of Da Bearz admit this (c'mon, you know who you are!) Assuming that the Packers can cover receivers better than they did Sunday, that would bode well for interceptions.
Of course, the receiving corps for Chicago got a significant boost with the addition of Brandon Marshall. If the Pack takes care of Cutler, Marshall will become less of a factor; if they don't get to Cutler, we could see a reprise of Alex Smith's aerial success Sunday. The Packers also have to contain Matt Forte...no easy task...particularly after the way they let Frank Gore et al scamper about.
Game Prediction
The Packers are favored at the time of this writing by 5.5 points. I'd be happy to see that kind of margin. Many of these games, as all true Packer fans know, are slugfests. Sometimes they are decided by special teams, as this could well be. (Does the name Devin Hester ring a bell? Of course, we can now counter with Randall Cobb, can't we?) This could be a game where everything -- including wounded pride -- kicks in for the Pack. That would be great to see. The oddsmakers have the over-under at 51.5 so they seem to be counting on a shootout.
I think this will be a close one, as the Packers still have way too much to figure out. But I think they will have figured out enough. There will be more offense than defense on both sides.
I'm calling it 27-24 Packers. My good friend, Billy Da Bearz fan, agrees with the oddsmakers and says it's going to be a shootout, and calls it 38-35...for Chicago. (I'll refrain from going into his sad personal history which obviously has led to this wild-eyed hysteria on his part.)
Go Pack Go!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Packers lick wounds, get ready for Da Bearz
The post-mortem of the loss by the Green Bay Packers to the San Francisco 49ers continued yesterday with local and national pundits tossing in their two-cents, of course. So why not us?
In general, the gist of the observations was that, going back to the end of last season with the losses to the Chiefs and the Giants, and now in this first game of the 2012 season, teams have discovered the "formula" to shut down the Packers. That consists of making the Packers' mediocre running game totally ineffective, getting a pass rush with no more than three or four defenders, and dropping seven or eight into coverage. Well, that does seem to shut down the offense; one has to agree given these example games. But what about the defense? The Packers were the worst defense in the league last season and they didn't really do much in the opener to change that opinion. Yes, they registered a couple sacks and it appears Clay Matthews may once again find ways to the quarterback now that offensive lines can't only concentrate on him. Still, Alex Smith had far too much time overall to find usually wide open receivers. And the Niners' running game made the Packers look like a sieve. As I Tweeted (@PackFansUnited) during the game, all that emphasis during training camp on tackling really paid off...NOT!
Bottom line to the above: without any threat of a Packers' running game, with the ability to put pressure on with only three or four pass rushers, the lack of ability by the Packers' defenders to stop the run, cover receivers tightly and get a consistent pass rush of their own, it's going to be a long season.
For the best blow-by-blow review, though, of how the Pack got smacked check out the scorecard of the uber-Pack-guru and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sportswriter, Bob McGinn.
A couple points to calm our nerves. One was made by Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Green Bay Packers. He stated on Monday during a radio review of the game that without a doubt "this (49ers) defense will be the best defense the Packers face all season." Former Niners' QB Steve Young said on ESPN that as long as Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers everything will be fine. He said the 49ers and the Packers have two of the best young locker rooms in the league with lots of leadership. Young said there should be no panic at this point. But, when asked about the situation if the Packers were to lose to Da Bearz, Young said that then you might start to get a bit concerned.
As I said in my post-game comments here, the Packers suffered from bad play calling by the coaching staff, bad time management...well, the list goes on. Go back and read the prior post if you are a masochist.
Da Bearz on Thursday night
As head coach Mike McCarthy said after Sunday's loss, the team had only 96 hours to get ready for Da Bearz to come to Lambeau Field. Chicago won its home opener against the Colts. One would expect it would not be such an easy road to victory for Da Bearz this time around.
The Packers had their pride diminished Sunday and if the players are professionals and the coaches do their jobs the team should be on fire Thursday night. They have a lot of things to get turned around in a very short period of time but perhaps that quick turnaround will allow them to put Sunday's poor performance behind them and make ready for Da Bearz.
Chicago has upgraded itself at receiver with the addition of Brandon Marshall. It has one of the better running backs in the league in Matt Forte. The quarterback, when given the time like he was on Sunday, can be very good. The defense is solid, if not totally dominating as in some years. Special teams are also very good.
This game will be a challenge for the Pack, no doubt, especially with all the question marks arising from the first game. But this is a game the Packers must win. With a loss, they'd already be two games behind Da Bearz in the division. With a trip to Seattle following this game and then back at home against the Saints, the Packers don't have the luxury of going 0-2 to start the season. I had given my season projection as 12-4, with the Packers losing one game in each quarter of the 16-game season. They'll need to right the ship and come out of these first four games with a 3-1 record to stay on pace. It won't be easy. But it will be an early sign as to what kind of team this year's Packers are.
Check back Thursday for my game prediction.
Go Pack Go!!!
In general, the gist of the observations was that, going back to the end of last season with the losses to the Chiefs and the Giants, and now in this first game of the 2012 season, teams have discovered the "formula" to shut down the Packers. That consists of making the Packers' mediocre running game totally ineffective, getting a pass rush with no more than three or four defenders, and dropping seven or eight into coverage. Well, that does seem to shut down the offense; one has to agree given these example games. But what about the defense? The Packers were the worst defense in the league last season and they didn't really do much in the opener to change that opinion. Yes, they registered a couple sacks and it appears Clay Matthews may once again find ways to the quarterback now that offensive lines can't only concentrate on him. Still, Alex Smith had far too much time overall to find usually wide open receivers. And the Niners' running game made the Packers look like a sieve. As I Tweeted (@PackFansUnited) during the game, all that emphasis during training camp on tackling really paid off...NOT!
Bottom line to the above: without any threat of a Packers' running game, with the ability to put pressure on with only three or four pass rushers, the lack of ability by the Packers' defenders to stop the run, cover receivers tightly and get a consistent pass rush of their own, it's going to be a long season.
For the best blow-by-blow review, though, of how the Pack got smacked check out the scorecard of the uber-Pack-guru and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sportswriter, Bob McGinn.
A couple points to calm our nerves. One was made by Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Green Bay Packers. He stated on Monday during a radio review of the game that without a doubt "this (49ers) defense will be the best defense the Packers face all season." Former Niners' QB Steve Young said on ESPN that as long as Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers everything will be fine. He said the 49ers and the Packers have two of the best young locker rooms in the league with lots of leadership. Young said there should be no panic at this point. But, when asked about the situation if the Packers were to lose to Da Bearz, Young said that then you might start to get a bit concerned.
As I said in my post-game comments here, the Packers suffered from bad play calling by the coaching staff, bad time management...well, the list goes on. Go back and read the prior post if you are a masochist.
Da Bearz on Thursday night
As head coach Mike McCarthy said after Sunday's loss, the team had only 96 hours to get ready for Da Bearz to come to Lambeau Field. Chicago won its home opener against the Colts. One would expect it would not be such an easy road to victory for Da Bearz this time around.
The Packers had their pride diminished Sunday and if the players are professionals and the coaches do their jobs the team should be on fire Thursday night. They have a lot of things to get turned around in a very short period of time but perhaps that quick turnaround will allow them to put Sunday's poor performance behind them and make ready for Da Bearz.
Chicago has upgraded itself at receiver with the addition of Brandon Marshall. It has one of the better running backs in the league in Matt Forte. The quarterback, when given the time like he was on Sunday, can be very good. The defense is solid, if not totally dominating as in some years. Special teams are also very good.
This game will be a challenge for the Pack, no doubt, especially with all the question marks arising from the first game. But this is a game the Packers must win. With a loss, they'd already be two games behind Da Bearz in the division. With a trip to Seattle following this game and then back at home against the Saints, the Packers don't have the luxury of going 0-2 to start the season. I had given my season projection as 12-4, with the Packers losing one game in each quarter of the 16-game season. They'll need to right the ship and come out of these first four games with a 3-1 record to stay on pace. It won't be easy. But it will be an early sign as to what kind of team this year's Packers are.
Check back Thursday for my game prediction.
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Packers drop home opener, 30-22 to 49ers
The Green Bay Packers just lost their season and home opener to the San Francisco 49ers, 30-22. A lackluster performance by both the offense and defense, poor tackling, bad time management and play calling, as well as a more physical Niners team, led to the loss.
While the loss is bad enough on its own, the fact that Da Bearz, the Lions and the ViQueens all won today means the Pack now trail each of these teams by a game. Yes, it's only the first game of the season. But it's the principal of the thing, you know? And with Chicago coming to Lambeau five short days from now, the Packers have LOTS of work to do.
There might be more post-game analysis here tomorrow. Or not. Just not sure how much there is to say about a game this poorly played by the Packers. It's only one game. But if what we saw today persists through the season...it's gonna be a long one.
Stay strong, Packer fans.
While the loss is bad enough on its own, the fact that Da Bearz, the Lions and the ViQueens all won today means the Pack now trail each of these teams by a game. Yes, it's only the first game of the season. But it's the principal of the thing, you know? And with Chicago coming to Lambeau five short days from now, the Packers have LOTS of work to do.
There might be more post-game analysis here tomorrow. Or not. Just not sure how much there is to say about a game this poorly played by the Packers. It's only one game. But if what we saw today persists through the season...it's gonna be a long one.
Stay strong, Packer fans.
Let the season begin! Packers vs. 49ers and season preview
Finally. It's finally here. Rejoice! Rejoice! The Green Bay Packers 2012 season kicks off this afternoon. Oh, happy happy joy joy!
As all good Packer fans know, the Pack plays the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field, with kickoff at roughly 3:25 CT. Today’s game is a matchup of the highest-scoring offense in the league in 2011 (Green Bay, 35.0 ppg) against the No. 2 scoring defense (San Francisco, 14.3 ppg) from last season. Something's gonna give, as the saying goes.
The Niners were one of the surprise teams last season, going 13-3, with some even going so far as to project them going to the Super Bowl this season. Those people, however, regardless of the outcome of today's game, are delusional.
A look at the Niners
Let's be honest, however. This is a good football team. It has a great defense, and that, rather than its offense, is what will take them to the promised land if they are indeed to get there this season. They have a maniac defensive tackle in Justin Smith, who will give LT Marshall Newhouse and LG T.J. Lang a handful all day long. If they don't slow him down, it could be a long day for QB Aaron Rodgers. See this article for more on Smith.
Ditto for handling the Niners' linebackers, which are arguably among the best in the NFL right now (don't just take my word for it...see this article for more). ROLB Aldon Smith starts this season after registering 14 sacks as a rookie who played fewer than half the snaps on defensive. He's a pass rusher and the Packers will have to find a way to handle him at the line, as well. The biggest challenge among the Niners' linebackers, however, will be inside/middle linebacker Patrick Willis. He's fast, can play the run like a beast and can drop into coverage, as well. A key match up today will be the Packers' tight ends on Willis. Jermichael Finley needs a big day against Willis to help keep the chains moving, whether through his receiving or helping open up running lanes or crossing routes for other Packer weapons to exploit.
The Niners' defensive backs are better moving forward than backward, which means that if Aaron Rogers is able to run his patented bootlegs with long downfield passes there are chances for real success. If the Pack's O-line can handle the two Smiths, and the Pack can run its four (and maybe five!) wide receiver sets, the 49ers will have their hands full figuring out who to cover. The Packers just have too many weapons in their receiving corp for defenders to stay with all day long; something will give, and when it does Rodgers will find the opening.
The Packers at a glance
As most everyone knows, the Packers' defense was its Achilles Heal last season. That's why there was a real emphasis in the draft on upgrading the defense. The Packers have added to their defensive line and linebacking corps, and some second-year players in the secondary are ready to make their mark. San Francisco has good receivers of their own and one of the keys to the game today will be how much pressure the Packers can put on QB Alex Smith. (What is it with all these Smiths on the 49ers? Did they get a deal on Smith jerseys???) We'd like to see the Pack shut down and shut up WR Randy Moss, who joined the Niners this off season. WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis will also present their match up issues. The Packers defense will also have to keep RB Frank Gore from running loose behind a big offensive line; its often easy for the smaller backs to hide behind the big push and before you know it they've picked up five yards. The Pack can't let them happen. This will be a great test for B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and others at the line, as well as the Pack's linebackers.
As to the Packers' offense, it's the best in the game. The quarterback is the league MVP, there are six top-notch receivers, all of whom can break a defense down, and now also a consideration in the running game for defenders in the name of Cedric Benson. If Benson can pound for several yards a carry as needed -- and hold onto the ball -- and if Alex Green and John Kuhn can pick up third down yardage on screens, it will keep the defense from loading up entirely on a pass rush or dropping into nickel coverage throughout the game.
Special teams play may also factor into this game, as it sometimes does especially early in the season where young players are getting their first exposure to the speed of NFL play. If second-year player Randall Cobb can get loose, as he did last year, he could score on a return or set the Pack up in good field position for a score. Punter Tim Masthay was rewarded with a big contract for his past performance and their should be no let down this season. Kicker Mason Crosby, however, seemed a bit inconsistent in his field goal attempts at times during the preseason and you have to hope that's not a precursor of things to come today or throughout the season.
Game Prediction
The Packers are still listed as 5-point favorites today, with the over/under set at 46.5 points, among the highest point totals for Week One.
I think this game will be closer than five points. In the first game of the season, anything can happen. This is a game that the Pack could indeed lose. Still, according to gameday notes at packers.com, "Under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have won five straight season openers (2007-11), which matches the franchise record." So you know McCarthy will have a great game plan in place and have the team ready to go. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh will likewise have his team ready to go. So, will it be the league's highest-scoring offense from last season that prevails or the league's No. 2 scoring defense that wins the day?
I give the nod to the Packers. My prediction: Packers 24 - 49ers 23. Go Pack Go!!!
Season Prediction
I know that many bloggers and prognositcators do a whole game by game preview for you. Sorry, gang...not gonna get that here today. Not enough time. And, really, do you need another such review? I didn't think so.
So my bottom line win-loss projection for the Pack is 12-4, good enough for winning the NFC North. Playoffs and Super Bowl...yes.
I tend to break down the season by quarters. In looking at the tough first four games -- Niners, Da Bearz, Seahawks and Saints -- I think it's reasonable to assume the Pack will drop one of those games, particularly with two tough games coming within five days of each other (49ers and Da Bearz). The second quarter of the season sees the Pack playing the Colts, Texans, Rams and Jaguars. The Packers should take all of those, but playing on the road against the playoff-ready Texans will be the biggest challenge; that game could result in a loss. The Cardinals, Lions, Giants and ViQueens is potentially a tough stretch in the third quarter of the season with the Lions and Giants back to back on the road. I'd expect one of those games to be a loss. In the final quarter of the season, the Packers play the Lions, Da Bearz, Titans and ViQueens. There's one potential loss among that group. That's how I get to 12-4.
Whether 12-4, 13-3 or even the unexpected 15-1 of last season, say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!
As all good Packer fans know, the Pack plays the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field, with kickoff at roughly 3:25 CT. Today’s game is a matchup of the highest-scoring offense in the league in 2011 (Green Bay, 35.0 ppg) against the No. 2 scoring defense (San Francisco, 14.3 ppg) from last season. Something's gonna give, as the saying goes.
The Niners were one of the surprise teams last season, going 13-3, with some even going so far as to project them going to the Super Bowl this season. Those people, however, regardless of the outcome of today's game, are delusional.
A look at the Niners
Let's be honest, however. This is a good football team. It has a great defense, and that, rather than its offense, is what will take them to the promised land if they are indeed to get there this season. They have a maniac defensive tackle in Justin Smith, who will give LT Marshall Newhouse and LG T.J. Lang a handful all day long. If they don't slow him down, it could be a long day for QB Aaron Rodgers. See this article for more on Smith.
Ditto for handling the Niners' linebackers, which are arguably among the best in the NFL right now (don't just take my word for it...see this article for more). ROLB Aldon Smith starts this season after registering 14 sacks as a rookie who played fewer than half the snaps on defensive. He's a pass rusher and the Packers will have to find a way to handle him at the line, as well. The biggest challenge among the Niners' linebackers, however, will be inside/middle linebacker Patrick Willis. He's fast, can play the run like a beast and can drop into coverage, as well. A key match up today will be the Packers' tight ends on Willis. Jermichael Finley needs a big day against Willis to help keep the chains moving, whether through his receiving or helping open up running lanes or crossing routes for other Packer weapons to exploit.
The Niners' defensive backs are better moving forward than backward, which means that if Aaron Rogers is able to run his patented bootlegs with long downfield passes there are chances for real success. If the Pack's O-line can handle the two Smiths, and the Pack can run its four (and maybe five!) wide receiver sets, the 49ers will have their hands full figuring out who to cover. The Packers just have too many weapons in their receiving corp for defenders to stay with all day long; something will give, and when it does Rodgers will find the opening.
The Packers at a glance
As most everyone knows, the Packers' defense was its Achilles Heal last season. That's why there was a real emphasis in the draft on upgrading the defense. The Packers have added to their defensive line and linebacking corps, and some second-year players in the secondary are ready to make their mark. San Francisco has good receivers of their own and one of the keys to the game today will be how much pressure the Packers can put on QB Alex Smith. (What is it with all these Smiths on the 49ers? Did they get a deal on Smith jerseys???) We'd like to see the Pack shut down and shut up WR Randy Moss, who joined the Niners this off season. WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis will also present their match up issues. The Packers defense will also have to keep RB Frank Gore from running loose behind a big offensive line; its often easy for the smaller backs to hide behind the big push and before you know it they've picked up five yards. The Pack can't let them happen. This will be a great test for B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and others at the line, as well as the Pack's linebackers.
As to the Packers' offense, it's the best in the game. The quarterback is the league MVP, there are six top-notch receivers, all of whom can break a defense down, and now also a consideration in the running game for defenders in the name of Cedric Benson. If Benson can pound for several yards a carry as needed -- and hold onto the ball -- and if Alex Green and John Kuhn can pick up third down yardage on screens, it will keep the defense from loading up entirely on a pass rush or dropping into nickel coverage throughout the game.
Special teams play may also factor into this game, as it sometimes does especially early in the season where young players are getting their first exposure to the speed of NFL play. If second-year player Randall Cobb can get loose, as he did last year, he could score on a return or set the Pack up in good field position for a score. Punter Tim Masthay was rewarded with a big contract for his past performance and their should be no let down this season. Kicker Mason Crosby, however, seemed a bit inconsistent in his field goal attempts at times during the preseason and you have to hope that's not a precursor of things to come today or throughout the season.
Game Prediction
The Packers are still listed as 5-point favorites today, with the over/under set at 46.5 points, among the highest point totals for Week One.
I think this game will be closer than five points. In the first game of the season, anything can happen. This is a game that the Pack could indeed lose. Still, according to gameday notes at packers.com, "Under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have won five straight season openers (2007-11), which matches the franchise record." So you know McCarthy will have a great game plan in place and have the team ready to go. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh will likewise have his team ready to go. So, will it be the league's highest-scoring offense from last season that prevails or the league's No. 2 scoring defense that wins the day?
I give the nod to the Packers. My prediction: Packers 24 - 49ers 23. Go Pack Go!!!
Season Prediction
I know that many bloggers and prognositcators do a whole game by game preview for you. Sorry, gang...not gonna get that here today. Not enough time. And, really, do you need another such review? I didn't think so.
So my bottom line win-loss projection for the Pack is 12-4, good enough for winning the NFC North. Playoffs and Super Bowl...yes.
I tend to break down the season by quarters. In looking at the tough first four games -- Niners, Da Bearz, Seahawks and Saints -- I think it's reasonable to assume the Pack will drop one of those games, particularly with two tough games coming within five days of each other (49ers and Da Bearz). The second quarter of the season sees the Pack playing the Colts, Texans, Rams and Jaguars. The Packers should take all of those, but playing on the road against the playoff-ready Texans will be the biggest challenge; that game could result in a loss. The Cardinals, Lions, Giants and ViQueens is potentially a tough stretch in the third quarter of the season with the Lions and Giants back to back on the road. I'd expect one of those games to be a loss. In the final quarter of the season, the Packers play the Lions, Da Bearz, Titans and ViQueens. There's one potential loss among that group. That's how I get to 12-4.
Whether 12-4, 13-3 or even the unexpected 15-1 of last season, say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Packers finalize practice squad; get ready for 49ers
Following the flurry of cuts and waivers to get to their 53-man roster last Friday, the Green Bay Packers finally nailed down the eight spots on their practice squad. Most of the eight have already been with the Pack, either as rookies this training camp or as practice squad players previously. The eighth and final spot, however, was filled by a two-year veteran cut from the Steelers, Chris Scott, an offensive lineman. Considering that GM Ted Thompson only kept seven offensive linemen on the active roster, adding an experienced lineman to the practice squad gives the team at least a bit of depth. A bit. The Packers also kept seventh-round pick Andrew Datko and undrafted rookie free agent G Greg Van Roten on the squad. Only one defensive player, DE Lawrence Guy, made the squad.
Anyway, here's the practice squad roster:
49ers coming to Lambeau to kick off the season
The Packers had their first practice of the regular season yesterday as they began preparation for the San Francisco 49ers coming to Lambeau Field this Sunday. A few players were held out, including B.J. Raji who sustained an ankle sprain on the first play of the final preseason game. Today is the team's regular day off before they again resume preparations tomorrow.
Currently, the Packers are slotted as 5-point favorites over the Niners, who bring a talented defense into town. San Fran had a very good season last year, but they picked up four easy wins going against the likes of Seattle and Arizona.
We'll be back nearer game day to provide both a game -- and season -- prediction.
Until then...say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!
Anyway, here's the practice squad roster:
- QB B.J. Coleman
- WR Diondre Borel
- RB Marc Tyler
- TE Brandon Bostick
- T Andrew Datko
- G/T Chris Scott
- G Greg Van Roten
- DE Lawrence Guy
49ers coming to Lambeau to kick off the season
The Packers had their first practice of the regular season yesterday as they began preparation for the San Francisco 49ers coming to Lambeau Field this Sunday. A few players were held out, including B.J. Raji who sustained an ankle sprain on the first play of the final preseason game. Today is the team's regular day off before they again resume preparations tomorrow.
Currently, the Packers are slotted as 5-point favorites over the Niners, who bring a talented defense into town. San Fran had a very good season last year, but they picked up four easy wins going against the likes of Seattle and Arizona.
We'll be back nearer game day to provide both a game -- and season -- prediction.
Until then...say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Packers make final cuts, set roster
Along with all other NFL teams, the Green Bay Packers made their final moves Friday to get to the required 53-man roster. According to packers.com, "The Green Bay Packers released 18 players and placed T Derek Sherrod on reserve/physically unable to perform and LB Vic So’oto (ankle) on injured reserve."
The cuts, per the official Packers site, are as follows:
Surprises?
The apparent surprise in the cuts, judging by media and Twitter chatter, was that of veteran defensive lineman Daniel Muir who by all accounts had a decent camp. He apparently lost the sixth spot on the line to veteran Phillip Merling.
By cutting seventh-round draft picks Datko and Coleman the surviving draft class, the Pack's top six picks, were all on defense.
An undrafted offensive lineman, G Don Barclay out of West Virginia, apparently showed just enough to make the roster. Rookie WR Jarrett Boykin flashed enough talent that he made the Packers keep six wide receivers. It will be the first time since opening day 2001 that that's been the case.
Another rookie free agent, Sean Richardson, from Vanderbilt, made it as the fourth safety.
There are other players released who, if they clear waivers, could return to the Pack as members of the practice squad.
For a look at the roster as it stands now -- and remember, there could be waiver pick ups or trades yet to come -- check here. The Packers won't be the youngest team in the league this season, but the youth movement is still in full swing in Green Bay. It has served the team well over the past few seasons and likely will do so again this year.
Go Pack Go!!!
The cuts, per the official Packers site, are as follows:
- T Shea Allard
- WR Diondre Borel
- TE Brandon Bostick
- QB B.J. Coleman
- FB Nic Cooper
- T Andrew Datko
- C/G Tommie Draheim
- C/G Sampson Genus
- WR Curenski Gilleylen
- WR Tori Gurley
- DE Lawrence Guy
- S Anthony Levine
- CB Otis Merrill
- WR Dale Moss
- DT Daniel Muir
- RB Marc Tyler
- G Greg Van Roten
- G/T Reggie Wells
Surprises?
The apparent surprise in the cuts, judging by media and Twitter chatter, was that of veteran defensive lineman Daniel Muir who by all accounts had a decent camp. He apparently lost the sixth spot on the line to veteran Phillip Merling.
By cutting seventh-round draft picks Datko and Coleman the surviving draft class, the Pack's top six picks, were all on defense.
An undrafted offensive lineman, G Don Barclay out of West Virginia, apparently showed just enough to make the roster. Rookie WR Jarrett Boykin flashed enough talent that he made the Packers keep six wide receivers. It will be the first time since opening day 2001 that that's been the case.
Another rookie free agent, Sean Richardson, from Vanderbilt, made it as the fourth safety.
There are other players released who, if they clear waivers, could return to the Pack as members of the practice squad.
For a look at the roster as it stands now -- and remember, there could be waiver pick ups or trades yet to come -- check here. The Packers won't be the youngest team in the league this season, but the youth movement is still in full swing in Green Bay. It has served the team well over the past few seasons and likely will do so again this year.
Go Pack Go!!!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Packers finish preseason in fine form; final roster being formed
The Green Bay Packers completed their 2012 preseason schedule last evening at Lambeau Field, beating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-3 and ending with a 2-2 record. It was, as any Packer fan would hope, a sign that things are coming together on offense and defense.
Now, to be honest, the number one unit on both offense and defense looked a bit spotty in their play. Didn't do much of anything spectacular one way or another. But the defense did dodge a bullet when NT B.J. Raji went down with an ankle injury on the first snap of the game. He was able to walk off the field on his own power, got heavily taped and looked happy to be on the bench for the rest of the game. No further reports which indicate that the injury is not serious. Whew!
The good news of the game came especially in the form of the performance of backup QB Graham Harrell who wound up going 13 of 15 for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns. He finished with a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Any doubts which pundits and fans may have had probably vanished last evening. Harrell finally showed in a game setting what his coaches and teammates have been saying all through camp: he's got game. As Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers beat writer extraordinaire Bob McGinn states in his game review, "Harrell was sensational. He showed arm strength, touch and timing. He took calculated chances downfield. He was in command. Most important, he led three long drives and capped them with touchdowns."
There were also very good performances by backup players, as it was primarily their game to play last night. WR Tori Gurley had a good game, as did Jarrett Boykin and Diondre Borel. It's possible all three may get cut given the numbers cruch at receiver on this squad. They'll be playing somewhere, or get stashed on a practice squad.
You know, I could say more but I'm going to point you to McGinn's assessment as it doesn't get any better than that.
Cuts Coming
Some cuts today have already been reported (if not officially announced) this morning as the Packers, and all NFL teams, get to their 53-man rosters. For the Packers, defensive back Anthony Levine and center Samspon Genus have already received their walking papers, while receiver/kick returner Shaky Smithson has reportedly received an injury settlement for his ankle injury. The team has until 8 p.m. CT today to get to their final roster.
Stay tuned. Go Pack Go!!!
Now, to be honest, the number one unit on both offense and defense looked a bit spotty in their play. Didn't do much of anything spectacular one way or another. But the defense did dodge a bullet when NT B.J. Raji went down with an ankle injury on the first snap of the game. He was able to walk off the field on his own power, got heavily taped and looked happy to be on the bench for the rest of the game. No further reports which indicate that the injury is not serious. Whew!
The good news of the game came especially in the form of the performance of backup QB Graham Harrell who wound up going 13 of 15 for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns. He finished with a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Any doubts which pundits and fans may have had probably vanished last evening. Harrell finally showed in a game setting what his coaches and teammates have been saying all through camp: he's got game. As Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers beat writer extraordinaire Bob McGinn states in his game review, "Harrell was sensational. He showed arm strength, touch and timing. He took calculated chances downfield. He was in command. Most important, he led three long drives and capped them with touchdowns."
There were also very good performances by backup players, as it was primarily their game to play last night. WR Tori Gurley had a good game, as did Jarrett Boykin and Diondre Borel. It's possible all three may get cut given the numbers cruch at receiver on this squad. They'll be playing somewhere, or get stashed on a practice squad.
You know, I could say more but I'm going to point you to McGinn's assessment as it doesn't get any better than that.
Cuts Coming
Some cuts today have already been reported (if not officially announced) this morning as the Packers, and all NFL teams, get to their 53-man rosters. For the Packers, defensive back Anthony Levine and center Samspon Genus have already received their walking papers, while receiver/kick returner Shaky Smithson has reportedly received an injury settlement for his ankle injury. The team has until 8 p.m. CT today to get to their final roster.
Stay tuned. Go Pack Go!!!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Packers beat Bengals, work out some bugs.
The Green Bay Packers won their first game of the preseason last night, defeating the Bengals 27-13 in Cincinnati. The win kept the Pack from going 0-3 in the preseason for the first time since 1993. Interesting little piece of trivia there. But more importantly, we finally got to see the first team offense and defense get into a bit more sync than we've seen in the prior two games.
Having said that, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was scrambling much more than he should have been, even accounting for two rushing TDs off scrambles. You don't want the league MVP on the run that much during a game. When he had a chance to remain in the pocket, especially on quick slant throws, he and his receivers looked sharp. On the other hand, some of the deeper routes and passes didn't connect the way you expect them to once the regular season kicks in.
The other big plus on offense was seeing running back Cedric Benson, late of the Bengals, rush for 38 yards in six carries. I Tweeted during the game that he seemed quick and decisive, and with plenty of power. He runs with his shoulders down and packs a load, always seeming to be falling forward. Benson may very well bring a dimension to the Packers' running game that we haven't seen in a long, long time. He will clearly be the starting running back come game #1 of the regular season. For more on what others, including several of the scouts and personnel men from other teams had to say about Benson and the Pack, check out this fine article by Milwaukee Journal Sentinal Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn.
The starting defense also seemed to perform well, holding Cinci to three-and-out in the first two series by the Bengals offense. Linebacker Erik Walden performed well. As did rookie LB Nick Perry. The latter is particularly nice to see given that he was drafted to take pressure off Clay Matthews. Perry had some great push. On an occasion or two, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers even lined up Perry and Matthews on the same side. Now that could get interesting in the right situation! Second-year linebacker Jamari Lattimore, playing late in the game, had a great pick-six interception, dropping into coverage, reading the quarterback and receiver, and jumping the pass lane at just the right time to take the ball into the endzone. You like to see that out of your backups. The defensive line also seemed to acquit itself well, although Ryan Pickett left in the first half with what was described as a calf injury. As to the secondary, it also seemed to perform well for the most part, although Sam Shields seemed to be a bit out of place or caught with bad footwork on a few passes.
The only casualty of the evening, if that term is even appropriate, was tight end Tom Crabtree who caught a great ball downfield a bit and was immediately popped by the defensive back. The back was flagged for an improper hit on a defenseless player (because Crabtree didn't have a chance to prepare himself for the hit, apparently), although replays showed that the hit was in fact perfectly legitimate. Crabtree left with what was reported to be a shoulder injury of an unspecified variety.
Backups Battle
After the departure of the starters for the second half, the backup brigades took the field. While some of these players may have earned themselves spots with their performances, others did themselves no favors in terms of making the team. One frustration for yours truly and many others was the fact that backup QB Graham Harrell received no repetitions with the first team offense. Instead, he was left with second, third, fourth and no-stringers to try to show what he can do. Hard to impress when you have a Keystone Cops type line in front of you. Head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson are both high on Harrell in their public comments. They are apparently seeing more than we are. Perhaps in the final preseason game next Thursday versus Kansas City at Lambeau Field they will give him the opportunity to at least have a few snaps with the number ones.
Cuts Coming
It's clear that the Packers are deep at many positions, and definitely have the potential, barring injuries to key personnel, of a championship run. But I don't envy McCarthy and Thompson in having to make their cuts. The team roster will go from 90 to 75 by 3 p.m. CT on Monday, Aug. 27. By 8 p.m. CT Friday evening, Aug. 31, they will need to be down to the maximum of 53 players. On Saturday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. CT, the claiming period for players let go during the final round of cuts ends. The Packers can also start establishing their eight-man practice squad at this time. If you followed all that, and know who's making the final squad and who isn't, you must be a coach.
The Packers have young and talented receivers. One of the questions that keeps coming up during discussions of cuts is whether the Packers will release Donald Driver in favor of keeping one of the up-and-comers. I'd hate to see that happen and don't think that it will given that the Pack gave Driver a $1 million-plus signing bonus earlier this summer, and Driver cut his salary besides. My guess is they will keep Donald around this season for his veteran leadership with the younger players, as well as for his occasional role in the offense. Make no mistake, he will not get the majority of plays any longer. Last night he had his first catch of the preseason, as a matter of fact. But he can still play. More importantly, he can lead. That's worth keeping around, at least for one more season.
There will be more later on all this, especially as Monday rolls around. Probably won't be reporting anything more here until then. So enjoy your weekend, everyone. And say it with me: it's great to be a Packer fan!
Having said that, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was scrambling much more than he should have been, even accounting for two rushing TDs off scrambles. You don't want the league MVP on the run that much during a game. When he had a chance to remain in the pocket, especially on quick slant throws, he and his receivers looked sharp. On the other hand, some of the deeper routes and passes didn't connect the way you expect them to once the regular season kicks in.
The other big plus on offense was seeing running back Cedric Benson, late of the Bengals, rush for 38 yards in six carries. I Tweeted during the game that he seemed quick and decisive, and with plenty of power. He runs with his shoulders down and packs a load, always seeming to be falling forward. Benson may very well bring a dimension to the Packers' running game that we haven't seen in a long, long time. He will clearly be the starting running back come game #1 of the regular season. For more on what others, including several of the scouts and personnel men from other teams had to say about Benson and the Pack, check out this fine article by Milwaukee Journal Sentinal Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn.
The starting defense also seemed to perform well, holding Cinci to three-and-out in the first two series by the Bengals offense. Linebacker Erik Walden performed well. As did rookie LB Nick Perry. The latter is particularly nice to see given that he was drafted to take pressure off Clay Matthews. Perry had some great push. On an occasion or two, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers even lined up Perry and Matthews on the same side. Now that could get interesting in the right situation! Second-year linebacker Jamari Lattimore, playing late in the game, had a great pick-six interception, dropping into coverage, reading the quarterback and receiver, and jumping the pass lane at just the right time to take the ball into the endzone. You like to see that out of your backups. The defensive line also seemed to acquit itself well, although Ryan Pickett left in the first half with what was described as a calf injury. As to the secondary, it also seemed to perform well for the most part, although Sam Shields seemed to be a bit out of place or caught with bad footwork on a few passes.
The only casualty of the evening, if that term is even appropriate, was tight end Tom Crabtree who caught a great ball downfield a bit and was immediately popped by the defensive back. The back was flagged for an improper hit on a defenseless player (because Crabtree didn't have a chance to prepare himself for the hit, apparently), although replays showed that the hit was in fact perfectly legitimate. Crabtree left with what was reported to be a shoulder injury of an unspecified variety.
Backups Battle
After the departure of the starters for the second half, the backup brigades took the field. While some of these players may have earned themselves spots with their performances, others did themselves no favors in terms of making the team. One frustration for yours truly and many others was the fact that backup QB Graham Harrell received no repetitions with the first team offense. Instead, he was left with second, third, fourth and no-stringers to try to show what he can do. Hard to impress when you have a Keystone Cops type line in front of you. Head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson are both high on Harrell in their public comments. They are apparently seeing more than we are. Perhaps in the final preseason game next Thursday versus Kansas City at Lambeau Field they will give him the opportunity to at least have a few snaps with the number ones.
Cuts Coming
It's clear that the Packers are deep at many positions, and definitely have the potential, barring injuries to key personnel, of a championship run. But I don't envy McCarthy and Thompson in having to make their cuts. The team roster will go from 90 to 75 by 3 p.m. CT on Monday, Aug. 27. By 8 p.m. CT Friday evening, Aug. 31, they will need to be down to the maximum of 53 players. On Saturday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. CT, the claiming period for players let go during the final round of cuts ends. The Packers can also start establishing their eight-man practice squad at this time. If you followed all that, and know who's making the final squad and who isn't, you must be a coach.
The Packers have young and talented receivers. One of the questions that keeps coming up during discussions of cuts is whether the Packers will release Donald Driver in favor of keeping one of the up-and-comers. I'd hate to see that happen and don't think that it will given that the Pack gave Driver a $1 million-plus signing bonus earlier this summer, and Driver cut his salary besides. My guess is they will keep Donald around this season for his veteran leadership with the younger players, as well as for his occasional role in the offense. Make no mistake, he will not get the majority of plays any longer. Last night he had his first catch of the preseason, as a matter of fact. But he can still play. More importantly, he can lead. That's worth keeping around, at least for one more season.
There will be more later on all this, especially as Monday rolls around. Probably won't be reporting anything more here until then. So enjoy your weekend, everyone. And say it with me: it's great to be a Packer fan!
Friday, August 17, 2012
It's only preseason. But it's still an ugly Packers' loss.
The score was 35-10 Browns over the Packers last night in Lambeau Field. It's just preseason, and Cleveland was using this game as its dress rehearsal while the Packers were...well, not exactly sure what they were doing as this game looked as shambolic as the first.
After the second game of the preseason, we saw some good things with the Green Bay Packers. Primarily Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers. After missing a wide open Jordy Nelson in the endzone in the first offensive series, he came back to him about two plays later in that same series and, with tight coverage, connected for a TD. The other stat of the evening for Rodgers is that he was the team's leading rusher. Now, that cannot be good. And it isn't. But it is also indicative of how the team played after Rodgers and the starters exited early on. Which is to say...oh...let's try sucky, shall we?
With only a handful or so of practices and two games remaining in the preseason, turnovers by the offense and missed tackles by the defense continue to be areas of concern. And after seemingly take a step forward in San Diego last week, backup QB Graham Harrell took two steps backward last night. Granted, he wasn't getting much help but he also wasn't making plays when he needed to. Had a bit of the deer-in-the-headlights look which we here in Wisconsin are quite familiar with...at least when applied to scampering forest creatures crossing the roads in the Fall. It is less becoming when it's the guy you may be relying upon to fill in for the league MVP if he were to become injured and unavailable for any length of time.
This latter situation has the Twittersphere abuzz with speculation that the Pack may try to pick up a veteran backup somewhere along the way. Speculation was also flying last evening that the Browns in fact might have been showcasing their former starter and now backup, Colt McCoy. McCoy did acquit himself well last night. But whether Ted Thompson would go that route or not...? On the other hand, who would have thought that he'd bring in Cedric Benson because of obvious concerns about the running game? As mentioned earlier, with Rodgers being the leading rusher on the night that concern about the running game seems well founded.
Injuries have been and continue to be a big part of the Packers' training camp story this preseason. It has affected the running back situation in particular. But it has also taken away arguably the Packers best linebacker, Desmond Bishop, perhaps for the season. To be fair, D.J. Smith has played well in replacing Bishop. The coaching staff is high on him and he always seems to be in on plays. It changes the mix, though, and how it works out over the course of the season will be a key to the Packers' success.
I could say more but if you saw the game you probably have your own take on what worked and what didn't last night...and it was mostly what didn't. If you didn't see the game, read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's report by Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn...it doesn't get any better than his writing.
Next Thursday night's game vs. the Bengals would be expected to be the Pack's dress rehearsal for the season opener, the game where the starters play into the second half to really get things in place for the regular season; the final preseason game is where those players on the bubble will have their final opportunity to make an impression. But given the team's injury situation and the fundamentals -- ball control and tackling -- which still seem to be lacking, who knows how McCarthy will approach the Bengals game.
The Packers are odds-on favorites to go to the Super Bowl and in some scenarios, win it. They have depth at many positions. But unless they can execute the fundamentals, and have a backup QB they can rely on to perform at a consistent level, those odds may drop. Too early to hit the panic button. As they say, it's not how you start but how you finish that matters in terms of getting into and making a run through the playoffs. That's a long way away. From where they are now, it's a very, very long way away.
After the second game of the preseason, we saw some good things with the Green Bay Packers. Primarily Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers. After missing a wide open Jordy Nelson in the endzone in the first offensive series, he came back to him about two plays later in that same series and, with tight coverage, connected for a TD. The other stat of the evening for Rodgers is that he was the team's leading rusher. Now, that cannot be good. And it isn't. But it is also indicative of how the team played after Rodgers and the starters exited early on. Which is to say...oh...let's try sucky, shall we?
With only a handful or so of practices and two games remaining in the preseason, turnovers by the offense and missed tackles by the defense continue to be areas of concern. And after seemingly take a step forward in San Diego last week, backup QB Graham Harrell took two steps backward last night. Granted, he wasn't getting much help but he also wasn't making plays when he needed to. Had a bit of the deer-in-the-headlights look which we here in Wisconsin are quite familiar with...at least when applied to scampering forest creatures crossing the roads in the Fall. It is less becoming when it's the guy you may be relying upon to fill in for the league MVP if he were to become injured and unavailable for any length of time.
This latter situation has the Twittersphere abuzz with speculation that the Pack may try to pick up a veteran backup somewhere along the way. Speculation was also flying last evening that the Browns in fact might have been showcasing their former starter and now backup, Colt McCoy. McCoy did acquit himself well last night. But whether Ted Thompson would go that route or not...? On the other hand, who would have thought that he'd bring in Cedric Benson because of obvious concerns about the running game? As mentioned earlier, with Rodgers being the leading rusher on the night that concern about the running game seems well founded.
Injuries have been and continue to be a big part of the Packers' training camp story this preseason. It has affected the running back situation in particular. But it has also taken away arguably the Packers best linebacker, Desmond Bishop, perhaps for the season. To be fair, D.J. Smith has played well in replacing Bishop. The coaching staff is high on him and he always seems to be in on plays. It changes the mix, though, and how it works out over the course of the season will be a key to the Packers' success.
I could say more but if you saw the game you probably have your own take on what worked and what didn't last night...and it was mostly what didn't. If you didn't see the game, read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's report by Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn...it doesn't get any better than his writing.
Next Thursday night's game vs. the Bengals would be expected to be the Pack's dress rehearsal for the season opener, the game where the starters play into the second half to really get things in place for the regular season; the final preseason game is where those players on the bubble will have their final opportunity to make an impression. But given the team's injury situation and the fundamentals -- ball control and tackling -- which still seem to be lacking, who knows how McCarthy will approach the Bengals game.
The Packers are odds-on favorites to go to the Super Bowl and in some scenarios, win it. They have depth at many positions. But unless they can execute the fundamentals, and have a backup QB they can rely on to perform at a consistent level, those odds may drop. Too early to hit the panic button. As they say, it's not how you start but how you finish that matters in terms of getting into and making a run through the playoffs. That's a long way away. From where they are now, it's a very, very long way away.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
From 90 to 53: how the Packers might get there
I wish, Packer fans, that I had the insights that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers beat writer par excellence, Bob McGinn, brings to the table. I wish I had his job. Heck, I just wish I got paid to write about the Packers, period. But alas...such is not the case.
Still, we can be thankful that McGinn shares his rich expertise with us. Today, he serves up an early "what if" type scenario in terms of the final 53-man roster with which the Pack may go into the 2012 regular season. Across each of the team areas, he indicates the players who he feels are locks at their positions (25), good bets (10 or more), on the fence (31) and long shots (24). To be honest, I don't even recognize yet some of these names and a good many will be long gone before we even had a chance to know they were there.
As for my take on McGinn's choices amongst each category, a few surprises for me on his "On the fence" list:
See what you think of McGinn's take on things. He's one of the best football writers in the country. His overview of the Packers' potential roster is worth a read. You can do so here.
Still, we can be thankful that McGinn shares his rich expertise with us. Today, he serves up an early "what if" type scenario in terms of the final 53-man roster with which the Pack may go into the 2012 regular season. Across each of the team areas, he indicates the players who he feels are locks at their positions (25), good bets (10 or more), on the fence (31) and long shots (24). To be honest, I don't even recognize yet some of these names and a good many will be long gone before we even had a chance to know they were there.
As for my take on McGinn's choices amongst each category, a few surprises for me on his "On the fence" list:
- WR Donald Driver
- TE Tom Crabtree
- T Derek Sherrod
- OLB-ILB Brad Jones
- CB Davon House
- CB Sam Shields
- DE C.J. Wilson
- DE Jarius Wynn
See what you think of McGinn's take on things. He's one of the best football writers in the country. His overview of the Packers' potential roster is worth a read. You can do so here.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Packers injuries create concerns and opportunities; sign Benson
If the 2012 preseason is beginning to make fans think of a couple years ago when the Packers were a walking MASH unit, there's good reason. There are currently something like 18 players who are being held out of practice because of various injuries. That obviously creates opportunities for those players who are the next guys in, as they say. But it also creates concerns for coaches and fans alike.
Desmond Bishop...out for season?
LB Desmond Bishop may very well be lost for the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the first preseason game at San Diego. He'll be undergoing surgery for the repair and then only time will tell if he is able to make it back this season. If it looks as if it will take most of the season before he's able to even begin rehab, we can expect the Packers to put Bishop on the injured reserve list to open up a roster spot. Given the lack of depth apparent on the offensive line, also due to injuries, that open roster spot might be used for an O-lineman who can play tackle and guard.
With Bishop sidelined, second-year player D.J. Smith will be getting much more playing time. The coaches like his instincts, although he is a bit undersized for the position. Still, if he makes plays he will get playing time. Check out this article by Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as to how coaches and players -- including Bishop himself -- view Smith's playing ability.
Davon House...out for a few weeks
One of the players the Packers were excited about last year, who was lost to injury, is defensive back, Davon House. Unfortunately, House -- like Bishop -- sustained an injury in the first preseason game. House injured his shoulder. It was first thought it might be a dislocation but the team is now saying it's a sprain. House is wearing a sling and will miss at least two to three weeks of practice; whether he's ready for the start of the regular season or not remains to be seen. Others will have to step in and take advantage of their opportunities.
Big problems on O-line
The unavailability of left tackles Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod left the Pack starting journeyman lineman, Herb Taylor, for the Chargers game. The result was that QB Aaron Rodgers was under pressure the entire time he played, as Taylor was being outplayed by a rookie defender. The Packers have to be concerned about the lack of depth and quality, especially at left tackle right now. Newhouse was back at practice today and for that, we assume, Rodgers gave thanks to the Almighty.
Pack adds Cedric Benson to backfield
After a few days speculation, the Packers signed veteran running back Cedric Benson to help bolster an inexperienced and punchless -- so far -- running attack. Nominal starter, James Starks, had a horrible game in San Diego, dropping the ball whether it was passed or handed off to him. This apparently continues a type of play that coaches have seen to date in training camp. Alex Green wasn't able to show much, and Brandon Saine was held out of the game. Ryan Grant was still available but an analysis of stats apparently indicated that Benson had more pop left than does similarly-aged Grant. In a radio interview with Larry McCarren today, head coach Mike McCarthy said he thought Benson would be a good fit. Hope he's right. We won't have a chance to see Benson in action until the third preseason game because of CBA rules regarding "padded practices" ... or something. Go figure. The way it's gone for the Pack this training camp he'll probably get hurt before he gets in a game.
Desmond Bishop...out for season?
LB Desmond Bishop may very well be lost for the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the first preseason game at San Diego. He'll be undergoing surgery for the repair and then only time will tell if he is able to make it back this season. If it looks as if it will take most of the season before he's able to even begin rehab, we can expect the Packers to put Bishop on the injured reserve list to open up a roster spot. Given the lack of depth apparent on the offensive line, also due to injuries, that open roster spot might be used for an O-lineman who can play tackle and guard.
With Bishop sidelined, second-year player D.J. Smith will be getting much more playing time. The coaches like his instincts, although he is a bit undersized for the position. Still, if he makes plays he will get playing time. Check out this article by Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as to how coaches and players -- including Bishop himself -- view Smith's playing ability.
Davon House...out for a few weeks
One of the players the Packers were excited about last year, who was lost to injury, is defensive back, Davon House. Unfortunately, House -- like Bishop -- sustained an injury in the first preseason game. House injured his shoulder. It was first thought it might be a dislocation but the team is now saying it's a sprain. House is wearing a sling and will miss at least two to three weeks of practice; whether he's ready for the start of the regular season or not remains to be seen. Others will have to step in and take advantage of their opportunities.
Big problems on O-line
The unavailability of left tackles Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod left the Pack starting journeyman lineman, Herb Taylor, for the Chargers game. The result was that QB Aaron Rodgers was under pressure the entire time he played, as Taylor was being outplayed by a rookie defender. The Packers have to be concerned about the lack of depth and quality, especially at left tackle right now. Newhouse was back at practice today and for that, we assume, Rodgers gave thanks to the Almighty.
Pack adds Cedric Benson to backfield
After a few days speculation, the Packers signed veteran running back Cedric Benson to help bolster an inexperienced and punchless -- so far -- running attack. Nominal starter, James Starks, had a horrible game in San Diego, dropping the ball whether it was passed or handed off to him. This apparently continues a type of play that coaches have seen to date in training camp. Alex Green wasn't able to show much, and Brandon Saine was held out of the game. Ryan Grant was still available but an analysis of stats apparently indicated that Benson had more pop left than does similarly-aged Grant. In a radio interview with Larry McCarren today, head coach Mike McCarthy said he thought Benson would be a good fit. Hope he's right. We won't have a chance to see Benson in action until the third preseason game because of CBA rules regarding "padded practices" ... or something. Go figure. The way it's gone for the Pack this training camp he'll probably get hurt before he gets in a game.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Packers' first preseason game an ugly one
Well, Packer fans...we've been waiting a long time for football season to roll around. The excitement was building since OTAs, mini-camp, and finally the start of summer training camp. The Twitter-sphere was abuzz yesterday with anticipation for the 2012 Pack's first preseason game (by the way, you can follow yours truly on Twitter @packfansunited). As always, San Diego was presenting its sunny charms.
Unfortunately, the game then got underway.
This nationally-televised game on ESPN showed the Packers not ready for primetime. The final score was 21-13, but it never really seemed that close. Granted, it's the first preseason game. But it looked more like a Pop Warner League game than an NFL game. Oh sure, we know that the starters aren't going to play long because coaches don't want to expose them to injury. In fact, the Packers played last night without 16 injured players, including starters Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, among a slew of others. Defensive back Charles Woodson was withheld.
Last night, it might have also done well for the coaches to save the starters from embarrassment. Turnovers, dropped balls, missed blocks, missed tackles...those can be expected from the young guys getting their first taste of the NFL. But for starters to be so sloppy? The starting offense ran three series for a total of 14 plays, generating all of two first downs and 32 yards. They turned the ball over twice and punted once. Oy.
Now, it's not time to hit the panic button. It's only the first game...it's only the first game...it doesn't count...it doesn't count. The coaching staff and starters are too good to let these errors go unaddressed. But the game also shows just how far the team has to go in the next month to get ready for the season opener at Lambeau Field against the 49ers.
A lone bright spot of sorts is that backup QB Graham Harrell seemed to acquit himself fairly well. In the second half, he was able to execute some nicely thrown passes. He could handle the team if something were to happen to Rodgers, although the drop off would of course be considerable.
Concerns and Injuries
Particularly disconcerting was the play of nominal starting running back, James Starks, who is being counted upon to step in and replace the unsigned Ryan Grant. On his first touch of the ball, a little safety valve pass from QB Aaron Rodgers, Starks simply dropped the ball. Easy pass, easy catch...nope. Just one pass, but it goes to reinforce the knock on Starks from last season that he has trouble catching the ball. The third time Rodgers handed him the ball, he fumbled, leading to the Chargers' first score of the game two plays later. Starks didn't seem to be running with aggressiveness or playing with confidence...both somewhat necessary traits to have in a starting running back.
Another area of concern is the lack of depth at certain positions along the offensive line. With starting left guard Marshall Newhouse sitting the game out because of injury, and second-year player Derek Sherrod still not cleared to play from last season's injury, the starting nod went to journeyman lineman Herb Taylor. Rodgers' interception was directly a result of Taylor getting whipped like a rented mule on a bull rush by the Chargers' rookie linebacker, Melvin Ingram. The play prior, Taylor was called for holding Ingram. Not good.
The defense had its own share of problems despite taking the ball away twice in the first quarter, including a great pick by Tramon Williams. Rookie Nick Perry got an early sack, but then was promptly penalized 15 yards for celebrating that fact. Overall, Packer fans saw much of what we saw last season: little pass rush, pass coverage breakdowns, and tackling that is more suitable for flag football than the NFL.
To add insult to injury, actually injury to injury, LB Desmond Bishop was injured in a tackling pile and had to be assisted from the field; he was reportedly seen in the locker room after the game on crutches and with a brace on his leg. Head coach Mike McCarthy said they weren't sure whether it was a leg or hamstring issue, but from watching replays of the play on which Bishop was injured the guess from here is leg and that he will be out for a while. Hopefully, that while won't turn into a lost-for-the-season type of thing. Stay tuned. The other injury was that of defensive back Davon House, who left the game after taking a hit to his shoulder. He is scheduled for X-rays today to assess the damage; best case scenario, some commentators thought, might be a dislocation. The Packers were looking for House to step up this season and make significant contributions to the secondary, so let's hope this isn't something which limits that.
So, next up in the preseason football follies is the Cleveland Browns who come to Green Bay next Thursday. Let's just hope McCarthy and his coaching staff get this team whipped into better shape than we saw last night. Still, it's probably helpful to remind ourselves that McCarthy's record in exhibition games is now 12-13, including a 2-5 record in openers. Moral to that story: at this stage of things, don't worry about it.
Unfortunately, the game then got underway.
This nationally-televised game on ESPN showed the Packers not ready for primetime. The final score was 21-13, but it never really seemed that close. Granted, it's the first preseason game. But it looked more like a Pop Warner League game than an NFL game. Oh sure, we know that the starters aren't going to play long because coaches don't want to expose them to injury. In fact, the Packers played last night without 16 injured players, including starters Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, among a slew of others. Defensive back Charles Woodson was withheld.
Last night, it might have also done well for the coaches to save the starters from embarrassment. Turnovers, dropped balls, missed blocks, missed tackles...those can be expected from the young guys getting their first taste of the NFL. But for starters to be so sloppy? The starting offense ran three series for a total of 14 plays, generating all of two first downs and 32 yards. They turned the ball over twice and punted once. Oy.
Now, it's not time to hit the panic button. It's only the first game...it's only the first game...it doesn't count...it doesn't count. The coaching staff and starters are too good to let these errors go unaddressed. But the game also shows just how far the team has to go in the next month to get ready for the season opener at Lambeau Field against the 49ers.
A lone bright spot of sorts is that backup QB Graham Harrell seemed to acquit himself fairly well. In the second half, he was able to execute some nicely thrown passes. He could handle the team if something were to happen to Rodgers, although the drop off would of course be considerable.
Concerns and Injuries
Particularly disconcerting was the play of nominal starting running back, James Starks, who is being counted upon to step in and replace the unsigned Ryan Grant. On his first touch of the ball, a little safety valve pass from QB Aaron Rodgers, Starks simply dropped the ball. Easy pass, easy catch...nope. Just one pass, but it goes to reinforce the knock on Starks from last season that he has trouble catching the ball. The third time Rodgers handed him the ball, he fumbled, leading to the Chargers' first score of the game two plays later. Starks didn't seem to be running with aggressiveness or playing with confidence...both somewhat necessary traits to have in a starting running back.
Another area of concern is the lack of depth at certain positions along the offensive line. With starting left guard Marshall Newhouse sitting the game out because of injury, and second-year player Derek Sherrod still not cleared to play from last season's injury, the starting nod went to journeyman lineman Herb Taylor. Rodgers' interception was directly a result of Taylor getting whipped like a rented mule on a bull rush by the Chargers' rookie linebacker, Melvin Ingram. The play prior, Taylor was called for holding Ingram. Not good.
The defense had its own share of problems despite taking the ball away twice in the first quarter, including a great pick by Tramon Williams. Rookie Nick Perry got an early sack, but then was promptly penalized 15 yards for celebrating that fact. Overall, Packer fans saw much of what we saw last season: little pass rush, pass coverage breakdowns, and tackling that is more suitable for flag football than the NFL.
To add insult to injury, actually injury to injury, LB Desmond Bishop was injured in a tackling pile and had to be assisted from the field; he was reportedly seen in the locker room after the game on crutches and with a brace on his leg. Head coach Mike McCarthy said they weren't sure whether it was a leg or hamstring issue, but from watching replays of the play on which Bishop was injured the guess from here is leg and that he will be out for a while. Hopefully, that while won't turn into a lost-for-the-season type of thing. Stay tuned. The other injury was that of defensive back Davon House, who left the game after taking a hit to his shoulder. He is scheduled for X-rays today to assess the damage; best case scenario, some commentators thought, might be a dislocation. The Packers were looking for House to step up this season and make significant contributions to the secondary, so let's hope this isn't something which limits that.
So, next up in the preseason football follies is the Cleveland Browns who come to Green Bay next Thursday. Let's just hope McCarthy and his coaching staff get this team whipped into better shape than we saw last night. Still, it's probably helpful to remind ourselves that McCarthy's record in exhibition games is now 12-13, including a 2-5 record in openers. Moral to that story: at this stage of things, don't worry about it.
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