Cheesehead TV Matchup Week 12
By PackerAaron
OFFENSE:
- Run Early To Counter Crowd
I whole wholeheartedly agree with my Packer-blogger bretheren over at PackerGeeks that McCarthy should run the ball early and often against the Saints on Monday night, despite the temptation to spread things out and throw it around the yard against an injured and talent-depleted secondary. There will be time for that as the game progresses. But initially, McCarthy would be wise to use Grant (and Jackson) early. The biggest impediment to the Packers running game getting going early will be crowd noise and the offensive line's ability to get off at the snap of the ball. No doubt the Packers will need to use a silent count, at least early. But slicing through the Saint defense on a time consuming drive would be a great way to deflate a crowd that will be absolutely ravenous by kickoff. They haven't had a home game in over a month due to scheduling quirks and the crowd will be at a fever pitch the first time the Packers have the ball. McCarthy should take them out of it slowly and methodically by using lots of multi-tight end sets and running over his right side with Spitz and Tauscher. The Packers should want nothing to do with Clifton vs. Will Smith in the run game.
- Shorten Splits For the Offensive Line
OK, forgive the football wonkery, but watching the Viking game again (as painful as that was) produced a very important discovery - namely that the offensive line's distance from each other, known in football parlance as "splits", was pretty wide. I can't say for sure if this is indicative of the season as a whole, but Offensive Line coach James Campen would be wise to tell his young charges to "tighten their splits" on Monday night. This will help the line get off on the snap of the ball at the same time, especially on passing downs, where early in the game they will most likely be using their peripheral vision in place of being able to hear the snap count. A lot of the problems I think they encountered in Minnesota were due to having Tauscher and Clifton using extra-wide splits, no doubt to counter Allen and Edwards' rush on the outside. The problem is any defensive end has a better view of the ball being snapped than any tackle. The offensive player is dependent on the man next to him, who is reacting off of the man next to him, etc. Allen being able to see the ball on a silent count worked to his advantage in a big way. If the Packers can tighten up Clifton against Smith, perhaps they can avoid the speed rush problems that plagued Clifton in Minnesota. It's a very small thing, but every bit helps and could be the difference between a functioning passing game early and pressure problems.
DEFENSE
- Don't Get Caught Up Trying To Stop Reggie Bush
Bush might very well play on Monday Night. It doesn't matter. This Packer defense matches up extremely well with the Saints offense. I think you'll see a minimal amount of blitzing and a lot of Nickel defense with straight-up man-to-man bump and run defense, much like we saw against the Colts back in October. Of course, Bush is a talent - you can't just forget about him. But there's no reason to slight your defense in other areas to compensate for a great, mythic halfback who doesn't exist. Even when he was healthy, Bush was doing more damage as a kick returner than he was from scrimmage. This offense has some real weapons, chief among them being quarterback Drew Brees' quick decision making and release. If the Packers play disciplined, gap control defense, they can handle Bush. If he splits out wide, Tramon Williams or Charles Woodson should be able to take him. The real trick will be for the defense not to get frustrated early. The Saints will move the ball. The key will be tightening once they get in the Red Zone. Most of Bush's touchdown's from scrimmage come on bubble screens or swing passes out of the backfield once they get into the Red Zone. Bob Sanders and his crew will need to stay disciplined and play fast, physical straight up defense, but I think they may surprise people on Monday night.
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Comments (7)
November 21, 2008 at 09:57 pm
Good analysis. One question though. I couldn't read part of the post because of the "subscribe mp3" button that's on the left of the page. Is there a way to see what was posted underneath the button? Thanks in advance. Great site. I've enjoyed it all season long.
cheese5
November 21, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I don't know why that happens --- Packone has shown me the bug- I don't get it in Firefox...- I can't recreate it. :( Sorry.
Update: I think I fixed it. Can someone who was having this problem tell me if it was fixed? Thanks for reading!
November 21, 2008 at 11:08 pm
This game does scares me a little and I will tell you why -- 80% of sports writers are calling this game for the Pack. Aside from Dallas, we have not come up against this potent of an offense. This match-up is all about our running attack and controlling the pace of the game. Aaron Rodgers has yet to win a game in the closing minutes and I honestly don't believe we'll win in a shoot-out.
November 22, 2008 at 11:30 am
It'll be a good game, but we will have no trouble scoring points.
The Saints should be worried about finding a way to score on our secondary.
November 22, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Good thoughts on the 'splits'. In that Vikings game - the play where Clifton jumped offsides and negated a long Jennings TD catch - Clifton was set very wide on that play. He clearly wasn't looking at the ball and was reacting to some movement from the defense. I hate domes. The carpets are fast for DE's and they are loud. Neither make it easy on a visiting tackle. It is especially hard on a tackle when he is struggling a bit to cover the speed rush. Running well on Monday should help alleviate that issue!
Besides the Jenning's pass that I just talked about, I cannot remember a long pass attempt in the last three games. The Bears essentially played soft with two deep safties all game but I am surprised that Rodgers hasn't aired it out a few more times. I guess maybe you take what they give you but once they establish the run I wouldn't mind taking a shot on a first down.
November 22, 2008 at 01:33 pm
The Bear game was a reflection of the old days of the West Coast Offense. The Bears were covering deep and left the underneath open. So, they took what was available. That has been a problem earlier this year, when the Packers ere forcing it down field. If executed properly, the passing game can be used for ball control. Especially, if the running game is even moderately functional. Holmgren made his fortune doing that.
November 24, 2008 at 10:25 pm
it's fixed. sorry for the delay. :)