Cheesehead TV Matchup: Week 15
By PackerAaron
OFFENSE:
- Execute
It's pretty simple this week. If the Packers don't beat themselves, they should beat the Jaguars by at least 21 points. As I said in this weeks episode of Packer Transplants, the Packers should absolutely dominate this game, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The one player that scared me in their defensive backfield (Rashean Mathis) was put on I.R. on December 1st. Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson should find ample opportunities in the smash and slant routes that McCarthy loves, especially from the slot when Brian Witherspoon is on the field as the Nickel corner. There's no need to do much way downfield this week - simply work away from Free Safety Reggie Nelson, the one player worth anything in their secondary. Running the ball won't be easy, but it can be done, especially if they run at defensive end Reggie Heyward, where either Moll or Lee should be able to create an edge for Grant or Jackson to get around. McCarthy should have nothing to do with running in the middle against defensive tackle John Henderson, save for the occasional draw or trap play. The key will be executing from the opening snap - for whatever reason, the Packer offense has been dreadful at the opening of most games in the second half of the season, whether it's missed blocking assignments or the timing being off in the passing game. McCarthy and his offensive squad need to come out with laser-like focus and execute from the start. No need to do anything fancy either - just run the offense. No more three-and-outs to start the game.
DEFENSE:
- Play Four Linebackers In Base
If ever there was a game the Packers should add some extra beef to the front seven, this is it. Whether they take away a safety or a lineman, the Packers should go with a linebacking unit of Chillar, Hawk, Poppinga and Bishop. There's absolutely zero threat from the Jaguars anemic passing game - Harris and Williams should be able to handle whatever failed first round picks the Jaguars throw out their at receiver. The key will be stuffing Maurice-Jones Drew from the start and completely taking the crowd and the teams spirit out of the game early. Play nine in the box, stay disciplined and shut down the running game. Run blitz on every first and second down - and for the love of all that is Holy - don't blitz your secondary Bob. You just don't know how to do it...
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Comments (5)
December 12, 2008 at 05:05 pm
might the packers still have a shot at the playoffs if they win on sunday?
not really. but just for fun, i decided to look at green bay's playoff chances statistically:
http://packerwatch.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/statistical-analysis-gb-play...
December 14, 2008 at 10:31 am
There is nothing left to lose. So, if MM has any credibility left as a coach this is the game he:
1. Let's the offense go into the two minute drill with the opening kickoff.
2. Has the defense in blitz mode on every play.
3. Squib kick every kickoff so those losers on kick coverage can't screw up the game.
4. In the post game interview, tell TT to get off his stupid ass and fix the defense. Believe it or not the offense has played ok. A few additions in the line and getting away from Zone Blocking and I think the offense has a real chance in the future.
I can dream can't I?
December 14, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Interesting commentary by Ron LaCanne. Interesting in that he mirrors what a lot of diehard-cheeseheads have been saying (I think) since Game 4. And, that's to get rid of the Zone Blocking System (ZBS). No matter how you slice it, even Denver has walked away from the ZBS now, leaving behind only a hybrid. Once the Broncos figured out it was costing them Running Backs, things started to slide away from that concept. It's also interesting that the Pack would pick up a scheme that was on it's way out. This is almost like repeating history in giving Mike Sherman both hats (GM/HC) at a time when the rest of the League was walking away from that, as well. I would think that this habit is one GBP can finally break.
Although, I do disagree with the premise that our Offense has played fairly well. If the QB is always running for his life and/or getting injured, then the O-Line is simply NOT doing their J*O*B. Truth is, we're actually better (skip the stats) with Jason Spitz at Center. It's how we started out for the 1st 3 games. Then, look what happened.
I say the Pack wins Week 15 against the Jagmires... but, it could be that we see one more loss (at Soldier Field). As it is, the only bright spot, will be what Draft Pick we get in the first round.
Are the Pack an anamoly? NO - it just means we're actually more the norm across the League after having reached so high, the previous year. We just need to solidify our Scrimmage Line on both sides of the ball, in FA and the Draft, next Spring - protect the QB and we win ball games.
December 14, 2008 at 04:20 pm
Well MM, I expect your resignation on TT's desk tomorrow. And TT, have yours on Murphy's tomorrow. And Murphy have yours to the Exec. Committee tomorrow. None of you deserve to be called Green Bay Packers.
I suggest the Green and Gold be retired until there is a complete shake-up in the organization. I think Pink and a nice frilly white lace would be good for the Detroit game.
That was awful!
December 15, 2008 at 03:03 pm
Aaron, why did you think they could score a ton of points against this defense? They got out physicaled, again, by a large margin. And when they got the ball into the red zone and the field shrank, that physicality really came into play.