"Chips Report" from Week 3 Packers Loss at Bengals
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers earns a rare "cow chip" as part of a Packers 34-30 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Our weekly "Chips Report" will always include two blue chippers (outstanding, exceptional play), two red chippers (good, though maybe not great) and two cow chips (dud performances). From the Week 3 loss against the Bengals...
Blue Chips
- Wide receiver Jordy Nelson––It's rather telling that a player earning a blue chip didn't have a hand in a single scoring play, but at least Nelson didn't make a crucial blunder. He caught eight of nine targeted passes for 93 yards, an average of 11.6 yards per reception. Several of his catches set up either Packers field goals or touchdowns. It's becoming a sure bet that Nelson makes an acrobatic catch along the sideline every game, an almost telepathic connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
- Punter Tim Masthay––Nothing against Masthay, but the Packers would rather not see the punter earning blue-chip status. But regardless, Masthay did his job and did it well. His gross punting average of 43.3 yards wasn't special, but his placement was perfect. All three of Masthay's punts were downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line, and he didn't allow a single return yard. And other when the Packers were pushed back 15 yards by penalty, his kickoffs were as expected.
Red Chips
- Safety M.D. Jennings––It was perhaps a product of being in the right place at the right time, but Jennings capitalized with a big fumble return for a 24-yard touchdown that pulled the Packers within 14-10 in the second quarter. It was one of four turnovers the Packers defense forced. The very next series, he dropped Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton for a four-yard loss on a safety blitz, one of four Packers sacks on the afternoon. Jennings seized the day.
- Defensive lineman Datone Jones––The stat sheet doesn't give him credit (as of the time of publication) for forcing a second-quarter fumble, but it was first-round draft choice Datone Jones, who hit Dalton's right arm that caused another Bengals' turnover, recovered by linebacker Brad Jones. The ensuing drive led to a Packers field goal that pulled Green Bay within 14-13. Then in the fourth quarter, he sidestepped an offensive lineman to block a fourth quarter extra point that preserved a Packers' three-point lead instead of two. Jones is starting to show some of the first-round talent the Packers saw when they drafted him, and an extra week to rest his bum ankle should only help.
Cow Chips
- Quarterback Aaron Rodgers––It was Rodgers first two-interception game since 2010. That tells you just about all you need to know. A passing line that reads 26 of 43 for 244 yards with one touchdown was merely pedestrian. Certainly, there have been worse performances by NFL quarterbacks and he wasn't helped by four sacks, but it's hard to deny that Rodgers did little to put the Packers in position to win the game. Rodgers averaged only 5.7 yards per pass and ended with a passer rating of 64.5.
- Return specialist Jeremy Ross––Ross's muff on the Packers' first kick return opportunity directly led a turnover and allowed the Bengals to jump out to 14-0 lead early in the first quarter. In 10 career games with the Packers, Ross has had a hand in mishandling three balls, each of them leading to a turnover. Because of the muff, Ross averaged only 10.5 yards per kick return on two attempts. He deserves credit for a heads-up play by fielding a ball out of bounds in the second half, but it didn't make up for the turnover. And although it wasn't his fault, Ross was clearly in over his head when asked to play running back.
Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].
Comments (135)
September 22, 2013 at 04:30 pm
The game totally changed when Clay went out. Get this team healthy and give the oline some experience and this team will be excellent. I'm optimistic for the rest of the season. We all knew the beginning was the hardest part of the schedule.
September 22, 2013 at 04:34 pm
Shouldn't have been enough time left for Cinci to come back. Then again, Franklin's fumble was a fluke.
September 22, 2013 at 06:49 pm
It wasn't a fluke, it was a POOR play by Franklin and really wan't nearly enough contact for him to fumble! Don't give him a pass for a fumble that directly led to the Packers losing.
September 22, 2013 at 07:36 pm
Franklin's fumble is not the reason why the Packers lost. Rodgers was horrible today. How many times did the Packers defense give the ball to the offense in perfect field position and all they came away with was field goals...
Franklin's fumble is not excusable, but he wasn't the reason they lost. Even if the points came of his fumble... What about Rodgers 2 interceptions and Jeremy Ross's fumble...
September 22, 2013 at 07:39 pm
I'm as big of a Rodgers fan as there is, but this was probably the worst game I've seen him play.
September 22, 2013 at 09:11 pm
Rookie mistake. Happened to Lacy too.
And it's not exactly as if Franklin's been getting many reps.
Learning experience.
September 23, 2013 at 12:21 pm
It wasn't? Huh and here I thought the Packers were leading when he fumbled and losing w/ less than 4 min left after he fumbled. Guess I was dreaming that part. His fumble cost the lead late in the game when we were winning and in position to get more points or at least force Cincy to drive 70 yds and earn it. Instead Franklin gifted them 7 pt, the lead and ultimately the game!
September 22, 2013 at 05:33 pm
I'm sorry but with Mike McCarthys play calling I don't think the Packers do much. His defense played well enough after that first drive. You kick the field goal and make ANDY DALTON beat you. This whole schedule is hard. I'm normally the total homer but that game, that play calling was absolutely horrible. That's two of three games McCarthys decisions have cost the Packers. Thing that sucks the most is Skip Bayless is right. Put the ball in Rodgers hands with Game on line and what happens. Two blocked passes at end of game. Unbelievable.
September 22, 2013 at 05:37 pm
That FG was no gimme for Crosby.
September 22, 2013 at 05:49 pm
A 47 yard FG is no gimme for anyone. If you miss, they have the ball on the 37 yard line. Going for it is fine; running Franklin into the line is probably not the best idea though.
September 22, 2013 at 04:32 pm
Huge cow chip for "Marty" McCarthy and his atrocious play calling and lack of adjustments. 13 points off of (4) turnovers just doesn't cut it.
September 22, 2013 at 04:36 pm
I actually thought McCarthy did an excellent job adjusting at halftime. GB's offense was 10 times better in the second half then the first. The turnovers are the only reason they lost.
September 22, 2013 at 06:53 pm
Damn straight. And his alleged poor play calling was severely limited by the lack of RB's and TE's. It seemed to me that Finley was going to figure prominently in the game. Then losing Starks and Matthews too. Gotta give McCarthy credit for getting the offense moving in the 2nd qtr and beyond.
September 22, 2013 at 10:46 pm
yeah, like calling a rookie RB, which never played a game in the NFL, w/ a twisted ankle to run for a 4 and 1. w/ the game on the line? WTF.
And to come into the game w. 2 RB, and one never to have played a game? Great management!
September 23, 2013 at 12:24 pm
That rookie RB had 100 yds in 1/2 a game. Not a stretch to think he can gain 1/2 yd AND hold onto the damn ball is it? I certainly don't think so... Franklin gifted Cincy 7 pts, the lead late in the game and ultimately the game! Why the hell are you so willing to give him a F'in pass on that?! Have you ever heard of accountability? Guess not...
September 22, 2013 at 04:36 pm
Te Matty and Donnie show gets old - and repetitive way to often.
September 22, 2013 at 04:38 pm
I don't know, the offense certainly got better in the second half, which suggests that good adjustments were made. And we all enjoy blaming "play calling," but honestly, we don't know nothin' about nothin'. Can you point to a specific play and detail how a different play call should have been made based on the defense that was being shown?
September 22, 2013 at 04:58 pm
I will argue that there were at least 2-3 drives in the 3rd Qtr where we gained good yards on the ground and then McCarthy turned around and abandoned the run for 3-4 straight plays which led to either more hits/sacks on Rodgers and a punt or an interception. Even on the final drive, why not run from the Cincy 23 yd line with 1:40 and TWO timeouts. Running the ball would have been a much better play than that wasted fade they called to Jones
September 22, 2013 at 04:59 pm
Running game burns too much clock. lol
September 22, 2013 at 05:25 pm
Especially with a 2 or 3 score lead...
September 22, 2013 at 06:55 pm
Abandoned the run in the 2nd half? Franklin carried the ball bout 15x's and had 100 yds in the 2nd half. How the hell does that qualify as abandoning the run?!
September 23, 2013 at 06:54 am
Yes, 4th & 1, HB slam into D line keying up for that exact play. That's a play call when we have lacy, not Franklin. That play should've been a stretch to either side, or even a slant route to cobb or nelson. Other than that one I liked the play calling.
September 22, 2013 at 04:39 pm
Thank youuuuuuu!!!!!!! I thought I was the only one thinking this! His play-calling can be horrible (and I am not over exaggerating). Are the Packers the only team in the NFL that comes out in Shotgun or Empty backfield inside the 5!? What's up with those (either) flat routes or 3-5 yard out routes!? I'm fairly confident Quarless,Taylor and Finely all caught passes running the same damn route.
September 22, 2013 at 04:42 pm
Oh,let's not forget about that 4th and inches play to an eff'n 200 pound RB up the gut with no lead blocker.
September 22, 2013 at 04:44 pm
That's not a bad call, just bad execution. A 200-lb RB should be able to get a half-yard up the middle.
September 22, 2013 at 04:52 pm
With that O-Line against D-Line? Negative. That was a bad call.
September 22, 2013 at 06:57 pm
And if he calls a pass on 4th and inches you bitch about that too I bet!
September 22, 2013 at 04:48 pm
That 4th down play could have been a QB keeper. Throwing the ball down th field in the first half with no success. 13 pts off of 4 turnovers says it all.
September 22, 2013 at 04:50 pm
The fumble return for a TD was a fluke.
Normally, we punt there.
September 22, 2013 at 04:59 pm
Plus, the return for the TD was actually a positive. Gave the Pack more than enough time to come back, milk the clock and score to win with no time left. They just came up short this time.
September 22, 2013 at 05:35 pm
Two thumbs up for the huge cow chip for McCarthy
September 22, 2013 at 04:32 pm
1: How to beat the Packers: Find a player your team can't match up against. Make an illegal blow to his head.
2: Looks like Franklin can get it done after all.
3: If there was only 5:00 left when Aaron made that horrible INT, we win. Alas, there was 15:00.
4: Defense couldn't stop Cinci after Clay went out. Again, too much time left in the game.
5: Yet another hammy? Really?
6: As always, the Packers showed they could beat the team they were playing. But they didn't show up for a full 60.
7: Ross with another muff inside the 10. I guess he specializes in that.
September 22, 2013 at 04:55 pm
I think having Finley would've won the game for us. Red zone efficiency was nothing without him. He needs to be signed.
Remember how he just outjumped all the Redskins in the endzone? We need that back.
September 22, 2013 at 05:00 pm
These uncalled head shots against our star players are a cause for concern, imo.
September 22, 2013 at 04:32 pm
I think we all need a by-week away from the Packers.
September 22, 2013 at 04:35 pm
Total embarrassment out there today.
September 22, 2013 at 04:37 pm
In a game where you spot the other guys 14, a poor defensive start, key injuries, way too many mistakes and a rare bad day by the best player on your team AND on the road - and to have the ball in your hands with the chance to win with 5 minutes left - there's more to this team than meets the eye. Fix a couple pass protections and remind Rodgers that it's ok to check down underneath and the post bye games will be fun to watch.
September 22, 2013 at 04:40 pm
Yep. We have two close losses to good teams while playing sub-par football.
September 22, 2013 at 04:44 pm
True, but we've also played sub-par football 2 out of 3 weeks.
September 22, 2013 at 10:20 pm
You need to rethink. This is not sub-par football. I hate say this but it is par for this team. They are young and learning with the vets being frustrated due to injuries. I would like to have better expectations but after watching the Pack since 1960 I know better.
September 24, 2013 at 03:16 am
Moloooo,............................
September 22, 2013 at 04:48 pm
I seen so many check-down's Rodgers refused to take. I just don't understand what's the problem. Especially if you're throwing to a back that's quick/shifty like Franklin. Look at Sproles!
September 22, 2013 at 04:54 pm
Aaron doesn't like to throw short. That's nothing new.
September 22, 2013 at 04:56 pm
He threw short a ton today.
September 22, 2013 at 05:03 pm
I'm not talking about them shitty out routes. I'm talking about a RB or HB coming out of the backfield and being open for at least 4-5 yards.
September 22, 2013 at 05:38 pm
Your absolutely right. Bombs away on 3 rd and 1!!!!
September 22, 2013 at 04:39 pm
Oh yeah:
8: Franklin: 13 carries, 103 yds, 7.9 per carry, 1 TD.
9: Jordy looks like James Lofton on those sideline passes, getting his feet down in bounds. Jordy=Lofton+Barishnikov.
10: MD Jennings looked like he was taking over the game for a bit there. Him and McMillian looked much better today.
11: I think Capers' crew had a very good day today. (Until Clay left...)
12: Wes Hodke tweeted that according to Clay, taking him out was preventative and he should be back for next game.
September 22, 2013 at 04:39 pm
Maybe the Packers can find Ross a new set of hands during the bye week.
September 22, 2013 at 04:44 pm
How about a new team? Just a thought.
September 22, 2013 at 07:04 pm
I agree... I'm about done w/ Ross. Poor decisions and poor ball security means he should be on the street. I tried to tell people Cobb needs to be the returner yet. I would rather not have Cobb on returns, but we need to have him back there until we find someone who can make good decisions and not put the ball on the grass!
September 22, 2013 at 04:41 pm
Is Boykin still on this team? Ross seems to be getting playing time on offense, but I don't recall seeing Boykin in there.
September 22, 2013 at 04:43 pm
Silver lining...Franklin and Lacy in backfield,WOW.... what happened to Raji in backfield on short yardage...worked 2-3 years ago..we have no fullback and mashed potatoe mike cant think of this ..i was screaming for it in 1st quarter ,,thus the lack of points...no fin,no clay ho help
September 22, 2013 at 04:46 pm
Lacy, Franklin, AND Starks. Could be some very interesting packages designed during the bye week to take advantage of these guys.
Maybe Aaron was off today because having a running game is too shocking to him - just kind of kidding.
September 22, 2013 at 04:44 pm
no screens again once again...inexcusable
September 22, 2013 at 04:48 pm
Agreed. Plus it seemed like some dump-off passes were available that could have provided some sparks during some of the non-scoring drives.
September 22, 2013 at 04:48 pm
Especially with Franklin in for a whole half.
September 22, 2013 at 04:44 pm
Ross should be cut or atleast inactive, cuz this shit won't cut it anymore. There HAS to be someone that can just catch the ball to put back there. No need for advancing the ball at this point, just someone to fair catch it.
September 22, 2013 at 04:45 pm
Ross has to be done--he is not the guy. We don't need that dynamic of a return man, just someone who can secure it so the most prolific offense in the league can come in and do they're job. That said, they looked anything but prolific today. I really, truly, think something was wrong with Rodgers today...a ding to the head? A little double vision? He missed guys, threw into coverage and just looked off. Everyone is entitled to an off day and we have been incredibly spoiled by his play, but I just have a hunch there was something going on there we aren't aware of.
Too bad for Franklin that such a nice debut was marred by the turnover.
September 22, 2013 at 05:15 pm
Don't know if Rodgers head was cloudy, but man did he take a beating. Especially on the play near the goal line where he was pushed out at the one. There was direct helmet-to-helmet contact there. He was also in the middle of contact throughout the game, including the TD to Jones where he almost suffered a serious knee injury. Also thought he was bent over awkwardly earlier in the game. Maybe the best thing to come out of this game was Rodgers himself.
Too bad on the Franklin fumble. He had made me think he could be the nice change of pace guy I was expecting Harris to be this year. Heard was banged up by games end though.
September 22, 2013 at 04:47 pm
Let Franklin return kicks ..no brainer anymore
September 22, 2013 at 04:48 pm
Ross needs to be gone before the next game. Period.
September 22, 2013 at 04:51 pm
I was at the game....sloppy crazy game. But we did lesrn.....A. our defense can make plays and B. When Lacy is back we will have a 2 headed monster to be reckoned with! Sucks to drive 4 hrs to watch your team lose but we did find out some good things abgut this team...........go pack go. Oh and p.s. Bengals fans are a$$holes.
September 22, 2013 at 04:56 pm
Actually, I thought the Bengals themselves were sorta a$$holes. Reminded me of playing Detroit.
September 22, 2013 at 05:09 pm
They were so mouthy after the game. I mean I understand beating THE green bay packers is kind of like their superbowl but it was ridiculous.makes ya more proud to be apacker though.
September 24, 2013 at 03:19 am
Point to scoreboard. GB 13, CIN 0.
September 22, 2013 at 05:21 pm
ps totally agree about bungles fans a truly sorry lot, got jumped by a s#$% load of them in 98 after a Packers win.
September 22, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Thank you Hayward. Sucks to lose, but anyone who thinks this team sucks is mentally deficient. Franklin and Lacy killer duo has become a reality. The defense played well despite significant injuries. Maybe this year isn't the year, but this team is loaded. Lots to be excited about. My only main worry is Matthew's chronic hammy.
September 22, 2013 at 04:51 pm
Another thing on that crucial dive play was that Franklin had been injured.
Remember, he came out of the game and I guess they wrapped his ankle, then he went back in. Something to consider when calling that play, imo.
September 22, 2013 at 04:54 pm
Christ why wasn't Raji blocking in backfield with Kuhn out????????????????????????????????????
September 22, 2013 at 04:56 pm
Ask the coach.
September 22, 2013 at 06:01 pm
I had similar thoughts except with Jolly leading the way inside the 5 yard line. But oh, that takes imagination and courage.
Why can't one of the d line be in the backfield to protect rogers. O, that would send a signal we have no blockers for Rogers.
September 22, 2013 at 04:56 pm
Silver lining. Pack was 1-2 in 2010. They beat themselves today no doubt. Thank god for this early bye. Could be worse, we could be Vikings fans.
September 22, 2013 at 07:18 pm
+100000
September 22, 2013 at 04:56 pm
Never run a 205lb tailback into line without lead fullback fucking football 101
September 22, 2013 at 04:59 pm
McCarthy needs to put himself into the dog house for 3-4 days and absorb his gaffey calls
September 22, 2013 at 05:10 pm
the fumble wasn't on Franklin, it was on MM. Can somebody please tell me why when you need inches you are going to hand the ball to the smallest running back on the field. I GET IT... We had no other RB's to hand the ball too but why did MM not think about just letting Rodgers sneak a few inches?? Seriously, WHY would you hand off to a RB on a play that should be so simple for the QB to pick up.
September 22, 2013 at 05:14 pm
Ex....aclty
September 22, 2013 at 05:18 pm
Or if he was creative,didn't want to risk QB1 on a sneak (i.e. Matt Schaub) and the play was going to be run all the way thru -- put Cobb behind the center with Franklin on his side? I'm just saying.
September 22, 2013 at 05:21 pm
Or split Raji and Franklin back there to really confuse the defense and have Rodgers just sneak it anyways. I am not going to pretend I can call plays better than MM but I would bet that the QB sneak is a much higher probability play than handing off to a very small RB against a good Bengals front.
September 22, 2013 at 05:36 pm
Al good call
September 22, 2013 at 06:05 pm
I was chanting "QB sneak" before the play. Seemed a no-brainer.
September 22, 2013 at 07:14 pm
Bullshit! The fumble was ALL on Franklin. It was fucking inexcusable! He barely got hit... And if McCarthy calls a pass you armchair head coaches criticize him for not running the ball on 4th and short!
That fumble was all on Franklin and I don't care what he did the rest of the day he cost us the game. All he had to do was not fumble and Cincy would have at least had to drive the length 70 yds and earn a win. Instead they were gifted the win!
September 22, 2013 at 07:33 pm
Really? It's Franklin's fault??? Funny...
September 22, 2013 at 07:43 pm
Damn right it was! Just like Bahktiari couldn't perform a freakin cut block on the 4th down pass that allowed the pass to be knocked down! Poor play by Franklin on the fumble. It was inexcusable! And so was Bahktiaris pathetic attempt at a cut block!
September 22, 2013 at 08:22 pm
He is a rookie RB and a small one at that. A fumble is basically a given. You blame a player for fumbling as a rookie or a coach for putting him in that position in the first place. Or maybe we should blame the RB coaches that did not teach him to take care of the ball well enough?
September 23, 2013 at 12:28 pm
So a rookie RB shouldn't be expected to hold onto the ball. Hell that was his primary job ahead of even getting a 1st down! Quite giving him a pass for an inexcusable play! RB are taught from pee wee football to hold onto the ball!
September 22, 2013 at 07:41 pm
again... Franklin didn't cost them the game... Yes his fumle led to cincy's final points. But what about Cincy's other points?
Was it his fault Ross fumbled and gave them the ball at the 5? no...
Was it his fault that Rodgers threw 2 interceptions which I believe led to points? No...
You can't blame the offenses brightest spot on today's game for the loss...
September 22, 2013 at 07:48 pm
We had the lead w/ less than 4 min left when he fumbled, so whatever happened earlier wasn't costing the win was it?! Franklin barely got hit for Christ sake. One arm hitting you should NOT ever lead to a fumble on a play like that! Same w/ Bahktiari piss poor attempt at a cut block on 4th down! You guys aren't holding either Franklin or Bahktiari accountable to perform simple tasks in important situations. You keep saying its not their fault or blame play calling instead of the play who didn't execute! Quite giving a player a pass and expect them to perform simple tasks in important situations!
September 22, 2013 at 08:24 pm
Yes I blame play calling. When you put the game in the hands of a small rookie RB going up against an experienced tough bengals front, you kind of get what you ask for... a mistake. Next time give it to your All-pro and ask him to fall a couple inches forward..
September 22, 2013 at 08:43 pm
Well, this is also a big reason why I wanted them to get him into the game last week. When they were up by 30 points and didn't have to rely on him. It would have been nice to have given him some action so he could get used to the pace and speed of the game.
This was the reason why I said that he needed to get into the game. Perhaps last week he fumbles and learns from his mistake. This was the first time he has played and they had no other options...
I said that I would rather he had some experience incase Starks got injured and they had no one else but Franklin to use. What happened. Starks gets injured and all they have is Franklin.
Stroh, I'm right there with you in being upset. But I am looking at the whole game and it wasn't all on Franklin. Rodgers play was horrid today. He was missing WR's, and had one really bad throw that was intercepted.
September 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm
RC.. Were we winning prior to the fumble and losing after it late in the game? Hold Franklin accountable!
September 22, 2013 at 05:12 pm
I give a blue chip to the Packer fans at the game - there was a point in the second half where the "Go Pack Go" chant was so loud, I thought it was a home game. Way to go you guys!
September 22, 2013 at 05:32 pm
It was really loud.
September 22, 2013 at 05:34 pm
Specifics of poor play calling? Try not attacking the short outside and low hole middle until the 2nd half. McCarthy is known for forcing the ball into coverage defenses....and it costs us every time.
September 22, 2013 at 05:54 pm
I know from your other posts that you are very knowledgeable about football, but for us to sit at home and say that we know better than people who have reached the upper echelon of coaching and spent all week studying their opponent is a bit presumptuous. Do the coaches sometimes make bad play calls? I'm sure they do. But for so many of us, "bad play calling" is simply stuff that doesn't work. And when the offense is humming like last week, we praise Rodgers and Jordy and others. But when we lose we blame MM's bad play calling. MM can't win with us.
September 22, 2013 at 06:02 pm
I've said on more than a few occasions that Rodgers makes a lot of the bad play calls look good. 1 example,that TD to Finley last game. I do get what you're saying though and I'd like to change my stance. Maybe the plays aren't bad. Who decides who goes into the game? The personnel -- who makes those decisions? I'll place the blame on that person.
September 22, 2013 at 06:59 pm
Amen, brother!
Monday morning quarterbacking drives me insane.
Of course we all want to see GB roll. But blaming playcalling is horribly ignorant.
September 22, 2013 at 07:31 pm
McCarthy has bore the brunt of my criticism in wins and losses as well as praise in wins and losses. I thought the plan against the 49ers was great and I said as much. I call it like I see it and I've seen a lot. It is indisputable to say McCarthy and Rodgers are impatient against the various forms of Cover 2 they face. They want an aerial circus of deep passes when situations dictate checkdowns and more West Coast Offense short pass concepts. When is ths las time you've seen McCarthy use bunch sets or motion to get Cobb, Jennings or any other receiver for that matter, isolated on a linebackwr covering in a shallow Cover 2 zone? Extremely rare. I like McCarthy as head coach and when the plan is working but he is way too slow to adjust in game. The Bengals were content to allow the Packers to take the short stuff underneath early in the game and yet the Packers didn't take advantage of that. Getting a 1st down on 3rd and 6 is more important than a low percentage 15 yard route. McCarthy's offense leaves Rodgers no outs at times. Make no mistake....McCarthy is not a WCO disciple.....but he needs to be more often than not.
September 22, 2013 at 07:52 pm
More often than not? You may be right about some of your criticisms of MM, but there's no such thing as a perfect coach. MM has his strengths and his weaknesses, and his strengths have brought us 5 playoff appearances in 7 years, a 15-1 season, and a Super Bowl win. I'll take MM, warts and all, any day of the week.
September 22, 2013 at 08:15 pm
Yes...more often than not. Against the 49ers McCarthy moved the pocket to help out the young tackles. The screen pass to Lacy was effective. Double stick routes werd effective. There was a nice mix of short controlled passing from the start. The defense gave the offense the ball in plus territory and all I saw were deep routes on vertical stems. I like the killer instinct but that can be accomplished by taking what the defense gives you....kill em slowly and methodically. McCarthy and Rodgers lack that mentality and need to have it against teams that telegraph that intention. It will be a long year if they don't adapt.
September 22, 2013 at 10:13 pm
I'm sympathetic to your argument. I too get frustrated when it feels like every pass play is "everyone go deep." I just think that it would be difficult to have as much success as MM has had in this league while "more often than not" making "bad" play calls.
September 22, 2013 at 08:00 pm
"I like McCarthy as head coach and when the plan is working but he is way too slow to adjust in game."
Well he adjusted pretty freakin well to losing a TE that seemed to figure prominently in the game plan. He adjusted to losing his starting RB AGAIN and had us in position to win if that 4th string RB could hold onto a ball when he was barely hit. I would say he adjusted pretty well in this game actually. Rodgers had a poor day by his standards and I haven't seen anyone blame him for his poor play, just throw it on the play calling. Rodgers has multiple targets on every play so ultimately its his fault if he has a poor day. I'm pretty sure he's coached to throw to the open man and Rodgers himself says he's supposed to do exactly that. I don't like to criticize Rodgers either but its true. Today he played poorly by his standards! He's allowed on occasion and has earned a lot of accolades for his regular great play, today he wasn't. Blaming the play calling could just as easily be blaming Rodgers. The game is mostly in his hands.
September 22, 2013 at 05:58 pm
This.
To McCarthy's credit, however, he did adjust after about a half, something we haven't always seen.
September 22, 2013 at 07:16 pm
Isn't Rodgers supposed to throw to the open man? Now your saying its the HC fault that the QB threw into coverage?! You dumbass armchair HC act like you know the game better than the coaches do! STFU
September 22, 2013 at 07:54 pm
Well Stroh....throwing to the open man seems pretty obvious. But I'm not talking about that. I'm referencing play design. Get the tight copy of this game and you'll understand. The low hole was vacated the majority of the game. The Packers ran vertical stems in to the teeth of the coverage early in the game. There were no rhythm throws until late 1st half. Did you see those short option routes by Cobb? Me neither. How well did you think the Packers attacked Zimmer's SCIF players in the firezones from the field vs. boundary? If any of this is going over your head it's not suprising. Take your own advice.
September 22, 2013 at 08:04 pm
Every play design has targets at pretty much every level of the D. Its up to Rodgers to read the D and get the ball to the open man. And if the play called isn't going to work he also has the trust of the coaches to audible into a better play to attack that D.
September 22, 2013 at 08:32 pm
That is absolutely not true. Running 3 or 4 verticals does not attack all levels of a defense. Only vertical stretch concepts do that (not the same as vertical routes). The Packers do run a version of the "Levels" play made popular by Peyton Manning Colts era. However I'm talking about shallow crosses, flanker drives, slant-flat concept etc. They sere non-existant early. McCarthy just doesn't do a good job of creating mismatches by formation or motion. He relies on our guys are just better than your guys. That works against weaker teams. This game is about adjusting and adapting to present conditions whether loss of a player or new presentation of a scheme by the opponent. Rodgers gets the blame too. He had Taylor on a checkdown at the 2 and passed him up and we ended up kickinv a FG instead. Like I said earlier....Ross, McCarthy and Rodgers share this one. And yes...the 4th and 1 hand off was dumb. QB wedge. It was inches....not feet. That's on either Rodgers or McCarthy.
September 22, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Don't bother trying to explain to Stroh anything about football concepts. This past week he laid into me because I suggested on Jersey Al's site that Neal's INT last week was fortuitous and he was actually in the wrong spot. Well Stroh insisted I had no idea what I was talking about because Neal being in coverage was prima facie evidence that Neal should be in coverage. Low and behold in today's MJSentinel his position coach Kevin Greene stated Neal was supposed to be rushing on that play - not in coverage. Just as I thought. So to you Stroh - STFU.
September 22, 2013 at 05:34 pm
I'm more concerned with the blown calls by the zebras, Finley hit to the head, Rodgers hit below the knee, not to mention the wideouts being held constantly. I will agree that 4th and inches should be a QB sneak, but with the cheap shots just flying I think MM was trying to save his QB's life. Nice job by the packer fans at the game though, for a while it sounded like a home game. (I will freely confess that I wanted A-Rod to pull a longest yard bit on the zebras "oopsy it slipped").
September 22, 2013 at 05:57 pm
I looked at the schedule following the draft and guessed the pack could go 0-5 and shock people.
1. No top O line draft picks to help Rogers. Again the coaches bet on the cum: Belaga, Sherrod and Newhouse would be there. I didn't.
2. Dbacks are smallish and slowish.
3. Defensive line requires a six man rush to put on pressuer.
So far the Pack have held up, even with 55 ham string injuries. Two of our loses were to top teams and we were in both those games.
So riddle me this? Why hasn't TT brought it outside experts in physical conditioning to get a handle of the hamstring issue. How much can that costs?
Why does Mac let one guy carry the ball and not give someone else some time to learn the system. Franklin could have played last week and got valuable experience in case Starks went down. OOOOPs.
Play calling was awful again. Mac is trying to stop the pass rush from killing Rogers yet his pass plays are long yardage ones. what happened to the 5 yard dink passes over the middle to slow the pass rush?????
Not a great called game by him.
September 24, 2013 at 03:28 am
Mooooooooooooooooooooooo.............................................
September 22, 2013 at 06:03 pm
QB sneak, QB sneak. MM's not off to a good start. First the penalty acceptance in SF and now this. Run a small rookie RB playing his first game into the middle? Not smart.
September 22, 2013 at 07:01 pm
And if the qb sneak gets stuffed, "we" would still refer to that as a "good" play call?
I highly doubt it.
And god forbid 12 gets dinged on the attempt? STILL a good play call??
September 22, 2013 at 09:23 pm
Yes, QB sneak would still be the correct call even if stuffed. The only possible reason for not doing it is if MM believed EDS would get blown up, a possibly reasonable belief.
September 24, 2013 at 10:27 pm
I appreciate your candor.
September 22, 2013 at 06:04 pm
What is going on with Perry and Datone. I kept looking for Datone in the lineup and he was barely in there. Thought he was our first round savior.
Funny, is it me or are 90% of all runs going right at Perry side and yet he isn't making a lot of stops?
Our drafting has not been good. Perry, Worthy, Datone, show me something!
September 24, 2013 at 03:30 am
How'd the Vikes do?
I thought so.
STFU.
September 22, 2013 at 06:13 pm
We were down to one rookie running back and still almost won. How many teams win with at least 3 or 4 key players on the side line injured.
September 22, 2013 at 07:21 pm
How many teams is right. We had what amounts to our 4th string RB and ONLY healthy RB for the entire 2nd half! And if Franklin wouldn't have fumbled we probably win!
September 22, 2013 at 07:05 pm
Oh and how is SF's playcalling this year? And what's their record right now? I forget...
September 22, 2013 at 07:21 pm
Ding Ding Ding... Love it.
September 22, 2013 at 07:37 pm
3rd and 3 for the Bears and they convert on a 5 yard gain...a short comeback. McCarthy should be taking notes.
September 22, 2013 at 08:05 pm
Oh come on.
September 22, 2013 at 08:57 pm
You can roll your eyes all you want but Cutler, as terrible with his mechanics as he is, is taking what the Steelers are giving him and not forcing the ball to Marshall, Jeffrey, or Bennett. I still don't think he's all that great but in 3 games I can see Trestman's influence....more discipline...less gunslinger.
September 22, 2013 at 08:07 pm
I remember a play on 3rd and 3 that McCarthy threw a 5 yd out to convert. All you remember is when it doesn't work and blame the play call, not the execution or Rodgers decision to make a different throw.
September 22, 2013 at 08:19 pm
Thank you!
September 22, 2013 at 08:37 pm
I do too. In the 2nd half. Where was it in the red zone when they had ample opportunity? Rodgers played poorly as well. Please see all of my posts.
September 22, 2013 at 09:34 pm
POC, Your observations above are spot on correct. Whether it's MM refusing to call the combinations, or AR refusing to take the open shorter route, or both, we're seeing first downs and opportunities to sustain drives being left on the field.
September 22, 2013 at 07:48 pm
It's going to be one hell of a year.
September 22, 2013 at 08:49 pm
Ok so Rodgers had a rare bad day.
Both teams had their ups and downs.
GB lost a close game.
Turn the page.
September 22, 2013 at 09:04 pm
Couldn't agree more...
Packers will get healthier...
The Packers have found themselves some RB's that can actually run the ball...
I am really looking forward to the 1-2 punch of Lacy and Franklin.
The positive's of this game..
-The defense made huge plays all game.
-Franklin minus the fumble, played great. His ability to make players miss and his speed can add a whole new dimension to the offense.
-They have lost 2 games this season in which they could have won. Rodgers had his worst game in who knows how long, and they still had a chance to win. That to me speaks volumes of how good the team can be especially once they get the healthy players back...
September 22, 2013 at 09:36 pm
Yep. Sometimes a bad game is just a bad game, not the end of the world.
September 22, 2013 at 09:00 pm
In 2010 we were 2-1 not 1-2. Last year we were 1-2.
September 22, 2013 at 09:04 pm
Yes, Raji should have been in there blocking today!!! GB needs to quit playing down to the level of our opponents. Cinn. got beat by Chi. and Chi. sucks!
September 23, 2013 at 06:51 am
Teams need a few yrs of qood play from the draft picks before they hit FA due to the cap. Can Sherrod play? If so, it won't be until the 3rd or 4th year on his rookie contract. If Neal blossoms, it's his 4th year and his price will rival a FA's. Its early as to Worthy, Perry, Tretter. The injuries were unlucky, but TT knew he needed improvement at a # of positions: S, OLB, DL, C, ROT, RB, K, WR, KR/PR, (ILB?), assuming no injuries to or drop-off from vets. MM got Daniels/Jolly (please Jones, become a stud pass rusher) and maybe Neal & Shields to develop, but so far EDS, Ross, Boykin, Perry, Jennings, Quarles, Williams, Van Roten (McMillan & Barclay??) look the same to me as last yr. Burnett & Hayward will help right away. I like the rookies. GB has talent & a good shot at the playoffs, but a couple of guys need to develop to win playoff games.