November 22nd, 2009

Gut Reactions: Week 11

Aaron Nagler in Gut Reactions
  • What a great, great job by McCarthy establishing the run
  • But why, oh why did he abandon it?
  • McCarthy needs to be less static in the red zone. More bunch formations and motion, move the pocket, etc.
  • Why on EARTH did Capers do ANYTHING but press Davis w/Woodson?
  • That said, I liked how Capers was going after Smith until Harris went out
  • Speaking of Harris – yikes.
  • Kampman too?
  • Clay Matthews is a stud
  • Korey Hall had a ridiculous block on a sweep right
  • Jordy Nelson looked good out in space on those WR iso plays
  • Aaron Rodgers was in the zone today – but he almost ALWAYS misses Driver on those deep throws this year
  • How ’bout those Lions? Short week and that game will be no joke…

41 Responses to “Gut Reactions: Week 11”

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I lost track of how many times I said they’d get beat up this week and the Lions game would be tough. I just hope with that big emotional win, the Lions are the ones with the letdown and not the Pack.

packsmack said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm

You left out Finley. He is obviously Aaron Rodgers’ “Security Blanket” receiver.

JerseyAl said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm

Another horrible special teams gaffe. Lucky it didn’t cost us the game.

nerdmann said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm

We had a great win today, but there was some scary stuff going on. If the only replacement for Harris is Underwood, than I’m officially scared about the state of our secondary. Kudos to Mike for bringing the best running game we’ve seen in a long time, but he still made some pretty stupid calls, like that HB screen on second and long.

Aaron Rodgers had a great game today, but contrary to the opinion of the sportscasters, I think he played well because he’s a great quarterback who wants to win, and is not focused on some kind of “rivalry” with Alex Smith. Having Tauscher and Nelson back in the line up was a huge part of the offensive success today.

I’ve still got mixed feelings about the defense. If football games only lasted two quarters, than we would have the best defense in the country. The defense just can’t seem to hold it together for a whole game, and it almost cost them.

There were lots of positives other than the running game today. Grant it, there were still some stupid penalties, but there were definitely a lot less penalties than we’re used to from the Pack. Special teams also had a great day. Overall, the field position was great, and they pinned them down at the one once.

I’m looking forward to a happy Thanksgiving.

PACKERS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Harris injury is going to be massive. Worse than losing our two safeties in the beginning of the season. Only reason you can put Woodson on TEs is because the rest of the coverage can handle the WRs. Without Harris that’s certainly not true. And 3 WR 1 TE is going to be extremely scary.

NickGBP said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Correction: Nelson=Finely.

PACKERS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Really worrying how the 49ers got back in that one, considering how dominant the Pack were in the first half, but that’s what happens when DC takes his eye off Davis.
—
Agree with you, Harris being out is a serious concern. That makes Jarret Bush our #1 backup corner. Jarret Bush. Goddamn. Still, welcome to the playoff hunt, Green Bay.

Shootz said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm

I agree with JerseyAl. The 49ers defense had to pay attention to Finley which allowed the rest of the Packers receiving corps to get open.

Rodgers to Jennings was back today, too. It was nice to finally see.

Let’s hope Harris isn’t done for the year or, worse yet, for his career.

PackerMax said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Although Harris came back from a frickin RUPTURED SPLEEN. That fact is sorely underappreciated. We don’t now enough about it yet so let’s see how it shakes out.

NickGBP said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Thankfully they don’t award wins based on style…thankfully.

And please get well soon Al!

bigfog said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm

By the 4th quarter, I had a sick feeling, which not even a win could dissipate. I’m hoping our guys ge healthy soon, and that the short week doesn’t bite us in the butt.

Holly said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Stafford looked extremely banged up at the end of the game. I highly doubt he makes it on a short week.

NickGBP said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm

Bar full of niner fans…when down they were quiet, when they had that little comeback…it was louder than shit…i was the lonely cheesehead in that place…i was covered in more beer than anything…i smell like miller lite right about now…great smell, great win…GOPACK!

alfredomartinez said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm

WHY THE HELL DO CAPERS ABANDONED THE BLITZ again AND WENT WITH THE FREAKING SAME 4 MAN RUSH??? We simply cannot generate enough pressure with it, we’re terrible at it, it has been proven over and over again that this prevent 4 man rush don’t work, and he stubbornly keeps calling for it. He almost cost us the game, after the defense had been stellar in the 1st quarter.

PackersRS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm

PackersRS – you’d abandon the blitz too if you had Bush and Underwood in coverage.

Aaron Nagler said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:03 pm

Agreed, it would have been stupid to continue the blitz with such a weakened secondary, but what we should take away from this is how well the blitz worked in the beginning of the game, which is yet another reason why we desperately need Harris back.

PACKERS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm

Keep in mind the Lions have a short week too. The Lions played a close game against the Browns. That was probably the best game the Browns played all year. Just put that in perspective. None of the other teams in the wild card hunt are exactly playing lights out football.

sunflower100 said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm

The thing is that they didn’t abandon the blitz….saying they did is simply inaccurate.

NickGBP said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm

Bush has been better the last few games. Capers might be able to make a player out of him. Might be better suited to the zone as well.
Sucks to lose Harris, Pat Lee and Blackmon, though. I also like Underwood’s potential. Not sure if he’s ready, though.
Looks like Bush is gonna be the nickel and Underwood’s gonna be the Dime.
The Niners are a tough up and coming team. I don’t feel too bad about how they came back against us.
Detroit has been playing teams tough too. Should be tough on Tgiving at their house.
Al Harris is traditionally a fast healer, so if it’s not too serious, he could be back.

nerdmann said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:09 pm

They stopped using the blitz, but they had a pretty darn good reason.

PACKERS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm

http://twitter.com/tompelissero/status/5956780782

CB Al Harris needed to lean on a trainer just to limp out of the locker room. I’d be stunned if he plays again this season.

nerdmann said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm

We went out to lunch at a place that actually shows the game. When I sat down, I was like, “What the hell happened?” because we looked totally different.

That was even before Harris got hurt. I hope it’s nothing horrible. The audio wasn’t on so I couldn’t hear what happened to him.

foundinidaho said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm

No call into today from me fellas,got bad case of the flu I think..

Need to step on the throat for an entire game and not slow down like they did in 2nd half today..

Hopefully we can get Underwood some experience in this turkey game so then if needed he has 10 days until the MNF vs the Ravens..

Giants win which SUCKS, but we need to just keep winning

longtimefan said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Ok, just read unsubstantiated rumors that Stafford might be done for the year. Apparently he may have separated his non-throwing shoulder on the Hail Mary play. I feel much better if we get to dodge that kid twice.

packsmack said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 pm

You and me both longtime. Watched the game and blogging from my sickbed.

Aaron Nagler said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Jordy Nelson is quietly coming along and is a big part in the offense. Raji ankle may be slowing healing and he will only get better.

Loren Anderson said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm

Okay Aaron, I would to normally. BUT Capers have called this type of defense before (Minnesota, Tampa Bay), and it didn’t work. It didn’t work this time also. So why stick with something that’s not working?
——-
We simply can’t generate enough pass rush by rushing the same 4, and the subs cannot cover that long. It just doesn’t work.

PackersRS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:31 pm

I never actually hope that someone gets hurt in the NFL, but it would be nice not to have to play against Stafford with the secondary in this state. Against a weaker quarterback, we should at least be able to get Underwood some experience. To all those with the flu: Get well soon. Hope it’s not the swine ;)

PACKERS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm

http://twitter.com/Greg_A_Bedard

And I’m being told that despite how it appeared, Kampman’s injury is likely the worst of the two.

nerdmann said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Honestly, if I had to choose, I would rather have Harris than Kampman.

PACKERS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm

We need some more depth at Corner back if were going to make the playoffs this season. Underwood and Bush may be the answer. Even on a short week, getting in reps with the 1st team defense will help them both. and honestly, Detroit did not look good today against Cleveland. Stafford looked damn near dead and that was against Cleveland. He wont be ready for the national TV spotlight.

TampaPacker said in November 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm

I wondered a little bit about motivation in the second half. There seems to be a disturbing tendency to sit on a significant lead, rather than keep driving. I think that’s a mistake in any sport. That’s a problem of leadership. No need to rehash that.
*
I’m grateful that the O-Line looked markedly better this game. That said, I don ‘t think the Niners defense was having their best day. We’re better, but I don’t think this win is solid enough against solid enough a team that I’m willing to say that we’re good yet. But we’re better and I’m grateful.
*
I also would rather have Harris back than Kampman. PACKERS summed up the game quite accurately and I think Holly is right to feel worried. But this is still a lot better and I’m grateful.

Cuphound said in November 22nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm

The thing that impressed me in this game is the Packers last drive, the one that ran out the clock. The way things were going, it was looking like 3 and out and hope our D holds. Instead, huge pass to finley for 1 first down, then how about Q. Johnson basically pushing A Rod over the markers for another 1st down. Most impressive to keep the ball away from 49ers there

Andrew In Atlanta said in November 22nd, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Every time Mighty Quinn is on the field we have a good run. EVERY TIME! He’s a monster.
——
And what about the penalties, huh? May be early to say it, but less penalties, much more short passes, screens and runs… I think McCarthy may have gotten it!

PackersRS said in November 22nd, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Who threw the Offensive switch near the second half turning GB back into there shitty style of play…What was different? Also, Aside from the awesome Finley and Havner plays of past games, GB really seems to be confused between the 25 and goal line to get those points.

fish said in November 22nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Harris is replaced by Williams, not Underwood/Bush. Williams will be replaced by Bush (nickel). Every team is facing injuries. Six weeks and counting.

ZeroTolerence said in November 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 pm

I remember watching a Thanksgibing Day game in 1966, I think. The Packers wee undefeated and the Lions were just ok at the time. They kicked Packer butt in the first half and Star was not able to bring them all the way back in the second half. Thanksgiving games in Detriot have always been a curse to the Packers. I think their record is something like 10 and 18. (a guess – too lazy to look it up). GB will have to continue their aggressive play.

Ron LC said in November 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 pm

At least it wasn’t Wells or Clifton. Knock on wood!

nerdmann said in November 23rd, 2009 at 12:10 am

Let me just throw this out. Derrick Martin was a cornerback before being converted to safety this training camp. Maybe we’ll see him get some time there over Underwood, who isn’t ready yet? Nah…

jerseyAl said in November 23rd, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Packers were lucky to win this one…

Some Ref’ ‘Home Cookin’…and a bad spot on that last drive sealed the game.

I think if the 49ers would’ve gotten the ball one more time, they win the game.

Pack66 said in November 23rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Give me a break. Packers played well on Sunday. 49ers are a good team with a good head coach… what did you expect them to do, roll over and die? Good win for the Pack.

—–

And why is everyone freaking out over the Lions? I know they’re “better” this year, but they barely beat the Browns.

Keith said in November 23rd, 2009 at 5:21 pm

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