Gut Reactions: Week 15
By Aaron Nagler on Dec 16, 2012 with 127 Comments
- The Bears Still Suck
- Once again, Packers find a way to make things much more difficult than they have to be.
- I want to say we’ve seen the last of Mason Crosby, but I wouldn’t really believe it.
- Aaron Rodgers can drive you insane when he holds the ball, but he can also leave you speechless in wonder when he makes plays by doing so.
- Wonder if Brandon Marshall will remember Tramon Williams’ name now…
- Good games from Brad Jones, Mike Neal and Jermichael Finley.
- Speaking of Finley, they should float reports of his being cut every week.
- Too many drops early and then some absurd plays late (Grant fumble, inexplicable punt return) made this game closer than it needed to be.
- Clay Matthews is good.
- But please, for the love of all this is Holy, Clay – don’t ever do that sack dance again.
- Nice to see the return of the slant play.
- Really like what I’ve seen from DuJuan Harris.
- I still can’t wrap around my head around how this team has put together 10 wins through 15 weeks with a roster this torn apart by injury. I guess 2010 should have conditioned me, but it didn’t.
- That play Morgan Burnett was flagged for interference was quite possibly one of the worst plays on a ball that I’ve ever seen.
- With the NFC North locked up, time to get ready for a home tilt against the Titans before wrapping up the season in Minnesota. Feels like a lifetime since this team lost to the 49ers in Week 1. The Packers have guaranteed themselves a trip to the playoffs where we all know anything can happen.
- Go Pack Go.
Filed Under: Featured • Gut Reactions
Morgan Burnett was the worst? You mean Shields?
Also, Jeffrey is a punk. A mini Marshall.
EDIT: Yeah, I misread the Burnett item. THAT was an awful play. The Shields play was awful for an entirely different reason.
he didn’t say the call was bad. He meant the coverage by Burnett which was indeed terrible
Yeah, I somehow missed the “on a ball” part of “worst plays on a ball that I’ve ever seen”
I actually thought Jeffery kept his cool pretty well given the circumstances. I saw plenty of times when Tramon and McMillian were talking trash to him.
Grateful for the refs’ presence for once. Packers got the breaks today.
No, Evan’s right — Jeffrey is a punk.
And you’re grateful for these refs’ presence!?!?!? Seriously? Tell that to Sam Shields.
Just a sample of breaks that went our way:
1. OPI on Jeffery
2. OPI on Jeffery
3. OPI on Jeffery
4. DPI by Conte on Finley
5. Roughing by Peppers
6. 12 men on Hester’s punt return
Not saying any of these were the wrong call at the time. My point is just that, each of these plays really hindered Bears drives or kept the Packers driving. The Packers won the penalties battle. Probably made the difference in the game.
He kept his cool, sure, but he can’t get open without assaulting the DB.
The Packers were helped but not as much as Troy and Joe thought. The very last OPI call against Jeffrey was absolutely the right call. When you stretch out your arms pushing a defender away that is pass interference. 2 of the 3 were definite OPI…
In today’s league they will call that hit on Peppers 9 out of 10 times. He leaped and his helmet hit Rodgers. In the definition that is roughing the QB.
Also I felt there was a big miss when I believe it was Greg Jennings caught the ball and got smoked. Helmet to Helmet. The Packers have been cflagged for hitting a defenseless receiver for alot less then that.
Yeah the Packers had some calls go their way, but when I watched the game I felt that most were legit penalty’s.
Keep on hating us Brandon Marshall, keep on hating.
Where you at Cow 42? Come on over sweet cheeks. Let’s see what we’ve got for you.
Your guarantee: Brandon Marshall and the next most productive Bears WR would have more yards than the top three Packers WRs combined.
Reality: Cobb – 115
Jones – 60
Marshall – 56
Jennings – 50
All other Bears Receivers – 0
“Push” my @$$.
Can’t wait to see what he comes up with for the Titans.
COW 42 WHERE ARE YOUUU
just wish they could win a game without looking like sh*t along the way.
Really? Your first reaction is to find something to bitch about immediately after the Packers controlled the entire game on the road against the Bears to win the godd**n division?
Do you take any enjoyment whatsoever in being a Packers fan? I do. That’s really the point, isn’t it?
Seriously, dude. WTF is your deal? Here’s how general fandom works:
A: You celebrate like a sailor on your first shore leave in 6 months on the weeks when your team wins.
B: You complain and bitch and moan and scream for firings and players to get cut on the weeks when your team loses.
It’s not that hard. See what you can do going forward. Thx.
out of curiousity, cow, give me your good, bad, and ugly from that game.
good – rodgers, matthews, jones
bad – grant, bush, aikman
ugly – mccarthy, crosby
Style points count for exactly jack-squat.
Don’t forget. James “just a guy” Jones is leading the league in TD catches.
Yeah, I’ve eaten my share of crow on JJ already. Just remember that Mike “Justin Harrell II” Neal was a disruptive force today.
I have to say, kudos to Rodgers on defending Jones a couple years ago. He was definitely on the fence and Rodgers pulled him back into GB territory with the understanding of his skill/potential. Yet another example of Rodg’s prowess in all things football.
The best thing about this team is the D seems to be getting better as the season goes on. Great goal-line stand and later a great stop after the Bares got the gift after the punt.
Cutler getting a pass again on Chicago radio. Oh, there’s some criticism, but for the most part they’re blaming others. What does Cutwad have to do before they realize – he sucks!
Definitely agree – though, of course getting Clay back makes a HUGE difference! But Neal had a great game and Raji was awesome! I think BJ is finally over his ankle injuries, which means only good things for him the rest of the season since he’s been rested much more frequently than last season!
I hope they never realize he sucks. Why would you want Cutler to leave when he loves throwing the ball to our team?
My favorite thing about the Pack/Bears rivalry this year? Tice saying he doesn’t need to adjust for Clay Matthews. Dominant performances in both games. GPG
McCarthy is an idiot!
Agreed. That cute trick play that could have lost the game for us was inexcusable. And yes, STUPID. I’m still can’t believe it happened.
*I still can’t believe it happened*
Turns out it was a good time to have a brain fart….or gettin too cute…but it is another thing to have to prepare for tho I doubt we will see it again
mccarthy has definitely had better play calling days.
While aware it wasn’t a good call, I have to say I can at least comprehend something about here his mind was at with Rodg limping on the sidelines. He always tries to break these games open when has an opportunity. People always go insane when these things don’t work out but let me take you back to the Crabtree fake FG and I guarantee you were cheering your head off. Again, not saying it was the best call, but saying McCarthy is an ‘idiot’ is simply an incorrect assertion, even on the internet.
“Damn, the DVOA for my ST unit will go down south. Better call a trick play.”
The punt/pass was definitely idiotic, but other than that I think he did just fine. He even called a handful of slants that we’ve been clamoring for. I also think the drops made the play calling look worse than it was.
Overall Brad Jones had a decent game but that TD to Marshall was all his fault. Horrible tackling effort on that play. Also, Mason Crosby has to go. How much more can we take? He has zero confidence and obviously the coaches feel the same way in him. I don’t want to hear there are no other options out there. Looks like O. Mare proved that point wrong after the Bears picked him up. Packers need to look at Rackers and Cundiff this week. Have to have someone we can rely on in the playoffs, not these BS kicks by Crosby!
NO! I’d rather have Crosby than Cundiff or Rackers – both have a history of choking in the playoffs! Cundiff did it last offseason and Rackers, don’t forget, missed the game-winner for Arizona that lead to the ’09 playoff game going to overtime.
Our kicker can not choke….he is bad
As opposite to choking at all times like Crosby…
I don’t like the idea of changing kickers in December. But damn…missed FGs in EIGHT straight games!?!?!?
If that’s not a team record, it should be.
I think McCarthy is going to stick with this idiot until he flat out costs us a game with a missed kick.
And it will probably be in the playoffs.
…and remember when Crosby couldn’t hit a field goal this season??? The misses are beyond ridiculous. Not to mention most of them are flat out shanks.
21 13……um called it. Clays a freak. Biggest surprise…the entire d line. Wow…very impressed. Raji Neal Worthy Pickett and Daniels all had pretty good games. N well……James all business Jones does it again!
9ers lose tonight, we win out… #2 seed. It’s happening.
McCarthy sucked today. Trotting Missin Crosby (that just came to me, it’s a gift) out there on 4th and 1, allowing that dumbass throw-back to be called at that point in the game… Terrible.
That Burnett play was just pathetic.
Alshon Jerkfry (again… Gift), was our player of the game.
GBP 4 LIFE
Agree – play calling was shoddy all afternoon! There’s no reason for any trick plays when up two scores in the 4th quarter against a team that hasn’t done anything all game!
I will give Burnett a bit of a slide on that PI because he was beat and Jeffery did look like he was raising up to attempt the catch.
“Missin Crosby”… *giggle* Nice one, man!
I thought the Clay sack dance was hysterical. Val Venus-esque (WWF old-school wrestler)
Here’s something most people won’t agree with but hear me out…
DO NOT CUT MASON CROSBY!
I’m serious.
Keep Crosby to do kick offs and work though his issues, but TT should sign some old timer that is only has enough leg from 40 to kick FG’s for now like a Kaeding, Cundiff, or Kasay. They can still let Crosby try to kick the 50+ boots too.
Since the Packers are getting healthy again with Matthews back, Woodson and Jordy soon to be healthy, they’ve got some roster space. Cut that loser Ross that couldn’t catch the stupid trick punt return.
They will not carry two kickers into the playoffs
No – hurts the team. Give the offense one more shot or give the defense good field position.
Yup – especially because all 3 of the alternatives are playoff choke artists. I’m almost certain that’s the only reason Crosby still has a job!
Crosby’s 50+ FG % is a putrid 12%, good for 31st in the league. And his Touchback % in kickoffs is 47.22%, 14th in the league. Why waste a roster spot for that???
NEWS FLASH! Packers solve kicker problem, assign kick duty to Cobb.
Been with you on Crosby not getting the ax up until now, but no more. MM sowing no confidence now, on the 4th down going for it. I now truly believe he’s a goner. May have to pay his own fare home even.
I still think they should bring in a sports psychologist to work with Crosby. Everyone keeps shooting the idea down, saying that only individual sports like golf and tennis use them, but an NFL kicker is an exception. He’s out there by himself, essentially. It may not work but it would be worth a try.
If only for the playoffs – He’s gone at season’s end! Dustin Hopkins in the 5th or 6th rd!
If Crosby doesn’t already have his own psychologist then he’s an idiot. How about some electroshock therapy!
He needs to change his number to one…and leave the other one he talks to after a miss on the sidelines.
Speaking of the stupid trick punt return, why get cute and show that play in a game that we don’t need it?
Agreed. That play is for those come from behind games.
Or when you’re up by thirty points.
That too from a team that gets so conservative in the 4th quarter when defending a lead! We almost never throw a low probability pass / risky play in the 4th quarter. I have no idea why Slocum wanted such a risk play with Ross on the receiving end? At least put a Boykin there if you want to take that gamble
Honestly, I’m glad they used it now instead of when it actually mattered… Burn that play!
Now it is something that future opponents have to keep in mind and be prepared for. That is the only reason I can think of.
Nice to see some production by the offense. And against the Bears no less. Not traditionally their best opponent on offense.
If Crosby is on the roster next week, the Pack is not serious about winning the Super Bowl. You can’t expect 52 players to play hard and allow 1 player to “get himself right” to the detriment of the team.
There has to be accountability and that includes Crosby, MM, and TT if he is so stubborn as to keep Crosby (his draftee whom he just gave a big contract to despite underwhelming career numbers.
There are no worthy kickers on the FA market because the 3 best out there are all postseason chokers!
Why not try a new choker?!
That’s what people have been saying for the past few weeks, but then the Bears go out and sign Olindo Mare. Crosby misses 2 of 2, Mare makes 2 of 2. I’m not buyin’ the “no one out there better than Crosby” line.
Well, Crosby will definitely NOT make them in the playoffs, and there’s a shot the other guys MIGHT.
Agree! Agree! Agree! And by waiting they missed out on Olindo Mare.
Again…Crosby is no choker. He is a misser
Bears probably cut him when Gould comes back.
Gould is on IR. Mare is the man in Chicago for now.
Masthay is the back up kicker on the chart. Have him kick and Crosby hold. If the two work together Crosby can analyze Masthay’s fundementals and thus quiet his mind from the pressure. Military teams do this type of role reversal to bring back skills and coolness under fire for team members that slumped.
Just another win. I can’t defend play-calling; turnovers or kicking; but this season is so like 2010 that I’m really pumped.
Let’s cut the trash talk, now until after we win the Super Bowl.
Is there any doubt about CM3′s value to this team? Not just the pass rush, but covering the run. Easily the second most valuable Packer next to Rodgers. The only one close for that honor is Cobb.
Crosby has missed 12 kicks this year. Gould has missed 13 in the last 3. He’s on it and could do better than Crosby
Does Mason Crosby get one of those NFC North championship hats?
That sack dance was the best I’ve ever seen. Are you kidding me Nagler? Do you have any idea how incensed that must have made helpless bears fans.
Totally agree. That dance was great!
It reminded me of your gravitar (or whatever you call the thing by your name). The D linemen are going to have to start bringing dollars to tuck into his jock.
Champs! I do have to know; Cow, when the games are close do you cheer for the Pack to blow it so you are right or do you cheer for the Pack to win? Either way you’re wrong and Pack win!! NFC North Champs!
Agreed. Clays dance….epic.
He looked like a Chippendale dancer.
B. Marshall looks to be off his mess in the post game.
Details??
Looked like he was going to cry. Ended abruptly.
“Meds”. F U autocorrect.
McCarthy: “We are not changing our kicker, so you can write that down right now. He is our guy.He needs to make those kicks, he knows that.”
This confirms that Mason has naked photos of MM and TT.
If that is true that is the most disappointing development in GB today — right behind the comical lateral on the punt return.
Crosby has no ability to kick a field goal at this point, none. How can the Pack possibly justify him remaining the kicker?
At what point does loyalty turn into idiocy. Absolutely ridiculous.
At what point?
We’re already there.
I’m starting to think that our coaches, top to bottom, are the weakest link on this team.
“possibly one of the worst plays on a ball”
Except that he didn’t really play the ball — he just kind of tackled Jeffrey without ever looking anywhere else.
What about James Jones? C’mon man.
My two cents – only heard this on radio mind you.
WTF is MM doing. 4th and 1, late in the game you go for it to control ball and clock game over. You don’t bring our shaky Crosby who can’t hit the side of a barn with a football and give the bears a chance.
You can’t coach punting the ball and having go out on the three?
Your on the 39, a punt into the endzone is the 20 and your giving up ball contorl
I hope you weren’t driving while listening to the game and, clearly, drunk.
Where is Ryan Longwell ?
He was pretty damn reliable, weak leg though, but accurate
Comeon finley flat out played today, imagine if clay has help so he didnt have to do it all. Harris needs the rock more, qnd cobb well i found my favorite reciever.
I really, really like Dujuan Harris too.
Its mind boggling that Dujuan got only 5 carries after McCarthy’s statement that he wanted to use him more. Unless of course he is saving Dujuan for the playoffs. With the luck he has had with RB injuries, can’t blame him for treading carefully.
I’m more shocked that Grant was still getting carries after the fumble.
I was surprised about that too.
Forget the fumble, dude just looks slow. And I like Grant.
Completely agree. I like Grant, but he looks slow. Especially when you put Harris in there and see him hit the holes.
The thing I like about Harris is he just adds something different to the offense. Something that they really haven’t had since Ahman Green. An explosive type of RB that hits the holes fast, runs with power and can break tackles.
I would have liked to have seen him get more touches, that is for sure.
First of all, Burnett wasn’t playing the ball, he was tackling Jeffrey to prevent a TD and give the defense a shot at a goal-line stand, which they performed.
Secondly, it seems as though the Packers pull those trick plays out against the Bears to make a point that their special teams are better and more creative than that of the Bears, but tonight they failed miserably. Terrible point in the game to get cute.
my thought exactly on Burnett, he was beaten badly and figured his only chance of preventing a TD was to jump on the guy… little did he know that Cutler’s pass was poorly under thrown and he had time to turn around.
It seemed to me less intentional than that. Jeffrey was putting on the brakes to get to the under thrown ball and Burnett just ran him over.
Am I the only one very hopeful that the Giants won’t make the playoffs? That would probably be the best news for GB in the next couple of weeks. That would leave the Falcons and the 49ers as the next toughest teams, but I would rather face them than the Giants again.
Clearly, its the fans fault for Crosby issues. Next time, lets all try Labels out…and holding our breath.
BTW – Named my rescue dog Crosby before the season started. Regretting it.
It is the fans fault for crosby. They aren’t putting the bud light labels out.
Does your dog frequently run into walls because he can’t split the uprights of the door frame?
Dose Crosby massage MMs b@!! Sack when he’s giving him h&@d?
I agree about Clay’s new sack dance. But the grins and glances exchanged between every woman at the Packer bar I was at means that the dance is probably here to stay.
they should hypnotize Crosby before the game and tell him he is Ryan Longwell and the year is 1997.
Before the snap I said very loudly in the bar…..Casey Hayward pick n BAM it happened. All my friends just kinda looked at me like wtf.
Did anyone notice all the way back to the Family Night game how Crosby was shanking the ball on all those after the game attempts? And he was trying to make them. His mechanics have been f’d-up all year.
Crosby will win a playoff game for the Packers this year. Ring it up.
Had to work today. Anyone know a way to see game replay online?
Good to see some highlights, but watching Grant fumble brought back nightmares from end of last year. Just play the young RB’S. Cobb can throw the ball but was that the way to do it??????? Aargh
All I want for X-Mas is an offensive line.
Two middle line backers, and a pass rusher other than Matthews. He’s outside, Oh yeah, and a kicker.
Thanks Santa
Little Johnnie
all in all this was a great NFC North season for the pack… any season the Pack dominate the division like they have this season is a good season… now we need to get healthy and rested and make that final push to #5 or #14 depending on how you count…
GO PACK GO!!!
Kuhn run
3rd and 6
why
Because muscle head mike is stupid
my thoughts exactly on that burnett play. must have been watching too much detroit lions film…
Will people stop saying Longwell’s name? He WAS a good kicker, and wasn’t last year, hence the Vikings sending him down the road. Even if he still had some gas left in the tank, I think he’s blacklisted the Packers and the Packers have blacklisted him for his closeness and potential tampering with the Favre situation.
ESPN stat I love:
Jay Cutler posted a 6.9 Total QBR in Sunday’s loss to the Packers, his 2nd sub-10.0 QBR game vs Green Bay this season. Since joining the Bears in 2009, 4 of Cutler’s 6 worst games in terms of QBR have come against the Packers including both meetings in 2012.
Fun Fact: Cutler has thrown an INT in every single game against the Packers as a Bear. He does have 1 game with no INTs against the Packers, but it was with the Broncos. 8 games so far (as a Bear).
Oh, and he has NOT thrown multiple picks only 3 times, week 3 2010, the 2010 NFCC game and yesterday, and has never been above .500 in TD/INT%.
So here’s to a long tenure of his as the starting QB of the Chicago Bears! Don’t ever change Jay, we love you. 4 more years! 4 more years!
Fun Fact: Crosby has missed a FG in every single one of the last 8 games in which he has an attempt. He does have 1 game with no missed FGs, but he did not attempt any.
Oh, and he has missed multiple field goals rather often this season. He’s barely above.500 in FG%.
So here’s to a long tenure of his as the starting kicker of the Green Bay Packers! Don’t ever change Mason, we love you. 4 more years! 4 more years!
I didn’t get this at all.