Lions at Packers: Rants & Raves

The Green Bay Packers are limping into week three, both literally and figuratively.  Cornerback Sam Shields will miss a second-straight game recovering from a concussion and on the doubtful side of the injury list are Clay Matthews, Letroy Guion, Morgan Burnett, Datone Jones and T.J. Lang.  Guion is likely most challenged to play after suffering a tear to his MCL against the Minnesota Vikings and with the bye week coming up.  The others would all be big losses, mostly to the defense.  While the Lions aren't lighting the world on fire, they are playing well offensively under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and yes, I just wanted to work that name into this piece somehow and it's out of my system now.

On to the things that are looking good and not-so-great heading into this week.

Rants

I'm going to abandon the sub sections this week and just go off the cuff.  The Packers are not in great shape.  Plain and simple.  We can sit here and say "it's only week two" and I have, to be fair.  But as the week goes on and I hear what the players and coaches are saying, I am less convinced that the shortcomings that we are seeing from this team are all on the mend.  

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been front and center of the debates and arguments about why the Packers are struggling.  And he should be.  During his weekly media time, he didn't mince words when he said that the 'wet ball drill" that the team was doing to prepare for potentially rainy conditions at Lambeau Field on Sunday were "silly".  He went on to say he did them only to appease the coaching staff.  Whether this was meant in humor or not (my take is that he was NOT joking) the perception is that he's not on the same page as the coaching staff and now, he has no problem putting it on blast in the media.  Bad Aaron, bad!  Perception is reality and so if he WAS joking, that's not what the outside world is thinking.  This becomes a distraction and it's a horrible look for Rodgers.

In response to my rant above, Rodgers would tell me that I don't know what the play calls are and what they're trying to do on the field.  He would be right, but the results haven't been great and that's something that Rodgers and the Packers have to be accountable for.  He can argue that the media is harping on the issues this team has been having but he certainly hasn't been part of the solution.  When your star quarterback is struggling, it's a tough pill to swallow, for the team and the fans alike.  To see the quarterback making petulant public comments doesn't ease those concerns at all.  This issue with Rodgers starts inside of his own melon and he needs to get it screwed on straight.

There is an issue between head coach Mike McCarthy and Rodgers.  Can we agree that this is no longer a reach?  You don't see and hear the things we have already in this young 2016 season without some type of disconnect.  Many get tired of the comparisons between the Packers with McCarthy and the New England Patriots with Bill Belichick but do you think Rodgers goes off in the media like that with Belichick at the helm?  To me, it's now officially OK to start speculating how much longer McCarthy and Rodgers can co-exist and still find success.  I'm not sure the answer is as long as "the rest of this season".  And that would be a huge shame with all of the expectations that the Packers had coming into this year.

Perhaps Rodgers is starting to get frustrated with all of the youth around him, much like Brett Favre was at the end of his time in Green Bay.  With youth comes a learning curve, bumps in the road and Rodgers doesn't seem to be the type that handles those issues well.  When the Packers were having consistent success and winning a championship, Rodgers was surrounded by guys who had been around just as long as he had: Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, Greg Jennings, Nick Barnett, to name a few.  Sure this Packers team has the talent to win, but the scoreboard is all that matters when the clock says 00:00.  The results are not as certain as they used to be.  

Which brings me to this week's game against the Lions.  Winning fixes a lot of ails in football and this is a game the Packers should, but more importantly need to win.  Gone are the days of expecting the offense to put up 40+ points and Rodgers watching the fourth quarter from the sideline.  Teams have figured out how to defend Green Bay's offense and the players aren't great at winning one-on-one match ups so we're seeing a weekly struggle, opponent aside.  Maybe that has everything to do with the issues we've been discussing: Rodgers, play calls, too many young players, a divided locker room.  Or maybe it's just a shift that we're seeing in the NFL and the competitive landscape.  

There have been nothing short of hundreds of suggestions as to what the Packers need to start doing on the field.  Just know that they can't try all 100 of them tomorrow.  Just a few tweaks would be nice.  That hopefully starts with more carries to Eddie Lacy.  It's no secret he's the type of back that warms up as his carries increase.  If McCarthy truly means he wants to run the ball more, we need to see more of #27 with the ball.  I have my doubts about Lacy's ability to be much more than what we already see and whether he's back with the Packers after this season, but in the meantime, they need to put some mileage on him.  The passing game is all about Rodgers staying calm and playing within the offense.  After reviewing film from the Vikings game, we learned that the offensive line wasn't as good as we thought.  There may be some legitimacy to Rodgers possibly lacking trust in his protection.  If nothing else, they need to go with the game plan and hope that some early success will force Detroit to change how they defend.  The offense needs to dictate the pace and flow of the game.

Lastly, hope that the Packers either don't have to punt or are doing so near mid-field.  Jake Schum has offered nothing to write home about after two weeks.  The Packers are getting killed in the field position game.  And we saw some longer kick returns again last week so we have to assume the coverage is going to continue to be an issue at times this season.

Raves

On the defensive side, the key is going to be pressure on Stafford.  The Packers have seven sacks in two games, good enough for fourth-best in the league.  Give any quarterback enough time and he'll find the most average of receivers and make both look like All-Pro's.  Just ask Eli Manning.  The Lions don't have Calvin Johnson any longer but Stafford appears to be playing well and he's been around long enough to know what he needs to do to win in the league.  He can run so the defense has to be prepared for that mobility after facing two quarterbacks who are more pocket-type passers.  If Matthews and Jones are both out, that's going to pose a big challenge to the defense.  The old adage about the best defense being a good offense looks to apply this week.

Green Bay has absolutely shut down the run this season but it's largely because both teams lost their main running back.  It's also due to the fact that defenses are now better off testing Rodgers to beat them.  That just sounds weird to write.  The Lions won't have Ameer Abdullah and will lean on Theo Riddick instead.  It looks to be another week where the Packers keep the run in check and just need to get off the field on third down.  We'll get another good look at Kenny Clark this week and it's a big chance for the first rounder to flash with more extended time next to Mike Daniels.  

The inside linebackers, Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez, have been good.  Not great, but good.  That's better than what we've seen far too many times in the past so there is reason to be encouraged here.  

In the secondary, let's hope Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is in coverage and not blitzing Stafford.  The safety blitz has not been a winner so far this season.  If Burnett is out, I would expect to see Clinton-Dix playing center field where he tends to do most of his damage.  I'm looking for the defense to get one or two turnovers in this game and keep Detroit's offense out of rhythm.

 

This Packers team needs some medicine.  It's not well.  If they're truly drowning out the outside noise, it should manifest itself in the form of a well-played game all around.  Another loss heading into the bye week may possibly break the internet and could send this team spiraling fast.

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (25)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Denise Chanterelle's picture

September 24, 2016 at 01:33 pm

Well thought out article Jason. Good job. The Packers are going to miss Shields tomorrow, as always. I'm concerned his playing days might be over, but his long term health comes first. Yes, the MM/AR situation seems to be accelerating, but winning tomorrow in convincing fashion, will make a statement that is sorely needed. Let's hope that happens. Go Pack! Aloha.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 24, 2016 at 01:35 pm

We're going to lose this game. Not a doubt in my mind. GB can't overcome those injuries. With Lang out, #12 is going to be less comfortable in the pocket than he has so far this season. Don Barclay time. Awesome. Defensive strength eliminated by injuries.

Lions 24. GB 14.

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carusotrap's picture

September 24, 2016 at 02:18 pm

You guys can "dislike" this as much as you want, but then you have to explain what you have seen in the past two games (or 14?) that convinces you otherwise. That score seems about right.

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Bearmeat's picture

September 24, 2016 at 07:56 pm

... I actually agree.. Green Bay is getting worse, not better.

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Samson's picture

September 24, 2016 at 09:13 pm

The Pack aren't likely to lose their home opener. The Lions come into GB with a lot of injuries - same as the Pack. --- However, Stafford has to play a "great" game for the Lions to upset GB. -- He won't.

Got to remember that the Pack always beat up on losing teams at home. The Bears, Vikings and Lions have (basically) made the Pack a winning team over the past several seasons.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 03:17 am

Last season saying something else. All 3 of those teams won at Lambeau Field... And that is the truth!

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Adam Mirchin's picture

September 24, 2016 at 01:38 pm

Hahahaha, neither here no there, but my fav recurring gag on this website is the ever reliable underlying GRUMBLE GRUMBLE ELI MANNING LUCKIEST HUMAN EVER

But "Give any quarterback enough time and he'll find the most average of receivers and make both look like All-Pro's. Just ask Eli Manning" is A NEW TIER OF COMEDY hahaha

The Giants have ATROCIOUS O lines every year haha ..
PFF has been in business for 10 years doing grades. ... 10 years X 32 teams = 320 possible O-lines ... the WORST (#320th ranked) oline in the database is ... YUP: 2011 Giants. Hey, any idea who win the Super Bowl that year? Asking for a friend ....

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jasonperone's picture

September 24, 2016 at 03:12 pm

You sir, just used PFF by itself to make a point aaaand....the '11 Giants won with defense and one nice catch on the sideline. Good day.

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Adam Mirchin's picture

September 24, 2016 at 04:33 pm

Yup. 27th ranked defense. Gave up more points than any Super Bowl winning team ever ... HAHAHAHAHA

I never intended to go here but: AARON RODGERS defense scored FOUR TOUCHDOWNS THEMSELVES IN THE PLAYOFFS IN 2010 ... that classic Rodgers vs. Caleb Hanie NFC TITLE GAME Film STILL EXISTS, guys

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jasonperone's picture

September 24, 2016 at 11:38 pm

Your unnecessry use of caps makes your post a bit too...nah, it's just dumb. "Crap stats, garbage narrative-pushing comment blah blah idiot boy statement." That's more useful than your post. 2 weeks and it's the return of the sideline molester dude man Mr McAgoo and the Hatian firecracker! Too soon?

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Adam Mirchin's picture

September 25, 2016 at 02:28 am

[BJ Raji Intercepted a Caleb Hanie pass and Returned it for a Touchdown]

[in the 4th Quarter of the NFC Championship Game]

[16 for 30, 0 TD, 2 INT]

But Eli Manning sure got lucky

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jasonperone's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:19 am

Kyle Williams called with his lotto numbers...he had the first five, but no such luck at the end

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Adam Mirchin's picture

September 25, 2016 at 03:03 am

oh no I'm sure I care!

TOO SOON BRO!

I'm so red faced

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Since'61's picture

September 24, 2016 at 01:48 pm

Rodgers just needs to play better. He doesn't need to be great, just better, move the chains. That's the best way to get this offense back into some rhythm.
As for complaining about wet ball drills and some of his other comments he is either bored, frustrated or both and he is clearly not having fun. However, at $20 million per season I don't care if he is having fun or not but I expect him to execute and to be accountable when he doesn't. I won't give up on Rodgers but he needs to get over himself and go out and execute like a professional QB. Thanks, Since '61

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croatpackfan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 03:19 am

Well, I agree completely with you Since, on this. But what if he will not. What if he will acting like little child and continue to make problems? That is what I'm afraid of.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 24, 2016 at 02:08 pm

Rodgers should watch the game tape from the MSU vs Wisconsin game and see how freshman Alex Hornibrook stayed in the pocket and calmly faced the pressure.

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carusotrap's picture

September 24, 2016 at 02:15 pm

Great article.

And I'm starting to get a little tired of the "you're all idiots and have no idea what's going on" line from McCarthy, Rodgers, et. al. We're obviously not in the huddle and most definitely not pro players or coaches, but on the other hand, we're not total idiots either. And even if I AM a total idiot when it comes to football - I accept this is quite possible - there are a lot of media writers and broadcasters who know a lot about what they are seeing. Now Rodgers can't come out and say, "you're all right. We suck." But he can stop being such a jerk about it and acknowledge that this dysfunction everyone sees is not the product of some mass hallucination. Mike and Aaron...you think we don't get it. How about you use words of one syllable or less and explain it so the unwashed can understand why the Super Bowl favorite might be lucky to crack .500 this year.

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Lphill's picture

September 24, 2016 at 03:43 pm

Field position is everything , I don't understand why we can't retain a good punter , how does Ted allow this?

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mrtundra's picture

September 24, 2016 at 04:04 pm

Both Matthews(ankle & hamstring) and Burnett(groin) are out for tomorrow. Datone Jones and Guion are listed as doubtful as both have knee issues. Lang is questionable with a hip issue. Shields is out and in concussion protocol mode. Banjo & Elliott might be able to go coming off hamstring injuries.

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Shantanice Eubanks's picture

September 24, 2016 at 04:02 pm

I just feel like we need a new punter! has anyone else seen he is not all that good!

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Colin_C's picture

September 24, 2016 at 04:18 pm

With 3 starters out (and possibly 3 more), this game will be a real challenge. I am excited for the young guy's opportunities though. Hawkins, Evans, Brice, and Fackrell should all see the field more.

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packrat's picture

September 24, 2016 at 04:41 pm

I have been a firm backer of MM throughout his time in GB, but when a team seems to be coming apart you have to look begin questioning the HC and his team management. Times change.

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Radagast's picture

September 24, 2016 at 06:27 pm

No threads, just post your comments to articles ? OK,
Go Pack Go !

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al bundy's picture

September 24, 2016 at 10:09 pm

Rogers is scrambling too soon. Running around stallng for a receiver to get open is fine, once in a while. Having to do it every play is disfunctional.
Teams are not loading the box to stop a 55 yard a game running back. They are keying on the pass game bringing safeties in for press coverage.
Receivers were using lack speed. We have those guys on the bench. One of them should be on the other side to complement jordy and make the safeties play deep opening up the middle. Why this team refuses to do that and feature adams is beyond comprehension.
Rogers scrambling is missing the open guys and wasting time.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 12:41 am

There are a lot of reasons that I have heard why the offense is struggling.

There are many reasons but to me a lot of it has to do with the way this offense has been built over the years. For a long time this offense had a lot of veteran players who were also very good. The offense was able to do different things because they were veterans and knew the offense inside and out. The last couple of years they have mostly had rookies or young inexperienced players playing. The offense worked until Jordy got hurt. Jordy forced defenses to play them differently.

IMO, the failure in the offense is on McCarthy. He never adjusted his scheme to fit the players he had. Which is adjusting from a veteran based offense to a youthful offense. Also after losing Nelson, he didn't make any adjustments.

Another problem is the hurry up offense. After listening to several veteran players this week, they mentioned that the hurry up is one of the biggest fundamental problems with the offense right now. I have brought this up to, but hearing players who played in the league mention this, proves I'm not crazy. The hurry up doesn't allow them to rotate players enough to become less predictable. Not that many years ago, McCarthy's rotated players on a regular basis. Then they decided to try and hurry it up.

I do believe that if they would simply start rotating players more to show more formations that it will create less predictablity. Which will also force defenses to change the way they are playing them. Running the 11 personnel 70% of the time, simply is to much with the players they have. Adams simply is not a good enough player right now to be playing 50+ snaps more a game then the next player.
Also if they mixed in the hurry up it would also catch the defense by surprise more.

IMO the start to fixing the offense they have is to get less predictable for. They have to gear the scheme to fit the players that are on the roster now, not who tbey had in 2011.
Hopefully we will start to see some of the changes being made.

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