Packers: 34 Lions: 27 The Good, Bad and Ugly

Aaron Rodgers, Run Defense, Eddie Lacy, Different Packages/Schemes

Second-half Conservation, Dropped Interceptions

Pass Defense (again), James Starks

 

 

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (83)

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

September 25, 2016 at 05:09 pm

Ugly - injuries, Vikings win

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Charvid's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:56 pm

I'm not so sure Carolina losing isn't a good thing. Long term I feel like Carolina is a bigger threat to us than Minnesota. Vikes will find a way to lose a few games they shouldn't and we play them yet. Carolina losing this week could help us in playoff seeding down the road.

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Big Moe's picture

September 25, 2016 at 11:06 pm

Good Point.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:11 pm

James Starks contract is looking like a pretty crappy deal for the Pack so far this year.

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KenEllis's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:22 pm

So is the Randall Cobb contract.

Oh, and Casey Hayward has 3 interceptions for the SD Chargers so far.

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:28 pm

Cobb broke wide open and AR didn't see him after the int. AR threw to Jordy down the sideline incomplete in the end zone. Cobb looked like he would have scored easily, he beat his guy clean off of the line.

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Rossonero's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:39 pm

Good about Heyward -- we'll get a better compensatory pick for him. He needed to go. He lost a step after the foot surgery and hamstring injuries and got torched when we put him outside last year (not much better than Randall on the outside is what I'm saying). He also was an average to below average tackler and never had a sack in 4 years in GB. He's a good slot corner, but there's too many other FAs coming up that are worth more than him to keep. I'll keep rooting for Heyward, that's great news.

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barutanseijin's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:31 pm

In Ted we Trust.

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Finwiz's picture

September 26, 2016 at 02:37 pm

I have to agree, so far this year, and last year for that matter, Cobb has not impressed me at all. I really thought he was going to be a better player than what he's turned out to be. He can't separate at all on most plays and his speed isn't what it appeared to be in year 1. Another argument against small receivers with average speed, at least a tall guy can extend to the ball, even with average speed.

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staffordsneckfat's picture

September 26, 2016 at 08:57 am

Rarely does investing in depth pay off in Week 3.

Let's be patient and see if those fresh legs pay off down the stretch.

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al bundy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:21 pm

I feel cor starks. He forgot how to run sitting on the bench so long.

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:13 pm

What is going on with #24 can't cover Jones #11 for Detriot ?????????

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:14 pm

If you want bad #24 should be on your list ...............

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dobber's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:14 pm

Nick Perry on the "Good" list?

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KenEllis's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:23 pm

Incredible that he was not on the GOOD list.

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Icebowler's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:24 pm

Except for the really dumb "throat slash" penalty.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:57 am

Can't believe they called that a penalty... Not like he was standing over him making the motion....

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:15 pm

Next time you play him he better be in his pocket or he could be the next bench guy ..........

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Lphill's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:21 pm

Bad - the Packers secondary and maybe Capers zone schemes.

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:30 pm

Capers dumbass blitz packages. Rush a lber up the clogged up middle every time.

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:38 pm

Those blitzes were painful to watch. I wasn't sure if it was just a bad call or if the ILB(s) blitzing were just incompetent, but it did nothing but help open up the middle of the field.

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al bundy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:25 pm

Itx the same old wing and a prayer scheme of the past three years. You mass rush hoping to get to tne qb before he can hit one of his wide fn open no one around him receivers.

Forget the offense. The achiles heel id pass d and until they get people who can cover, its a long season lacy and rogers ans jordy cant over come.

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Mario Willis's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:22 pm

We could have gave Starks Money to John Kuhn.

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Gianich's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:46 pm

if they keep playing man coverage and bringing pressure, or catch 3 ints it's a laugher. They dominated.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:40 pm

I think Capers was trying to take away quick strikes... the one at the end of the half probably scared him and he played the clock in the 2nd half by going zone.

Adding to your 3 dropped INT's... two touchdowns came on guys stumbling or falling down in the secondary.

Randall is looking like Adams last year... year 2 injuries propelling them into the prominent role. Like Adams did last year I think he is pressing and needs to relax and just go play.

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Rossonero's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:53 pm

The Good:
1. Aaron Rodgers 1st half. Rodgers was getting rid of the ball quickly and hitting guys. Exactly what the doctor ordered. He didn't throw a pick. His 2nd half though was not good (see below).

2. Eddie Lacy. McCarthy FINALLY got him going north-south, between the tackles and saw the light. Of course, Lacy responded with 103 yards.

3. Offensive line. Better performance by far and away from last week. Only one sack that could be argued as a coverage sack or that Rodgers held on too long.

4. Special teams. Good coverage on punts/kicks and nice job by Jacob Schum on the high snap that could've been disastrous.

5. The pass rush / run D. Perry (2 sacks) is really starting to assert himself and find his groove. Peppers caused problems and of course, Mike Daniels wreaked havoc up front. The Lions only gained 58 rushing yards and got nothing going.

6. No wasted Timeouts. For two weeks in a row, the communication was bad. This week the coaching staff finally got it right.

THE BAD
1. Dropped INTs -- Three would-be interceptions were dropped today. That's unacceptable. Those plays have to be finished.

2. Rodgers' 2nd half. He seemed to lose his edge and focus. He didn't play horrible, but with the Lions surging and needing someone to make a play, you'd expect more from number 12.

THE UGLY
1. Demarious Randall. Aside from a nice interception, he got lit up again for the 2nd week in a row by Marvin Jones. The Packers had to give him help eventually, bu the damage was done to the tune of 6 catches, 205 yards and 2 TDs. Randall needs to get his confidence back, watch a lot of film and correct a lot of things in 2 weeks time.

2. Second half secondary's performance. This ties into #1, but there were gaping holes all over the place, especially up the middle. Whatever coverages Dom Capers were calling, either they were wrong or guys were blowing assignments left and right. The Lions gashed the Packers for 385 passing yards.

OVERALL: Happy with the win, but not how the Packers finished the game. The last 2 quarters was a measly 3 points and holding on for dear life. If there was more time, the Lions would've won this one. Maybe it's a good thing the bye week is next week. Considering all the injuries and kinks to work out, I hope they correct it now and build off this win.

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Oppy's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:05 pm

I don't think the OL played poorly last week.

I think people feel that way because they look at the sack count.

Rodgers needed to get the ball out of his hand last week. OL can't block for 4+ seconds on every other drop back.

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Rossonero's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:49 pm

Fair enough, I agree with you.

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Gianich's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:05 pm

#4. ST continued. Montgomery's heads up illegal procedure play.

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Rossonero's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:50 pm

Yes -- thanks for calling that out, I forgot. A great play indeed.

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Norm's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:44 pm

Smart play indeed by Montgomery but I think you probably have to give Zook some credit for ensuring the ST players know the rules. I was aware of the rule from the time Cobb did it a few years ago but admittedly I wasn't certain in this case since the ball landed in the end zone first and then bounced back in the field of play. I don't think I've ever seen that in my 40 plus years of watching football. I'm assuming it was a live ball and not a touchback, so if he hadn't at least fallen on it then it would have been Lions ball inside the 5 (assuming they dove on it). Instead, due to the heads up play, Packers ball at what, the 40? Huge difference in a game decided by one score.

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marpag1's picture

September 26, 2016 at 08:33 am

Agree that this is being TAUGHT, and kudos to the coaching staff for doing it.

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mrtundra's picture

September 27, 2016 at 12:05 am

I saw Cobb do this once before, too, but cannot remember who we were playing. I also remember the odd play where the Packers defender was chasing the opposing team's player as he headed for a TD and the Packer player punched the ball loose and it went out the back of the end zone. Result was a Touch back and Packers ball on the 20.

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BELIEVER's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:51 pm

reflection of MaCarthy, he don't how to coach to put a team away SOFT

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 26, 2016 at 12:11 am

We had to take a time out because the play clock was almost to zero - wait for it - right after Detroit took a time out. We still have something off in this regard.

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Alvo's picture

September 26, 2016 at 07:59 am

1. Aaron Rodgers 1st half. Rodgers was getting rid of the ball quickly and hitting guys. Exactly what the doctor ordered. He didn't throw a pick. His 2nd half though was not good (see below).

Aaron threw 6 passes in the second half, and 2 were dropped:

Aaron Rodgers pass complete short left to Justin Perillo for 13 yards (tackle by Glover Quin)
Aaron Rodgers pass incomplete short left intended for James Starks
Aaron Rodgers pass incomplete short middle intended for Randall Cobb (defended by Quandre Diggs)
Aaron Rodgers pass incomplete short left intended for Trevor Davis
Aaron Rodgers pass complete short left to James Starks for 9 yards (tackle by Rafael Bush)
Aaron Rodgers pass complete short left to Davante Adams for 9 yards (tackle by Nevin Lawson)

The execution in the 2nd half was pretty poor. Bullaga's holding prevented a chance at a TD, while Rodgers single-handedly got the team back in field goal range by running the ball. Cobb should have had that 3rd down ball, which would've put the Packers in field goal range. Davis had that bad drop, which should have been 10+ yards. Finding fault at Rodgers in this game is almost demanding perfection.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:55 pm

Good - Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson, Perry...

Bad - 2nd half, Randell, Starks...

Ugly - Lions record at Lambeau since 1992.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 05:57 pm

Double post so I will edit it

Good - 1st half

Bad - 2nd half

Ugly - Hawkins attempt on Lions first TD, which sparked them.

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Gianich's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:06 pm

So you gave up a big sideline reception. Don't stop on the play kid!!!

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:47 pm

I really don't know what he was thinking. Maybe the thought the play was over, that he stepped on the sideline?

Its definitely a good learning play for the rookie.
I thought he looked good until that play. But that was an ugly attempt.

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:54 pm

He looked like he never played a down of football on that play. Right before the half too. I wouldn't want to be him in the film room tomorrow.

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:41 pm

I don't get all the Starks hate. He was given one carry, and he caught one pass for 9 yards. If he had been given some of the holes that Lacy got, he would have looked excellent as well.

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:05 pm

Plus he hasn't fumbled this year. He almost got the 1st down after the Davis drop. That drop was a killer, f-in rookies.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 05:20 am

He was also split wide and at that time he was not running his routes correctly... Two wasted throws...

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marpag1's picture

September 26, 2016 at 08:35 am

I was thinking the same thing.... it makes no sense at all.

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PaulRosik's picture

September 25, 2016 at 06:50 pm

The good - super smart play by Montgomery on the kickoff. Every person in the stadium is yelling "what are you doing?" and it turned out he was probably the only one out there wo knew exactly what he was doing. Good coaching and player smarts there.

Off topic question. I was watching the end of the Colts/Chargers game. Colts are ahead and running out the clock. They will have to snap the ball on 4th with about 6 or 7 seconds left. Can they wait til it gets to 10 seconds left and then jump off side, and get the 10 second run off to end the game? Can the other team decline the runoff?

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:03 pm

Pre snap penalty isn't a 10 second run off I believe.

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PaulRosik's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:41 pm

I thought if the clock was running and there's a pre snap penalty that's when there is a runoff. But in this case it would then benefit the team ahead to make a pre snap penalty on purpose. So it probably can be declined.

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Lphill's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:27 pm

Funny thing is many here felt the secondary was going to be the Packers strongest position and concern was for ILB and the D line , does not seem to be the case , quite the opposite .

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PaulRosik's picture

September 25, 2016 at 07:43 pm

Too true. The concern was about how the Packers would be able to hold up to the run inside. So far they have stomped the run but can't cover my grandma.

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dobber's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:09 pm

They couldn't cover your grandma inside last year, either, but, hey, at least the run D is solid!

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Norm's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:47 pm

grandma has lost a step this year though, so there's that.

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PaulRosik's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:53 pm

Well if the kid from Incarnate Word is catching passes against the Packers - then my grandma is not far behind.

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PETER MAIZ's picture

September 26, 2016 at 02:27 pm

He failed to tell you that grandma was a sprinter in the Olympics and came out with the gold.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:02 pm

I was one. I was never worried about the DLine, but the ILB group's little experience worried me. I'm glad they're gelling (since they didn't play together much during the preseason).

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Rossonero's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:11 pm

Saw this on Pro Football Focus about Nick Perry. He's ranked 5th among 3-4 OLB's. It goes from 1-5: Brian Orakpo, Terrell Suggs, Shane Ray, Von Miller and then Nick Perry. Who woulda thought!!

"A former first-round pick, Perry has underwhelmed in his career to this point. He has not managed more than 28 pressures, or 54.8 percent of snaps, in any season. Perry already has 16 combined in his first three games."

"He schooled rookie left tackle Taylor Decker amassing two sacks and three hurries and a batted pass from his 30 rushes. The USC product also led the team with a 90.6 run defense grade, highlighting the variety of his impact. Credit the Packers for maintaining faith in Perry, despite the slow start to his career."

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 09:09 pm

I've always liked Perry. Just couldn't stay healthy.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 25, 2016 at 09:22 pm

He's gotten screwed by the refs a bunch too. I'll never be able to forget the BS ruffing penalty against Andrew Luck.

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Oppy's picture

September 25, 2016 at 09:34 pm

That was a hit on a QB that I almost guarantee the Packers use as a training video in the classroom.

Beautiful, hard, form tackle on a QB. just.. devastating!

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NickPerry's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:27 am

Who in the heck would give a "Thumbs Down" to Oppys comments. It SHOULD be used as a training Video because it was a Bull S*** penalty. It's been 4 years again and we have them at Lambeau this time. Perry can make a new video.

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:33 pm

I got dem haterz yo

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:34 pm

I also got dem Chtv app double postz

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marpag1's picture

September 26, 2016 at 08:59 am

I certainly like the way Perry has looked so far, but to be fair I suppose we should also point out that Taylor Decker has looked pretty overmatched against just about everyone else, too. Decker also gave up a sack to the rookie Fackrell, had a holding penalty, several whiffs in the run game etc.

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dobber's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:25 am

And, admittedly, Perry rode an ailing Matt Kalil right into the operating room last week.

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:35 pm

Perry has been showing out since end of last season regularly, it's not a one-matchup type deal.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 25, 2016 at 08:38 pm

Good - Rodgers, Perry, Nelson
Bad - Randall, Middle of the field D
Ugly - anyone who called for Rodgers to be benched or traded last week

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 26, 2016 at 12:23 am

Perhaps so, but if the criticism of AR and the playcalling permeated the cocoon at 1265, it might have been just what the doctor ordered.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 05:32 am

Well, let see how Packers will go against some very good D. We passed Jaguars, so-so D, we failed on very good D at Vikings and scored on very weak D at Lambeau...
Still, second half offensive performace is still something that scares me. O was again out of sync...
Also, Trevor Davis would have catch the ball on that 66 yards PI call and I think that would be 70+ yards TD catch... But, on the opening drive in 3rd Q Trevor Davis dropped more important pass - backshoulder pass on 3rd try for 1st down...
And you, who thinks that everything is OK, I may say there was still several passes (I counted 6 of them) behind of receiver - 2 on Jared Cook (he catched 1), 2 on Richard Rodgers (he catched one for TD), one to Jordy, one to Randall... To much for Aaron. But, I think if he will continue his personal recovery of bad habit, this will be solved. If not, help us God!

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SpudRapids's picture

September 26, 2016 at 08:45 am

I didn't say Rodgers was perfect I'm just pointing out how foolish it is to say bench or trade him. I am also not saying everything is fixed rather I'm one to let it play out through the season a bit more before jumping to conclusions.

Plus I doubt the media criticism is what sparked Rodgers to play better. He's a future HOF QB I think we should give him more credit than that.

I don't think it's a bad thing that I can control my emotions in regards to this team I.E. Not buying into trade or bench talk.

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:47 pm

Oh, I think criticism motivated Rodgers a great deal. It's been well documented that he's been driven his whole career by the proverbial, and cliche', chip on his shoulder.

I think the boil over we saw at last wednesday's presser is enough, considering Rodgers' history, to assume the public criticism at least helped to fuel his focus going into Sunday's game.

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Curt's picture

September 25, 2016 at 09:05 pm

Good to see Lacy find some holes, but don't give up on Starks - had a couple excellent blitz pickups - for only getting one carry. i still don't like the short pitch to Lacy. Without it, they scored TD's in the first half. With it, they got one field goal in the second half. Keep AR making quick decisions and throws.

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4thand1's picture

September 25, 2016 at 09:29 pm

Thank God for the buy. 3 close games in a row, I need a break. They should be firing on all cylinders in week 4, they seem to come out flying after the bye week.

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Dancing Eddy's picture

September 25, 2016 at 10:42 pm

Bad: Still learned nothing from 2014 NFC champ game- relax too much. McCarthy cannot instill killer instinct in team if he does not have it himself. There were a lot of 30 point wins today, this should have been one of them. Soft win but welcome. Get tougher, and do not R-E-L-A-X.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 05:38 am

Packers were down several important players - Cook, Randall (CB) for some time, Ripkowski (who helped a lot at establishing good running game!), D was already without 3 important players at DL (Clay, Letroy & Datone). They were gassed at the end of the game... So, it was necessary to put the foot of the pedal. This time! Not always!

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Finwiz's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:24 am

Dancing Eddy....exactly!!

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:43 pm

FWIW, a panel of retired nfl players on 1250 am MKE the fan's/bill michael's post game show (from teams other than the packers) said that something fans need to understand- "pro football 101" they called it- is that the way the packers called it in the second half is exactly how you do it. All of them agreed unanimously, that's the winning approach pro football coaches and players take when you're looking at 31-10 going into the second half.

Don't shoot the messenger.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 27, 2016 at 03:10 am

Can we give the messenger dislikes? JK Oppy.

Is it really conservative, per se, to:
1. Run the ball more when up big?
2. If so, is it still conservative if the runs are successful?

I think a coach only becomes conservative in his play-calling if he fails to continue to run his normal offense. Moreover, the play-calling only becomes too conservative if, for eg., a run is called even against 9 or 10 in the box. I don't think MM did that in the 2nd half against Detroit.

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Jean Mitchell's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:58 am

A "good" shout out to Schum for hauling in that high snap. Definitely a game changer if he didn't get that punt off.

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:39 pm

Agreed, that was miraculous just to get a hand on that snap much less bring it down and get the punt off. He really had to elevate for that sucker and high point it

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Finwiz's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:22 am

God that pass defense is quite possibly the most AWFUL group of safeties and cornerbacks in the entire Capers era, and that's REALLY saying something! Randall looks totally lost, not sure I've ever seen a DB look that bad, and that includes Terrell Buckley. I'd take Buckley ALL DAY. 36 is just a 3rd stringer and should never be starting because he's too slow, and Hawkins is too raw. Micah Hyde is a 2nd string safety and shows no ability to cover, although he's OK in run support. They have big problems in the secondary.

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Oppy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:38 pm

Methinks not so big.
Get healthy and it's a totally different look.

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PETER MAIZ's picture

September 26, 2016 at 02:43 pm

The problems in the secondary can be solved with time, especially with the veterans returning and the rookies and semi-rookies (sophomores) learning to improve their skills.
I was one of those that expected Stafford to put up mega yards, which he did. What was the greatest puzzle for me was how bad the offense did the second half. Rodgers looks way too skinny. He should go back to eating cheese, lots of protein from animals (thick juicy steaks) and his spinach.
His current diet is fine for an accountant but not for an NFL player that burns huge amounts of calories during a high-pressure game.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

September 27, 2016 at 02:10 am

It was a Great Victory. I had GB & the Over 47 1/2. The only problem was GB was -6 1/2 on the board, & I had them on a card @ -7 1/2. I didn't think the 1 pt. would be a factor in this one. Poor 2ond half. Unexpected!!

I also had the Dolphins @ -9 1/2 & the Over 41 1/2. The problem was they only won by 6. This team SUCKS!! period.

Not a good day for me, but the wife hit $975 on the slots, Gave me $375, & I blew that too. I should have played the board, or stayed home. Great Day for GB!!
LVT

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