Packers: 35 Bears: 21

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from the Packers victory over the Bears

Aaron Rodgers, James Jones, The Offensive Line

The Bad

The Bad

Erik Walden, Howard Green, A.J. Hawk

The Bad

The Bad

The Defense

BrokenTV

BrokenTV

 

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Comments (58)

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

December 26, 2011 at 05:36 am

Time to give James Campen his props.

Speaking of props...time to give Shawn Slocum his as well. ST's AGAIN could have been placed in the "Good" column. I think they may end up in the top half this year.

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Edward's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:46 am

ST tackling seems to be improving, but Hester wasn't healthy yesterday, so I don't know how much I'd take away from the coverage units success yesterday.

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michael1213's picture

December 26, 2011 at 08:19 am

Yes indeed Hawk was a standout "Bad". Every time I saw a Bears ball carrier making positive yardage, Hawk was draped on him like a rag doll not being able to make the stop.

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Mike McCarthy's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:16 pm

After two games I think we all know the reason for Hawks anger. DJ Smith is a much better LB than he is.

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lebowski's picture

December 27, 2011 at 01:06 pm

Then do what needs to be done, Mike, and sit Hawk's ass on the bench.

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Mossdog427's picture

December 26, 2011 at 09:22 am

what do you people have against cobb? seriously...

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WisconsInExile's picture

December 26, 2011 at 09:31 am

Thought he looked great!

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MarkinMadison's picture

December 27, 2011 at 08:09 am

ST does not = Cobb.

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WisconsInExile's picture

December 26, 2011 at 09:31 am

Thought Vic So'Oto looked very good on his limited snaps. A couple of solo tackles, and saw his number in the backfield frequently. I think he earned a couple of QB pressures as well.

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Edward's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:45 am

agreed. his stunt up the middle was bringing pressure on the play that ended up being tipped and picked by Peprah. Granted, that play was made by CW, but pressure makes good things happen for the Packers secondary.

most of So'to's playing time came after Matthews was resting in the 4th quarter, but the 2 pressures I saw were opposite CM3. Hope he gets a chance to do it more next week.

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Bob's picture

December 26, 2011 at 12:11 pm

On the interception at the end of the 3rd quarter. You will see So'oto spin and create pressure. He looked good, oh wait I forgot he can't play, he's not ready. That's why they waited for Neal and gave him no quality snaps prior to last night.

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Ct Sharpe Cheddar's picture

December 26, 2011 at 05:13 pm

He's this years James Starks,Hurt most of the year shining in the playoffs

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Nerd's Laptop's picture

December 26, 2011 at 02:53 pm

Secret weapon!

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PackersRS's picture

December 26, 2011 at 09:51 am

I thought it was noticeable the change in the whole defense when Walden was taken out of the game. He had no push in the passing game, and was constantly overpowered in the running game.

When he left, they even started running to Matthews' side, because the avenue on the other side had closed...

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Bearmeat's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:16 am

I don't think I stretch things if I say that GB is going no where if the D doesn't get much better very quickly. They are flat out embarrassing to watch 85% of the time.

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Rocky70's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:10 pm

You must be looking for style points or something. But you are correct. GB is not going anywhere (at least until the SB). They've outscored their opponents 34.3 to 21.2 while winning 14 games. This is nearly a 2 TD differential over an entire season.

Are you saying that somehow they are now incapable of winning come playoff time? Please enlighten everyone & choose the team that will come to Lambeau in January & outscore the Pack.

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Nerd's Laptop's picture

December 26, 2011 at 02:55 pm

The teams we're going to be up against are no different. Explosive offenses with sieve-like defenses. Sproles scares me, but we definitely have a good chance against them in Lambeau.

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ibleedgrnngold's picture

December 27, 2011 at 09:59 am

Indeed breeze is 0-4 in january outdoor games

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Edward's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:41 am

I'd like to see Capers try a 4-3 as a change-up (think opposite of psycho package). Why not? We'd have the biggest D-line in football. Could put Raji/Wilson/Wynn/Neal on the ends with Pickett and Green at tackle.

If we had 4 quality LBs things might be different.

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PackersRS's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:46 am

They've done both a 4-3 as well as a 4-4 plenty of times. Did a lot at the SB.

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Aaron Nagler's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:54 am

They went with their 4-4 last night and still got run over.

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PackersRS's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:59 pm

Without Picket:

1. Double Raji
2. Run away from Matthews
3. ?????
4. Profit

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Tommyboy's picture

December 26, 2011 at 02:47 pm

LOL.

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Bob's picture

December 27, 2011 at 08:32 am

If you have a recording of the game watch So'oto. Enters the game with about 9 minutes to go in 3rd quarter. He looks big, and was very effective with his hand on the ground. Looks like he could be used at linebacker or end.

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Oppy's picture

December 27, 2011 at 09:58 am

So'oto has the prototypical build and metrics of a dominant, pass rushing OLB for Dom's 3-4 scheme.

He's that rare mixture of size/speed/strength I always go on about..He's big bodied (6-4-ish, around 270lbs), extremely quick for his size (4.64-4.68 40 time at roughly 265lbs), and is REMARKABLY strong as a rook for a lb (reportedly 35 bench reps at 225, ridiculous). Also shows full body explosion for his size with a 9' broad jump.

He has most of the physical tools of a superstar pass rushing OLB. One thing he could stand to improve on is his change of direction/agility if you wanted to nit pick.

The issue with So'Oto is that by his own admission, he made it through college on his brute strength alone, and came into the league with basically zero technique. The good news is, he freely admits this and says he'll do what it takes to learn what he needs to to improve. If he can become a technician and learn to use his hands, set guys up, and pick up some pass rush moves and develops a nose for coverage through hard work, discipline, and desire, he could be a monster... But that is a tall order. The world is littered with guys with physical talent but without the desire to learn the nuances of the game or the ability to be coached.. Those people do not last in the NFL.

I hope So'oto pans out, he has an opportunity to become a very good player. I have been keeping an eye on this kid since before most Packers fans had any inkling he was even on the team... But there's a lot of work for him to do.

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MarkinMadison's picture

December 27, 2011 at 08:14 am

I don't know that there is much difference in quality between the four best DLs and the four best LBs that they actually had available against the Bears. It was a change of pace move, if nothing else. Here's to getting Pickett back in a hurry.

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darrin's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:43 am

Looks like Pickett is the real anchor of that DL cause the rest of them looked awful. Why can't they shed the blocker? You watch Raji when the ball is snapped - the lineman gets his hands up on him, and BJ can't move. Use your hands man!!! Stop looking at the ref after every play like you got held! Don't they teach these guys how to fight off a block?

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Mojo's picture

December 26, 2011 at 11:44 am

Good point Darrin about not being able to get off blockers. I've noticed that much this year. It looks like we have a guy in position, but then he never gets unlocked and the runner goes right past him.

Could it be, shudder to say, that this D as a whole is just not that talented.

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Oppy's picture

December 26, 2011 at 11:37 pm

Darrin,

a thought about 3-4 NT's on their average assignment: Their job is to suck up two offensive linemen at the point of attack and not give up any ground, creating lanes and opportunities for LB's to move up and make a play.

You have to be sure of the job the defensive lineman is being given before you can critique the performance. If they're being tasked with rushing the passer, hunkering down and holding the point, playing two gap, etc, and so forth.

Raji hasn't played up to the level he displayed last season, but I do think without Pickett in the line up, he is tasked with eating up two lineman and holding his ground more than penetrating or making the plays. Just my perspective.

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Ruppert's picture

December 26, 2011 at 11:47 am

What is it, exactly, that AJ Hawk excels at?

And why on earth were we giving 10+ yard cushions to the Bears WRs all night? I could see it if there was some imminent threat of getting beaten deep. But come on. Roy Williams isn't beating anybody deep. None of those WRs are. And who thinks a QB who was out of football for a few years is going to bomb you all night?

Capers has played off like this a lot this year. This might sound dumb, but is it worse to get beat deep a lot and get into a high scoring shootout, or get crushed in time-of-possession and limit the number of times Aaron Rodgers gets the ball? IDK.

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Chad Toporski's picture

December 26, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Just a thought, but perhaps the secondary's performance in other games (see: Giants, New York) has pushed Capers to play off more. Maybe they've given up too many big plays, so he's looking to remedy that weakness.

Again, not sure if I'm at all right, but it could be possible.

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Ruppert's picture

December 26, 2011 at 12:48 pm

Could be. But the Giants have receivers and a QB that actually pose a deep threat. The Bears? Not so much.

Can't complain too much, tough. Most wins in a year-ever and home field locked up. I'll take it.

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Bob's picture

December 27, 2011 at 08:15 am

What is it, exactly, that AJ Hawk excels at?

setting up 5 yards off the line of scrimmage and waiting for someone to run into him ;)

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Wagszilla's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:32 pm

Ain't no party like a Vic So'oto party cuz a Vic So'oto party don't stop.

P.S. No Ryan Grant love? I'm a noted Grant detractor but he still looked good last night...

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Mojo's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:32 pm

One more "Good" item. Almost no injuries to speak of this game (except Starks reoccuring ankle). That was the best possible outcome outside of the win.

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mexicanpacker89's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:54 pm

Green Bay va ir al Super Tazon otra vez.

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packsmack25's picture

December 26, 2011 at 01:56 pm

Time finally caught up with the Bears defense

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Josh's picture

December 26, 2011 at 02:20 pm

The defense is what they need it to be, but only if the offense puts the pressure on the other team. I think the best scenario for the Packers involves the Falcons and 49ers coming to Lambeau, because I cringe about having to keep pace scoring wise with the Lions and the Saints.

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andrew harman's picture

December 28, 2011 at 12:15 am

really?..

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Tommyboy's picture

December 26, 2011 at 02:48 pm

I missed it, was Walden pulled because of an injury or because he's been pretty poor all season? I've been clamoring for Zombo or So'to all year. Hope we get a spark...

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Nerd's Laptop's picture

December 26, 2011 at 02:59 pm

I think they just wanted to get So'Oto some snaps.

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PackersRS's picture

December 26, 2011 at 03:01 pm

Because he was the worst player on the field. (Peprah had an INT despite being burned consistantly the DL can also get that award. And Hawk made a play or two. Walden did nothing at all)

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scott amacher's picture

December 26, 2011 at 05:27 pm

Walden is terrible. The Bears ran to his side constantly and had great success doing it. He gets no presure on the QB. He gives up on to many plays, I hope they replace him. They need to do something or it will be a short play-off run.

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Ct Sharpe Cheddar's picture

December 26, 2011 at 05:33 pm

Packer finally a one point underdog next week at home,even though Detriot doesn't have a lot to play for either just secure a 5 seed.

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Oppy's picture

December 26, 2011 at 11:42 pm

Where are you getting this Pack is a one point underdog at home stuff?

Don't mean to come off as contrary- I really would like to know. I don't follow handicapping lines at all, but I'm shocked to hear that anyone would make the Packers underdogs in Lambeau vs. the Lions right now.

I guess it would have to be because 1) they are trying to entice gamblers to actually make a bet 2) the thought process is that the Packers now have nothing to play for, so Rodgers and many other important starters will play limited snaps then ride pine?

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Bob's picture

December 27, 2011 at 08:26 am

spreads are based on how money is bet, not on who will win the game, if money is going on the Lions. The spread will change to encourage people to bet on the Packers.

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Ct Sharpe Cheddar's picture

December 26, 2011 at 05:35 pm

The Bears are who we thought they were,their who we thought they were

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Bearmeat's picture

December 26, 2011 at 06:36 pm

One more thing: GO PACK GO!

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Brian Snyder's picture

December 26, 2011 at 07:53 pm

I'm wondering how much the officials factored into the game. To make it clear, I hate ref bashing and blaming, and I am not complaining at all, but I don't recall ANY holding calls all night on either team. The Packers patchwork line is perfect in pass pro and penalties, and Bears able to run all over them? I think I saw a few potential holds not called (on both O-lines). Bottom line, I think missing Pickett is the biggest factor, but just wondering if refs letting things go a little more than some was an issue.

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Ruppert's picture

December 26, 2011 at 08:38 pm

If this is true, I blame our O line for not holding more.

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Bob's picture

December 27, 2011 at 08:21 am

McCarthy goes over officials tendencies the week before the game. Maybe he should add a halftime update of the tendencies for today.

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Tommyboy's picture

December 26, 2011 at 10:24 pm

By the way, lost in this conversation is the play of the year from A-Rod. In one move, he makes the Bears two best linebackers look like their in a slap-stick comedy, momentarily injures Urlacher (or was that maybe just his pride), and adds insult to injury by making them 69 each other as a result. HI-LARIOUS.

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foundinidaho's picture

December 27, 2011 at 10:55 am

That was my favorite moment of the whole game. Haha! :)

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Steve's picture

December 27, 2011 at 11:09 am

Walden is gassed. Hawk can't tackle, is never in the backfield and usually is out of position. I don't know what's up with Raji but I agree with another post that he can't shed blocks. On a pass into the end-zone Burnett was in great position to watch the play - and he did. Kudos to the O-line.

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andrew harman's picture

December 28, 2011 at 12:18 am

hawk is NEVER out of position.. thats why he starts.

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andrew harman's picture

December 28, 2011 at 12:22 am

hawk starts because he stays in position.. he makes a lot of tackles does he get dragged? yea. does smith look like he might end up replacing him? yea. but i dont think smith is ready yet. next year possibly. within the next 3 years for certain. but as of right now hawk is a leader on this defense. a defense that i think has played solid all year.
i really dont know what people are looking for. the offense goes 3 and out multiple times leaving the defense on the field the whole half and they keep the bears out of the endzone. i get that people dont like all the yards we give up.
but we dont give up touchdowns very often. lots of field goals. nd we get turnovers. that should be more than enough to win with our offense every single game

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Randy's picture

December 28, 2011 at 12:51 pm

AJ Hawk is probably the worst LB in the league. He's always trailing the play and normally gets dragged for 3 to 7 yards when he's in on a tackle. He's also almost always giving ground while trying to make a tackle. He has no burst, no speed, no strength. When he blitzes he reminds me of Fred Flinstone...he starts running but he's not going anywhere. I laugh when supporters state that he's always in position. I guess if being in position is running past the play or giving ground and waiting for the back to get to you then they're right. When was the last time AJ drove a ball carrier back or hit anyone hard? When was the last time he had a part in a turnover? The Packers are basically playing with 10 players on defense. It's insanity not playing Francois. This is almost identical to the Al Harris situation. Everyone pretended that Al Harris was a great corner while ignoring the fact that he was terrible.

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Oppy's picture

December 31, 2011 at 12:24 pm

RE: Al Harris:

Why don't you ask Charles Woodson how terrible Al Harris was?

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