Packers 38 Seahawks 10: Game Balls & Lame Calls

The Pack is back!  At least, for now.  The Green Bay Packers got a huge win over the visiting Seattle Seahawks and suddenly, there are so many possibilities that could play out this season.  The Packers dominated from the opening kickoff and wore their "big boy" pants to outplay one of the better teams in the league.  It was, as Aaron Rodgers said, a gritty and chippy game with several scuffles after the play that have become common between these two teams of late.  When the last seconds ticked off the clock, the Packers had a 38-10 win and a ton of confidence heading into three straight divisional games to end the season.

Now begins the Packers quest to win out and their fans to watch while keeping the other eye on the Lions, Vikings and any other wild card contenders' games.  Added stress?  Yes.  Fortunate to have it?  Yes!  On to this game's best and most forgettable.

Game Balls

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers came in having returned to his old form lately.  On the first series, he tweaked his right calf on the touchdown throw to Davante Adams.  Rodgers is already dealing with a hamstring issue and now has a calf to go with it.  That didn't keep the two-time MVP from putting up three touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating over 150.  Thanks to the Packers defense, Rodgers was able to turn the ball over to back up Brett Hundley and get some additional rest.  

I was at this game and watched Rodgers walk off the field and into the tunnel.  To say he was walking gingerly and limping is an understatement.  I don't know much about sports medicine, but the Packers and Rodgers are going to need every ounce of it from now until season's end.  Rodgers was asked about his calf injury and declared that he wasn't going to miss any time.  On a day when the Packers needed the best from their best, Rodgers delivered in spectacular form.  Had he hit on a few of his other deep ball tries to Adams, his numbers might have been even loftier.

Packers Secondary/Russell Wilson

Wilson has had his share of success against the Packers in the past and to say Seattle has also been very lucky is an understatement.  That wasn't the case in this game.  At all.  Wilson was off all day, overthrowing his receivers and just looking. . off.  To be fair, a few of his interceptions were balls his receivers should have caught but tipped into the air.  I rarely if ever give an opposing player a game ball but if just feels good to give one to Russ here.

The Packers secondary, the real recipient of this game ball, were outstanding all day.  I've been calling on players to make big plays.  During the four-game losing streak, there were few to be found.  Today, every time there was a turnover to be had, a Packers defender was there and reeled it in.  Morgan Burnett, Damarious Randall twice, Quinten Rollins and Micah Hyde all had picks.  Randall had a big one near the Seattle end zone to thwart a potential scoring drive just before halftime.  Hyde's was the last and emphatically shut the door on Seattle for the day.  Add in a fumble recovery by Kentrell Brice at the very end of the game and the Packers went from -5 in the give/take category and are now +1 on the season.

Datone Jones

Jones was credited with five hits on Wilson and had a tackle for loss.  He lived in the backfield and brought some extra attitude to boot.  I'm never a fan of a player getting hit with a personal foul but when it's overshadowed by that player's performance and doesn't hurt the team, I can overlook it.  Jones had the game of a former first round pick today.  This is something the Packers hoped to see more of over the past four seasons but it couldn't have come on a better day.  Big time performance in a big game that could prove to be a springboard for Green Bay this season.

Jordy Nelson

Nelson continues to come up big and appears to be back to form when it comes to finding open spots and making big catches.  The deep ball hasn't been there, but Nelson and Rodgers are back on track.  Jordy had two touchdown catches on the day and tied Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin for a game-high six catches.  Nelson has resumed his role as the safety valve and a big contributor on third down and in goal line situations.  He has 12 touchdown catches his year.  In 2014, one of his best, he had 13.

Offensive Line

Only one sack of an immobile Aaron Rodgers against one of the best defensive fronts in the league?  Game ball.

Ty Montgomery

A big game and a big win call for a few extra names to note.  Montgomery scored his first rushing touchdown of the season and continues to do good things with the ball in his hands.  He had nine carries for 4.6 yards per and added three catches as well.  Despite his role now being on film for opposing defenses to address, Montgomery is still improving as a runner and more elusive as the weeks wear on.  The wrinkle he offers the Packers offense has proven to be very valuable this season.

Lame Calls

Mike McCarthy via James Starks

McCarthy tends to come up with these incredible games against some of the best teams in the league.  In 2014, he engineered a great day against the New England Patriots and in this game, against the Seahawks.  His use of formations and mixing up the play calling was refreshing.  But when they introduced the offense at the beginning of the game and James Starks came running out of the tunnel, I had to wonder why.  Some of you may be saying "well, they use multiple formations so that he's a 'starter' really doesn't mean much.  But Starks was out there on the team's first possession and promptly took his first hand off and did. . nothing.  He's timid, slow, hesitant and ineffective.  They tried to work him back in later on, but he was eventually put on the shelf in favor of Montgomery and Christine Michael.

McCarthy has a history of being stubborn and sticking with guys he likes a bit too long.  He says things like "so and so deserves more playing time" or "so and so has earned the right to be out there more".  Mike, play the best option.   Don't worry about who's most veteran or has rank over other players.  Put the performers on the field and those who aren't on the bench.  At this point, there isn't time nor room for an under performer to take valuable snaps from someone else and potentially hold the team back.

Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles & New Orleans Saints

It's never ideal to have to rely on others to help you get into a favorable position for postseason contention.  But that's currently where the Packers find themselves and so they need some help in catching up to the Lions and Vikings in the divisional race and with the other NFC contenders for a wild card spot.  All of those teams also notched wins today so we will have to wait another week to see if the situation improves.  

 

Others to mention:

  • Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark don't have flashy stats, but they both had good days and were a few of the unsung guys on the day for the Packers
  • Dean Lowry with another sack and a ton of energy.  He's carving out a nice niche for himself just in time for the late-season push
  • Corey Linsley had a couple of errant snaps today.  They didn't cost the offense but with Rodgers hampered with a hamstring and a calf, any added motions create more risk of a turnover or lost points
  • Jayrone Elliott with a sack and hopefully can pick up more slack as Clay Matthews tries to recover from his shoulder injury
  • Speaking of Matthews, why was he still out there late in the game when it was clearly over?
  • Christine Michael runs hard.  He's a nice change from what we've seen from Packers running backs.  Maybe he was motivated playing against his old team.  When the game ended, he was the first guy off the field and into the tunnel instead of sticking around to talk with his former teammates.  Not sure if there's anything to read into there, but I found it interesting
  • T.J. Lang returned sooner than thought after suffering a foot injury.  He's in a contract year and clearly wants to show well in preparation of that and get this team as far as he can while still in a Packers uniform.  He was also dealing with cheap shots to the groin area a few times on the day and had to get in the face of some of the Seahawks.  Cheers to a player who has been a good look for the Green Bay Packers since he joined the team in 2009

 

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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 (50)

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Hematite's picture

December 12, 2016 at 06:11 am

We saw the real Packers yesterday !
Where has this team been?

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Gianich's picture

December 12, 2016 at 09:38 am

Hurt.

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al bundy's picture

December 12, 2016 at 12:48 pm

Hey there all hurt. The Bears have 11 offensive players, first string out for the season. The Vikes have 5 top players out, three of them pro bowlers. So give it up. The pack have a lot of undrafteds who are not used to or able to take the NFL poundings. Blame Ted

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SpudRapids's picture

December 12, 2016 at 01:00 pm

If you think that health hasn't contributed to the secondary's and runnign game's woes earlier in the season you are just being silly.

The difference between a successful "next man up" team and one where it doesn't work is the amount of attrition at a singular position. They had 4 injuries at corner! 4! That is regulating down to 5th string at that point in time. Same with running back they had all 3 half backs on the roster hurt. You can't sit here and same blame Ted.... that's foolish. Blame him for what? Not signing and keeping 5 starting caliber corners? Name one roster in the NFL that could take that many injuries and corner and still produce. You can't because it is not possible.

Your comparison to the Bears and Vikes is foolish too. The Vikings still have their top flight defense largely intact and that will keep any time in any game. The Bears have a ton of injuries and they suck.... kind of works against your point.

It's time we give credit to the coaching staff for turning this season around in the face of so much adversity.

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NickPerry's picture

December 13, 2016 at 07:57 am

"The Bears have 11 offensive players, first string out for season".

So what you're saying is the Bears ENTIRE Offense is out for the season?

Common man, a little less BS please.

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NickPerry's picture

December 12, 2016 at 06:34 am

Game Balls

Randall and the rest of the Packers Secondary. Randalls first Interception was a thing of beauty. Did you see Baldwins eyes in the replay the moment he SNATCHED the ball....Priceless!

McCarthy actually staying with Montgomery most of the game. The only time I screamed at my TV was when Starks was in the game BUT MM was quick to give him the hook.

The reverse to Janis was the icing on the cake to a well called game.. For 60 Minutes! The perfect call at the perfect time

Richard Rodgers...Hanging onto that 3rd down pass after the cheap shot by KJ Wright.

McCarthy... I've been critical of McCarthy, especially this year. He called a great game and deserves a "Game Ball".

Lame Calls

The SeaHawks Defense...They certainly don't handle ass kickings very well. Cheap Shots, chippy play, Avril having a near meltdown on the field. They run up the score and pound the hell out of teams pretty often. They don't handle it well when the roles are reversed.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 12, 2016 at 06:52 am

YES!!!

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NickPerry's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:24 am

Edit to my comment...Because I LIKE stats...

Rodgers is now completing over 65% of his passes
Rodgers leads the NFL in TD passes
Rodgers passer rating is over 100 (101.1) for the 1st time in about a year.
Jordy Nelson leads the NFL in TD Receptions
The Packers have 3 WR's with 60 catches or more

IF the Packers "Win Out", a possible 3rd MVP for Rodgers could be in the cards?

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:36 am

Adams is tied for 4th in TD receptions too...

What I find funny is how Rodgers isn't being talked about at all for MVP. The last 8 games or so he has been the best in the league.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

December 12, 2016 at 10:14 am

True MVP.. Rodgers doesn't play well first couple weeks and team losses. Rodgers gets his grove back and team pounds the seachickens... If we win out in dominate fashion Rodgers gets the MVP

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NickPerry's picture

December 12, 2016 at 10:47 am

There was actually something on NFL.com today mentioning the possibilty. Still a lot of football to play so we'll see. I'd be happy with a run of the table and a few Lions losses to start with.

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Yooper's picture

December 12, 2016 at 09:28 am

#Seabirdsbutkicking HAha!!:^)

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:06 am

Game balls to the players and coaches for putting together the most complete game of the year AND against Pete Carroll nonetheless. Sweetness doesn't get much sweeter. It was one of the first Packers game that I could watch from start to finish until CBS took my candy away and made me watch New Orleans NOT help us against Tampa. That was lame.

While I obviously don't know football, I do know when I see a team that sticks together as a team and plays hard despite the setbacks. Thanks Packers for playing with pride and heart. There's your game ball.

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croatpackfan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:11 am

At this moment we should stop wish Saints to help us. They can not do that...

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croatpackfan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:09 am

This game reminded me why I do not like Seattle... As Nick wrote: Cheap! They are talented, but with no respect to others.
Davante Adams deserves to be mentioned by his name if for nothing else than for 2 blows to Sherman while Janis was running through them on the last TD... I was yelling of joy (it was almost 2 a. m. in my country) loud, hopefully did not wake any neighbors...

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:44 am

Yup, I agree completely. IF there is 1 team to blow out, this was a good one to blow out.

I loved Adams on that reverse. Sherman got his ass kicked and I loved every second of it.

2 am in your country? I apologize if you have answered this before but what country are you from?

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:46 am

My guess is with a name like Croatpackfan he is from Croatia. Although I guess he could be from Pakistan or Fantasia.

All I know is if I ever get back to that beautiful country I am looking him up and buying him a beer.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 09:24 am

That was my guess to, but I didn't want to just assume.

I like hearing from Packer fans around the world. a really cool thing.

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croatpackfan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 12:01 pm

Yeah, 'Im from Zagreb, Capital of Croatia. Would like to meet with any of you!

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 01:14 pm

That's awesome.

So just curious, being from Croatia, how did you learn about Cheeseheadtv?

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NickPerry's picture

December 12, 2016 at 10:48 am

Right on Croat, Adams knocked him on his ass!

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Packer_Pete's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:10 am

The Seahawks D has a couple good players, but this is an assembly of cheap shot artists. I really do not like them. It also shows that Earl Thomas is the glue for that secondary. Chancellor is good (but I still think he is juiced up big time), and Sherman is alright, but the rest can be exposed easily. Their DL is just... sore losers.

But the worst is their LB corps. I have seen KJ Wright now several times, and I am not sure that I've ever seen a worse cheap shot artist and dirty player in all my years watching football. If you watch him especially when the ball is not around then one can see what I mean. Makes Suh look like a choir boy...
Wagner is another douche who shouldn't be in the NFL...

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:35 am

That play by Wright is the type of play to me why there should be a form of Targeting in the NFL. IMO, he should be ejected for that.

Also if there was a targeting type of penalty in the NFL, it would stop Sherman from doing his crap.

Seahawks are one of the dirtiest teams I have seen. They get away with to much crap. What I find funny is how much they whine to the refs about stuff too. The stuff they do to other teams, and when it happens to them they don't know how to handle it.
The interception that Rollins had where Gunter had great field position and was looking at the ball, I thought Carroll was going to have a stroke or something.

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Finwiz's picture

December 12, 2016 at 12:23 pm

KJ Wright is one of the dirtiest players in the league. I can't stand that guy. Every game GB plays them, he does something stupid like that illegal hit yesterday. Total turd of a player.

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calabasa's picture

December 12, 2016 at 01:19 pm

Hard to beat Vontaze Burfict in the "dirty" category- guy's on tilt at all times...

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:10 am

Such a great game. Imagine what Rodgers would have done to the Seahawks defense if he had 2 good legs. Hell, what would he have done if he had 1 good leg.

To me a huge game ball goes to the OL. Those guys kept Rodgers clean all game. Bakhtiari and Bulaga deserve a ton of credit. Going up against Avril and Bennett is no easy task.

Other Game balls.
Rodgers - I saw a stat on twitter where he had 1 off target throw, the other 4 were either defended or thrown away.

Montgomery - He is a RB, and a damn good one. What I like is he isn't easy to bring down. Stiff arming a safety to the ground showed his power. He is always gaining positive yards.

Adams - His ability to shake loose a CB is the best I have seen from a Packers WR since Jennings. Rodgers was about 2 yards off of Adams having another long TD.

Nelson - Should be the NFL comeback player of the year. He currently leads the NFL in TD receptions, and is 13th in reception yards.

DL - They along with the OL helped win this game.

Burnett - Burnett is the unsung hero of the defense. His interception really changed the game for the Packers. And the way he played Graham all day was very impressive.

Randall - His Interception prevented any chance of a comeback win. That was a TD pass as Baldwin was WIDE open.

McCarthy and Packers staff - I couldn't be more proud of this team. They are coached the right way. A lesser coached team would have been baited into numerous amounts of fights in this game from the cheap shit that Seattle was doing. Way to many dirty cheap shots by Seattle. The Packers players are a team I can be proud of because they are doing things the right way.

This pretty much sums up the Seahawks and how they are coached and the types of players they have.
https://twitter.com/TJLang70/status/808133060759842817

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daveh's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:15 am

One thing I took from the game is the backup QB. God forbid Rodgers goes down, Hundley never has impressed me..I know we haven't seen that much of him in a Packer Uniform, and I hope we don't, just my thought

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:51 am

With Rodgers limited in practice in recent weeks, he's probably finally getting more practice reps...at least more like training camp. Until they prep him to play a full game, we'll not know what he's got.

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NickPerry's picture

December 13, 2016 at 08:05 am

Good point. Remember in 2010 for example when Rodgers got knocked out with his 2nd concussion? The Packers lost the game 7-3 and Flynn did absolutely nothing. The following week they played in New England and were 11 yards short of winning the game when time ran out. The point is exactly what you said.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:18 am

"Mike, play the best option."

+100

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Handsback's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:36 am

We had a dinner party last night so while I saw the first half....only watched segments of the second half. All I can say is OMG, where has that team been all year? To be fair, it can now be said that Earl Thomas is the Seahawk's best defensive player. That was a total meltdown by their defense and as far as I know he is their only starter out.
Good job by the Packer's defense. Capers has the players to stop the Seahawk's and implement his plan.
Now the Packer's have to go against the Bears. This will be a tough one.

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:10 am

Just reviewed the box score via CBS Sports:

TOP:
Seattle: 31:50
Packers: 28:10

1st Downs
Seattle: 22
Packers: 17

3rd Down Conversion
Seattle: 6/12
Packers: 4/11

Net Yards
Seattle: 354
Packers: 330

Rushing Yards
Seattle: 136
Packers: 93

Turnovers
Seattle: 6
Packers: 0

Red Zone Eff
Seattle: 0/1
Packers: 4/4

I wonder what the difference was?

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:53 am

You have the turnovers backwards.

That was the difference in the game. Also Rodgers hit on most of his throws. Wilson didn't.

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:10 am

Good catch. I posted that like Russell Wilson.

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2016 at 07:49 am

BTW - Is anyone else having trouble with this site stuttering like crazy? I can hardly get my cursor to show up with all the flicker and hesitation.

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tobinrote's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:03 am

where has this team been? the seahawks looked like the packers against the colts. still, one can see just how important earl thomas is to that team. and how about that O line? incredible. and is it my eyes going bad or has davante adams quite simply gotten FASTER?

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Bugeater's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:31 am

I think a good deal of time was spent this season wondering whether the Packers just had a lower talent level than years past. I think this game shows that the talent level is there - still young, but there nonetheless. Randall's goal line interception was a thing of beauty and probably the play of the game. One of the prettiest catches I've seen a defensive player make in a long time. Jayronne Elliot showed he belongs and hasn't come close to reaching his ceiling yet. Ty Montgomery hasn't even scratched the surface of what he can bring to the offense. And Davante Adams showed grit against the league's most physical (and dirty) secondarys. Throw in an ascending Lowery and a solid day from the linebackers, and it's hard to say the talent isn't there. Sure they still have to prove it week to week, but it's getting pretty fun to watch!

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pacman's picture

December 12, 2016 at 10:05 am

Not a Vic Ketchman fan but 'just win baby' is certainly appropriate today. Unbelievable turn-around for Packers - especially AR. Jordy too. Looks like deep threat changes to Adams. I always liked Monty as an up and coming receiver but really nice to have a fast big RB. Randall interception was a thing of beauty. The others, nice but lucky bounces. About time we got them. Nice to see a ball strip fumble too.

WHERE HAS THIS TEAM BEEN? I would really like someone to answer that! As been mentioned many times - be a shame now not to make playoffs after that win but still need a healthier D for any run. CM is a very good decoy at the moment.

One more thing - 6 turnover blowout - couldn't happen to a nicer guy (sarcastic). Carol, I mean. I don't have anything against Wilson. Really bad luck for him yesterday. Adams' block on Sherman - priceless.

Gotta feel sorry for Stafford too but....

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Since'61's picture

December 12, 2016 at 08:35 am

Game Balls: MM, AR, Monty, Jordy, Adams, OL, Burnett, Randall, Lowry, and a great defensive effort.
Lame Calls: Injuries to Cook and A. Rodgers

Great team win against one of the top 5 teams in the league. Some power rankings have even had the Seachickens ranked ahead of Dallas. I realize that it was a 51 yarder but had Crosby hit that FG we would have put up a 40+ spot against Seattle. This is what can happen when the Packers play with a lead and the defense backs it up, the turnovers come and Rodgers and the offense have chances to open up a big lead which creates even more turnovers. Bears next and we can't let up. They gave the Lions all they could handle yesterday and I'm sure they would love to spoil our season. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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Razer's picture

December 12, 2016 at 09:29 am

...This is what can happen when the Packers play with a lead and the defense backs it up...

If I had to put my finger on a key factor, I would say that establishing a lead and keeping the offensive pressure up determined this game. If our offense can keep the pace up, we will force other teams to keep up. The best defense seems to be a good offense.

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4zone's picture

December 12, 2016 at 09:48 am

The only help we need is from the G-Men or Cowboys. No one else matters, and we need to win out. Next week may set the table for us.

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dobber's picture

December 12, 2016 at 10:46 am

As I understand it, the Packers could split their games with the Vikes and Bears so long as the Lions lose to Dallas and the Giants, and still could win the division with a win over the Lions (both teams finishing 9-7)

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

December 12, 2016 at 12:40 pm

We can't split if it's a win against the Bears and a loss vs. the vikes...MN would have the tie breaker over us or could win outright if they run the table.

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dobber's picture

December 13, 2016 at 08:46 am

True. Thanks.

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Rossonero's picture

December 12, 2016 at 11:41 am

Seahawks are a bunch of goons. I love seeing them lose. Pete Carroll is whiny and annoying. If Ted Thompson does not re-sign TJ Lang, then he is insane.

Game balls to Rodgers, the offensive line, secondary and defensive line.

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al bundy's picture

December 12, 2016 at 12:59 pm

Have to say I was impressed with the Bears D against the Lions. They are going to be a force next year. With a good draft of Offensive players they will be competitive next year.
I see the game being tough next week. Outside, dont know the weather yet, a hungry team that would like to be in your spot, ya noi push over there.
If the Vikes win you can be Pederson will play the following week agianst us. He is hungry too.
If the Pack run the table it will becuase they worked hard at it and wanted it more.

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snowdog's picture

December 12, 2016 at 02:34 pm

Lame Calls : to Aikman / Buck . The man's name is G - U - N - T - E - R not G - U - N - N - E - R . Just saying ..

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alaskan tundra's picture

December 12, 2016 at 02:37 pm

After this game I realize I know nothing about football.
GoPackGo

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dobber's picture

December 13, 2016 at 08:47 am

Socrates would say that you are truly on the path to football wisdom...

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canadapacker's picture

December 13, 2016 at 11:35 am

My complaint is that we seem to get 9 yards on a pass on first down and then lose 3 yards next play when we try and run the ball. The Oline seems to get pushed into the backfield 2 yards at the snap. Then we have an incompletion on 3rd down and were off the field. Has simply happened too many times. Those were killing us early in the year ( along with some inopportune drops). I am not sure what is going on with the zone blocking but it has only been 88 who seems to be able to make yards carrying the ball and even he has been stopped on some of these short yardage plays. If there is something to clear up that is certainly it.

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