Packers: 38 Vikings: 25 The Good, Bad and Ugly
Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews, Mike Daniels, Joe Thomas, Nick Perry, Pass Rush
Jeff Janis, Garbage Stats/Yards for Minnesota, Bryan Bulaga's Shoulder
Pass Defense as Usual, Aaron Rodgers' Brief Injury
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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 (80)
Hematite
December 24, 2016 at 05:48 pm
Simply labeling the pass defense ugly is not doing them justice!
They are hideous!!!
Bert
December 24, 2016 at 07:06 pm
They scare me assuming we make the playoffs. I just can't see getting through teams like Atlanta, Dallas etc. with the leaky secondary.
jeremyjjbrown
December 24, 2016 at 06:00 pm
I'm just really suprised the CBs continue to play this poorly. Joe Whitt has usually cleaned these things up in the past. However Randall and Rollins technique continues to be poor. Makes me wonder what is going on with those guys.
Gman1976
December 24, 2016 at 11:25 pm
Is it injuries, inexperience, the plays of the DC, the talent level or a combination of these factors? All I know is that when the 4th quarter comes along, you can count on the other team scoring at least one touchdown; and it is frustrating to watch since there is such inconsistency.
jeremyjjbrown
December 25, 2016 at 09:58 am
It's definitely more than just a few basic problems. I think thats pretty clear.
dobber
December 25, 2016 at 12:39 pm
I know what you're saying, but I have no problem with the garbage-time TD the Vikes got yesterday.
I think the discouraging part was that the Packers were getting pressure on Bradford, but he was still eating up yardage. I'd like to think that pressure up front would make this group of CBs look better.
dobber
December 25, 2016 at 12:05 pm
This is what happens when you don't have a #1 CB...even against a bunch of ragamuffin WR like Minnesota's.
Lphill
December 24, 2016 at 05:59 pm
Have to start thinking Joe Whitt is clueless . How about next year we replace Capers with Zimmer who probably would be a better DC than he is a head coach.
jeremyjjbrown
December 24, 2016 at 06:03 pm
Zimmer is a better defensive coordinator than Capers. I just don't think Zimmer will be fired, too many injures this season to pin it all on coaching. And I bet Rich Spielman doesn't want to do a coaching change right now.
Flow49
December 25, 2016 at 07:38 am
Rex Ryan for D coordinator? That could be interesting
Christopher Gennaro
December 27, 2016 at 05:41 pm
people may riot in the streets!! even as a fan and against the move, the man is entertaining, and one of the funniest quotes.
Packer_Pete
December 24, 2016 at 06:07 pm
Jeff Janis wasn't that bad. Good gunner on ST.
Bert
December 24, 2016 at 06:17 pm
Yeah. I thought Janis did a good job on STs today. Didn't see the whole game so maybe he effed up and I didn't see it.
NickPerry
December 24, 2016 at 06:55 pm
I guess I missed what Janis did too.
mrtundra
December 24, 2016 at 07:43 pm
On a punt return, Sherels was going to run it back and Janis was on top of him before Sherels knew he was there. It was a pretty nice Special Teams play by Janis.
mrtundra
December 24, 2016 at 07:45 pm
Janis also caught a pass from Rodgers.
Yooper
December 27, 2016 at 08:57 am
Jeff Janis played a heck of a game......with the time on the field he was given - I love to see him play - Always exciting and so there are a couple of media people who luv to dish ...... on him - What gives with there bad attitudes - Jeff has given us all more exciting positive plays in two years than quite a few other players - Who by the way have been given a lot more chances!!!!!
Packer_Pete
December 24, 2016 at 06:11 pm
The good: O, especially Jordy
The bad: Vikings
The ugly: Joe Whitt's 'preparation' of CBs
Wenis
December 24, 2016 at 06:24 pm
Mashed potatoe Mike turtling up in the 2nd half. They continue to win despite this guy and his bone-headed play calling. 3rd and 2 and he continues to try and go deep, mind boggling.
dobber
December 24, 2016 at 09:14 pm
I don't think you watched the same game I did...
Since'61
December 24, 2016 at 06:27 pm
Good: Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, CM3, Daniels, Joe Thomas
Bad: Pass defense
Ugly: Fox announcers
On to Detroit. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
Charvid
December 24, 2016 at 09:32 pm
CM3 did indeed look good today, but Clemings is maybe the worst Left Tackle in the league.
He can't seem to move his feet at all. He's terrible. I hope CM3 is back, but this may not have been a real true test.
Christopher Gennaro
December 27, 2016 at 05:43 pm
funny how so many people, believe troy and joe are the biggest gb homers. yet every week im hoping its anyone else
al bundy
December 24, 2016 at 06:36 pm
Good is obvious, we won. Rogers, Nelson, Mathews
Bad, no pressure up the middle again and run support is piss poor. Just why the hell does this team think we need 330 pound guys in the middle to slow to pass rush and runners running by them. Tired of it.
Ugly- pass defenders totally out of shape and always hurt. Gunther, Rollins, Randle, Hyde, just not able to take the NFL punishment and I blame Ted T for picking these guys. Expect an early out again in the playoffs as the good teams pass like crazy with not pass rush and no pass d
al bundy
December 24, 2016 at 06:38 pm
Forgot, Geronomo upstaging Cobb. Last week Cobb caught zero passes and did nothing. Today with him out Geronimo added an element of height and speed and good hands. Time to put Cobb to the pasture
Bert
December 24, 2016 at 07:02 pm
Good point. Two thumbs up for Geronimo. He may develop into a pretty good WR. Very nice job today.
MarkinMadison
December 24, 2016 at 07:04 pm
Cuttig Cobb would leave $6.5M in dead cap money next year. Or the Packers could see if he returns to form when healthy. Wonder what they will do. Not really, they will keep him.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 25, 2016 at 02:33 am
What to do with Cobb is a conundrum, but I think the $6.5M dead money is a clincher: he will be back. No, making him an after June 1 cut doesn't help, IMO.
Before the Seattle game, I suggested putting Jordy in the slot and moving Cook outside opposite Adams. Jordy has been excellent in the slot, but unless Allison, Cook or Davis can show something outside, looks like Jordy will have to be outside. The thing is, Jordy is so much better than Cobb in the slot. Jordy is better in the slot than even the dynamic 2014 Cobb was.
Christopher Gennaro
December 27, 2016 at 06:26 pm
not until next year, davis never plays, allison too raw and cook maybe. you're not wrong, jordy in slot is physical more then most slot corners can cover, and few lb can run with him, even after the injury. hopefully once cobbs fully healthy we see more four wide with both playing opposite slot spots. the mismatches would be awesome
GVPacker
December 24, 2016 at 06:53 pm
The SeaChickens just lost does that help the Packers?
MarkinMadison
December 24, 2016 at 07:14 pm
The #2 seed is still up for grabs. If Atlanta loses to the Saints next week, someone else might have a shot at being #2. I don't think the Packers would get it though.
Since'61
December 25, 2016 at 11:06 am
If the Packers and the Falcons both finish 10-6 then Falcons own the tie breaker due to their win over the Packers. They would be the #2 seed. The Packers needed both Atlanta and Seattle to lose out which was an unlikely scenario anyway. Thanks, Since '61
John Galt III
December 25, 2016 at 11:56 am
Well, both Cleveland and SF won - so who knows.
Christopher Gennaro
December 27, 2016 at 06:29 pm
in all honesty i dont care about the second seed, even thou we cant achieve it anyways. let the dirty birds and the sea chickens, fight it out. i know that means if we get 4th or 6th seed, we go the jerry world in round two if we win, but i think we can go in here and take them out.
MarkinMadison
December 24, 2016 at 07:07 pm
Good: #12, Jordy, Geronimo, CM3
Bad: Pack running attack
Ugly: Defensive Secondary
tm_inter
December 24, 2016 at 07:13 pm
Why pick on Jeff Janis? He caught the only pass Aaron Rodgers threw to him. And he was the best gunner the Packers had.
What did he do wrong today?
RocsCave
December 24, 2016 at 08:10 pm
Janis couldn't get a punt downed inside the 5 before going into the end zone....because that never happens. ...crucifixion for him.
Bert
December 24, 2016 at 09:32 pm
Oh yeah. Bring out the blindfold and cigarette. Janis is a role player who seems to be playing his role pretty well the last few weeks. I have no problems with Janis. He'll never develop into a starter at WR but at least he does add some value as a spot player on offense and pretty good ST guy.
Bill Snyder
December 24, 2016 at 07:24 pm
it's a shame we still have capers. I think the game past him 10 years ago. our dbs really stinks. I would like to see what our defense could do with a more younger defensive coach.
mrtundra
December 24, 2016 at 07:48 pm
Everytime they showed Capers in the booth, Aikman and Buck would gush about how great of a DC he is.
Mags
December 24, 2016 at 10:06 pm
Maybe its the talent or lack of that Teddy put back there that's the problem.
LeagueObsrvr
December 24, 2016 at 08:07 pm
Check out this story from DailyNorseman. It looks like the rumors of Zimmer losing the team may be true:
http://www.dailynorseman.com/2016/12/24/14076810/zimmer-players-defied-p...
jeremyjjbrown
December 24, 2016 at 08:50 pm
Damn, Rhodes sounds like an idiot. An idiot who can cover but an idiot.
dobber
December 24, 2016 at 09:19 pm
The phrase you might be looking for is "coach-killer".
WKUPackFan
December 25, 2016 at 05:31 am
You can't really be a "coach-killer" to a coach who doesn't garner, or deserve, respect.
Go back to the Norv Turner situation. Norv has always been a first-class guy, going back to the Cowboys. Yet the rift between Norv and Zimmer became so bad that Norv was willing to take the criticism of quitting mid-season just to get away from Zimmer.
Zimmer routinely blames everyone else for his team's failures (just like Bruce Arians). Zimmer is that guy from the trailer park on the outskirts of town. He lacks class. The exact opposite of MM.
GVPacker
December 25, 2016 at 09:57 am
When Zimmer was named head coach there was an interview with the NFL network. They had a video of him running practice and I got the impression by the way he was taking to his players that he would be better suited to coach a college football program than a pro football coach. He was really ripping into his players, taking to them like he was speaking to a bunch of high school kids. He was a very good defensive coordinator with Cincinnati but with the turmoil in Minnesota his head coaching days may be numbered! I'll just sit back and enjoy watching the Viking's implode!,SKOL!
jeremyjjbrown
December 25, 2016 at 10:00 am
Yeah, one easy to overlook quality of MM is that he doesn't throw guys under the bus.
dobber
December 25, 2016 at 12:10 pm
The Packers don't air their laundry in the media. They take care of it behind closed doors. I've always thought this is a part of why MM is frequently non-informative in his pressers. This was also why I thought it was meaningful when he called out Lacy after last season.
Bearmeat
December 24, 2016 at 08:22 pm
G: The passing game, CM3, Thomas
B: Randall, Rollins, Gunter
U: The Minniesoda Viqueens
sonomaca
December 24, 2016 at 10:20 pm
What I'm reading here is ridiculous. Capers and McCarthy did exactly what you're supposed to do with a big lead: RUN CLOCK. Who cares about Minnesota's late scores. The Packers won the game. Jeez.
Gman1976
December 24, 2016 at 11:34 pm
Last week, this strategy almost cost us the game. This strategy kills momentum, costs Ws at times, mars a victory, prevents a team from having a dominating attitude, removes fear from an opponent, takes away the killer instinct, and just stinks.
sonomaca
December 25, 2016 at 01:08 am
Almost isn't did. The Packers won and Aaron Rodgers doesn't have a broken fibula. The entirety of your post is balderdash.
WilsonMaywick
December 25, 2016 at 06:43 am
You get a thumbs up for using balderdash. Nice.
sonomaca
December 25, 2016 at 08:38 pm
Thanks. It's hard to criticize a coaching staff which has won 5 straight games. They have young players in the secondary, so I wouldn't expect perfection back there. How long did it take Shields to become an excellent player?
Charvid
December 25, 2016 at 06:20 am
That is an excellent approach for any team with a D that isn't capable of giving up 24 points in a Quarter. We don't have such a defense as we've seen. With this D, it is probably better to keep the foot on the gas and just keep scoring. As the Chi game showed, you may need every last point to pull a game out. That said, I see your point. We just buried our arch rival handily and there is a lot of bitching going on. This is not a complete team. There are obvious flaws. But how about we enjoy the win?
Charvid
December 25, 2016 at 06:20 am
That is an excellent approach for any team with a D that isn't capable of giving up 24 points in a Quarter. We don't have such a defense as we've seen. With this D, it is probably better to keep the foot on the gas and just keep scoring. As the Chi game showed, you may need every last point to pull a game out. That said, I see your point. We just buried our arch rival handily and there is a lot of bitching going on. This is not a complete team. There are obvious flaws. But how about we enjoy the win?
Thegreatreynoldo
December 25, 2016 at 07:33 am
No, no, no, no. Our defense can give up lots of points fast. Our prevent D far too often doesn't stop big plays. When you have a big lead with a QB who does not throw INTs, you play the defense not the clock. Just tell the receivers and RBs to stay in bounds. You have to have the ball and move the chains to run clock.
I don't agree with you but had to give a thumbs up just for balderdash.
dobber
December 25, 2016 at 12:14 pm
We disagree: I think if you're only one-dimensional (and the Packers were yesterday) and playing against a fast, aggressive defense, throwing the ball (which is essentially what is espoused above) lengthens the game unnecessarily. When you're up three scores late, burn clock, make the opponent use their timeouts. There's a reason why teams do this...historically it's been shown to work.
Christopher Gennaro
December 27, 2016 at 06:34 pm
yes it does work historically, but our d right is so soft in prevent it kills us. even if we were more bend dont break, it would be fine. problem i see, is that even in prevent we will get gashed by a rb like freemen and zeke in the playoffs.
Gman1976
December 24, 2016 at 11:43 pm
I want our opponents in the 4th quarter to dread playing our team and to think it's a lost cause; but the "prevent defense" has been allowing way too many scores and gives the opponent hope and the idea it can win.
Rossonero
December 24, 2016 at 11:45 pm
I was listening to the game on the radio and a caller dialed in and asked why the Packers can't put away teams. Vic Ketchman quickly denounced him, saying "it's the football way. If your team gets a huge lead, normally teams are content to give up smaller chunks of yards, rather than a big play. So the clock runs and there are garbage time stats and TDs."
Now, the 2014 NFC championship game still haunts us, but Ketchman seemed to believe that was an extraordinarily unusual situation. I'll admit, I share the same frustration as the caller though. For example, look at New England today. They won 41-3. Granted, they faced Bryce Petty of all QBs, but Bill Belichick gets pissed even when they give up a garbage time TD.
In defense of Capers though, what options does he have? There's not much talent back there. Williams is gone, Heyward is gone and so Shields is too. You don't just snap your fingers, draft 2 CBs and think you're good to go.
I cringe at the thought of facing Matt Ryan, although he is beatable. But if we make it to the Super Bowl and face Tom Brady? That's a different ball game. I still have faith though. There's something special about this team I can't put my finger on. Go Pack!
MarkinMadison
December 25, 2016 at 08:56 am
The bad news is the Packers are entirely reliant on three 2nd year cornerbacks. The good news is they will keep getting better. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next month. Maybe next year. Something will click. They will get comfortable. We just have to hold on until then.
WKUPackFan
December 25, 2016 at 05:14 am
Merry Christmas!
The Good: Kenny Clark (haven't seen him mentioned yet), AR, Jordy, Clay, others mentioned above.
The Bad: Zimmer and Spielman
The Ugly: Adrian Peterson, simply because he is a horrible human being.
MarkinMadison
December 25, 2016 at 08:57 am
Agreed. Kenny Clark had a good game yesterday.
jeremyjjbrown
December 25, 2016 at 10:03 am
From what I have read AP still doesn't get what he did wrong. Psychopath.
Keshti Gyllinger
December 26, 2016 at 08:26 pm
Adrian Peterson is a psychopath indeed, and a horrible, horrible parent. After seeing those pictures of his bruised 5 yo son I don't get why he still gets to do anything, he should be locked away. I would refuse to play with him on my team.
Tundraboy
December 25, 2016 at 06:16 am
Thanks Santa! And ARod Jordy and Clark. Loved every part except for stupid Capers soft prevent later on. Please next time just run it up. Maybe for New Years Day.
croatpackfan
December 25, 2016 at 06:58 am
There i not love for Schum. He won field position battle and he punts much better than Mashtay... He belongs to category good...
egbertsouse
December 25, 2016 at 07:41 am
I refuse to let Caper off the hook for his crap D. Look at player performance: Most of the young defensive players show promise early. After 1or2 years with Capers and his staff they usually regress. Yeah, you occasionally get a Daniels but you more often get aRandall, Rollins, Raji, Pennel, etc, etc,etc.
4thand1
December 25, 2016 at 10:09 am
Pennel is a lost cause cut his ass. Randall, Rollins sophmore slum? Raji had some good productive years. Whitt may be a little over rated by a lot of people. These young guys keep making huge mistakes, out of position, blown assignments,etc. etc. I keep seeing guys running into each other and falling down, leaving receivers to just waltz into the end zone. It's embarrassing. We had good pressure on Bradford and the back end collapsed again. 16 weeks into the season and this shit keeps happening, something's gotta give. This years elephant in the room.
calabasa
December 25, 2016 at 08:37 am
I'm going to fill my cup with another round of "Christmas Kool-Aid" and enjoy a smackdown of the worst team in the league. ARod was unreal! Jordy too. Merry Christmas and GO PACK!!
4zone
December 25, 2016 at 08:37 am
Didn't catch the game yesterday. Can't comment on performances. But love oking at Bradfords numbers secondary still has issues.
This team has com around on offense and parts of the defense is progressing but its still too much of sieve to withstand the top shelf competition in the playoffs. If we make it in, I see one win at best.
It has been a respectable turn around for sure but I think this team definitely has serious issues. Issues that need more than just draft picks thrown at it.
Detroit isn't going to lay down for us next week. Expect a high energy game from them, this one's for all the marbles. They are used to coming from behind and we are used to giving up points late. Not a good mix for us.
MarkinMadison
December 25, 2016 at 08:59 am
I have to say, I'm disappointed in all the Capers bashing. Merry Christmas.
lou
December 25, 2016 at 09:25 am
Merry Christmas everyone. Whether they run the table or not or the pass defense holds up in the playoffs if they get in this team has shown a lot of character. They easily could have folded after 4 straight losses. The fact they have persevered should end the calls for Ted & Mike's jobs but I believe they have to do a lot of due diligence to determine Caper's future going forward. Lastly in reference to putting Janis in the "Bad" category for no apparent reason was extremely UNPROFESSIONAL by the author who for some reason has a grudge against the kid. Let the bloggers who reply to the articles have an honest debate assuming the data is not "fake news", as they always do, there will be very entertaining opinion with references to back up there positions, that is what has made CheeseheadTV special.
4zone
December 25, 2016 at 12:41 pm
GB staff would do well to take note of the effects that their 'extreme' steps they had to take this season have had. Continue these 'extreme' steps and there is optimism that not only can this team make it to the playoffs year after year, we can start making it to and win SBs year after year.
Let's go get an impact FA, sign our own 'best' and keep our developed players instead of letting them go. Keep the entire play book active week after week and play the best players instead of those guys you want to be the best players.
The last 5 weeks have shown the better side of what is possible for the Pack if we go 'All In'. Even when we are still short handed. We are close to a dominant roster on offense and at close to a decent roster on defense. There is work left to do though, so don't pat yourselves on the back just yet TT, MM. This off season could determine how the rest of AR's career will trend. If you can bring this D up to or close to the level of the O, it will be one scary team for sure. And its possible if you go 'All In' to make it happen.
Go (All In) Pack
4thand1
December 25, 2016 at 10:16 am
This is the offense I was expecting from the start of the year. Losing shields was like losing Jordy last year. Their best cover corner and young guys unable to step up. This looks like the Packers of the Dickey, Lofton, Jefferson years. Great offense, can't stop anyone.
dobber
December 25, 2016 at 12:35 pm
I think the Packers have to expect to play track meets from here on out. They're not likely to run into another inept offense like Minnesota. While other teams are targeting scores in the upper 20s, this Packer team will need to be shooting for 35-40.
idgafkurt
December 25, 2016 at 10:34 am
Don't get Janis in The Bad category. Being at the game he was dominate as a gunner, consistently beating his man and causing multiple fair catches, along with a big hit on a return (vs a team who lives off big special team plays no less).
Since'61
December 25, 2016 at 11:10 am
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Packer fans and their families. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
jfajas
December 26, 2016 at 10:06 am
I´ll stick with:
-excellent: Rodgers
-dreadful: pass defense
Looking ahead, Stafford next week... and this pass D makes the average QB look like Joe Montana...