Packers: 44 Vikings: 31
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from the Packers' win over the Vikings
By PackerAaron
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Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Micah Hyde |
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The Bad |
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Don Barclay Early, Prevent Defense Late |
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The Bad |
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Greg Jennings |
BrokenTV |
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Comments (66)
October 28, 2013 at 12:32 pm
Agreed.
#15 is now Mr. Irrelevant.
And at the end of the day, you can make the case that without #12, Greg Jennings would not have had the success that he's had.
Aaron Rodgers came into this game with a chip on his back, for sure.
Wish I could have watched is game with Mr. Irrelevant's sister.
October 28, 2013 at 12:40 pm
+1
October 28, 2013 at 01:12 pm
+2
October 28, 2013 at 02:00 pm
+3
October 28, 2013 at 07:38 pm
+a zillon
October 28, 2013 at 02:10 pm
Jennings sister has even better reason now to blame number twelve for his failures. She got to see what it's like to go against him.
October 28, 2013 at 04:37 pm
I'm honestly going to chalk most of his mouthiness up to him wanting his new teammates to be confident. Let's be clear. Greg Jennings does not have elite speed, but he is a route running surgeon. The main reason he has had almost no success is that he doesn't have a quarterback who can hit him off the route break. You put him with a smart, above average quarterback and it's going to be magic, but he doesn't have the towering height and insane vertical that makes people like Megatron or Larry Fitzgerald able to get their numbers no matter who throws it to them. Remember, even Jerry Rice and Randy Moss had their numbers fall off a cliff when they went from above average QBs to below average QBs.
October 29, 2013 at 09:31 am
Hey your talking about a guy who had one big catch for 15 yards. Isn't that hall of fame stuff? LOL
October 28, 2013 at 12:39 pm
Its all good for the Pack right now, for that purple team not so much.
October 28, 2013 at 12:49 pm
The only other bad/ugly player/group I can think of would be GB's kickoff coverage unit. allowing to big kickoffs is unacceptable
October 28, 2013 at 01:12 pm
Agreed, that coverage team was UGLY.
October 28, 2013 at 02:02 pm
The coverage wasn't ugly, wasn't perfect either. Mr Robinson's return was just plain spectacular.
October 28, 2013 at 02:11 pm
Who?
October 28, 2013 at 04:46 pm
Mr. Patterson?
October 28, 2013 at 04:47 pm
But on the other hand, we owe ALL of Micah Hyde's punt return prowess to Mr. Slocum, yes?
October 28, 2013 at 12:51 pm
In reality, just about anyone could be in the good list. I mean we can nitpick what was bad, but this game there really wasn't much bad.
That being said, I agree Barclay wasn't good early but I felt he rebounded and played well.
The other part I would say for bad is allowing the Vikings to get 31 points on the scoreboard. I don't care even if its in garbage time. I personally didn't feel they should have allowed them to score 17.
October 28, 2013 at 12:57 pm
The Good:
No 3rd quarter lull by the offense. They put a performance in that 3rd quarter, that, while it made me proud to cheer for those guys, it made me question, "Why cant we have that all the time?".
I would say, that in the McCarthy era, how many times have we had a 10+ point lead at the half, start with the ball, and hope that the running game can take over and run some clock down. But the running game cant get going, and its 3 and out for the first series, or two, or three, and then we grumble, "Why are we running the ball, its not working?" Well, it seems to me, that it has to be the talent with the RB, and Eddie Lacy is earning his money by eating up yards. Essentially, the guards are the same, the tackles are new, as well as the centre. Is it coaching the new guys on the offensive line all of the sudden that is making the running game effective? Also, love how McCarthy brought in Starks, to handle some of the 3rd quarter duties, to give Lacy a break, I would assume.
There have been games in the past few years, where when we needed a drive in the 4th quarter, and needed the running game to close it out, they did. And we rejoiced, "we have a running game, we can do it!". But the next time we needed it, it wasnt there.
I would like to see another performance similar to last night, to fully say, yes, this running game really has it going, and makes the league, and analysts take notice. I aint complaining about what is happening now. One more game, would solidify my thoughts.
October 28, 2013 at 01:16 pm
Not only is the running game consistent, but I fell like we're three deep.
Franklin shat himself on KO duty yesterday, but dude can ball.
October 28, 2013 at 01:39 pm
I really would like them to find ways to use him on offense. It just feels like they are wasting away his talents on the sidelines. I understand he has had 2 fumbles in 2 games.
But I still would like to see them design some plays for him in the passing game. Use him in similar ways that Sproles and Reggie Bush are being used.
Last week Rodgers over threw him running down the sidelines which would have been a TD. He has speed and elusiveness, its time to start using it.
October 28, 2013 at 02:03 pm
Ditto.
I think that there are plays, but MM is just waiting for the right time to do it. Maybe when they do film study on the upcoming opponent(s), he has plays in mind that he can use Franklin.
October 28, 2013 at 03:13 pm
Yeah, I can see that. He hasn't had to use him so why use him type of thing.
I just would like them to use him more though to keep Lacy fresher, and also to give Franklin more experience. Because we might have to rely on him again, and I would rather him have more experience.
October 28, 2013 at 04:06 pm
Maybe he sweats too much.
October 28, 2013 at 01:44 pm
that datone jones penalty sucked a lot
October 28, 2013 at 01:46 pm
What the hell was it??
October 28, 2013 at 02:15 pm
I never did see a replay of what actually happened there.
October 28, 2013 at 02:56 pm
Those bastards couldn't/wouldn't even show it. That was a big penalty, kept them on the field, I would think the least they could do is show us the damn penalty.
October 28, 2013 at 02:18 pm
Yeah, what happened there? Was it some ticky-tacky nothing that a ref decided to call. Think there was another big play we never saw a replay on too. I know ratings are down, but I always thought NBC had enough in petty-cash for a few cameras.
October 28, 2013 at 03:51 pm
Odd how those always happen in clutch situations to keep games close.
October 28, 2013 at 04:49 pm
Because of Vegas, perhaps?
October 29, 2013 at 06:47 am
I believe there is an agenda to keep games close. TV ratings=money.
It's to the point where you can pretty much set your watch by it.
I mean really, with the rules as they are now, you can call a penalty on just about any play. That's by design.
October 29, 2013 at 02:36 pm
The other play they didn't show a replay of was when Boykin got nailed from behind on a pass attempt, I believe it was third down.
It was a violent hit, possibly helmet-to-helmet contact, and I thought it may have been a bit too early. Boykin crumbled to the ground and I was incredibly irritated they didn't show it in slow-mo.
At least we converted the 4th down attempt after, I think that may have been Kuhn's reception.
October 28, 2013 at 02:13 pm
Ugly: the two phantom pass interference calls on Tramon. Neither one should have been called and would have taken away two scores.
October 28, 2013 at 02:14 pm
The second one was pretty blatant. It almost seemed intentional since he knew he had been beaten and wanted to at least prevent a TD.
October 28, 2013 at 03:15 pm
yup, the 2nd was a foul. But the first one was horrible.
October 28, 2013 at 02:23 pm
Rodgers will never tell us what Jennings said to him after the game, but I would love to know.
October 28, 2013 at 07:41 pm
That will never happen...ROGERS HAS TOO MUCH CLASS!
October 29, 2013 at 08:05 am
That post-game handshake lasted a lot longer than I expected.
October 28, 2013 at 03:01 pm
Maybe MM wants to save/use Franklin late in the season like he did Harris? Which week did Harris finally start?
October 28, 2013 at 03:11 pm
Harris played his first game against Detroit. Whenever that was. That's a different scenario also. They didn't sign Harris until middle of the season.
I think they haven't played Franklin because of his fumbles and he is halfway in the doghouse. But also because Lacy has been that good.
I am not criticizing McCarthy because they have been winning, can't complain about that. I do think though that we need to keep Lacy fresh for the end of the season. So I would like to see him use Lacy less and use Franklin and Starks more.
I think Franklin has a lot of potential and I would like to see them use him more as we go. Maybe they are trying to keep him more fresh for later in the year, when other players legs are more tired, and his are fresh.
I just would like them to figure out how to use him.
October 28, 2013 at 03:23 pm
I'm not criticizing him either. I hope that's the case,actually. The speed difference between Lacy and Starks is huge. Franklin has that same speed (as Starks) but is much quicker. Knowing that has me anxious to see all 3 backs used properly -- that's all.
October 28, 2013 at 05:38 pm
I completely agree with you. I really would love to see Franklin used more in the passing game. I think that is where he would be at his best. Taking dump off passes and getting 1 on 1 opportunities against LB's in space.
I think he could be really good in that role. I think once McCarthy figures out how to do that, the offense will become even more dangerous then what it is already.
October 28, 2013 at 05:44 pm
I feel no urgency to get anyone more touches than Lacy or Starks. If you put Franklin in and only throw to him out of the backfield, the D is going to know it's coming. Soooo, then you'll have to run it with him, with his fumbles I'd rather have the other two guys running the ball.
Franklin may have to wait until next year. I think we're getting a little greedy here, even worrying about having 3 competent backs!
October 28, 2013 at 03:05 pm
Obviously Jennings burned a lot of bridges on his way out of Green Bay. But I haven't forgotten that he was a great WR who initally found success with an older Favre and was an instrumental part of our latest Superbowl win.
I wish he hadn't left the way he did but I'm still grateful for his contributions past. Still deserved the Ugly though!
October 28, 2013 at 03:15 pm
Barclay seemed to peak last year and stopped in his tracks. He looks a little to slow. Sherrod has been taking snaps already at right tackle. Look for him next Monday. The last field goal happened because of 2 missed blocks. no one put a hat on Henderson.
October 28, 2013 at 03:17 pm
peaked as a rookie? ha!!!
October 28, 2013 at 04:28 pm
Ah yes. Does it seem like he's made a jump to improve? Maybe theres a reason he is an UFA.
October 28, 2013 at 05:06 pm
I'm not saying he's the future at all,but to say he has peaked in his rookie season is foolish. That's all I'm saying.
October 28, 2013 at 04:37 pm
Just a great game to watch especially after that KR. Wow the Nelson plays. Stuffing the run. A great running day all the way a round. This with all the new players only bodes well for this year Injuries or no injuries. Maybe a monster in the making!!!!
October 28, 2013 at 07:02 pm
This is a TEAM
The grades across the blogs are similar but what I have seen all year long that is not similar to last season is the enthusiasm and hustle in all phases of the game (even with a ton of injuries and assorted bad plays that normally result in let downs) and that is a TEAM builder going forward. You can catch "lightning in a bottle" when that happens like the playoff run in 2010 on the road. Lastly, when it was announced that only 3 on the 53 man roster were acquired from other teams that must have been a "dagger" to all the uniformed Ted Thompson hatters. They will need more spin now than Kathleen Sebeilius.
October 28, 2013 at 04:47 pm
Something interesting I heard yesterday. the packers only have 3 players on the 53 that have played for another team. That is amazing. The next team has 13 that played for another team.
October 28, 2013 at 04:53 pm
Thought this game was a beautiful beatdown. You should beat down an opponent as weak at as many spots as the Vikings are.
Love the 3rd down conversion rate, no punts, no turnovers. Spectacular. (Would like to see the Packers D force a turnover though). Getting big play guys like Hayward and Matthews back in their normal roles should help.
Big ups to Aaron Rodgers for lifting up all these young guys. However, his accuracy was great numbers-wise, and on a couple strikes to Nelson, but otherwise, I actually thought he was off-target quite often, low usually.
October 28, 2013 at 05:07 pm
Yeah, I wasn't sure about those low throws. At first they seemed like slightly off throws, but then he kept making them and they kept converting with them, and it made me wonder if he was intentionally trying to put it there.
October 28, 2013 at 06:59 pm
Where all the posts applauding MM's great playcalling?
Yes, I am poking the piranha here.
October 28, 2013 at 07:17 pm
UGLY: Barclay on the Rodgers scramble/pass to Boykin for 17yds. Watch the replay and tell me he isn't either gassed or "over it".
October 28, 2013 at 07:46 pm
Please add Mason Crosby to the good! He did everything asked of him, even on the the kickoff return! I would have been the first person to send him down the road after last season....so much as me as the GM!
October 28, 2013 at 08:02 pm
I don't blame you.
I think the whole concept of "patience" in all sports has changed drastically in the last...?....years.
October 29, 2013 at 02:02 pm
Yes, so much for you as GM especially since you think Mason Crosby is still on kickoff team kicking off.... The was and has been Mastay (all year)there, Sparky....
October 29, 2013 at 06:26 pm
Sparky? Who are you trying to sound like? It's an honest mistake man. Lighten up
October 28, 2013 at 10:39 pm
The Bad
Offensive line !
Just horrible!
Thank God for Rodgers/Nelson/ Lacy
Without Rodgers, this team would be out!!!!!!
October 29, 2013 at 01:00 am
Heard pundits on the radio today saying they believe Tony Gonzales will be traded by Atlanta. Would love to see TT do something out of character and sign him.
October 29, 2013 at 07:05 am
If they could get him for a 6th or 7th rounder I would. Thompson can regain those picks by moving around in the draft.
October 29, 2013 at 08:04 am
My money is on KC going after him.
October 29, 2013 at 08:24 am
@AdamSchefter 23m
Falcons stance has not changed: they say they are not trading TE Tony Gonzalez now nor by today's 4 pm trade deadline.
October 29, 2013 at 09:34 am
If my recollection is correct, Mr Jennings had his house on the market way before contract talks started.
He pretty much knew he would not be re-signed. Instead of accepting that football is business too and this was more a business decision than anything else, he decided to get even.
We should be thankful that the Pack did let him go. It was always about him.
October 29, 2013 at 09:43 am
Alternate take:
1. He could have taken it off the market if re-signed and was just getting a head start in case he didn't OR
2. He was getting a raise and would've moved into better digs in Green Bay had he stayed
October 29, 2013 at 10:10 am
THe preliminary negotiations showed how large the difference was between the 2 sides. That's when Jennings put his house on the market. The negotiations started a year before he was going to hit the market. Jennings and the Packers probably both knew that it was going to end w/o agreeing to terms.