Packers Question of the day - Takeaways from a Packers win?

The Packers' offense finally got rolling on Sunday - at least in the first half they did. Clicking on the arm of Aaron Rodgers, who seems to have finally found his mojo with a shift in gameplan, and on the sturdy legs of Eddie Lacy, whose 17 carries exceeded his total in each of the first two games.

While the show of offense didn't last long, simply due to Mike McCarthy becoming a conservative shell of his former self in the seocnd half after a 31-10 halftime cushion prompted taking the foot off the gas. There were smiles all arond at Lambeau Field as this battered Packers team, sans five of their defensive starters, limped into the bye week that couldn't have come at a better time.

What were your major takeaways from Sunday's win in Green Bay?

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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 (61)

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staffordsneckfat's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:12 am

This team can tackle. Outside of the obvious blunder at the end of the first half, I can't remember many missed tackles and it's showing up in the 1.8 YPC against them.

Unrelated to football, I also like the chronic Blake Martinez bloody face. Pretty bad ass. The guy looks tough as nails.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:12 am

Reminds me of the tough SOB LBs of the day. Ray Nitske, Bill Rommanski, JJ Watts famous bloody nose...( Yes I know Watt isn't a LB but tough as nails..)

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JerseyAl's picture

September 26, 2016 at 03:04 pm

Nitske? Really?

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Tundraboy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:10 pm

Rommanski?

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 26, 2016 at 02:57 pm

This team needed a dose of tackling. I'm very pleased with Jake, Blake and Joe so far.

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Donster's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:22 am

That MM can change up the game plan and get results. But he continues to take his foot off the gas. Capers cannot adjust on the fly during a game. He keeps running the same scheme, even though it is repeatedly getting carved up over and over again. And that the defense continually allows a WR to have a career game against them. That's been going on for a number of years now.

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KenEllis's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:39 am

We learned that the Packers are going to have to scratch and claw for every victory this season just like last season.

The O took advantage of a Lions' D that was without several key players and the LIons exploited a Packers D that was missing several key players.

Oh, and ARod showed he is still pretty good and the Packers looked like anything but Super Bowl contenders for the 3rd straight game.

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D.D.Driver's picture

September 26, 2016 at 04:50 pm

Not sure about taking the foot off the gas. When Lacy is reeling off 8-12 runs every time he touches the ball, why would you stop?

First possession of the second half was done in by an offensive holding penalty negating a big run by Rodgers.

Second possession ended after a sack and an incomplete pass.

Third possession, pass run pass punt.

Fourth possession the Packers kept the ball on the ground and ran out the clock.

By and large the "conservative" play calls were the successful play calls in the second half. It was the passing game that caused drives to stall.

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Eugene Charney's picture

September 26, 2016 at 05:17 pm

finally. a comment by an adult who watched the game

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Gianich's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:35 am

The secondary is being exposed mostly in zone. Not sure why Dom insists on playing zone everytime they have a lead as it always bites them in the ass. Randall is right there most of the time in man coverage, he's skills cant be taught but getting your head around in time can be taught. The entire secondary is terrible passing off receivers when its a zone scheme. And I mean terrible! I'd rather see Kentrell Brice learn and grow at backup safety with Burnett out than watch Hyde just hang on for dear life... The slant pass and getting the ball out quick livened up the offense as did committing to the run. Catch 3 ints and its a laugher.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:50 am

I could be wrong, but it felt like they mostly went to zone in the 2nd half. It felt like they played a lot more man coverage in the first half.
Probably went to zone to eliminate any big plays? I

Brice - My bold prediction is he will be one of our future starting safety's. Perhaps they start using him in the ILB/S tweener role. He can run and hit.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:57 am

On 2nd thought, zone wasn't a bad idea, the CBs were just jumping the shorter routes and giving up the bigger plays. That's something Hayward always played exceptionally well.

Doesn't it seem like Brice is always in a position to pop someone? We could really use an enforcer over the middle.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:10 am

it really wasn't a bad idea. Players didn't really execute it the best though. I know 2 times Randall came up to make a play on the WR in front of him and the ball was thrown over him making a bigger play.

Brice has really impressed me. Man he can hit. He stoned Tate on that 3rd down completion. I would have liked it better if it was a yard or 2 before the 1st down line but regardless that was a big hit.

I do wonder if they would consider using him in the hybrid S/ILB role.

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rdent's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:46 am

Brice can run and hit, I think he has a good upside

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:11 am

Big time. Every time I see him he impresses me more.

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Colin_C's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:27 pm

That hit he had in the first half made me smile.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:43 pm

Me too.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:45 pm

Were they in man on that 73 yard TD pass late in the first half?

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 27, 2016 at 06:38 am

Going off the top of my head I thought they were. But I could be wrong.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:48 am

The offense finally looked like the offense that we have known for so long.

McCarthy had his best game plan in a while. He got more players involved. He wasn't predictable. It was a much better game plan overall. It was Balanced. They ran the ball and thew it all over the field.

Rodgers had by far his best game in a long time. He got the ball out fast early. He made really good decisions and spread the ball around. He targeted Nelson 7 times (6 catches). The next most targeted person(s) had 3 targets. He did a really good job of spreading the ball around.

Lacy had a great day. He isn't smaller but he is definitely more in shape this year. He is quicker then last year.

The run defense has been lights out. It should only get better when Guion, Pennel, Mathews all get back.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:59 am

By the dislike, I guess my take away from this game is wrong... Can the person that disliked it explain how my take away from the game is wrong?

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JDK52's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:24 am

You had a positive take away. Remember, you're only popular around here if you're constantly negative. :-P

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:27 am

Right... I always find it funny when people dislike something, and never respond why...

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rdent's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:51 am

I guess it goes to show,can't please everyone,just take it with a grain of salt

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:04 am

Yea, stop worrying about likes and dislikes. I bet if you found out who it was you'd say to yourself, "oh, I should've known it was..."

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:15 am

Honestly. I don't really care. Just having some fun with it, and I was mostly just trying to see if the person would actually respond...

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KenEllis's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:48 am

Perhaps some noticed that the O stalled in the second half (3 points)?

Or perhaps some think that beating up on a Lions defense that was missing their best 2 players and many other players does not necessarily mean the Pack's O is "rolling?"

Those are my guesses,, because the O certainly rolled, for at 1/2 anyway.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 12:34 pm

I never said that the offense was rolling, but it was in the first half.

The 2nd half it moved down the field on its only drive of the 3rd quarter and would have first and goal inside the 10 but a holding penalty on 3rd down took back a first down.
Then they had a dropped pass/deflected pass by Cobb on 3rd and 8, and later had Davis drop a pass on first down, which hurt that drive from the beginning..

They had mistakes in the 2nd half but they played a lot better in this game then the previous 2 games.

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rdent's picture

September 27, 2016 at 06:40 am

See,I got 2 dislikes just for posting that,someone must be pissing on this person's corn flakes every morning

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D.D.Driver's picture

September 26, 2016 at 04:51 pm

Downvoters gonna downvote.

You can't take it personally.

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rdent's picture

September 27, 2016 at 06:41 am

Bingo!

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Since'61's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:10 am

The most important takeaway is the improved play of Aaron Rodgers. When he plays as he did during the first half he is virtually unstoppable. My other takeaway is that there was too much over reaction to the first 2 games of the season. Yes, Rodgers and the offense had not played well until yesterday, but opening with 2 road games, one in excessive heat and one against a determined Vikings defense and that September football is now like a preseason extension all impacted execution and disappointed our expectations. Finally, at home yesterday, during the first half we saw the Packers we have been missing(expecting), even without 5 starting defenders. As I mentioned in a post to another article, prevent the late first half TD, take away Bulaga's hold on Rodger's first down run in the 3rd quarter and hold onto at least one of the dropped interceptions and the final result is probably something like 44-20. Enjoy the bye and Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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PaulRosik's picture

September 26, 2016 at 12:10 pm

This is a week to week league. The AFC offensive player of the week in week 2 threw 6 picks in week 3. So every week is an overreaction.

I think the only thing "wrong" with the Packer offense in week 2 was that it played against a very good defense.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 27, 2016 at 05:11 am

You are right in many, but still I have some concerns. Aaron finally throws the ball quicker, but still lot of throws are behind the receivers. Some of those "behind" throws rceivers were able to catch (like Jared Cook, or like RR on that TD pass), but some finished as incompletions. Lets hope this is just the issue of timing and nothing else. If that is timing, that will improve how the season will go on!

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dcharlesc's picture

September 26, 2016 at 09:59 am

My takeaway is that Packer fans don't watch film. MM didn't take his foot off the gas. Bulaga got called for a phantom hold, Davis dropped a perfect 17 yard comeback and Cobb probably should have won the 50/50 ball on 3rd & 8. The offense played an almost perfect game. Also, being down 5 starters dictated zone coverage against one of the best pure passers in the NFL. All in all, a very impressive win.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:06 am

And/Or...

People see what they want to see.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:36 am

Yup, i agree...

I didn't like that holding penalty, I have seen much worse not get called then that. That penalty really hurt that drive especially after Rodgers ran for a first down.

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NMPF's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:01 am

Offensively, taking the foot off the gas is an understatement. Mustering only 3 pts in 2nd half after 31 in the 1st was like pulling the car in the garage and putting it on blocks for the winter. Defensively, not sure whether playing zone is the reason behind the great run D thus far. If so, there is great need to mix it up a little more, D backs/S are getting torched.

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al bundy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:18 am

Jared Cook is pathetic. Limping off the field because he feel down. Color this guy a bust O maniac. He has done nothing since the day they got the guy.

Better get someone who can cover. Its obvious Rollins and Randall were available in the draft for a reason or why 31 other teams passed on both of them at least once. They suck and will be the reason this team is 8-8 this year. QB's are drooling over them.

Run D looks good. Pack did not miss a beat without Mathews, Eliot looked stronger and faster than Mathews playing same position. Why is he bench sitting?

Lacy still looks over weight and slow. Looked good against a Lions D without three top linebackers.

Rogers proved he can pass against the worst pass D in football and no pass rush. Top pass rusher was out too.

The Giants will put this team back into reality. They are not talented enough all around to compete.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:18 pm

There is no way you are not Cow, he always predicts 8-8 and 7-9... you are a troll.

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ray nichkee's picture

September 26, 2016 at 05:18 pm

Can you tell us what time kickoff was and what color uniforms the teams were wearing? You sound like an ex-wife of a successful husband. How do you watch the packers and vikings games at the same time. Judging by the way you type I doubt you can navigate a remote well enough for sunday ticket. If you must come here and be a jackass at least humor us.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 26, 2016 at 03:11 pm

" Its obvious Rollins and Randall were available in the draft for a reason or why 31 other teams passed on both of them at least once."

So, anyone not selected in the early first round must therefore suck, is your reasoning?

In a sea of stupid internet comments, this one really stands out. Congratulations! I wish I had a prize for you.

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marpag1's picture

September 26, 2016 at 03:35 pm

LOL. OK, just out of curiosity... how did 31 teams pass on Randall "at least once" when only 28 teams picked prior to his selection? Geez, at least TRY to think before farting out your ignorance.

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4thand1's picture

September 26, 2016 at 05:58 pm

Sober up al.

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lebowski's picture

September 26, 2016 at 10:44 am

My big takeaway is that this team has some good young talent on the D. Can't believe how many youngsters were forced to play yesterday and they acquitted themselves fairly well. After going defense in the first round seemingly every year for a decade, maybe we can find a stud receiver next year.

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Shantanice Eubanks's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:01 am

think we can get to the Superbowl???

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Lphill's picture

September 26, 2016 at 11:36 am

I liked the offense in the first half , I disliked the offense in the second half , should have continued passing then feed Lacy in the 4 th quarter . I would guess everyone else here feels the same way.

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IowaFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 12:40 pm

It's nice to see the offense clicking again, but shredding the Lions defense with their best pass rusher and LB out (Ansah and Levy) is a lot different than doing the same to Carolina or Seattle.

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:08 pm

baby steps...

They had to get their mojo back first.

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dobber's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:39 pm

This is a momentum game: it's all about getting hot (and being healthy) at the right time and sustaining as long as possible.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:20 pm

I agree with that. Home field and crowd energy probably played a part in that also. We haven't seen that happy Rodgers in a loooooong time.

I don't think it would be asking too much to expect more of the 1st half vs the Lions to also show up vs the Giants, especially vs the Cowboys and especially vs the Bears.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:19 pm

My takeaway is we need to start treating the Vikings like the contender's they are... I know the offense played bad last week but we shouldn't undermine what the Vikes just did to Carolina.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:21 pm

But when I say it.....never mind.

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rdent's picture

September 27, 2016 at 07:10 am

They are the real deal,Zimmerman has built a championship defense in Minnesota,they are clearly GB' s biggest rival in the NFC North

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Lphill's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:25 pm

Doesn't matter what the score is as long as you win , if you win the Super Bowl by 1 point does it make a difference from winning by 10 ? This is how the NFL is , Stafford is like Rivers , big stats guys , not many wins , so Rodgers only needed 200 yards for 4 TD's so what , because of fantasy football this has become a stats first game .

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egbertsouse's picture

September 26, 2016 at 01:43 pm

The O is getting better but the 2nd half showed there is still a ways to go.

Without Shields the back end of the D just isn't that good at this point. Maybe later in the season they'll be fine but right now.....stinko.

On the other hand, the front 7 has exceeded my expectation.

Finally, although the GB fan base refuses to give them credit, Minny is really, really good......

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Michael Grunewald's picture

September 27, 2016 at 11:19 am

Sorry to disagree, but the secondary was not appreciably better with Shields on the field last season. That said, I believe the scheme is as big of factor as the personnel.

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Michael Grunewald's picture

September 27, 2016 at 11:19 am

Sorry to disagree, but the secondary was not appreciably better with Shields on the field last season. That said, I believe the scheme is as big of factor as the personnel.

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stockholder's picture

September 26, 2016 at 02:03 pm

I think this was a good positive game for a lot of TT picks this year. I felt Rodgers kept the ball to long, and was looking down field to much in the 2nd half. The line started to crack and Rodgers had to scramble. They left the short game. Run , Run, Pass. BORING! No screens, shuttles or quick slants. This offense finished 23 last year. A-Rod is to focused on a Wr. His eyes were to readable in the 2nd half. I enjoyed seeing different guys get some action. Perry played great. Sign Him!

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SpudRapids's picture

September 26, 2016 at 06:16 pm

I've been trying to take it easy on being critical of commentators on here so can you elaborate as to why you believe you can see what Rodgers is doing with his eyes. Everyone is so harsh on his second half play but are they looking at it from a granular view or just the "feel" of it. He had very little passing plays (10 to be exact). Of those plays there were 2 drops (Cobb, Davis), 3 rushes by Rodgers one which came back on a hold, and 3 completions. If count rushes as where he was staring down receivers it's probably safe to assume the lions were in man and no one got separation. That leaves maybe 2 lays where he might have been locked on receivers... one was an incompletion to Starks and the other was a sack. So I guess I don't see the "locking" with his eyes.

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 26, 2016 at 02:58 pm

We need these games let's keep it rolling ........

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