Packers Question of the day - Takeaways from the loss

It's been over two months since I've had to title a "question of the day" piece as "takeaways from the loss." It's an awful feeling on a normal occasion, but it's even worse after the NFC Championship.

The Packers fell in dramatic fashion in Atlanta, giving the Georgia Dome the proper send-off for the home team, the Falcons, who are now representing the NFC in Super Bowl 51.

What were your takeaways from the collapse?

__________________________

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].

NFL Categories: 
0 points
 

Comments (98)

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

January 23, 2017 at 09:16 am

It was a really great ride. I think we were treated to some of the most amazing wins we've seen for a long time. This team had to not just hold together through adversity, but ultimately play way above their heads to not only make the playoffs, but get all the way to the NFC Championship game. In the end everything that had been going right went wrong at the wrong time and here we are.

It was fun and I think we're going to see a ravenous team this coming season. But for now, I'm going to enjoy all the great memories of this past season.

I love this team!

0 points
0
0
Yooper's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:15 pm

I completely agree on the great wins we had these last weeks - The first half of the season was a disaster - AR truly played poorly and it wasn't until he challenged himself with "Run the table" that things improved - Very similiar to last year and the now famous "RELAX" ...he clearly needs that something extra in self motivation - Going back to Atlanta ...Matty Ice had a great plan with extremely accurate passing to wide open receivers in generally less than 2 seconds - negating our pass rush - He was one happy QB!!!!!!!

0 points
0
0
KenEllis's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:16 am

36.3 points per game given up in the 7 playoff losses since Dom took over.

3 playoff losses for ARod in which the D gave up 44 or more points. Tom Brady's D in NE has never once given up 44 points in his 267 starts for that franchise.

Organizational failure on the defensive side of the ball is my ongoing thought.

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:49 am

This. the Defense is at least 5 players away from being serviceable at this time of year. They can't stop any playoff teams. Lack of talent combined with poor scheme is a recipe for giving up the amount of yards and points they do

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:57 pm

If they lack talent, how do you evaluate scheme?

Likewise, if the scheme is bad, how do you evaluate talent?

0 points
0
0
slit's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:24 pm

Speed & tackling are both independent of scheme. So is catching the ball, when the other team's QB throws it to you...

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:40 pm

by poor scheme I mean allowing one guy to beat you like a drum. Don't let Dez and Julio torch you, double them and force someone else to do it. Then live with it. Don't blitz with guys who suck at blitzing. Don't play cover schemes with guys who can't cover. Coaches coach tackling you know.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

January 24, 2017 at 02:59 am

I agree with you. We needed that 5 injured players to play or to play 100%... Unfortunatelly, those 5 players were either on IR or played most of the season injured! And you know that is the truth!

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:19 pm

Wow, what a telling stat KenEllis. That's amazing when you think about it. Despite playing over 38 times the number of games, NE's Brady era team has not given up 44 or more points once, while in just 7 recent playoff games it's happened to GB three times. I declare this the "STAT OF THE DAY". And a telling one it is.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:14 pm

Organizational failure ongoing 6 years. Mike McCarthy promised to fix it. Well, little tweaks and "setting the tone of the defense" hasn't done it. McCarthy can't get TT to sign players so he's going to have to find a DC who can build a scheme for players with less then 3 years and a hand full of veterans. That guy is not Dom Capers. He needs a veteran team.

0 points
0
0
KenEllis's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:44 pm

That is why I call it an ORGANIZATIONAL failure.

The players ought to be embarrassed by their performances.

The coordinator and other defensive coaches ought to be embarrassed by these outcomes.

The head coach, despite his focus on the offense, ought to be embarrassed by the repeated and historic defensive shortcomings in the playoffs.

And the GM ought to be embarrassed that, despite his devoting most of his cap space and premium draft picks to that side of the ball, the defense continues to be substandard during the year and God awful in the playoffs.

However, this being the Green Bay Packers of Mark Murphy, Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and Dom Capers, I expect nothing to change this offseason.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:59 pm

"despite his devoting most of his cap space and premium draft picks to that side of the ball,"

Draft picks I'll give you, but go see how much of the cap is consumed by Rodgers, Bakhtiari, Bulaga, Cobb and Nelson...

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:34 pm

Well, besides Matthews and Daniels none of the defensive players are worth big contracts.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

January 23, 2017 at 08:05 pm

Matthews is not worth his contract. Not even close.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

January 24, 2017 at 03:03 am

So, lets cut him. Who would you sign instead?

0 points
0
0
Bert's picture

January 24, 2017 at 03:27 pm

I don't think cutting him is Plan A. Plan A would be offering him a salary which is more in line with his production. Clay (and Peppers) was pretty much invisible against Dallas and Atlanta. Need to have your high salary guys show up in those situations. It's easy to toss Randall and Gunter under the bus but those guys were not given a fighting chance by the front seven. No pass rush = A very long day for the DBs.

0 points
0
0
pooch's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:21 am

Crosby misses last week headlines would have been"ANOTHER DEFENSIVE MELTDOWN IN DALLAS"This week the defense didnt even bother showing up

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:51 am

very true

0 points
0
0
pacman's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:32 am

I've got a feeling that the Cowboys feel worse today than we do. They must be saying "how did we lose to these Packers".

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 23, 2017 at 02:00 pm

I've been talking to Cowboy fans who are saying that they're glad they didn't have to play Atlanta...

0 points
0
0
slit's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:29 pm

That's a sad mentality to have. So they didn't want a chance at getting to the SB, after having the best record through the regular season & being the #1 seed? Okay...

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 23, 2017 at 04:40 pm

They were saying that they thought Atlanta would have run circles around their defense, too...just saying.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:36 am

My biggest take away from this game was how injuries ended up costing them the season. They finally caught up with the team.

Sam Shields injury was the 1 they couldn't overcome. Much like Nelson's last year, the ripple down effect was to much to overcome.

Eddie Lacy's injury was the second biggest injury that they tried to mask.

The other nagging injuries really hurt them.

During the game losing Brice on the first play of the game, then losing Lang, Taylor, Hyde, Montgomery, Bulaga, and whoever else really hurt. The fact that we had Guion (a NT) playing RG pretty much sums up the game and season.

I just have to give thanks to McCarthy for keeping this team together when they were 4-6. He kept the team from falling apart. To go from 4-6 to the NFC Championship game. Incredible. If we didn't have so many injuries who knows what would have happened.

0 points
0
0
Ibleedgreenmore's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:28 am

The whole year was who is going to get injured this week. At times it was 3 or 4 guys a game. You can only try 4th and 5th string players just so many times and this game got us good.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:45 am

Seems there is a "injury curse "on this team the last seven years.

0 points
0
0
ironman3169's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:31 pm

I felt like they were in front of a firing squad with the way the men were dropping

0 points
0
0
lambeau66's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:11 pm

I agree!!!!!

0 points
0
0
FAN24583's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:40 pm

This team doesn't have enough talent in the secondary period.

0 points
0
0
JRome Coaxum's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:41 am

I say we need a total team review:
Offensively I hate to say it, especially after the Giants game but we should release Cobb. Cobb is a highly decorated slot WR and nothing more. Our offense took no dip when he missed those 3-4 games. Paying a slot WR who is not dominant 7Mil/yr is why this team is in this situation. Re-sign Lang, Cook, and Lacy. Draft a fast pass catching RB and and a WR. And the O should be ok.
Defensively, we need to cut Peppers save 7Mil or re-sign at Vet Min, release Shields save 8Mil, and possibly redo Clay Matthews contract. Resign Perry, and switch back to 4-3 as the 3-4 is limiting our options on talent we can drat. We have missed on some key players just because they don't fit our bs scheme. Draft Tall Speedy CB, sign some vet free agents on Defensive side and we should be ok. And last but not least get rid of Capers. His time is way overdue

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:48 am

Dropping Cobb accelerates his hit against the cap and hurts more in the short run than it helps. Better to keep the weapon. At least for another 2 years.

0 points
0
0
Norm's picture

January 23, 2017 at 04:23 pm

You could use the same argument to say drop Jordy: we scored all the points in the Giants game and beat Dallas without Jordy, so the offense took no dip there either. I don't think anyone wants to see Jordy gone, and I don't think Cobb should be released either. While $7Mil is a lot, it's not outrageously so.

For an example of that, see CMIII. Seems he's been the key to this defense for the last several years and when he's not producing, like he hasn't done most of this year, the overall D really suffers. I get that he sacrificed for the team last year and at times this year playing ILB, but unless there is an injury explanation for this year, he simply can't be retained for what his cap hit is vs. his production (although that fumble recovery in the Dallas game covers up a lot of mediocrity). Good edge rushers command a fortune so I don't know how we replace him though.

I know I'm in the minority here but I think our CB talent is decent (Shields will have to be replaced however), and given an above average pass rush they could be really good. I sure hope there is an injury explanation for the tremendous disappointment that was the 2016 Packers CB position, and if you combine that with a lack of pass rush you get what we all just saw this year. I'd invest at least as much in the pass rush, probably more, than I would in upgrading the CB position. Like I said, Shields does need to be replaced, even if he wants to come back I wouldn't let him, for his own good. Thank you for 2010 Sammy, and good luck down the road.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

January 24, 2017 at 05:49 am

Well ... all together, I can find here some voice of reason from few fans... Everybody want to fire somebody - TT, MM, DC... I remember how we celebrating Joe Whitt for his miracle work and somehow, when injury starts to bug us, many of you started to call him and doubt in his expertise...
I respect guys who do not like what Dom Capers do. They are persistent and very loud when D is not playing good. But, when D play good (like against Giants!) they will never pay tribute... I really do not have anything for or against Dom Capers. I read what other football coaches and players and experts/"experts" are saying and finding out that the football community really respects him and taking him as top 5 DC in this league...
Any changes in HC and/or DC & OC (for Packers OC is not that important, as MM is basically OC!) brings period of adjustment. There is no fast solution. So if you change HC expect 2 to 3 years of implementing new system, personnel changes and adaptation on the new HC system. Similar to that but, lets say 1-2 years if you change your DC but not changing system. If you change 3-4 to 4-3 you can expect 4-5 years of bad D...
Who is now talking about wasting Aaron Rodgers time?

0 points
0
0
al bundy's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:41 am

The loss proved nothing to me fromwhat I beleived going int the year: the only way this team wll suceed is fr Ted to di into the free agnt market for talent at cornerback, get a three down back you can rely on ( monty isnt it), cut lacy who cant stop eating himself out of playing shape, and get a pass rusher.
Roges mvp career is being lost due to ack of talent on both sides the ball. Developmental players havent worked. Time to give that up. These guys cant take nfl pounding.

0 points
0
0
Bert's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:44 am

My biggest take-away is that Ted has to change his philosophy for building the defense. Spending 2/3 of his draft picks on defense is getting us nowhere. Like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. Forget the damn draft and get some quality vets or our secondary will continue to get shredded and our pass rush will be anemic. This is a broken record. Time to try something else.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:47 am

It's like the same rerun every year.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

January 24, 2017 at 03:29 am

Well I'm sure there is many CB, DB, ILB with top talent on the market, sitting as FA who would play for minimal salary... Yeah, stupid TT! All those FA have warranty that they will not be injured and it is not possible when you sign top talent FA for a lot of many that he will suffer season ending injury (example: Byrd with Saints 2 years ago!).
Ah, if TT would have your brain!

0 points
0
0
Three and Out's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:50 am

Takeaways? Rodgers does whatever it takes to win, game in and game out. It's just unfortunate that instead of having to outplay the opposing team, he ends up having to outplay his own defense. It really is astonishing how bad this defense, mainly the secondary, is. I know there were injuries, but other teams have no big name players, get injuries, plug players in and they get the job done. Green Bay's secondary are running around lost out there. Ha Ha is the only one who knows how to and actually does tackle. Capers is dated and has to either change up his style or he has to go because training guys that interceptions win games is all fine and dandy, but still not as consistent as actually tackling guys out there, which they obviously don't go over in practice.

Great, fun season, but it's another wasted season for Rodgers due to the defense.

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:52 am

This is the year TT needs to get active in FA. Peppers is coming off the books. Shields (whatever he says) shouldn't come back and dropping him will create only $3M in dead money. The Packers have money available, and a limited number of FAs to take care of who deserve substantial money.

Draft and develop is great if your QB is not on the clock. Rodgers is on the clock. Unless he pulls a Tom Brady (and maybe he will) he has about 3 good years left.

It. Is. Time.

0 points
0
0
Bert's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:22 am

Maybe time to redo Clay's contract or send him on his way. He just isn't an impact player anymore and I'm afraid his nagging injuries will just keep getting more frequent.

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:29 am

CM3's cap hit this year is $15.2 M, dead cap if released is $4.1 M. In 2018 it is $11 M with no dead cap if released. It feels like he is set up for a deal where they cut his pay but extend the length of the contract.

0 points
0
0
FAN24583's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:45 pm

How many years do we need to say this?? TT could have built a dynasty with AR But his apathy in Free agency and missing on defensive playmakers in the draft should cost him job. This is utterly ridiculous.

0 points
0
0
NMPF's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:11 am

Lets see the common thread here. Bradford DE in college, Hyde S, Datone DE, Perry DE, Randall S, Rollins S/CB. Matthews OLB, Daniels DT, HaHa S, Burnett S, Clark DT. 1st 5 taking to long to develop or busts, 2nd five, present and future heart of the defense. In a 95% draft and develop system trying to put square pegs in a round hole takes its toll.

0 points
0
0
egbertsouse's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:39 am

Spot on. Why does TT continue to draft guys that don't fit into Dom's system? Either get rid of Dom and change systems or acquire guys that fit in a 3-4, man-coverage system. Maybe Ted needs to spend more time in GB and less time going to college games.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:17 pm

Hey, if they can't play DE make them a Linebacker. If the scheme is from 1990 the player types might as well be as well. Then you don't have to own your draft mistakes.

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:22 am

Time to start looking at some CBs. who you got?

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2017/CB

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:34 am

I don't like anyone who is likely to fall to #28 all that much. With the presumed loss of Sam Shields the Packers need a guy they can plug and play. I think it is time to look at FAs, not guys at the bottom of Round 1. Trumane Johnson (LA Rams) will command big dollars. Prince Amukamara could be an o.k. pick up. Stephon Gilmore (Buffalo) could be an interesting addition.

0 points
0
0
Bert's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:56 am

Agree. Drafting a guy at #28 and waiting at least two years for him to develop is NOT the answer. We've been trying that for 5-6 years. Get a couple vets or keep repeating history. AR is not getting any younger.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:00 am

That will only happen if TT retires. Come on TT. Time to hang it up.

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:28 pm

I'm not so sure about that. He does tend to surprise people.

0 points
0
0
Bert's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:09 pm

I'm not proposing to fire TT or for him to retire. I think overall he's done a very good job keeping the team in contention. I just don't think his approach to building a high caliber defense is working and unless he changes his approach I have very low expectations for success. Not sure if he just doesn't evaluate talent on defense very well but he's sure thrown a zillion draft picks at the problem with nothing to show for it.

0 points
0
0
egbertsouse's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:33 am

The Packers were beaten by a team that was more talented at every position and level, except QB and O-line which were basically equal.

The Packers need to do what it takes to upgrade, and that means getting rid of dead weight without sentimentality and breaking the bank to get some talented players. AR is going on 34, the window will close in a few years.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:53 am

I have to say, the morning after GB gets eliminated, I'm always in a rotten mood. I usually feel like I am paying the price for getting completely wasted the previous day. (which I do not do for those of you who want to know. lol)

But, this year, I don't feel that way. The 2 super bowl seasons aside, this is the best I've felt going out. With as many injuries as they've had (again), this team honestly had no business making it to the NFC CG. The team was ARod, some duct tape and popsicle sticks by the end.

However, that does not mean there are not things to work on. I really want to see both Ted and Dom gone. They are not a good match for each other. Dom's defenses need vets. Ted doesn't like vets. Look at Perry and Datone - they SUCKED for years, until they finally figured it out in year 4-5. That's far too long. The defense needs to be simpler and we NEED some vets on each level of the D.

I'd like to see CM3 either take a massive pay cut or be cut. I'd like to see Cobb do the same.

I'd like to see Eddie brought back on a 1-2 year deal with body fat comp and muscle comp numbers being part of the deal. He needs to be in the 230's to be at his best.

I'd like to see Cook and Perry brought back at market level deals. Yes, I know this will be expensive. No, I don't care.

I'd like to see Tretter brought back be given every possibility to take Lang's spot over if they don't pay Lang. Or perhaps Spriggs can play OG? I'm just not sure to do with Lang - he's had a lot of injuries and is now on the wrong side of 30.

I think we need edge and cover guys in the draft. Another interior OL for depth (just say no to Barclay) and some help at 5 Tech wouldn't hurt either.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:40 pm

For the most part I agree with everything you said.

But this line I really, really have wondered about for a while now.
'I really want to see both Ted and Dom gone. They are not a good match for each other. Dom's defenses need vets. Ted doesn't like vets.'

I have wondered if Capers systems just simply aren't made for young players and that is why there seems to be a lot of miscommunication and confusion. This isn't just based on yesterday's game this has been going on for a while.

Under Capers his best defense was 2010. That was when he had really good veteran CB's. Really good safety's, Really good DL and really good LB's. The whole defense had really good players but also had mostly veterans. Guys like Woodson, Williams, Collins, Mathews, Raji, Bishop, Jenkins, Jolly to name a few. After that the defense slowly kept getting younger, losing Jenkins, Collins, Bishop, Woodson, and never really getting them replaced.

I do question whether another DC could get more out of the players that are on the roster.

Regardless of who the DC is they need better talent.
But maybe someone else can get more out of the players that will be on the team.

0 points
0
0
Idiot Fan's picture

January 23, 2017 at 02:03 pm

I don't disagree with you, but Raji and Matthews were both drafted in 2009, so they were second-year players in 2010 when the defense was awesome.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 23, 2017 at 02:33 pm

I should have separated that out a bit more. I meant those were the impact-full players, not that they were veterans.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

January 23, 2017 at 07:01 pm

Agreed RC.

Unfortunately, you and I both know that TT will not interfere with MM's coaching staff, and MM will not fire DC. The only way this all changes is to get a new GM who values veteran free agency and/or trades OR to get a much simpler 34 system.

Ugh.

0 points
0
0
ironman3169's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:45 pm

I feel the same way. What an awesome ride this season. For me, my season was complete after destroying the giants. Defeating the cowboys in their own house was icing on the cake. I mean, who'd have thunk this would be the end after a 4-6 start?

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:19 pm

"Dom's defenses need vets. Ted doesn't like vets."

Been saying the same a long long time. One of them has to go. Personally I'd start with Capers. He's just a bad fit.

0 points
0
0
Rossonero's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:11 am

Ted can't draft defense. He's great at offense and has hit on a few defensive picks, but overall, we need him to step aside. I thank him for his many contributions, the greatest of which is none other than drafting Aaron Rodgers. We are in debt to him for that move alone, but it's time to move on in the front office.

0 points
0
0
CJ Bauckham's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:12 am

I feel good about the O. Keep Cobb one more year, insert Tretter in Lang's spot, resign Cook, roll with Lacy and Montgomery (and maybe Michael)... draft a te, lineman and rb late

The D... I agree with the sentiment that we don't have time to wait for a drafted CB to develop. I think the Randall situation forces that hand. Maybe he had a year like Adams did last year, but there's no guarantee of that, and even when he looked healthy he looked soft. I'd advocate signing a vet CB and chasing a pass rusher in the draft. Beyond that, the only other thing I'd consider is supplementing Jake Blake and Joe at MLB by moving Clay back to that position. Not necessarily permanently, but in a manner similar to last year. It was effective, and at least he stayed healthy.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:53 am

I agree, don't wait for Randall I don't see him turning into anything.

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:01 pm

Why are we so afraid to put Clay inside? Don't want to hurt his feelings? Everyone says "he needs to play outside because it's his natural position." Rubbish. He was best inside for the year and a half he played there. His best position is 1) where he plays the best - inside and B) wherever his employer tells him it is.

You don't get to be a diva unless you can sing the entire aria. This season, Clay has been getting lost in the intro.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:21 pm

Because Clay is the exact opposite of the direction to go at ILB. They need faster guys who can cover in space.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

January 23, 2017 at 11:32 am

My takeaway is that we need better players on defense.
Specifically we need a pass rusher and better CBs. We also need better depth at ILB. I like Ryan and Martinez but there is no one behind them. I would keep Daniels, Clark and Perry. Peppers and Shields are done so that will free up some cap space. I would chuck D. Jones and try to rework CM3s contract. Use FA to sign a pass rusher and an experienced CB. Draft a CB and a pass rusher as well. Randall and Rollins can be used for depth but I'm not sure that either are starter level quality. Also, Capers could make things a lot easier by retiring. His defenses healthy or not are just too soft and they are ineffective during the post-season. 2012, Kaepernick sets records running all over the place against us. 2013, again they let SF hold the ball for 5+ minutes, run out the clock and kick the game winning FG, 2014 they choke on a 12 point lead and give up 15 points in the final 4 minutes plus an almost uncontested TD in OT. 2015, dropped picks and another collapse in OT against AZ. Finally, this year the worst of all, they allow scores on 7 of 8 possessions for 44 points and are totally ineffective for the entire game. Time for a change. Will TT get the players we need? Will MM make the change at DC if Capers does not step down? If not, we can expect more of the same. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:04 pm

Ted retires or steps back. New GM fires Capers or gets him to retire. New GM and MM hand pick the DC who matches the personnel philosophy of the new GM.

Why does this not seem obvious?

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:26 pm

Because TT is to bull headed and loves his job. He loves the power. And his replacements Love him!

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:34 pm

Amen

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:13 pm

I would love to see Leroy Butler on our defensive coaching staff.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 24, 2017 at 09:04 am

No offense, but why do we assume he'd be a good coach?

0 points
0
0
ironman3169's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:34 pm

Jordy. F-ing. Nelson. True. Grit.

0 points
0
0
cnordeen's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:44 pm

I'm going back and forth with Dom. On one hand, we haven't had a good defense in years. On the other, has he had the talent to make a good defense? Besides Clinton-Dix, I haven't seen our recent draft picks make enough improvement to be called serviceable players, let alone difference makers. Which in draft and develop, that's huge. Plus, we don't really have that dynamic, dominant player on defense. It used to be Clay Matthews, but he's injury-prone and was pretty silent this year. How much more does he have? Daniels is good and mean, but doesn't draw enough attention. The rest of our LB and DT are just ok. And lets face it, the majority of our CB are just not good right now.

Players, not plays, right?

Bottom line, there's nobody on our defense that opposing offenses are really afraid of. We need to find one either in draft (trading up?) or free agency. And I have no clue who's even available.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:55 pm

CBs. I'm going to give you 2 underclassmen coming out. 1. Teez Tabor 6'0 200 FL. and Marlon Humphrey 6'1 200 Alabama. Both Fly under 4.5. But look in order for : King,Jackson, White, Lewis, Tankersley. So you want to trade up, or get slow ,or small? A-Rod says Re- Load. Meaning 1. RB, 2. WR. Count on TT finding a Free agent at league min.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

January 24, 2017 at 06:04 am

Rodgers actually made a couple comments Stockholder. He did say "We need to reload". But he also said "We have to make sure we're going all in every year to win".

I think the translation could be any clearer. Going "All In" doesn't mean draft and develop. Last year McCarthy had to publically say at the end of the season he wanted a BIG TE to run down the seam.

Now Rodgers went public and basically told Ted T to DO SOMETHING other than pick 7 rookies from the 29th spot in each round.

0 points
0
0
Finwiz's picture

January 23, 2017 at 12:50 pm

All I care to know after that game yesterday, is if they fired or forced Capers into retirement yet. Nothing else much matters. They were destroyed, and I largely blame the defense. Do me a favor, post it in BOLD RED headlines IF/WHEN Capers is gone. TIA.

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

January 23, 2017 at 01:09 pm

Doesn't solve the problem if Ted's new CB next season is an undrafted rookie FA from Upper West South Dakota State - Northeast campus where he averaged 14 points for the Fighting Wombats basketball team and played WR in the 2nd part of his senior year because the starter had to quit school to nurse the family's cow back to health.

0 points
0
0
Finwiz's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:28 pm

Exaggeration always helps to illustrate your point.....

0 points
0
0
Couch Cleats's picture

January 23, 2017 at 02:12 pm

OK, let me think outside the box for a sec. Maybe I had too many jello shots yesterday (we started doing them after first downs instead of scores).

Has there ever been a GM that hired an assistant GM and assigned that person the responsibility of drafting one side of the ball? "I'll pick the offensive players - you pick the defensive players".

Since we have a log jam in the front office with Wolf and Gutekunst maybe we should really specialize and promote one of them to be responsible for the defensive selections. It will be a good training period for taking over when Ted retires too.

Can you imagine how good our team would be if Dorsey from KC had stuck around and been making the defensive selections and Ted picked only the offensive players?

I know this will never happen. I have defended Ted for many years now but I can no longer ignore the failure on the defensive side of the ball without sounding like a complete idiot.

The man can find receivers and O-Linemen with the best of them, but he is just as bad on defensive pics as he has been good on Offensive ones.

Something has to change. Rodgers has been dragging that defense behind him for years now. If Hussein Bolt had to carry me on his back when he raced he would probably still beet some people but he would never win another gold medal.

0 points
0
0
Free agent's picture

January 23, 2017 at 02:47 pm

Positive Note from Packer defensive performance yesterday: Made 10 friendly bets today ( $10 each) took the Patriots straight up, NO points. Atlanta is good, but nearly as good as Packer defense made them look. I take Brady any day.

0 points
0
0
Pack2Rat's picture

January 23, 2017 at 02:59 pm

Okay, so you fire Dom and you bring in......Rex Ryan, John Pagano, Brent Venables, John Marshall?

No dominant playmakers on the defensive side. Julius flashed for a few sacks/knockdowns but was consistently beaten outside. Clay has disappeared as the "man to be accounted for" and Daniels is being effectively neutralized with no one else on the D-Line to make up for him. Martinez/Ryan are AJ reincarnate--containment linebackers without deep drops to effect the passing game or speed to take on the edges. Sad to see Q and Damrious regress while Gunter stepped up (but needed to be the 3rd CB not the first). IMHO HaHa and Morgan were just stopping the CBs from leaking and couldn't play up to their talented levels.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 25, 2017 at 12:21 pm

"Okay, so you fire Dom and you bring in......Rex Ryan, John Pagano, Brent Venables, John Marshall?"

Who's to say that a change in DC and approach won't do wonders for the players they have. Casey Hayward had plateaued in GB, but flourished in SD. Maybe it was a perfect storm for him there this year. Maybe getting new coaches lit a fire.

I'm not a Dom fan, I'm not a hyper-detractor, but I think I feel a change in the wind. It's time.

0 points
0
0
Free agent's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:06 pm

Sorry tried to copy & paste, it didn't work

0 points
0
0
TXCHEESE's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:18 pm

Here's something for all of us to remember. Atl. last 3 seasons records 8-8, 6-10, 4-12. Dallas has pretty much sucked the last decade with the exception of 2 years. Lots and lots of high draft choices going their way. Would you rather be in the playoffs fighting for the Super Bowl every year, or missing with a crappy record and hoping for a return on you top 15 draft choices every 4 -5 years. We have it good. Injuries simply caught up with the team. I wouldn't mind a new DC, but other than that, the arrow is tilted upwards.

0 points
0
0
cuervo's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:26 pm

That argument is tired. I don't think anyone here is stating that we should suddenly spend on free agents like drunken sailors.

The arrow is tilted on offense, but defensively, as has been stated on the previous posts, we simply don't have playmakers/difference makers. If we choose not to make a few major moves this next year on defense, we may make the playoffs again, but we won't go far. That you can be assured of.

0 points
0
0
FAN24583's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:56 pm

Exactly! TT please just go away!!!

0 points
0
0
Bert's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:19 pm

The lower we draft the less chance of finding an impact player(s) via the draft. Hence. Maybe try signing a few FAs to fill obvious holes rather than counting on draft choices.

0 points
0
0
daveh's picture

January 23, 2017 at 03:44 pm

I won't make Capers a scapegoat for TT, who is more interesting about always having the youngest team. Sorry if TT stays, it will be the same celebrate Division titles. and end up in the playoffs ,ending up with another late first rounder in the draft. I willing to bet the Pack will draft another running back in to understand one. (another Lacey failure). Time will tell what Murphy will do, I don't have faith he break up the good old boys.MM,TT.

0 points
0
0
WilsonMaywick's picture

January 23, 2017 at 04:30 pm

TT has one year left in his contract. Out of respect Packers let him finish it out then move on with their sucession plan which I'm sure is in place. I think it's time to move on from Dom and look at the young defensive minds out there and give one of them a chance. Need a new philosophy on defense.

0 points
0
0
Mags's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:00 pm

There is no way TT can just go with the draft this year to fix this defense. Murphy should let Ted know that all avenues including free agency needs to be utilized or time to move on. Letting him finish one more year out of respect without using free agency to fill in holes on this defense is just wasting another year of Rodgers career.

0 points
0
0
Pack12's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:48 pm

The defense was once again the achilles heel for this team. Falcons ran up and down the field at will. Until the Packers get a first rate the defense the future looks grim. We will always be the bridesmaid.

0 points
0
0
Colin_C's picture

January 23, 2017 at 06:57 pm

Takeaways for me (looking forward)

Offense:
- Resign Cook
- I like Monty and Michael, but draft a RB. With this RB class so deep, we should spend a mid round pick on one. Jamaal Williams of BYU would be great.
- Teach our O-line how to run block. Seriously, these guys are other-worldly at pass pro, but 3rd and 2 is a nightmare every time.
- Draft or sign one legitimate difference maker on offense so A-rod isn't lonely. TE, RB, or WR, doesn't matter. Just someone who can strike fear into a defense.
- I know I listed a lot, but all in all, I feel out offense is pretty set for the next few years and just requires minor tweaks mostly.

Defense:
- Oh boy, where to begin. Okay, first, we need some vets in that secondary. With one legit CB back there, the whole defense is instantly much better.
- That said, get some pass rush. I'm not a fan of signing pass rushing FA's ( high cost and often are busts), so whoever's GM had better find a gem or two.
- Just a thought, but maybe it's time to switch back to the 4-3? Much easier to find good DE's for that scheme.
- Not a draft or FA need, but our big guys need to step up against the run. Statistical rankings aside, they got gashed every time they faced a good O-line. Only reason it wasn't worse is because the secondary was even easier to move the ball on.
- Jake and Blake will be fine, but getting Reuben Foster would be an absolute dream.

Coaching:
- I think Dom needs to go. With the right pieces I think he can be a very good DC. The problem is twofold though. One, there's not enough talent to go around. But here's the big one. His scheme is way to complicated, or the players are just dumb. Think about how many times guys where running open not because of the defender's ineptness, but because of miscommunication. That's shows that they don't grip the scheme enough to execute it consistently. Time for some fresh ideas up in the box.
- Fire our heath trainers ASAP. Sorta' joking here, how can we get so beat up every year? We've got to find a way to stay healthier.

Overall:
We need to draft better. It's time for some playmakers. I've already found my draft crush for this year. Adoree' Jackson. The man is IMHO the best athlete in college football. As a returner, he's flat out lethal. As a CB, he's raw. Could develop into an amazing CB, but I'd like to see him at FS. I think he has the potential to be the next (or better) Nick Collins there. Plus, he's PAC 12, so Ted already likes him. I'll be riding this hype train all the way to draft day.

Anyways, thanks again for the great season! With a little bit of defense, we might go all the way next year. Go Pack Go!

0 points
0
0
tm_inter's picture

January 23, 2017 at 10:13 pm

We need a tackling coach, a fitness coach who knows how to prevent injuries, as well as a defensive back coach who can teach our young defensive backs how to defend against passes, both one-on-one and in zone defense.

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

January 23, 2017 at 09:01 pm

One of the offshoots of this loss is for the next eight months we'll have to stare at the result of this game in the "Latest Stats" section of this site.

Throw us a bone a mix in the Dallas playoff game once in awhile.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

January 24, 2017 at 03:39 am

My takeaways from this loss:

I wonder how good would be Falcons, Cowboys, Patriots, Chiefs if they lose their #1 CB, #2 and #3 would be seriously injured, as well as their #1 S. If they have to play with first 2 WR seriously injured, if they were lost their #1 & #2 RB to the season end injury. As far as I can conclude - look at Seahawks after they lost just one player (Earl Thomas!), look at Steelers (they lost Bell against Patriots, what is the result?).
Any comments on that? From anyone?

0 points
0
0
NMPF's picture

January 24, 2017 at 10:26 am

Until the teams listed lose said players I guess we won't know. 2 things we do know is the offensive side of the ball(coaches) adjusted to their challenge, the defensive side DID NOT.

0 points
0
0
lebowski's picture

January 24, 2017 at 09:50 am

My takeaway is I have a definite 'least favorite Packer'. Damarious Randall is soft, physically and mentally. Injuries are one thing, but he doesn't even look like he's trying. The fact that we passed on players like Landon Collins, Stephone Anthony, and Eric Kendricks to select him drives me nuts. Then I read McGinn's final Rating the Packers column and see this; "Randall acts like a stud corner but his performance down the stretch was more that of a reject. He rounds off his angles, plays soft, is late to line up, doesn’t recognize patterns and doesn’t want in on the action." Exactly what this perennially underwhelming defense needed, another first round fail.

0 points
0
0
Dancing Eddy's picture

January 24, 2017 at 05:03 pm

No one mentioned special teams. When did we last block a kick, run a kick back, return a punt, much less do those things when it matters. Mm does not emphasize st. Even though other teams execute those plays against us. We need a good detail focused st coach and a new stent and fitness coach to improvee physical performance and reduce injuries.

0 points
0
0
PETER MAIZ's picture

January 25, 2017 at 07:40 pm

The Shields issue was like the Jordy issue last year. I'm still not convinced by the Randall/Rollings duo. I know injuries played a role in the so-called "meltdown". Nevertheless, coach McCarthy should have been aware that the Packers lost 6 straight. Even though Rodgers carries the team on his shoulders and has made the coaching staff look like geniuses, the "meltdown" started with the 6 straight losses. How can Rodgers win when teams were scoring 30 plus points against them? That's when McCarthy should have thought of doing something about the super porous defense. After all, the defense's shortcomings are really his responsibility and Dom's results are his responsibility.
Lastly, how can one trust Thompson when both Randall and Rollings each played one year of cornerback in college. No matter how you slice the cake, 4 years playing cornerback in college would give you more experience than a measly year. Even if injuries were involved during the six-game slide, that's when you fill in with some FA that is true and tested.
Lastly, McCarthy, despite his nuances, knew what he was getting into going into Atlanta regarding the secondary (and the injuries).
This is not the Packers first rodeo in meltdowns in the postseason and it ain't Rodgers melting down.

0 points
0
0