Through My Slightly Green-Tinted Glasses

When I look at the Green Bay Packers right now, I am not concerned at all and I see no reason to be.

There is no denying that the Packers are struggling right now and by their standards, quite frankly, they have been struggling all season. Other than maybe the Kansas City game, in no game this year have the Packers played a complete game like you would expect from a team that has done this year in and year out over the last six or seven years. 

Yes, they started 6-0 but I wasn't impressed with their efforts against the Bears, 49ers, Rams, or Chargers. Sure they won all of those games and played well enough to win them, but they didn't dominate and take complete control of those games like I thought they should have.

So when I look at the last five games and see that they are 1-4 in those games, it doesn't really bother me all that much more than what the first six games did. The way I see it, they got smoked by the Broncos, that was embarrassing. The other losses this season have come to the Panthers, Bears, and Lions. In no way, shape, or form am I saying it doesn't bother me that they lost at home to the Lions and Bears - on its face that's pretty sad. In each one of those three losses they had the ball in scoring position to tie/win the game.

Against the Panthers, Rodgers missed a wide open Randall Cobb for the potential tying score to end the game. Against the Lions, Crosby shanked a field goal to win it as time expired. Against the Bears, the Packers had a chance to win it with 30 seconds left and the ball inside Chicago's 10-yard line and simply couldn't get it done. Despite playing by their standards (and at times general football standards) terrible football, the Packers were one final - and very achievable - play away from winning each of their last three losses in the final seconds. That would put them at 10-1. The Panthers are the only undefeated team in the NFC at this point and could be the only one in the league if they Pats lose tonight against the Broncos. The Lions and Bears are playing the very best football they can play right now, hell both teams are even in the top five in the NFL over their last three games in points allowed. 

The question is, how would you be feeling about the Packers right now if they were 10-1? I'm guessing pretty good. I would definitely be a little happier with them if they were 10-1 instead of 7-4 but not a ton and right now their record is what it is. I try to look at the larger picture in games and don't let things like one final play determine how I feel about the team overall.

The Packers are one game behind the Vikings for first place in the NFC North. To be frank, I don't give a damn about the divison as long as the Packers make the playoffs. Would I rather have the Packers finish 16-0 instead of 10-6? Yes. Would I rather have them win the division than not win the division? Duh. But I don't care about the division title at all. The Packers have won the division the last four years and have nothing in the playoffs to show for it. In fact the last time they didn't win the division and actually had to face adversity in a season that didn't have to do with Rodgers being injured, they won the Super Bowl.

I actually think at the end of the day the Packers will still win the division, but I truly do not care, as long as they make the playoffs and right the ship/look good heading into the playoffs. 

I have watched every single Vikings game this season with the exception of the ones that were on at the same time as the Packers. Nothing about the Vikings worries me, not a thing. They have looked poor on offense almost every single week this year and while their defense was stout at the start of the year, it is starting to show some cracks. If anyone watched the Vikings vs Falcons game, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Both teams looked bad with the Vikings eeking out a win despite three turnovers on what should have been scoring drives from a mediocre Falcons team without what has been their best player this year (Freeman). This game pretty much summed up every Vikings game this season, just scraping by to win. The only way the Packers lose to either of those teams in the playoffs is if they beat themselves, in which the Packers probably would have lost to most teams that day. We saw two weeks ago that they Packers, despite failing to capatilize on a lot of opportunites, still managed to dominate the Vikings in every facet of the game. That same Vikings team will likely need to beat Green Bay, in Green Bay at the end of the season to win the division.

As far as when it comes to the on-field production, you can see that the Packers know what their issues are and what they need to work on. Not only have the Packers run the ball more the last two weeks, they have run it very well and Eddie Lacy (when he's hanging onto the ball) is starting to look like the Lacy from the previous two season. The team is also starting to use those running backs in the pass game again, something they were very, very effective with last season and not just in dump-offs now either, they are actually calling screens for the first time in forever. 

After heavy critisism in the Denver and Carolina games, the Packers receivers are even getting open again. The problem is they aren't catching the ball when they are open. In both the Detroit and Chicago losses Adams has dropped a pass that he likely would have scored on after running free for a mile. Adams has been terrible, just awful, but Randall Cobb has been uncharacteristically bad as well. James Jones, while great in the end zone, just doesn't have the speed the Packers need. As weird as this feels to say about a rookie who has had 18 passes thrown to him in his career, the Packers instantly become better (and potentially a lot better) when Ty Montgomery (hopefully) gets back. Montgomery and Rodgers seemed to be developing a connection right before he went down and he was catching everything thrown his way.

Clearly for the Packers to have lost four out of five games, they have to be struggling in certain areas. If they have to be struggling, I would want it to be on offense. If there have to be struggling on offense, I would prefer it be in the passing game than the running game. While at times being very poor, the defense overall is playing well enough, the running game is starting to take and they are starting to use it more (but they still need to not get away from it), they just need to figure out the passing offense. If there was one area that I have full confidence in them eventually figuring out, it is the passing game. As long as everything else holds, I have confidence that the passing game will come around and everything is going to be just fine.

There are no real dominate teams in the league this year, which leaves a lot of room for error. The Packers have a lot of things to work on and some things they still need to figure out, but I have confidence that they will. So while the Packers may be a game behind in the division, they are a game up in the Wild-Card with tie-breakers over both Seattle and Atlanta. Because of that, when I look at the state of the Packers through my slightly biased green lenses, I see no reason to worry and will not worry until they lose their playoff spot.

While there may be a lot of panic in Packer land right now, I sit here calm and confident. The sky is not falling, believe it or not the team has struggled almost all season, not just these last five games. They have accepted that things will not fix themselves and that they needed to make changes. They are slowly making the changes they need to, making progress from the games before, and they will get to where they need to be. Making it through adversity will only make this team better than they would have been otherwise at the end of the day. 

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Comments (68)

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Zub's picture

November 30, 2015 at 06:11 am

I look at it this way. The Packers have not played with a chip on their shoulders all year, in way if they are a wild card, backs against the wall so to speak, the team as a whole may play better, this whole regular season they appear to be going through the motions, they understand the importance of the games. They just aren't feeling it

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bears suck forever's picture

November 30, 2015 at 06:33 am

wild card is no gimme. Im worried

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Horse's picture

November 30, 2015 at 06:40 am

Montgomery went out in Q1, SD game. It's been pretty much downhill for the passing offense ever since.
Alex Van Pelt's combined QB/WR room is ground zero.
How can there be a "communication" problem when the QBs and WRs look at schemes together in the same room?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

November 30, 2015 at 12:23 pm

You don't really want the truth...

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Roadrunner23's picture

November 30, 2015 at 06:57 am

In my opinion (looking at things from the outside)
I have had this feeling all season that the Packers are a rudderless ship lacking in team leadership. There are a few guys that talk the talk yet don't back up that talk on Sundays (and Thursday). In team sports (for those of us who have played them) this is a very important element.
Winning (and losing) are contagious, when losing and mistakes become the norm, thats when respected leaders need to step in both on the field and in the locker room. This is a team that lacks urgency and they have to have an "all hands on deck" attitude.
This is a talented team that is not the sum of all it's parts, hopefully they can right the ship. It seems every team in the NFC North is surging upward right now except for the team with the most talented roster, the Packers. Time for someone to step up, grab the ships wheel and steer this team into the playoffs!
Come on guys, there is still time, but no time to waste.
GO PACK!

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Horse's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:06 am

On offense.
On defense they still seem upbeat. How long that continues if the offense can't start winning games is anybody's guess.

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croatpackfan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:43 am

It may be other reasons than lack of urgency or lack of leadership. Davante Adams may be in the position to have the chip on the shoulders, but that chip is enormous, so huge that it causes all those drops. Do not forget that he was praised from one of the best QB in the NFL that he is Pro-bowl material. That statement may produce all of seen drops. Davante Adans is trying to do more and better than he need to... He is 2nd year player. He has to learn to wrestle with the pressure... Ty Montgomery has, by my opinion, more talent than Davante, but he is rookie. Whatever he do, it will be superb. And that take a lot of pressure from Ty. All those problems with passing game is in their heads, not on the field, but, unfortunately it shows on the field...
And yes, Mike, I agree with you completely - Packers, offense especially, is strugling whole year... It can only be better from this moment...

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Tundraboy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 06:59 am

Silver linings thanks. I would prefer they get to playoffs hungry, angry and with a chip on their shoulder than win the division.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:00 am

Can't wait to see Cow's take on this! And the comments to follow.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 30, 2015 at 02:31 pm

Why? It's utterly predictable that his reaction will be nuclear. The only way to get people like Cow to shut up is to ignore them. He is an unhappy person who revels in making others unhappy.

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dobber's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:22 am

Bingo.

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Packer_Pete's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:28 am

Agreed... All people calling for Cow's comments must forget what great football mind he is - I remember he labeled Kaepernick as one who "redefines the QB position", and basically "could not be defended against"... His favorite team, the 49ers, were awful in the 2000s, then had 3 good seasons in which they didn't win the SB, and now they are awful again. Putting all eggs in one basket to have 2 - 3 good years and suck during all other years to constantly get top 10 or top 5 draft picks doesn't sound like a good strategy to me, but hey, what do I know...

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 02:39 pm

Remember when Christine Michael was a better player then Eddie Lacy?

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Tundraboy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 03:27 pm

Bearmeat
Only because he is so over the top it's laughable.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:01 am

Montgomery definitely will help the passing game. He was primed to take off until his injury.
The biggest thing that he brings besides his great play is creativity to Clements. His versatility allows Clements to open up the play book more.

Another player that will help right now is Abbrederis. He started to show his ability's and seems to be on the same page as Rodgers as well.

I think the offense will improve when both of those players return.
The problem is they need to improve before they return. The WR's right now have dropped way to many passes and have not gotten open enough. I understand that Montgomery is a different kind of player and he allows them to do different things with him. But why can't they do a few different things with the players they have? Why do they have to wait till Montgomery gets back to open the play book more?

The biggest problem in my eyes though is that they are not talented enough to run the offense they want them to run, and the coaches haven't accepted that. Teams have figured out how to slow them down, and they haven't adjusted to that. Yeah if they don't drop a pass here or there the games would look a lot different. But it still wouldn't make up for all the plays were players aren't getting open. Also it won't fix where defenses seem to know exactly what they are doing offensively.

To me its not just a 'player needs to play better' type of fix. I think they need to fix it schematically also. Schematically they could do a lot better of a job getting players open. They can do a better job of mixing and matching personnel, and changing formations. I don't think they have done enough to get the most out of the players they do have on the roster.

I think every phase of the offense needs to be better. That especially includes the guys who are running it.

While I like the optimism that the author has, and I am naturally an optimist, I am starting to question whether there will be enough time left to fix all the problems they are having. The most concerning part for me is the reluctance of changing their scheme/game plan/play calling. They run the same formation and same personnel group for probably 75% of their offensive plays. If they were having good success using it, I would have no problems with it. But they aren't and haven't all year, and they still haven't changed it.
It just doesn't feel like the coaches are willing to do whatever it takes to get better. It feels like they are just going to do what they do because that is what has worked in the past. Well its time to make some changes.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:22 am

I think you have a point about the play calling RC, but it's been better lately. I DID see more of those things in the Bears game. LOTS more dump offs to RBs and WR screens, and more runs. I would love to see yet more running and a slant or quick out too. Alas, not yet. I also think the return of Montgomery and Abby will be huge. While not fast, they are both shifty and can get open.

What I think will really help is getting the bloody TEs off the field in everything but short yardage situations. They can't block and they can't run. They are useless as an entire group.

Get the full back on the field in a power I. Run the bloody ball.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 10:00 am

They have done slightly better lately, but I think they could do a lot better.

I don't think they stick with what is working enough and work off of what is working.
Like I said earlier they went to the Pistol formation, with Kuhn next to Rodgers and 3 WR's. They ran 4-5-6 or so plays with that, moved the ball really well. They stopped using it and never went back to it. They could have ran play action off of that, used Kuhn in the passing game, even just kept running the ball with that formation.
And in this game both Starks and Lacy were running great. They seemed to get away from the run way to much in that game.

Who ever is making these decisions needs to do a better job.

The TE's have been brutal this year. At this point I would like to see what Backman can do. Perillo has decent hands but is just to slow, and Rodgers is slower. Backman at least showed some speed and great hands in the preseason.
But to me I would take the TE's off the field and use the FB's in the pistol formation for their 'base' formation. Rodgers hasn't done enough to justify being a starter.
To me this is a position they have to address in the offseason.

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dobber's picture

November 30, 2015 at 10:36 am

Abbrederis and Montgomery were apparently limited participants in Sunday's practice. They might not be ready for Thursday, but if they are, it creates new options for the offense.

I know Dan's not an Abby fan for his frail build, but the guy runs good routes and has good hands. He'll get open, he just needs to avoid big hits...and he's taken lots.

Correction: apparently Montgomery did not participate in the open part of practice on Sunday.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:33 pm

Would love to see that. Kuhn and Rip leading way for Lacy and Starks.

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pilot67's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:11 am

WR's are a problem no doubt. In reviewing other game stat recaps we look pitiful. Look at Receiver targets vs catches. Especially Adams. 2 for 11 targets is normal for him. More drops than catches is the norm. I'm glad he has potential but we need him in 2015.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:12 am

Thanks Mike. This sums up what I have felt for awhile now. Yeah. They look like crap on offense. But on Defense? No - they look mostly very solid. Would like a few more turnovers, but still, overall pretty solid.

If they can run the ball and stop the run (which they've been doing), all they need to do is eliminate the turnovers (which they've historically done). The schemes have been better since Detroit. You've got to think players such as Rodgers, Cobb and the OL revert to what they've done for years.

The team will be fine. I still think they win the division at 11-5 or 12-4. 3 seed.

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D.D.Driver's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:15 am

Bottom line: if Aaron Rodgers plays like Aaron Rodgers, this team is 10-1. He has been in a prolonged funk. I don't expect it to continue. Once he gets his head (or body right) this team will be fine.

People like to rag on Adams, and that's fine. He has been playing poorly. But he's not the reason the Packers are losing. Adams is not one of the top 5 or top 10 players on the team. Rodgers is arguably the best player in the league when he is playing well. You can't have your superstars playing like journeymen and expect to win consistently.

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Packer_Pete's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:25 am

Agreed on Rodgers. For Adams, he is awful. While he may not be the main reason that the team is losing, it would certainly help if he would at least catch 50% of all catch-able balls. But he isn't. Two things make me really worried about this team and the evaluation of it by coaches and management as well as within the team: First, why is Adams even targeted that often? Who puts a game plan together that has balls thrown his way as often? That's not even play calling during the game, it really is game planning that is poor.
Secondly, we all remember that Rodgers labeled Adams as a pro-bowl type WR. We all know that Adams certainly is not. He may not even be a legitimate NFL WR. So what exactly do coaches and team mates see in Adams that nobody else does? Especially given that younger WRs like Abbrederis and Janis seem to play better, but basically do not get enough chances to fail as badly as Adams fails?
Those are real head scratchers to me. but what do I know?

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croatpackfan's picture

December 01, 2015 at 03:14 am

I wrote few comments above what may be the problem with Davante Adams. In short - chip on his shoulder who is so big and heavy that causes Davante to drop the ball. He is praised to much and that make pressure enormous. By my humble opinion, that is that!

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PETER MAIZ's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:18 am

This is a very Panglossian interpretation of where things are at with this team and where it's headed. If Davante Adams would start catching the ball 75% of the time instead of 43% of the time, I would believe they'd do well during the stretch, but reason is pointing in the opposite direction.

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Archie's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:21 am

Timing in offense is not there. This team has no #1 WR and no #1 TE and until recently, didn't throw to its RBs so how could it have a #1 passing game. 12 is great but even he needs to be surrounded by talent to excel.

R Cobb turns out to be a $10 MM/yr fraud
D Adams is the only bust from his WR class
R Rodgers was a bottom of the draft talent that TT took way early (top of R3)
J Jones is showing his age, much like J Peppers

Why the OL also took a step backwards is anybody's guess. Bulaga has been overrated. Another $35MM wasted.

If Pack loses to DET, AZ and MN, they will finish 9-7 at best. That may be good enough to get a WC berth. But they will be chopped liver in the playoffs, if not R1, then surely R2.

This season is a failure. Management has failed the fans. Given teh bad drafting for the last many years, with the possible exception of 2015, next year could easily be more of the same. The question is how much will it take before GB has the courage to find new leadership at the top i.e., MM/TT. I don't think we have a Ron Wolf type with that kind of courage in the entire organization. So we all get to get old together wallowing in mediocrity. Draft & develop is bullcrap when you draft poorly year after year. Bringing JP back this year at $10MM/yr was ludicrous. Too many bad decisions. MM can't speak in English let alone master Xs and Os. And he hires assistants who will be little or no threat to his job security. Winston Moss anyone? Anybody who learned his craft at the foot of Marty Schottenheimer is worth crap in my book.

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SpudRapids's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:46 am

This season is a failure? You do realize it's not over right? You're a spoiled fan that can't handle adversity. There are only 6 teams with a better record than the Packers this year and you are calling it a failed season and calling for heads. Stop whining... you could be a Miami fan or an eagles fan or a fan of any other team that continually sucks. How about we wait for the season to be over before we declare it a failure or a success.

P.S. Mike McCarthy's win percentage is currently 16th all time among NFL coaches

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dobber's picture

November 30, 2015 at 10:40 am

"P.S. Mike McCarthy's win percentage is currently 16th all time among NFL coaches"

I don't deny that MM has a track record of success, but we need to admit (grudgingly or not) that professional sports is a "what have you done for me lately" business, and appropriately so. Teams always need to be assessing personnel--including coaches--to ascertain whether or not they are getting what they need. Teams can't allow themselves to wallow into longer periods of mediocre or low-level play out of loyalty.

I'm not advocating for MM to be removed...far from it: people can't assume that a change is by definition a change for the better, and there isn't a lot of room to move up for the Packers. What I am saying is that he isn't immune from the ebb and flow of personnel assessment and changes.

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SpudRapids's picture

November 30, 2015 at 12:12 pm

I agree he's not immune but I think his track record has afforded him a little more respect than to call for his head after a 7-4 start. This is football at the highest level you don't just find Mike McCarthy's growing on trees.

There have been 448 NFL coaches and only 30 of them have won superbowls... that's 6%... he deserves more credit for his success and I think it's preposterous to call for him being fired

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NickPerry's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:51 am

Did anybody watch the Broncos vs Pats last night? I only ask because there were 2 TE on the Broncos the Packers could have signed. Remember a couple summers ago Owen Daniels was supposed to have or did visit the Packers? Or just a month ago when Veron Davis could be had for what, a 5th or 6th round pick? Davis was looking pretty damn good last night throwing blocks (Yes blocks R.Rodgers) to spring TD runs. Daniels though I don't have the stats in front of me was helping move chains all night. Both players would help this offense, this season or any. Instead we have Cement Shoes Rodgers and False start Quarless. Sorry, TT deserves to be mentioned with anyone else when talking about the Packers problems. It will just get worse with each passing year because as Rodgers gets older, it will be harder and harder to cover for all the weaknesses on this team. If Thompson isn't going to use FA to fix this before he's gone (Rodgers) then get a GM who will. I'm not talking overhaul because we all know that doesn't work. I'm also not talking Top Shelf. Just some better players at poitions the Packers are weak.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:36 am

I watched some of the game last night. I watched more of what the Patriots do on offense then what the Broncos did.

The thing that I noticed while watching New England is they are putting a player into motion every down. Also just about every down, they have a new personnel group. They change their personnel, and formations every down creating new looks and confusion. They are getting guys open schematically against a very good Broncos defense. And that was with 2 of their top WR's out.
Packers could easily do this stuff and adapt it to their offense.

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dobber's picture

November 30, 2015 at 10:21 am

People can correct me if I'm wrong, but I've read accounts (this isn't the part to be corrected) that say that ARod just isn't all that comfortable with motion on offense (this is the part that may be corrected). He prefers to spread the field and read the defense pre-snap.

That said, this needs to change to help generate new looks from the offense...hell, maybe even run a jet-sweep to #83 or #88 (if he even plays...apparently he was a limited participant in practice on Sunday). I really "liked" (well, it sucked, but was creative) what the Bears did against the Packers which was to get the play to flow in one direction, then throw the flat pass to a TE or WR on the opposite side of the field. Seattle does this, too. Great misdirection and the Packers really struggled with it. Certainly a look other teams would not expect from the Packers.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 01:18 pm

Yeah, I have heard something similar. That he likes to know where the defense is pre snap, so he can know what the defense is doing and whatnot.

I'm not going to say putting a WR into motion will solve all the problems, but who knows that it won't help. Until they start doing it, we won't know if it will help or not.

The biggest thing for me is I would like to see them to start using more personnel and formations. I know Rodgers likes the up tempo offense, but if they are going 3 and out with the same personnel each series, something needs to change. They need to show more looks to get defenses into favorable matchups. Also to try and confuse the defense.

Lets face it our TE group as a whole has been bad. So why keep playing them when they have other options? Use 4 WR's, 2 RB's, hell come out with a new look. Do 2 TE's, 3, TE's, 3 RB's. A little more creativity in the formations I think could really help the offense out.

I said before the last game I would love to see them use Cobb or Janis on a reverse. Some sort of a Trick play. Hell I wouldn't mind seeing Cobb take the ball and throw it. The misdirection stuff is something that is missing from this offense.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 12:48 pm

Totally agree RC. Shows how stubborn and pig headed our coaching is. A lot of wins left on the table over the last few years because of it.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 30, 2015 at 01:52 pm

And I'm just looking at this year.

The coaches have been reluctant to change their scheme or game plan/play calling even though they are missing players, and have under performed. I'm not saying they need to completely change their offense. Just saying they could make some tweaks to make it better.

When Nelson was lost for the year, I believe the quote was 'Not 1 person can fill in for Jordy, this will be a group effort to replace him'. Might not be a direct quote but something similar to that was said by McCarthy.

Well if its a group effort why does it feel like they are simply trying to replace Jordy with James Jones? They run their 11 personnel most downs. They haven't changed anything schematically despite losing Nelson. They run the same formations and haven't done much different to get the WR's open when they have struggled to get open. So if its a group effort who is apart of that group?

The coaches need to wake up and realize they can be a part of the solution, other then keep saying 'the players need to play better'. Which is true, but the coaches can also do a better job of putting those players into better positions to succeed.

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NickPerry's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:06 pm

As much as Slocum was blamed for the calapse in Seattle last year, the play calling was horrible, especially at the end of the game. Playing NOT TO LOSE has ALWAYS been a McCarthy trait, just like the way the Packers play defense with a lead. Now I will say the defense played there butts off the last few weeks, but that Chicago game, when they get off the field after a 3 and out and the Packers do the same thing only with a crappy punter it's GOT to be hard watching what they do offensively.

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ray nichkee's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:43 am

I could be wrong nick, but Vernon Davis has a grudge with the pack because AJ hawk was picked one spot ahead of him and he childishly said he didn't want to play for them after the draft. He's a basket case. Owen Daniels chose to stay with Gary kubiak in his move to Baltimore.

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Mags's picture

November 30, 2015 at 12:55 pm

Nick I totally agree with you on TT and his reluctance to use free agency in obvious positions of need. His drafts lately at certain positions such as D-line and Tight End and failure to address needs at ILB for how long (will see on Ryan) is questionable for sure. Its a win now league and the clock is ticking on each year in Rodgers career. To not try and help fill positions where draft and develop is not working is ridiculous.

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:33 pm

I don't know if its true, but I heard SF didn't want to talk trade with GB. TT should have offered Adams for Davis, I bet they would have bit at the time.

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egbertsouse's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:17 am

This guys glasses must be green tinted from all the weed he's been smoking while watching football.

Living in western WI I also get to see all the Vikings games and they are fielding their best team since the Bert Farve playoff team. Even given their tough schedule I think that they have the capability of making the last game of the year irrelevant. I know they must be good because all my neighbors are doing yard work in their Adrian Beaterson jerseys (Ugh!). Those things stay in the closet when the Vikings suck.

There are no dominant teams in the league this year!? That statement is too ludicrous to even be worthy of a response.

I do agree the Packers will get a wild card spot and then go one-and-done.

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dobber's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:24 am

"I also get to see all the Vikings games and they are fielding their best team since the Bert Farve playoff team."

Does that really say very much? ;)

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calabasa's picture

November 30, 2015 at 03:02 pm

I think you mean "Adrian Beatyerson"

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 30, 2015 at 10:28 am

"When I look at the Green Bay Packers right now, I am not concerned at all and I see no reason to be."

Neither does Mike Zimmer.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 30, 2015 at 10:44 am

I'm sorry, but that is just frigging stupid. GB just WHIPPED Minny's ass on their home turf ONE WEEK AGO. Throw in the fact that Minny has AZ SEA, @ GB left, and I still think GB figures things out and wins the division. Who knows what happens in the playoffs.

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murphy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 12:57 pm

People have short memories.

Heck, Chicago is still deep in the Wild Card hunt and with some help has an outside shot at the division. A lot of football left.

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NickPerry's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:12 pm

As much as I want to believe that Bearmeat, I just don't know about it this year. If MM took back the play calling then maybe they could make a run. This offense has had 11 games "To figure it out" and the more they play, the further away they seem. For the first time since 2006, I don't know how to feel about this team.

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:40 pm

I'm with you Nick. I would have bet my house that they would not have lost to Chi and Det at home. Those 2 loses baffle the hell out of me. Then they kick the shit out of the queens at home? Not seeing the passing game click at all? Seems like they bought into all the pre season hype and think they can win just by showing up. The trouble is, every team they play gets up to play them, and they sink to their level or worse.

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NickPerry's picture

December 01, 2015 at 09:37 pm

Absolutely right 4thand1. I keep seeing all these new commercials with Rodgers in them. A few less of those and a little more time getting on the same page as your WR's please.

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jh9's picture

December 01, 2015 at 02:03 am

I would like to believe that what ever is wrong with the Packers is fixable before the playoffs. However, I have my doubts.

Going into this season and next year I had high expectations of this team. Right now we have players under contract in all the key positions both offensively and defensively in their prime: AR, Cobb, Lacy, Sitton, Lang, Bulaga, Daniels, Raji, Datone, Matthews, Perry, Shields, Burnett, and other good young players like Clinton-Dix and Bakhitari. If the Packers were going to win another Lombardi Trophy, I was sure it would have been either this year and/or next year.

Unfortunately, my confidence has been shattered. Not because of losing four games, but HOW we have lost those games.

To me it looks like whatever is wrong with this team is not about the Xs and Os. On offense this team looks slow and uninterested. I would feel this was fixable if I saw after a three and out series, AR huddling with the coaches and players on the sidelines trying to fix the problem. Instead what I've seen is either AR throwing the iPad to the ground or sitting by himself sulking.

Can this bad attitude be fixed by the playoffs? I hope so.

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WinUSA's picture

November 30, 2015 at 11:04 am

In on this late...First time since the loss that I have been able to stomach reading the comments on Thursday's turkey egg.

Reuter...your article was very optimistic with some good observations to back up your thought. But to me you don't quite cover a very interesting gloss over...

McCarthy. I have been a McCarthy backer for years when all the haters were calling for his head. I am a throw back and remember years the Packers played that I wish I could forget. So McCarthy has always received a couple of votes because of that.

But..... this team has NOT played good ball all year. Maybe KC...but that was an anomaly with what has been going on since.

We were lucky to beat SD after they put our defense in their wood chipper. One fortunate play and we got lucky.

The point I am trying to make is that McCarthy has been totally arrogant and idiotic in several of his actions. Why would a coach say something as stupid as "We will kick the Bears Ass".

Why would a coach when the ball is on the fourty five
yard line go for a fourth down on it's first possession.

McCarthy is in a mentality that we are last years team.
We obvious are NOT.

The team reflects this attitude and talk swagger and preach that everything is alright.... they are so RELAXed
that they are fricken sleep walking on the field.

Dropped passes, errant throws, miscued sporadic, deadly plays...bad snaps, muffed field goal attempts,
bad routes, bad coaching decisions (shit, we were running the ball down the Bears throats, why go into a passing game???? These examples are indicative a something is running very deep and is very wrong with this team.

McCarthy had better get back to his previous form and get his head out of his butt and get this team on track....I for one do NOT see a wind coming to fill our listless sail to make this season magically start clicking.

The coach and the team are absolutely arrogant and they have forgot what other teams have...they too have ego's, chips on their shoulders for the many years that the Packers have run rough shod over them.

They all now see that the Packers are in disarray...and believe me..the Packers are NOT scaring anyone anymore... opposing teams are now looking at the Packers like a vulture looks at a dying cow.

They all want pay back.

I love the Pack, but we should all be very, very, worried.
If changes are not made...if not...then we will lament and do what we did through the 70's and 80's....and that is to say: "Well at least we will have a good draft position!!"

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:46 pm

I believe Thursday night will define the season. If they lose this game the same way as the 4 out of 5, then watch for the tail spin. There is already rumblings in the locker room and it will get worse with another bad loss. If the players don't believe in the system, they won't play.

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brewers_rule's picture

November 30, 2015 at 01:33 pm

1) 'The question is, how would you be feeling about the Packers right now if they were 10-1?'

How can you possibly make a statement like that without even bothering to mention this very regime went 15-1 in 2012 only to be embarrassed at HOME in their first playoff game to the Giants? So no, those of us that went through that didn't feel confident THEN as it happened nor do we feel confident NOW that this is going to be fixed anytime soon, Mike.

2) 'I actually think at the end of the day the Packers will still win the division, but I truly do not care, as long as they make the playoffs and right the ship/look good heading into the playoffs.'

I'll grant you, sadly, that home field for this Packers team is not what it used to be under Holmgren come playoff time but do you honestly believe we can walk into Carolina or Arizona as stands right now & not be whipped? Can we even walk into NY right now & beat the Giants if we had to? What signs are there this team is GOING to right the ship? McCarthy keeps his same old 'we feel pretty good about our guys..we don't wanna do anything drastic' mantra as the losses mount and nothing's changed so where exactly do you have any faith major changes are coming to fix this offense? Where is TT's 'we put the best guys on the field' mantra when Adams repeatedly f's up while Janis breaks games open? We lost as a non-bye team in '09, '12, and '13 with one of those losses coming in Arizona, mind you, who we still have to play BEFORE the playoffs IF we get in this year.

My question in general for the 'keep the faith' #intedwetrust folks is this: at what point do we START to believe in this regime being another proverbial Ron Wolf 'fart in the wind' after an improbably 2010 SB run & little postseason success since? We pissed away Favre's best years after several changes there and now we're just going to sit on divisional record success during the prime of what may be one of the best QB's to play EVER? The refusal of these guys to look in the mirror and solve problems where everyone knows they exist (MM said AGAIN today that it's not a huge deal; just some fine tuning needed) is exactly what separates them from being the regime Thompson once said he wanted to emulate in the Patriots. They do NOT accept repetitive mistakes, fix holes the second they see them, and NEVER let mediocrity creep in even in the face of numerous injuries (did anyone see how they pushed the Broncos to the brink last night despite having 1/10th the roster GB had much less the bye to prepare?). Would Bellichick even be starting Adams anymore much less defending his constant missteps as minor? No, he would start some no name guy over him (hint: Janis) and/or bench other non-producing vets (see Jones, James) in favor of young hungry guys that work hard and MAKE PLAYS (see Abbredaris, Jared). Further, if he had a TE he drafted that stunk like R-Rod, they would have went to get a guy like Davis for the song he was sold for & watch the deep game open up a week later as predicted.

I honestly have tried to resist being negative about these guys the last several years despite the constant holes from DT to RB to safety emerging & being filled 2 years or so after the fact by TT but 2010 really is looking like an aberration more & more to me the longer this stubborn refusal to fix things continues. Last offseason, I wished we would've at least brought Wade Phillips in as a defensive consultant if not swapped him w/Capers outright. Look what he's done for the Broncos defense. This year, I'm starting to hope Sean Payton could come in & McCarthy would be shown the door. We have talent and an open window. There's no reason this team should NOT dominate the North and go at least 12-4 annually. Time to start managing like a winner & not dwell on the misery of the 80's because with the CBA that's NOT coming back, PERIOD.

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calabasa's picture

November 30, 2015 at 03:10 pm

Well put. Anyone thinking this team is close to being as good as last year's is wrong. We have taken a major step back, and PLEASE stop using Jordy as an excuse to write off this whole season. When does Draft and Develop hurt? When your picks don't pan out or injury bites.

I have admired TT over the years, but if you ask me who the best personnel guy in the league is, it's Belicheck hands down. Brady is always throwing and handing off to castoffs and no-names (aside from Gronk) and their parts work because the system is fucking flawless. Great playcalling and scheming. Discipline and belief.

I can't think of a time when MM won the game for us with great coaching. I can think of SEVERAL that this team has come apart and made very questionable decisions on the field. Problem is, who's calling the plays???

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Tundraboy's picture

November 30, 2015 at 03:19 pm

"I can't think of a time when MM won the game for us with great coaching. I can think of SEVERAL that this team has come apart and made very questionable decisions on the field."

Very true

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Bearmeat's picture

November 30, 2015 at 04:29 pm

1. New England. Last year.
2. All the the 2010 playoff run.
3. The 2011 season.
4. the 2013 season after ARod went down.

You don't get through those things and get deep in the playoffs without a good coach.

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calabasa's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:57 pm

I wouldn't dispute for a second that MM is a "good coach"- hell, I'd say he's very good. But that's about it. I think he's steered 2 of the best QB's in history to one SB win. That's not that hard.

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croatpackfan's picture

December 01, 2015 at 03:26 am

How many SB wins has John Fox? And younger Harbaugh? Or where is Chp Kelly? How good are Giants with Tom Caughlin (2 SB win!)? Or, oh, yes, Rivera? Or Rex Ryan, or ... And, yes, those 2 "best" QB came to Packers against will of Packers football organization forced from who? I think that you are right - "good coach" should come with quotation marks, because Mike McCarthy is excellent coach! Without quotation marks!

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calabasa's picture

December 01, 2015 at 10:47 pm

How many Top-5 QB's have Fox, Jim Harbaugh-any of those coaches had? With all due respect Croatpackfan, and I mean that as you're a thoughtful member here, I personally think we shouldn't settle for winning the division or one playoff round with ARod. It's like handing NASCAR McCarthy a Lamborghini and most others except Belichick a Pinto. And they somehow pull it off.

I f'in love this team and know we can turn it around. There's just a lot more body damage on the Countach after Uncle Mike took it for a spin...

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rajahking's picture

November 30, 2015 at 02:07 pm

I appreciate the optimism in a general sea of chicken littles, but I do think there may be something really off about this year's squad. Its wishful, unrealistic thinking to say the Packers "could be" 10-1.

It took a furious comeback to get the Packers within 8 of the Panthers; a collapse by the Lions to get a chance at a 50 some yard field goal to win (at home), and another 2 minute drill before eventually losing to Chicago (at home). If they were 10-1 right now, they'd be one of the luckiest 10-1 teams ever.

The win against the Chargers is when I really started to think that something is really wrong with the offense. They don't get any kind of consistent drives and making really bad defenses look good.

I'm thinking the ground game may be the way to go, now that Lacy seems healthier. Just pound it with Starks and Lacy, see where that gets them, then let Rodgers take it over through the air. B/c the games where they are airing it out... its not there.

Its really sad b/c with this years' defenses a lot of our past teams could have gone really far.

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rajahking's picture

November 30, 2015 at 02:07 pm

I appreciate the optimism in a general sea of chicken littles, but I do think there may be something really off about this year's squad. Its wishful, unrealistic thinking to say the Packers "could be" 10-1.

It took a furious comeback to get the Packers within 8 of the Panthers; a collapse by the Lions to get a chance at a 50 some yard field goal to win (at home), and another 2 minute drill before eventually losing to Chicago (at home). If they were 10-1 right now, they'd be one of the luckiest 10-1 teams ever.

The win against the Chargers is when I really started to think that something is really wrong with the offense. They don't get any kind of consistent drives and making really bad defenses look good.

I'm thinking the ground game may be the way to go, now that Lacy seems healthier. Just pound it with Starks and Lacy, see where that gets them, then let Rodgers take it over through the air. B/c the games where they are airing it out... its not there.

Its really sad b/c with this years' defenses a lot of our past teams could have gone really far.

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Samson's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:40 pm

Come on. --- No home playoff game this year. --- In fact, if AR can't pull out of his funk, there may not even be a playoff game this year at all.

This is just a looonnng blog about denial or simply "head in the sand syndrome."

Answer this:--- What will you think if the Lions take down the Pack in 3 days??

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 07:55 pm

If they lose Thursday, mail it in. WTF the Lions a few weeks ago looked like the worse team in football. They talking about firing everyone again. So why can't the Packers turn it around? We are not used to seeing long periods of bad football by this team. Last 2 years they were 1-3, I remember everyone in full panic mode. Seems like they got off to their fast start, thought the rest of the NFL would tremble in their cleats on Sunday when the mighty Packers came to town.

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Packer_Pete's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:00 pm

What do you mean with 'if'? Lions are on a roll right now and will win by 2 TDs....

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:27 pm

You better scrape up every penny you afford and bet on GB not to cover. They are favored by 3.5.

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TKWorldWide's picture

November 30, 2015 at 08:48 pm

I would think if it took the Lions 3 days to take down GB it sure would be a long game.

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:03 pm

Lotta flags?

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4thand1's picture

November 30, 2015 at 09:00 pm

No coaches, players, gm's will read anything written here or any other site. Basically we come here to vent our frustrations. I have no doubt they are more frustrated than we are. We don't have millions of viewers watching our every move when we go to work. From what I've read and seen the players are starting to hold each other accountable. If each player does his job, that's all you can ask of him. Players, not plays. Right now it looks like some of the players are just not good enough. This team has a lot of young guys making a lot of mental mistakes. Hopefully they can correct them soon. We sure as hell can point them out, so I'm sure the coaches can too.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 01, 2015 at 01:41 am

"you can see that the Packers know what their issues are and what they need to work on. Not only have the Packers run the ball more the last two weeks, they have run it very well...."

No, I don't think MM does, after reading his presser. Yes they ran the ball more, but still threw 43 times in falling sleet. If something works, it seems like MM is sure to stop doing it. If Montgomery comes back, do you think MM would demote Janis from KR? I do, because in MM's world Monty is their KR. At least Monty probably would be good as well. [Now I read that Monty has a high ankle sprain - he won't be back this week.]

I do believe that GB has a decent chance to make some noise in the playoffs. I think the OL, Lacy, Cobb and perhaps others are more banged up that we've been led to believe. If the OL gets healthy - at least Bulaga's knee might well improve given some time - that should help a lot. it is hard to slide help to one side if both tackles are playing terrible. I think Abby will help considerably. But I think the talent has to improve in terms of health and availability because MM has to have players who can win their 1 on 1s.

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