Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - No Hog Heaven for Washington
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
For the purpose of this post, I'm just going to ignore this week's news and pretend that the Packers' world is not collapsing around us. It hurts my brain to think about it.
Kickoff Coverage - this was the game that things went in the right direction. Let's hope they found something
Special teams coach Maurice Drayton said they shuffled some pieces around on the kickoff coverage team and it went well. They held Washington to about 23 yard line on kickoffs.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) October 25, 2021
Bojo Blast - it's officially a thing.
Lucas Patrick - One positive was his recovery of a Dillon fumble on the Packers own six yard line. Otherwise, the guy had a rough game. Re-watching, I saw multiple instances of defensive linemen shedding or going right around him. Also instances where he had no one to block in pass pro and just stood there instead of peeling off to help one of the guards. He will get no shout out from Rodgers this week.
McCarthy Lives!:
— Jersey Al - GBP (@JerseyAlGBP) October 24, 2021
Bet on passes - The Packers' pass-heavy game plan was fairly easy to predict, based on the Washington D's past performances this year. So I placed a few prop bet parlays based on Packers' offensive production in the air. Worked out well.
Not playing it safe - Looks like the Packers' safeties have finally committed to making some big hits. Savage and Amos both had the type of hits we don't see enough of from the Packers' defense. I like it.
Try the Veal - I'm just waiting for the first hard combo tackle where we can say the hit was Savage and Mercilus. Ba-da-bum ching! I'll be here all week.
EQ - After criticizing his effort a couple of weeks ago, I have to give him credit for what I saw yesterday. He forced fair catches as a gunner, was decisive on the jet sweep carry, seemed more committed to downfield blocking. He's always had the ability - my guess is someone had a talk with the young man about effort. It's a good time for him to find his way - they'll need him Thursday Night.
Rashan Gary - It's pretty encouraging that the game he finally gets to step out of the shadows of the Smith Brothers, he comes up big. Hopefully getting a taste of such success will make him hungry for more.
NFL Commissioner Larry David - Pretty funny interview where Eisen makes Larry the NFL commissioner and asks him what's the first thing he would do. Larry wants to get rid of kickers. While extreme, his reasoning is sound - a little guy who is not even a football player should not be allowed to determine the final outcome of a game by running onto the field for a few seconds and kicking a ball. How about this twist on the idea - what if field goals were just not allowed after the third quarter? Let close games be decided by making teams cross the goal line. Would you buy into that?
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (66)
Bearmeat
October 27, 2021 at 06:09 am
Getting MLF's comments on Ja probably coming back at some point this year is huge. Hopefully Z can make it back too. I care absolutely nothing for how the team is playing now, other than getting into the dance. Playing well in January is the trick...
RCPackerFan
October 27, 2021 at 08:01 am
The comments of him being optimistic about Alexander is a very good thing. My guess is he will come back after the bye week.
As far as Z. I really don't know what the deal is. If I was to guess, he won't be back. So bringing in Mercilus definitely is a great move.
The best team in September does not mean they are the best team in January. The way this team has been winning can definitely move us towards a championship caliber of team. Being able to win close hard fought games, and come from behind games is definitely a championship style of winning. The goal is to keep improving each and every week. I believe they have been doing that. Get some key players back will definitely help improve the team.
LambeauPlain
October 27, 2021 at 09:53 am
Bear, the current situation points to Z ending his Packer career on IR. Reports say he was an unhappy camper last summer after Mgmt gave Rodgers concessions. But they said no to Z and his agent to throw him a bone after Z helped the Pack restructure his contract to help the cap early last year
Then he was NOT voted Team Captain, then surgery, and some strange posts about his status with the team. Starting to feel like a M. Bennett situation when he mentally left the team. Bennett also wanted to be placed IR to sit out and save himself for his next team. At least the Pack did surgery on Z but his contract remains an issue.
Mercilus seems to be insurance to replace Z should there be no agreement on an new K.
Hematite
October 27, 2021 at 11:03 am
Unfortunately Packers fans never see Z Smith suit up for the Packers ever again.
Minniman
October 27, 2021 at 02:18 pm
If the Packers make the playoffs and look like a contender (like they were last year) then it would be a big call by Z to turn away an opportunity for a ring.
That was part of the Bennett thing - Rodgers was injured and wouldn't look like getting healthy until late. The D was not where it needed to be. In short, they were a "punchers chance" but not a disciplined and balanced one. Bennett already had a ring with NE, so the incentive possibly wasn't there for him.
It's a shame we don't get to see or hear how the rehab crew work-out. I'd be keen to see if Z is preparing like a guy who is expecting to be back on the field late this year..... or if he's mentally in the off-season?
Back injuries are funny things though.
rememberWhitehurst
October 27, 2021 at 06:38 am
If kicking is so easy, why can't some of the big fat "football players" do it and get rid of those non-athletes? Tired of the kicker hate. I can't do what Aaron Rodgers can do. I can't do what Mason Crosby can either.
bjkdad44
October 27, 2021 at 06:54 pm
Bingo!
croatpackfan
October 27, 2021 at 06:44 am
"...a little guy who is not even a football player should not be allowed to determine the final outcome of a game by running onto the field for a few seconds and kicking a ball..."
While this idea already sailed through game committee, I have one objection on the sentence above and your idea for no field goals in 4Q. Lets say (and we saw quite a few games like this) there is 2 teams with bad offenses and very good defenses. One of the team was little better and was able to put 7 FG in the first 3 Q and other team made it only 2. Result is at the beginning of the 4 Q 21 to 6. During the 4 Q losing team had interception returned for TD and scored after long offensive effort another TD to cut the lead to 21-20. There was left 3:45 on the clock and losing team stopped the opponent and returned the punt to middle of the field. They have now only 35 seconds on the clock and bad offense who might got the necessary one 1st down and additional 5-8 yards in 30 seconds, but not more than that. If you not allow them to kick the FG, they will lose the game because they had not same chances for win! Last 2 minutes on the clock will lose it charm in close games. And, as we saw this season there is more close game than it was in the past several seasons.
On the other hand, you'll lose need for STs. And how you'll accept punter, but not kicker. Also what happens when team is OK to not go on 4th down. From where the opponents starts? It is to radical idea produced by fan of the team and comes from the teams they were or are on the losing part of the last seconds FGs. This is the football, it contain kickers, punters and special teams as the part of the game. After you'll score TD, why not try to pin opponent near goal line and install their will by forcing opponent to punt from their backfield or to dig out themselves. You'll rob the exciting part of the game and tactics if you'll remove kicker and punter from the game.
Those radical changes of the football rules would make the game less exciting and, by the time, boring.
AJ Dillon will recover and redeem himself, probably this game on Thursday night.
With the rest I agree completely, especially regarding ESB, whom I call for doing next to nothing when he was on the field. Lets hope he will progress steady and fast to become important part of the Packers offense and ST.
Minniman
October 27, 2021 at 02:04 pm
Methinks Larry might be a closet Cincy or Vikes fan!
NickPerry
October 27, 2021 at 07:23 am
This isn't the football team the Packers will be fielding come January. I mean at the VERY LEAST we'll have Joe Barry, Adams, Meyers, MVS, Lazard, Preston Smith & Bakhtiari back and HOPEFULLY Jarie Alexander and Z Smith back sooner rather than later too.
But just LOOK at those names above, those are all pretty crucial parts to this football team. Some we've been without ALL year and others parts of the season. The absolutely GREAT thing about it is the Packers are 6-1! This team has gone 6-1 after a drama filled summer. They have several new starters along the O-Line and have had to shuffle all season with all the injuries. This ISN'T the 2021 Green Bay Packers, at least the team who will be playing in December down the stretch or January and hopefully February.
I just read something on NFL.Com that this will be a "Moment of Truth" for this Packers team. Are you F*****G kidding me Jeffri Chadlha??? You want to call this game a "Moment" for a Packers team who is waiting for EIGHT preferred starters AND their Defensive Coordinator to get back from injury/COVID?
This isn't a "Moment of Truth" for this football team. This is a survival test for this team and it started week one missing the BEST LT in Football and losing several All Pros and Pro Bowlers along the way. Obviously I want the Packers to win Thursday Night, MOSTLY to shut up idiots like Jeffri Chadlha and Ryan Clark who is still CLEARLY butt hurt his Steelers lost to the Packers in SB 45.
No matter what, this team has heart and I hope they get a chance to get all those players back on the field in January when it will be a "Moment of Truth".
dobber
October 27, 2021 at 07:43 am
"Moment of Truth"
This will be a game where, if the Packers lose, it will be viewed by pundits as some kind of passing of the torch from ARod to Kyler Murray, or some great failing of the Packers organization. If the Packers win, it will just be the Packers winning. I don't think they'll get much credit broadly for making it go with a team held together by duct tape and baling wire--LaF and the coaching staff are doing a remarkable job.
In general, this was sizing up as a tough one from the start of the season (I had AZ and Buffalo in the SB), and that's even if the Packers were full strength at this stage. Instead, this game--with a short-handed and beat up Packers team on a short week--has all the makings of a rough game to watch. The saddest part is that the Packers will likely be battling AZ for seeding at the end of the season, so a conference loss at this point would be particularly damaging as they'd end up essentially 2.5 games behind the Cards.
That said, the Packers haven't often gotten boat-raced under LaF, and in games like this in the past (injury-riddled, missing key guys), he's gotten his troops to rise to the occasion. Tough task. Expect the Packers to go run-heavy and play-action rhythm passing on Thursday night. Cross your fingers.
Coldworld
October 27, 2021 at 08:28 am
I agree with your take on this game. Thursday games are challenges to start with. Injury depletion is real and incorporates key personnel: there is a limit to how much attrition can be absorbed. The Covid losses of Adams and our best blocking receiver (key in this scheme) are significant further subtractions.
Adams and Lazard have taken most of our snaps in the middle. Cobb can play the slot, but has never thrived on the perimeter. ESB has not caught a pass all season, Taylor has barely been targeted and Rodgers is raw and had played very few snaps. Winfree hasn’t been targeted at all. Of those, Cobb and Taylor have typically played snaps in the slot (ESB often too) and Rodgers there and a little option.
It is going to be interesting to see how we use WRs. My guess is ESB and Winfree on the perimeters, Cobb in the slot and Taylor taking the Lazard role. How often we put out 3 plus will also be interesting.
This is also going to affect STs if Taylor, ESB, Rodgers play much on O. As a wild card there is Blair. I’ve never seen him catch a pass in preseason, but he was injured mostly. He’s really raw, but he’s genuinely fast. Can he just run a go route? Can he play gunner?
The prevailing expectation is that the key to beat AZ is on the ground. That’s going to be tough if we let them focus on 20 yards from the passer and don’t use multiple RB/Hback sets. It will be interesting to see how LaFleur approaches the game, equally so to see if Rodgers will trust players not named Cobb or Tonyan. How much can we use Jones in the passing game if there is a run heavy plan? Could this be an opportunity for Hill to be used in the passing game? Will we actually see H backs targeted? Can a Young receiver establish himself as a true player in this game. Superb opportunity for all of the young ones potentially!
If we lose, so be it, it’s a threadbare roster on a short week, away, against a good team. Yes it plays into seeding and byes, but in the end, the roster later will likely be very different. Losing this one will mean little in terms of a repeat matchup later in the year. Give injured guys the mini bye if there’s any doubt. Go out and play hard and hope some guys seize opportunities.
If we lose, shrug it off and get healthy knowing we faced a lot of adversity in terms of roster options in AZ. If it goes badly, get Love out there and get him some in season experience. Let’s hope we don’t lose any others to the Covid roster between now and game time.
So as to this being a defining game, hardly. It’s likely if little to no value as a predictor of anything. I can only assume that the cited author can’t be bothered to look at the rosters available. Typically, short week games away aren’t the best indicators of much anyway, even with decent health going in. That’s why I pay almost no attention to such sources anymore.
dobber
October 27, 2021 at 08:29 am
"If we lose, so be it, it’s a threadbare roster on a short week, away, against a good team."
Pretty much where I am.
I think they'll try to run, but will miss Lazard's blocking. Curious to see if MVS is activated in time for this one.
Enjoyed reading your take.
Coldworld
October 27, 2021 at 08:55 am
I am doubting that they will risk MVS. It’s the sort of injury that can be aggravated. Perhaps without injuries the absence of others he could get light duty, but I think in this situation they will use caution. Maybe he’s ahead of what I’m inferring from team comments, that is always possible.
Taylor is a willing blocker, nobody is Lazard though. Taylor is, however, a pretty decent size, 6’1”, 220 pounds, and plays hard. That’s why I speculated on him taking that role.
NickPerry
October 27, 2021 at 06:19 pm
I think ESB takes Lazard's role this week as a blocker and we see very little 11 personnel by the Packers this week. I think we see a lot of 12, some 21 & 22 personnel mixed in.
The injuries on the O-Line really stink but the Packers can make it very interesting with a good week running the ball. Their BEST chance is to control the clock, control the game with long time consuming drives. Rodgers is EXACTLY the QB who can take his team on 15 play drives for 9 minutes a drive and NOT make a mistake. If they can do that on 3 or maybe 4 drives and get TD's on 3 of them it could be interesting.
No matter what I love this team. Even if they lose so what, they'll still be up in the NFC North, have 10 days off before going to take on a horrible defense in KC, and IMO an excellent chance to beat the Chiefs IN Arrowhead while starting to get healthy...HOPEFULLY!
greengold
October 27, 2021 at 09:41 am
This is so spot on dobs.
As fans we can just sit back and see what our Packers can do, facing some tough odds. They still have a lot of weapons offensively, with a young OL playing pretty well, and our decimated D has added new players who might be able to deliver more after just a handful of weeks. Overall, the D has exceeded my expectations, given the loss of key players. Gutekunst, admirably, has been able to add more.
Tenacious D, and a heavy dose of Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon & Kylin Hill is what we need.
AZ might be playing without their starting Center, Max Garcia, as well. DeAndre Hopkins has a hamstring issue. Kyler Murray a right finger issue, but practiced fully.
LB Jordan Hicks limited with a toe. DT Rashad Lawrence DNP with a calf. JJ Watt DNP with a shoulder. LBs Devon Kennard, Isaiah Simmons and Tanner Valejo limited with shoulder, shoulder, wrist respectively.
POUNDING the ball on the guys with a heavy rushing attack would be key. Hoping for the best. This team can do it, if they play their CARDS right.
GPG
Since'61
October 27, 2021 at 08:03 am
Great post Nick! If we’re going to win tomorrow we need to do it with our ground game and quick passes to our TEs.
Most importantly our defense needs to contain the AZ offense. If we don’t keep the game close it will be difficult to make a comeback without our best WRs.
This game is a good example of why I dislike TNF.
If we had a full week to prepare maybe we could get our WR backups enough practice to know their routes and assignments. Essentially our guys have one walk through on Tuesday to prepare for this game. It’s ridiculous and an unreasonable expectation for either team to be prepared after such a short week. Unnecessary and stupid, but here we are. GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
Minniman
October 27, 2021 at 05:27 pm
The trade-off being Since 61' is that Malik Taylor, Am Rod and to a lesser extent ESB come in un-scouted - or with less scouting tape on them.
When its all said and done, I agree, the stats will show that the heavy lifting was done by the RB's and TE's - GB does need to make ARI respect the pass though........ else they'll just load the box or blitz excessively.
No legitimate second deep threat is a problem for the Packers though.
Since'61
October 28, 2021 at 10:59 am
I agree Minniman. The other wild card for the Packers could be MVS. I read on another site that he made the trip to AZ. We’ll see. GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
jont
October 27, 2021 at 08:25 am
excellent take, nick
RCPackerFan
October 27, 2021 at 08:42 am
"This isn't the football team the Packers will be fielding come January. I mean at the VERY LEAST we'll have Joe Barry, Adams, Meyers, MVS, Lazard, Preston Smith & Bakhtiari back and HOPEFULLY Jarie Alexander and Z Smith back sooner rather than later too."
Lets look at the trickle down losing just 1 player has made. Losing Bakhtiari has moved Jenkins from LG to LT. While Jenkins has played well, that forces Runyan to play LG. Runyan overall has been fine, but he isn't Jenkins. The OL, is weaker by losing 1 player. Now we lost Myers for at least 3 games. Sure we have Patrick, but Myers has been VERY good. He has been one of the best OC in the game. Patrick will get us by, but he is not Myers. So we have went from having the best LT in the league, arguably the best OG in the league and one of the best OC's in the league. All 3 positions are weaker now then what they likely will be in a few weeks. And its not just about those 3 positions. It affects the running game. It affects the passing game, because they now have to chip and block more with RB's and TE's. It has an impact on the entire offense.
Its not just about losing players, its been quality of players that they have lost. Bakhtiari, Jenkins (for a couple of games), Alexander, Myers, Za'Darius, Preston, MVS. Now Adams and Lazard will miss at least this game. King also has been out. They have been playing without a lot of top tier players. The good news is that outside of Za'Darius, none of them appear to be season ending.
LambeauPlain
October 27, 2021 at 09:57 am
No need to add to your comment, Nick. Well stated.
stockholder
October 27, 2021 at 12:32 pm
This isn't the football team the Packers will be fielding come January. -- No- but it might be the football team that will be fielding next year.
Tundraboy
October 28, 2021 at 11:38 am
Your on fire this year NP. Always enjoy the no nonsense straight to the point posts from you!
RCPackerFan
October 27, 2021 at 07:45 am
For the purpose of this post, I'm just going to ignore this week's news and pretend that the Packers' world is not collapsing around us. It hurts my brain to think about it. - Not going to lie, I am getting a weird feeling with this game. Not saying we will win, but I'm getting a feeling about this game that it may not be as bad as what a lot of people are thinking. On the other hand maybe its a feeling that we will be blown out again. I guess we will see..
Kickoff Coverage - It sounds like some things were changed. It definitely seemed to work better, whatever they did. Hopefully it keeps going this week.
Bojo Blast - Damn right it is a thing! Hell of a trade they made to get him!
Lucas Patrick - There is a huge drop off from Myers to Patrick. No offense to Patrick. I will say we are lucky to have Patrick who has a lot of experience. But there is definitely a drop off.
McCarthy Lives!: No lies, the end of half management is tough. You want to score, but not score with to much time.
Bet on passes - While that was smart that you predicted they would go to the air game more then the run game, I still question if having the Thursday game also impacted their play calling. Rather then having the RB's run into a tough front down after down, they tried to preserve them a bit. They will never admit doing something like that, but I do wonder if they were doing that on purpose.
Not playing it safe - I loved seeing the safety's coming up with some big hits. But, I was just waiting for flags to be thrown.
Try the Veal - "the hit was Savage and Mercilus." Well done!
EQ - Last week he had an amazing TD catch taken away on from him on a BS call. This week he was really playing well I thought. EQ will now get a big time opportunity to be a big part of the offense tomorrow night. We actually really need EQ to step up.
Rashan Gary - Gary was credited with 10 pressures. He had that strip sack. He has been so damn good. While he doesn't have the sack numbers, they will come in a hurry and in bunches. Tomorrow would be a great night to see them come in bunches.
NFL Commissioner Larry David - I am not into the getting rid of kickers. But kind of playing a long how about we change it to OT no kickers allowed. Meaning you have to score TD's and have to go for 2. I say go with a full 10 or 15 minute quarter and you can only score TD's to win.
jont
October 27, 2021 at 08:28 am
"Not saying we will win, but I'm getting a feeling about this game that it may not be as bad as what a lot of people are thinking."
This is my feeling as well. Just a feeling, but I think the Pack will be competitive and keep it close. The D should step up, and if they do, GB will have a chance in the 4th quarter, and anything can happen when you have Aaron Rodgers.
RCPackerFan
October 27, 2021 at 09:33 am
I think the offense will be better then what people fear. We have been 6-0 without Adams for a reason. It forces Rodgers to use the other WR's. It means they turn to Aaron Jones more.
Don't forget that we still have weapons on offense. Cobb, Tonyan will be key for 3rd downs. Same with Jones and Dillon. Hill will likely get some more playing time. Expect more playing time from Amari Rodgers and EQ. Rodgers is a guy to really watch for though. He hasn't had many opportunities on offense to this point. But he has speed and can make an impact. Deguara could be a guy to make an impact as well.
My 2 concerns. We are not only without Adams, we are without Lazard too. He does so much for the offense. They may get MVS back, but he hasn't played in how many weeks. My other concern is that the game is on Thursday. That is always tough for the road team, and its even tougher for a team that is going to be without 2 key weapons.
dobber
October 27, 2021 at 08:31 am
"For the purpose of this post, I'm just going to ignore this week's news and pretend that the Packers' world is not collapsing around us."
It's not.
RCPackerFan
October 27, 2021 at 09:33 am
I agree.
Guam
October 27, 2021 at 07:56 am
Somewhat miffed at Lazard for missing this game. He is out because he is unvaccinated and had close contact with Adams. Had he been vaccinated he would be playing Thursday night. Everybody has a choice and I understand that, but he just hurt his team with his choice.
Regarding EQ, it is very sad if someone had to sit a third year WR down and explain effort is needed to play in the NFL. The kid has a golden ticket to income levels most folks only dream about and he can't self motivate enough to run hard? Sheesh......
marpag1
October 27, 2021 at 09:17 am
Yeah, I get it. But it is possible, at least, that Lazard would have tested positive even if he has been vaccinated, as was apparently the case with Adams.
Minniman
October 27, 2021 at 03:05 pm
Too true.
Remember AJ Dillon last year though - he was on the COVID list for a month - and when interviewed afterwards he said that it kicked him like a mule (and he still had some unspecified residual issues at that time)........It would have been more of an issue if he weren't buried on the depth chart then.
I'll be interested to see how long both Adams and Lazard are on it this time around.
MilkCan44
October 27, 2021 at 02:21 pm
Totally agree with this post. All these players knew how the system would work if they aren't vaccinated. Unless he has a medical reason, very surprised Lazard is one of the players that would jeopardize a game for himself and others - he always seems so level-headed. Guess it's a case of "it can't happen to me"!.
Minniman
October 27, 2021 at 03:24 pm
FYI all, here's a link to the rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated players - there's strict rules on unvaccinated players even generally (masks all the time, no congregating in large groups, strict game day protocols) ...... so being in a contract year Lazard's obviously got a pretty compelling reason why he hasn't been vaccinated yet.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-covid-vaccine-rules-explain...
Guam
October 27, 2021 at 04:23 pm
I hope you are right that Lazard has a good reason (and there are good medical reasons if your immune system is scrambled) for not being vaccinated. I would think it would be to Lazard's benefit to announce that reason publicly so idiots like me don't think he is just being selfish and stupid.
Gbfan55
October 27, 2021 at 08:32 pm
What a scary thought. What if it's a medical reason?? So now people should be willing to share their medical history or personal beliefs or they will be considered selfish or stupid?? What a slippery slope. If any employer demanded that information from any one of us everyone would be up in arms on the invasion of privacy.
Guam
October 27, 2021 at 09:40 pm
Employers can and some do require every employee to be vaccinated. Invasion of privacy or common good? Not that simple a question.
jurp
October 27, 2021 at 09:18 am
A couple of random thoughts:
1. If I were a bar owner in Ashwaubenon, I'd sure in hell invent a drink called the Bojo Blast. Maybe (lots of) everclear and curacao, with a dash of Tabasco.
2. I wonder if Cobb had a heart-to-heart with ESB?
greengold
October 27, 2021 at 09:19 am
Al, you had me at "Bojo Blast" and "Try the veal..."
As for Larry David, how can you take the "foot" out of football?
HUGE game for a decimated Packers team against an undefeated, top SB contender this season. Considering how many key players are out for Thursday, the Packers walk into Arizona with nothing to lose, and everything to gain. A rare occurance for this team. Matt LaFleur still has plenty of weapons at his disposal, and it should be interesting to sit back and see what he and his team does v. the Cardinals.
We all hope our Packers deliver the goods tomorrow night. If they walk out with the W, that will be remarkable, indeed, lending further credence to Green Bay's exceptional coaching & player procurement.
Maybe, just maybe, this is a coming out party for Amari Rodgers. That dude can do some damage. I'm all in on RUN TO DAYLIGHT! Keep AZ's offense stuck on their own sidelines with long, clock eating drives that wear out the Cards' D, while saving our own.
GPG
dobber
October 27, 2021 at 09:56 am
"Considering how many key players are out for Thursday, the Packers walk into Arizona with nothing to lose, and everything to gain."
They do have the benefit of one of the smartest QBs to ever play the game, though, and a coaching staff that -- at least during the regular season -- can put together game plans to minimize injury issues. A win this week would be remarkable.
greengold
October 27, 2021 at 10:35 am
No shit, dude! I feel they have the right HC, and our GM has helped procure some amazing talents given what he's had to work with from a cap standpoint. They could pull this off.
I'm pretty jacked to see what Rasul Douglas, Jaylon Smith & Whitney Mercilus can do in this game, each with just a game or three of added experience with their new team & D system.
Add to that, year 3 of Matt LaFleur's tenure brings with it the required amount of time needed to see true player development, and I think we are starting to see that as well with Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, Dean Lowry, Kingsley Keke, and Chandon Sullivan. Eric Stokes could make a name for himself in this game, as could TJ Slaton, if they give him more reps. I love what De'Vondre Campbell is doing thus far. He clearly likes being on this team and the opportunity to show his talents. Guessing Douglas, Smith & Mercilus feel the same.
Jaylon Smith could be a good dedicated SPY on Murray Thursday night.
If we can win the TO battle, collapse AZ's pocket with some intense pass rush, getting to Murray, and put together those long drives with a heavy dose of run to keep the Cards O off the field?
"Remarkable," would be an understatement.
And, to your point, Aaron Rodgers thrives in these underdog situations. I think he's looking forward to the challenge, an immense challenge. No doubt.
NickPerry
October 28, 2021 at 05:40 am
"Jaylon Smith could be a good dedicated SPY on Murray Thursday night."
EXACTLY what I was thinking too greengold. Murry is just so damn fast. When I watch him play I find myself watching his FEET because they are moving just so FAST. Savage is another who I thought about but you best believe the Cards saw all those plays where the WFT all ran deep patterns and the QB just stepped up and ran.
The BEST defense is going to be the Packers rushing offense. They MUST deliver and eat that clock.
barutanseijin
October 27, 2021 at 03:35 pm
I expect Taylor and Winfree to outperform Amari Rodgers.
x24
October 27, 2021 at 09:22 am
Here is my idea; no field goals allowed during the last 2 minutes of the half or the last 2 minutes of the game.
This would add a new dimension to the 2 minute warning, and it could mean that games are decided by proper football and not by kicking
marpag1
October 27, 2021 at 09:33 am
[St. Brown] "always had the ability - my guess is someone had a talk with the young man about effort. It's a good time for him to find his way - they'll need him Thursday Night."
Personally, I haven't seen a great change in ESB, although it's true he had a nice game on teams.
If someone "had a talk with the young man about effort," my guess is that it was his agent, reminding him that he is on an expiring contract and that he needs to play hard if he wants to get a new one. In my opinion, it will be good if that new contract is with someone other than Green Bay.
Leatherhead
October 27, 2021 at 11:02 am
As my Uncle Elmer explained to me one day at the farm “Every ear of corn tassels out in their own time.” At the time, I had no idea what he meant and assumed he was drunk, but later on I figured it out. It’s true. He was right.
marpag1
October 27, 2021 at 11:26 am
Cool story. My Uncle Elmer once explained to me, "Sometimes you draft a football player and he never becomes a *good* football player, ever."
LeotisHarris
October 27, 2021 at 06:12 pm
My best childhood friend's dad was named Elmer. He was a mean SOB with giant hands and perpetual crew cut. His sage advice was in regards to firearms (deer hunting) "Keep your god damn booger hook off the trigger unless you intend to destroy something."
Handsback
October 27, 2021 at 09:55 am
Great work as always Al!
Here are my thoughts not up to yours, but observing from the peanut gallery:
-I've been a big critic of the safeties for the Packers so far this year, it seems that they may be coming around after the WFT game.
-Hard to run on WFT, so expected Green Bay to do exactly what they did through the air.
-Campbell and Gary have make a major improvement in the LB corp. on both run and pass defense.
-Glad I'm not seeing panic exclamations about grabbing another WR before the trade deadline. Maybe another CB, but no WR.
-Run game will determine Green Bay's season, but probably not in AZ.
-Agree with everyone in that the AZ. game isn't some moment of truth. HOW Green Bay plays the next 5 games will determine that.
Some will remember the Packers playing in Detroit back in '62 when they were undefeated and got their rumps kicked. In that game quite a few Oline guys were beat up and injured. In today's game they wouldn't be playing and would look similar to Green Bay's current offensive lineup. I'm not saying Green Bay will get killed, I'm saying how Green Bay plays this game (no turnovers, under control, no self-inflicted mistakes) is more important to its outcome and their season outcome verses looking at the final score.
croatpackfan
October 27, 2021 at 02:26 pm
To help and support what you wrote, I remember one undefeated team that was, I believe 13-0 and come to the worst team that season. That team was coached by Romeo Cranell, as interim coach and the team was KC. I remember that that was 2011 season, if I'm not wrong. Untill that game, unstopable offense of the undefeated team was scoring almost 30+ points per game, but they lost that game at the end 19-14. Do you know which team that was, I have blurry memory.
packer132
October 28, 2021 at 06:30 pm
And Kyle Orton was the winning quarterback for Kansas City.
PeteK
October 27, 2021 at 10:02 am
You never know, a carefree Packer team that is supposed to lose just might pull off an upset. Come out of the game with no more injuries.
fastmoving
October 27, 2021 at 10:27 am
EQ was always one of the most driven guys on the team. Effort was never a thing. That was easy to see, even to know some try to spin it that way.
He had some bad luck after a great rookie season and he was not one of AR "trustees". Sad thing and not his fall, as he was wide open a lot.
He was always a special WR with one of the highest celings in the NFL. Hope he gets the luck thats alway needed to get it going. He could be our NR.1 next year. The hard work and talent is there and he is not just football smart.
LambeauPlain
October 27, 2021 at 10:50 am
Prior to the draft, the scouting on ESB was huge upside and a lot of talent. What WAS questioned was his dedication to football. It was a primary reason he dropped to day 3.
I hope the light has been turned on because his size, speed, and blocking abilities can help the Packers. Yes, he whiffed that block a few games ago on the WR screen that got Lazard killed....but when healthy and on the field, some of AJs best runs show #19 in front making blocks.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2021 at 11:29 am
EQ has major talent and upside. Very obvious when watching him his rookie year. It's also obvious the Pack recognizes it which is why he is still on the team four years later with minimal production. I have zero idea nor does anyone posting here why he has not been on the field producing more. I have to assume his injuries were legitimate and not a result of not wanting to play. I recall Rodgers this summer complimenting EQ. I have seen EQ play very physical both on ST's and on Offense.
With everything stated above then why hasn't he played more and been productive? I'm speculating two things with them being legitimate injuries, and the real possibility he has not been assignment reliable, and therefore never earned ARods trust. I may be wrong but believe you are going to see EQ step up not only tomorrow night but throughout the rest of the season.
Yikes.... sure stuck my neck out! Come on EQ...prove me right!
Coldworld
October 27, 2021 at 11:00 pm
If he can’t tomorrow he may never do so. If he isn’t fired up for this one he likely never will be.
Leatherhead
October 27, 2021 at 11:11 am
I think that being a WR in LaFleurs offense is probably different than what ESB envisioned, and then he had to miss time with injuries, and then the guys ahead of him are pretty good. None of this means that he’s a bad player. He’s not.
He’s a big guy who should be able to get guys blocked, and occasionally get the ball. In other words, the prototype #2 WR in this offense.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2021 at 11:30 am
Agreed LH!
Cubbygold
October 27, 2021 at 11:22 am
So much talk about the offense in this game against Arizona. Im pumped to see this defense against an elite offense. I wish we could see jaire guard Hopkins, but another huge test for Stokes instead. If this defense can put together a good performance, this teams confidence is going to soar.
croatpackfan
October 27, 2021 at 02:32 pm
Hopkins DNP - Hamstring. Probably not playing tomorrow.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 28, 2021 at 03:59 am
It turns out that AJ Green is still a stud. At least he is still a stud with Hopkins, Kirk and Rondale Moore plus a good TE and while he finally has a QB in Murray.
The numbers all of those guys are putting up are just ridiculous.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2021 at 11:49 am
Al, loved the Savage and Mercilous comment!
You know having key players injured sucks but it is part of the game. The other teams have injuries too. Tired of all the whinning about the Packer injuries. Deal with it as we have no other options. Fortunately Gutey has aggressively brought in talented replacement players.
The Packers have a lot of talent on both the 2nd and 3rd teams. Remember how these players performed in the Jets scrimmage against their starters? There are multiple talented players that simply need an opportunity. Similarly there are many talented players who have been underutilized up until now. These players need to step up in a big way, and LF and the coaching staff need to be very creative.
The game of football is a game of inches and turnovers. Play a smart turnover free game and anything can happen.
The player few are talking about is Aaron Rodgers but should be. It is much easier to be a great QB when you have top receivers. However, a game like tomorrow night is a huge opportunity for AR to make a statement. This game can be a defining moment for him by playing smart football by spreading the ball around consistently to ALL receivers. Rodgers and LF play this game the way they should and it will be both a defining game mentioned all year, but also a game remembered and discussed years from now about how the Packers played and won against all odds.
Gman1976
October 27, 2021 at 03:45 pm
When Adams has been out before, Rodgers has shined before. Don't be surprised if we see his greatness come through once again.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2021 at 04:12 pm
That's what I'm talking about Gman, and what the Packers need to happen tomorrow night. It is in games like this that Rodgers needs to play well and justify why he makes such a large portion of his salary. Big time players step up big in important games!
stockholder
October 27, 2021 at 12:47 pm
McCarthy Lives. By the way. Dallas is 5 and 1. And he didn't need Rodgers to get there. We have the MVP QB. If he wants to throw the ball. I'm all for it. Winning is the only thing that counts.
Tundraboy
October 27, 2021 at 01:44 pm
“For the purpose of this post, I'm just going to ignore this week's news and pretend that the Packers' world is not collapsing….”
Saw the latest installment of Confessions was out and lo and behold right out of the box a perfect summation of what I have been feeling the last 2 days. Thanks Al.
And especially with the game being on Thursday I’m feeling pretty relaxed and think they will surprise us.
Let everyone playing stay healthy, and let’s see what happens. Does remind me of 2010 where we found ways to win but hopefully not with any of the flat games or duds that were sprinkled in that year.