Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Packers Get Skolded
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Broken Record - How many times do we have to watch the Packers offense come out in the first half taking too many deep shots and stifling hopes of building up any type of rhythm or momentum. Then at some point, finally figuring out they have a running game and short pass game that will "matriculate" them down the field and get them points. And once you have that established, that's when a well-time shot play surprises the defense and actually has a good chance of success. Packers offense (LaFleur/Rodgers/Hackett, whoever is most responsible) can be their own worst enemy.
Randall Cobb is severely underutilized on this team. It's not sexy, but he is open a lot on those short crossers or dig routes, He knows where the openings are and is available as an option for Rodgers who just is looking for the bigger splashes.
We all know how there was this inaccurate knock on Dillon coming out of college that he couldn't catch. It seems the Vegas bookies have still been working off that information. I've had consistent success betting on Dillon easily surpassing his "expected" receptions and receiving yards. Shhhhhhh.
WIth Gary and Mercilus missing this game, Joe Barry felt compelled to dial up some more blitzes and overall, they got burned on most of them. What was making this defense so good was being able to pressure quarterbacks rushing four. You saw what a difference not having that luxury can make.
I have a decent amount of confidence in Yosh Nijman - as Bakhtiari has said, he has elite feet. However, going against Miller, Donald and Floyd is a different matter - they will test his resolve this week.
Kirk Cousins admitted after the game that he took too many chances and "got away" with a good six or so passes that shouldn't have been thrown. He's not kidding.
Unless a medical miracle has occurred, Aaron Jones should not play in this game.
EQ seems like a new man out there. Wheras his effort level was poor earlier in the year, he has stepped things up considerably - like he wants to stick around on this team. LaFleur praised him this week saying, "I was really proud of his effort, the toughness he showed, He was playing fast, he was playing physical, fighting through things. He showed probably the most emotion that I've ever seen from him on the field, so that was definitely encouraging."
Turnovers - As I stated in my weekly predictions, I felt a loss coming against the Vikes but a couple of turnovers would make the difference for a Packers win. Kirk Cousins tried to oblige, but...
As distasteful as it is, I have to give some credit to the Viking offensive game plan. They had some very well-designed plays, specifically with route combinations. They forced the Packers to make tough decisions in the secondary and mistakes were made.This was especially true in the red zone, where coverage snafus led to easy Thielen and Jefferson touchdowns.
Resuts of this tweet: Cobb ignored again, Kirk's receivers saved his butt, FG unit still a question mark.
1 #Packers Prediction: Randall Cobb has a big day.
1 #Packers Worry: Lack of pass rush lets Kirk look like a good QB.
1 #Packers Hope: Crosby and FG unit have it figured out. #GoPackGo— Jersey Al - GBP (@JerseyAlGBP) November 21, 2021
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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 (125)
Since'61
November 24, 2021 at 07:01 am
Good points as usual Al, especially about Cobb.
I don’t understand the game plans either. They kept the Cardinals and the Seahawks offenses off the field and they won both games easily. Why not stick with the plan?
Both Cobb and Dillon were underutilized against the Vikings. Until Gary at least, is ready to return we need to move the chains and keep our defense off the field.
Hopefully we can hold off the Rams this week and make it to the bye without further injuries. GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:07 am
To be honest, the Vikes have been weak downfield all year. Their strength defensively is in their LBs and DL. I understand wanting to get some shots against them, but it's easier to do it when you've established the run and play action.
Since'61
November 24, 2021 at 09:17 am
Agree Dobber, I actually posted that the Packers should run the ball and set up their play action game and deep shots in my pregame posts. They went the opposite way for whatever reason. Be well. Thanks, Since ‘61
TXCHEESE
November 24, 2021 at 09:20 am
Agreed. The Vikes have a pretty stout front 7 and have given up their share big passing plays. I also wonder if they weren't at least a little fearful of utilizing Dillion too much early. Just one of those games of too many missed opportunities. Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday all.
Minniman
November 24, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Patrick Peterson came back after injury and played a good game. I think that he was the difference maker for their secondary - where they were previously fragile, him locking down #17 made them competitive.
I also commented in the Gut-Reactions thread that the Packers blew themselves up with Offensive penalties. Too many times chasing 1st,2nd & 3rd and 20 and Rodgers attempted to get it all back in 1 throw. Too risky early in the game.
HawkPacker
November 24, 2021 at 07:01 am
Always a good article Al. No exception this week.
As we look ahead to the Rams, I can't see any way we can win against them based on our injuries and how the Rams have played with their new quarterback. Last year in the playoffs, Donald was injured but played in the game against us and was not quite his old self. This year, I believe he is healthy and they are better at quarterback which does not look good for us.
I am proud of our team and how they have played with all of our injuries but I wonder if they are at that point where it will be hard for them to compete against a quality team like the Rams.
We need to get some of our players back and the bye week can't come soon enough. I hope we play great this week and can pull off the upset. Hopefully, the coaches will have a great game plan and we succeed.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:09 am
"As we look ahead to the Rams, I can't see any way we can win against them based on our injuries and how the Rams have played with their new quarterback."
The last few weeks, teams have slowed them down by pressuring Stafford and taking away chunk plays. They struggle to run the ball very much, but that might be as much their desire to throw as anything else. They can be had...it's just a matter of whether the Packers are equipped to do it. You mention the playoff game last year, and I think that's going to motivate their defense, because the Packers made them look bad.
Minniman
November 24, 2021 at 01:07 pm
"I can't see any way we can win against them based on our injuries and how the Rams have played with their new quarterback"
Respectfully - an emphatic NO WAY! The Rams laid an absolute EGG against the 49-ers, proving that they have a bad game in them.
This is not a fait acompli - They're coming to Lambeau - hopefully the Packers show resolve and take the fight up to them. Reportedly Jones is going to practice Wednesday - and possibly Gary.
......... You clearly need to re-stock on the "Fan Kool-Aid" Hawk :) !
HawkPacker
November 24, 2021 at 01:49 pm
Hey Minniman I sure hope you are right. We need the win in a big way!
NitschkeFromTheGrave
November 24, 2021 at 07:21 am
Are you just looking for something to whine about to blow off (loss) steam?
Look, Roger's was on it and having a good day, QB rating was 148 !
This is when you want to step on the gas, not tuck your horns in.
Whining about not running enough or not enough short passes when your QB is having one of his best days of the year is like telling your wife the Thanks giving turkey is great but then throwing a hissy fit and stomping out because the gravy has lumps or the potatoes aren't hot enough.
REMINDER:
Offense did not lose this game. Defense and Crosby did.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 07:21 am
One of my visual memories is of Cobb’s frustration having been wide open 20 yards deep and Rodgers looking at him and then beyond him.
If anything good came out of that game it is that the offense started to look like that of last year mid way through. The ball got out faster typically and to more varied targets and players lined up in different places. The results were similarly effective. I really can not fathom where that approach has been all year and why.
porupack
November 24, 2021 at 07:40 am
Yeah, we can whine because the coaches, Rodgers and Adams, among others all felt like they didn't attain their easy potential; leaving at least 2 touchdowns out there due to penalties lack of urgency. So 385 yards and 4 TDs and passer rating doesn't always tell the story. It sure didn't tell the story on Sunday. And who cares about stats, and what unit didn't live up to their potential if they lose. AN L. If there is an L, no one get's off the hook. Yeah, Rodgers had lumpy gravy. He isn't getting quick releases to open receivers and putting the D on their heels...and that doesn't show up in a passer's rating. He gets a B+. Great turkey, wifey!
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 10:23 am
Still...you need to win when you score 30+.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 01:56 pm
Yes you do, but rather like in the last Championship game, you have to play two haves to win. We pulled back from a big self dug hole … again just not quite enough.
One can look at that two ways. I accept your perspective, but I see it as indicating what we should have been capable of with the right offensive approach. Had we played O from the outset as we did for the second half, what do you think the final score would have been? I suspect we’d have scored more and given up less.
So I choose to ask why we’ve been waiting for that type of 2020 calling for so many games when it worked so well before? More importantly, will LaFleur stick with it now he has rediscovered it.
CJBauckham
November 24, 2021 at 07:51 am
Rodgers' toe was hurting so he started to get rid of the ball quicker to avoid getting it stepped on again
~~~~~~
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:46 am
Good catch. If you go back over the years, when ARod has played hurt (pulled calf, pulled hammy, fracture in leg) he's leaned more on the quick passing game and been very efficient.
Archaism
November 24, 2021 at 07:57 am
One half of football is not a game played
JerseyAl
November 24, 2021 at 08:31 am
Nitschke - I guess you're not following along. This is a recurring issue, not a one game issue. In addition, tell me what Rodgers' QB rating was up until the last drive of the first half when they changed their approach? And what changed? They ran more and threw more short passes to sustain drives. And only after establishing that, did taking a deep shot work to MVS.
scullyitsme
November 24, 2021 at 11:33 am
Taking shots to Mvs against Breeland one on one was a good dam plan. Everyones been telling me how good mvs is all off season and Breelands a mediocre, somewhat slow corner. Unfortunately it didn’t work out in the first half. Bitching about it and wanting to run more is just hindsight. Going into the game I’d of approved that game plan early, they changed when it didn’t work out. Get over it people
Minniman
November 24, 2021 at 01:24 pm
Douglas is also considered a slow corner too, but like Breeland, the proverbial light went on and they are able to make up for it with improved positional play.
In truth, Rodgers admitted that those misses were (in part) average throws from him too, but sometimes a defender reads the play and counters well. At that point it's a 50:50 chance that the WR comes up with it (maybe less).
On the one that connected, MVS ended up on a deep crossing route and was able to a) jink inside and gap the defender, and b) then eyeball the incoming throw longer........ allowing him to adjust for the catch. There wasn't any high safety help that time, so he had an open field.
Those earlier throws were back or over-shoulder catch opportunities and MVS was out of position for each - along with being well covered.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 02:03 pm
MVS wasn’t out of position, Rodgers just missed 3 of his first 4, as he admitted. To me though the key point is that the need is to not just run MVS up the perimeter, bring him inside. Have him turn across the field, just don’t be as predictable. They tried that later and it worked a treat. LaFleur finally moved more pieces than Adams around and the O woke up and both it and Rodgers looked better than they have all season. It’s not an accident and Rodgers got in rhythm and their D couldn’t keep up.
Minniman
November 24, 2021 at 05:25 pm
Thanks coldworld, on re-read I probably needed to edit my OP - he was "out of position" in that he wasn't where the (errant) ball landed.....that was on Rodgers...... I probably should have clarified that!
dobber
November 25, 2021 at 06:02 am
"Have him turn across the field, just don’t be as predictable. "
Part of that is dictated by how the DB plays his route, though. A good DB will (within the scheme/defensive play call) turn that WR and use the boundary as another defender.
Coldworld
November 25, 2021 at 08:33 am
Part of it is, but not all, and each route run can be used to create uncertainty in the DB, which leads to hesitation. Against a player with speed, that’s lethal.
Bitternotsour
November 24, 2021 at 10:53 am
the offense made the mistake of not controlling clock in the first half. not running the ball, not taking short routes also affects the clock. your defense is down multiple players, your clock management becomes defense. so, the offense did also lose that game.
but yes, Crosby lost the game. His second of the season.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 11:30 am
From a purely technical perspective, yes, if every other bit of that game essentially played out exactly the same after that point if he'd made that kick, he lost the game. And, yes, he needs to make chip shot kicks--the one he missed was essentially a PAT. But that kick happened very early in the 2nd quarter and there was a lot of football after that...no way to know how the game plays out if he hits that kick, but it's not a strong take to say Crosby lost that game.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 02:08 pm
I would argue that he didn’t alone but was one of several contributing factors.
dobber
November 25, 2021 at 06:03 am
Ding! Ding!
But given the Packers had a lead late, it's hard to hang it too heavily on #2, IMO.
Coldworld
November 25, 2021 at 08:40 am
A late lead by one point would be a lead by 4, in a game sealed by a 3 pointer. I don’t think Crosby’s miss was the reason that this game was lost, I actually think there’s a stronger argument that he set up the loss in Love’s start.
That said, missed interceptions and poor offensive plans also were partial factors. As a team, all contributing factors have to be acknowledged and addressed. Had any one of those 3 examples not occurred we likely win. Thus Crosby/the kicking unit can’t be exonerated in my opinion.
Leatherhead
November 25, 2021 at 10:04 am
We gave up 34 points. You’re gonna lose most of the time that happens.
Crankbait
November 25, 2021 at 08:28 pm
Offense sucked almost entire first half.
Gotta play the entire game, not just half.
Lphill
November 24, 2021 at 07:34 am
I’m wondering why the Z Smith saga dragged on was he dogging it because of his contract or not being named a captain , did he need surgery in the off season , why did he play in that game with limited practice and conditioning , if we ever needed him back now is the time .
13TimeChamps
November 24, 2021 at 08:43 am
Is everything a conspiracy to you?
LambeauPlain
November 24, 2021 at 08:52 am
It seems Z was not voted captain because he decided to become a malcontent and wanted a "do over" with the restructured deal he signed last off season. I think his act wore thin in the locker room. Marty Bennett 2.0?
I don't think he plays another game for the Packers.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:13 am
I think he will--he's likely to hit the open market this spring and missing a whole season with back issues won't be a good look for him. He's got too much riding on making a show of health. If he's anywhere near recovered, he'll want to get on the field. Hopefully he'll play the run better than he did for big chunks of last season.
Bitternotsour
November 24, 2021 at 10:06 am
he had back surgery. he isn't coming back. 69 had a second surgery, his return is anything but certain. no reports on jaire - can't see him returning, bye or no.
this is the team. these are the guys. gutekunst rolled the dice, the last dance.
buckle up.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 10:20 am
You might very well be right...we'll know soon enough!
This is the Achilles heel to "all-in".
Bitternotsour
November 24, 2021 at 10:40 am
get Aaron Jones back. get Gary back. EQ grows into a role. DeGuara becomes a facsimile of Tonyan (albeit with better blocking). it's not out of the question that this team could still get it done. They're going to have to score a LOT of points.
Losing Jenkins really sucked. I think Crosby's ineffectiveness dooms them. I wish the team would acknowledge that. Sometimes guys get old and that's the end. I'm ready for Molson.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 10:47 am
I'm ready for a six-pack of Molson... ;)
Thegreatreynoldo
November 25, 2021 at 02:33 am
He just as easily could be wrong. I expect to get at least one of the players he has consigned to IR back this year.
Actually, I'd put the over/under at two of the three players returning in time for the playoffs out of Bakh, Jaire, and ZaDarius.
Coldworld
November 25, 2021 at 08:45 am
I don’t think Z came back to GB for the social life. I see it as him thinking he can be back. Players are not always right, but I think it shows desire. I suspect, given the nature of his injury, Alexander will be back. Bakh’s scope would suggest that too, if he doesn’t have a follow on injury.
Bitternotsour
November 25, 2021 at 10:16 am
Z came back to be evaluated by team doctors. he probably owns a house in green bay. do you think his local gym has the same facilities as an nfl team. also, are there any reports he stayed in town after the well-publicized return?
i hope all those guys return. regardless, you don't walk on the field after a major injury and recovery and assume your previous stature, there are still adjustments that have to happen. none of them may ever be the same. regardless, this is the team that they have. this is who is riding.
Dr.Rodgers
November 24, 2021 at 10:28 am
Telling it like it is.
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 07:38 am
Regarding inaccurate reports on Dillon coming out of college as not being a good pass catcher, that would suggest the experts got it wrong, and that it became a misconception amongst the public.
That kind of thing happens fairly often in life, and we have to be careful about trusting the experts without question.
A comment made good-naturedly, and in a spirit of camaraderie, Jersey Al, in light of past discussions.
A Happy Thanksgiving to you, and all of the Packers fans here at CHTV.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:16 am
Same kind of reports for Jonathan Taylor at UW: he didn't have soft hands or a feel for route running. Just because he wasn't asked to catch the ball a lot doesn't mean he couldn't do it, or wouldn't be more natural doing it if they worked on it more.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jonathan-taylor/32005441-5943-1618-c081-5d...
barutanseijin
November 25, 2021 at 06:33 am
Mel Kiper said Tony Mandarich couldn’t miss.
jeremyjjbrown
November 24, 2021 at 09:39 am
The """Experts""" didn't do their homework in this case and just looked at the stat line. There was not a lot of it, but the tape on Dillon showed he can catch. The draft pundits are little more than click whores. I hope that other teams keeps listening to them and Gute does not.
Dr.Rodgers
November 24, 2021 at 10:32 am
No we don’t have to be careful with experts. We have to be careful with uninformed opinions like yours.Haven’t forgotten your bull shit.
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 11:35 am
Right, we the peons should just shut up and take orders from our elitist betters.
There's an intriguing new book by RFK Jr. -- which came out earlier this month about the same time our QB was in the midst of his controversy with COVID -- about our most prominent expert of public health in America and his allies, supposedly filled with lots of scientific citations.
Although it's probably just some conspiracy rantings ;-) -- and I'm not recommending it as I haven't read it -- I do believe in freedom of speech with robust and respectful public discourse.
As America is a nation of persuasion, not coercion. we the people will no longer abide name calling and nasty remarks, but require intelligent explanations.
We're not as backward as we're portrayed to be -- and while the common man may not have advanced degrees, we do have something lacking in many academics, common sense.
gpt999
November 24, 2021 at 11:40 am
ENOUGH with the political, conspiracy BS! This is a FOOTBALL forum - not a place for uneducated, conspiracy theorists to spout their garbage!
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 02:11 pm
If you take the talking heads at face value every week you will indeed trip up.
dobber
November 25, 2021 at 06:04 am
...or you might end up Burning Down the House on the Road to Nowhere.
gpt999
November 24, 2021 at 11:36 am
Hear, hear Dr Rodgers! Isn't this Swish the guy who was spouting political views on this forum a few weeks back? Just because some uninformed person - like Swishy here - doesn't like what educated EXPERTS say about issues, doesn't make experts wrong! To bad free speech allows conspiracy theorists like this to have a forum to spout their misinformation over experts!!
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 12:14 pm
It seems the best experts would welcome questioning, and would want to explain.
With that said, I'll let it go and take a holiday from politics.
Unfortunately, outside issues do affect football -- due in large part to the policies of the executives of the NFL.
I don't focus on them here at CHTV, but it seems as though we shouldn't avoid them altogether.
I'm glad for others to have their say if they want in this thread, and I'll try to only listen without any more comment.
A great Thanksgiving with good health to all. At the end of any discussion, let's try to stick together as Americans.
Crankbait
November 25, 2021 at 08:35 pm
I like your reasoning swisch.
Totally agree that politics Indeed plays a part in the NFL. Many poo poo it because they are on the left, get triggered easily and are intolerant to other viewpoints.
Swisch
November 25, 2021 at 08:39 pm
Thanks, Crankbait, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 02:17 pm
A lack of critique tends to lead to demagoguery, as does blind faith in “experts”. Think, critique and discuss but don’t merely swallow whole. Just do it on a different blog, and remember that there is also a chance you and all of us will be proved wrong.
Leatherhead
November 25, 2021 at 10:09 am
Question Authority.
Guam
November 24, 2021 at 07:45 am
Injuries are piling up and the O-line and OLB's are getting dangerously thin. Three starters, Bahk, Jenkins and Myers, are out and Bahk won't be back for awhile as he had his knee scoped ("clean up surgery") just before the Seattle game, Jenkins is gone until mid year next year and Myers return is unknown. What was the deepest position on the team is now dangerously thin. OLB is not much better with Mercilus gone, Z's return uncertain and Gary injured in the short term.
I will be happy to get through the Rams game (win or lose) with no more injuries. The Packers can't have too many more injuries and retain serious Super Bowl aspirations.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
porupack
November 24, 2021 at 07:47 am
Just wonder why Packers can't pull off the same: "They forced the Packers to make tough decisions in the secondary and mistakes were made.This was especially true in the red zone, where coverage snafus led to easy Thielen and Jefferson touchdowns."
Who did that article about 1-2 weeks back, something of a "dear MLF" I can solve your passing problems....and it used stats and lack of exploiting the middle of the field, and timed passing concepts? It was brilliant. I'm guessing MLF didn't call, judging by the results of the MInnepo game.
Well, the packers seem to do better when they are the underdogs (apologies to Mike McCarthy). I don't see how Packers win against the Rams, so I'll pick the packers.
HawkPacker
November 24, 2021 at 08:08 am
porupack, I believe that article was on the Acme website written by one of their staff.
I remember that article as well.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:18 am
You mean that OTHER site... ;)
porupack
November 24, 2021 at 06:46 pm
Sorry about that CHTV. THey had one good article so far in 2021 and I click on CHTV first. How;s that?
JerseyAl
November 26, 2021 at 10:19 am
no problem. It's totally fine to mention and discuss something you read somewhere else. Paul Noonan does come up with some interesting articles - my only nit is that he bases everything on stats and numbers and we all know they can be manipulated or misleading. But still, if it makes you raise your eyebrows and think about the topic, it's good.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 25, 2021 at 02:48 am
Paul Noonan.
He can be interesting. He seems to be receptive to being on the ends of a given spectrum. For example, he probably is the most likely in the pick em articles to take upsets.
BAMABADGER
November 24, 2021 at 07:59 am
Excellent analysis once again Al. Your first paragraph, summed up why we lost.
edp1959
November 24, 2021 at 10:22 am
Rodgers put the Packers in the lead at the end of the game and brought them back with a chance to win a second time. You guys can bitch about the first quarter and try to make excuses all you want. The Defense blew it twice when it was needed. They gave up 34 points and lost this game.
jannesbjornson
November 24, 2021 at 08:20 pm
Offensive holding calls, false starts and a head butt put the Pack in a hole. Regardless of injuries the Pack created their own first half malaise with a lack of mental discipline. The team was tired and hung tough despite these mistakes. Pack by ten over the Rams.
PeteK
November 24, 2021 at 08:02 am
The Rams have lost two games in a row and are coming off a bye week which does not bode well for the Pack. However, coming into Lambeau at the end of Nov. is never easy especially for a team without a solid rushing attack.
LambeauPlain
November 24, 2021 at 08:56 am
I heard a few talking heads on sports TV asking "is the Stafford experiment now a failure?"
Hope so.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:19 am
Teams are playing the Rams the same way they're playing the Bills and the Chiefs. Show us you can run. Until then, we're going to get in your star QB's face and play a cover-2 to take away big plays and force you to be efficient.
Minniman
November 24, 2021 at 01:34 pm
I wonder if the Rams will initially try to copy the Vikes blueprint and line up Kupp and OBJ next to one another and try and exploit Stokes' rookie decision making.
marpag1
November 24, 2021 at 02:02 pm
I've always thought that Matt Stafford is one hell of an above average quarterback, if you get my meaning.
RCPackerFan
November 24, 2021 at 08:04 am
Broken Record -
I believe you said it on Twitter Al, but if I’m wrong who ever said it is right. The Packers need to design the early game on have Jimmy G as the QB and not Rodgers.
Randall Cobb -
I don’t get how much Rodgers fought to get Cobb here to barely look his way. When Cobb gets the ball, he makes plays.
Dillon-
He has fantastic hands! Anyone that says otherwise doesn’t watch him play.
Yosh Nijman -
I feel better about Yosh playing then I did earlier this year. But this will change the offense.
Turnovers -
With the Packers injury situation this game came down to Packers not getting the turnovers they needed. The next match hopefully will be different with injuries and with the turnovers
JerseyAl
November 24, 2021 at 08:34 am
That was Aaron Nagler with the Jimmy G comment, and he's 100% right. That kind of nicely sums up what I've been saying for weeks.
RCPackerFan
November 24, 2021 at 09:51 am
Ok, I couldn’t remember who it was. I know you have been saying similar things though. And I completely agree!
This offense and Rodgers is so much better when they are getting the ball out fast and on time and in rhythm.
Late in the first half they started to find their rhythm. They got into a groove and were getting the ball out fast!
Hopefully that continues!
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 03:35 pm
Do two people hope they don’t stay in that kind of rhythm? If so, why not if one is a packer fan?
jannesbjornson
November 24, 2021 at 08:25 pm
West Coast Offense, just run it ....
scullyitsme
November 24, 2021 at 02:02 pm
Wait, what? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard yet on this site and there have been some doozie’s… game plan not like we have arod but jimmy g? That would a complete waste of ability and talent. How about game plan to your full potential and not be a wuss and play scared. Now I know why I don’t listen to Nagler. We’ll that and he has a love fest for our mediocre receivers. I fricking guarantee shannihan didn’t try to trade for Rodgers to game plan like jimmy g. Lunacy.
LambeauPlain
November 24, 2021 at 09:01 am
When did Yosh play poorly? I believe he was one of the higher ranked tackles by PFF in the regular season games he started when Jenks was out.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:21 am
First preseason game he looked ugly, but was still effective.
I've never been a Yosh believer, but I've changed my tune.
RCPackerFan
November 24, 2021 at 09:56 am
I never said he played poorly. I was nervous when he filled in for Jenkins the first time. He surprised me and played really well. I hope that continues.
That being said they did give him a lot more help then they did for Jenkins. I expect that to continue.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 10:55 am
The help diminished gradually. We will see how much they feel is necessary this week, but I’d not have been surprised to see us scheme for Donald with Jenkins either.
jannesbjornson
November 25, 2021 at 02:33 pm
I would like to see Kaufusi activated for this Game and let him beat down on edge rushers and LBs. Get physical with the Rams and grind it out.
HawkPacker
November 24, 2021 at 11:21 am
I have read that many times that they gave Yosh a lot of help but I really did not notice that when I watched the games. Maybe I just missed the help but did not see it.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 25, 2021 at 02:53 am
His PFF grade is 58.5 so that makes him a low average starter. That's actually a positive for the team. Moreover, he is still developing and figures to improve given more time, reps and coaching.
dobber
November 25, 2021 at 06:07 am
When your 3rd LT grades as a "low average starter" then I think you're right, TGR: that's a win.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:22 am
"Randall Cobb -
I don’t get how much Rodgers fought to get Cobb here to barely look his way. When Cobb gets the ball, he makes plays."
Just continues to show that the power play over Cobb was more about making Packers management grovel than about making the team better.
You beat me to this one.
RCPackerFan
November 24, 2021 at 10:06 am
To be fair I do think Cobb has made the team better. He does get open a lot and any time they needed a play he is one that makes it. A lot of his catches has been on 3rd down. They just don’t go to him enough. Perhaps after the bye and they do a bit of self scouting they will find ways to get him more involved.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 10:26 am
A much less snippy--and more football based--take than mine, RC.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the others here.
marpag1
November 24, 2021 at 01:58 pm
"When Cobb gets the ball, he makes plays."
So do I.
Packer_Fan
November 24, 2021 at 08:55 am
I didn't see the game, but on radio it appeared Rodgers was taking a lot of long shots down field. So I agree. Why don't the Packers start with the short game, build rhythym and the long passes will open up later.
The other thing noted during the game by the radio sideline reporter was that the team was flat, no emotion noted. LaFluer needs to be able to recognize that. Once the offense got into the rhythym, then the sideline got into the game.
This game started out like a New Orleans blow out. Defense couldn't stop the Vikings, mistakes and penalties and missed opportunities. But the offense got started and a few miss interceptions could have won the game.
I hope Lafleur takes notice.
stockholder
November 24, 2021 at 09:32 am
TE is the key. Rodgers must find a TE he trusts. Until he does. Those throws are going to Adams instead.
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 11:59 am
It seems the key is Aaron Rodgers.
How long has this been going on? Whatever the length of years, by now it seems like hero ball is either willful neglect on the part of Rodgers, or a type of panic attack.
There's a lot more to the craftsmanship of quarterback than pretty spirals.
Rodgers seemed to work the game plan of small-ball-to-move-the-chains against the Cardinals and Seahawks to victory.
I'm rooting for him to go back go it for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.
***
Since the Packers are injury depleted and likely exhausted after 11 games, this upcoming matchup against the Rams seems a great time to stick to small ball.
We're not necessarily expected to win, but certainly can win if we play hard and smart.
Whatever happens in the first quarter, even the first half, pound Dillon and Taylor on the ground, throw a creative array of short passes in the air, and sprinkle in the longer passes only as calculated for best effect. A couple of jet sweeps, and a trick play or two would be welcome. If we're a couple of scores behind halfway through the 4th quarter, that's the time for hero ball.
I love the passes 10-20 yards downfield, and the occasional deep ball, but it seems everyone but Rodgers is getting the paradox: It's the short game that generally opens up the long game.
Again, I'm rooting for the guy to make it happen, patiently.
HarryHodag
November 24, 2021 at 09:20 am
While other writers are predicting doom this weekend because of the Rams front four, I'm not so convinced. Other than Nijman, the other four have played together all season. This unit has produced an 8-3 record and the offense hasn't been dead except for the Kansas City game.
The defense rose down the season with key injuries in place.
The silver lining in all the injuries is the Packers are developing a real strong set of experienced bench players.
Jenkins likely will not be available early next year,so who starts? Runyon and Newman will be a year into their experience, Meyers likely will be back starting. Patrick remains a key reserve but he's proven he can start. Dafney and Deguara have seen considerable time at tight end. At the defensive corners, Alexander returns, Stokes has a year in chasing top-flight receivers, King is likely gone, but Douglas has proven he can play. Z Smith is likely gone due to his contract but Gary has proven to be a stud, after riding the pines mostly the first two years.
The personnel department has done a good job filling in depth behind the starters, something Ted Thompson didn't do and as a result cost the Packers much over the years.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:28 am
"Patrick remains a key reserve but he's proven he can start. "
Patrick's contract is up after 2021, and my guess is the Packers let him test the market. I think he's going to want to play, and I don't see a path to starting and starter's money in GB. He's earned the opportunity to get paid, and it's not going to happen in GB.
" Dafney and Deguara have seen considerable time at tight end. "
Neither of them are traditional TEs, and with Tonyan likely to begin the season on IR/PUP, the failure of the Sternbeger experiment, and Lewis aging, the Packers might be forced to address the in-line/dual purpose TE role in the draft.
Leatherhead
November 24, 2021 at 10:25 am
We don’t have enough capable blockers. I’d try to keep Patrick.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 10:28 am
He's proven me wrong at just about every step...kudos to him.
I hope he gets a chance to play and make some money while he still can, wherever that may be.
Leatherhead
November 24, 2021 at 01:48 pm
I think we have to address TE this offseason. Perhaps a trade to get some TE we have film on, like Hockenson, or a veteran FA, and/or premium draft pick.
The idea of stealing Hockenson from Detroit for some draft picks that don’t amount to squat does interest me.
HawkPacker
November 26, 2021 at 10:39 am
LH, I would love to get Hockenson but can't see Detroit letting him go. He is a player they will be building around now that they have all the draft capital.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 02:22 pm
I was hoping we’d resign Funchess as the nearest thing to a move TE of any quality out there. However, I see he just signed to the 49ers PS. To me that would have added back part of what we lost in Tonyan that Lewis or the HBacks can not.
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 05:44 pm
I'm still hoping we somehow acquire Dexter Williams from the Browns as not only a speed guy at running back, but also as a possible kickoff returner.
I guess now that it's past the trade deadline, this isn't really possible. He'd have to be waived, it seems.
As far as tight end, I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers are looking into possibilities at that position for the rest of this season, although they might be scarce.
If I'm not mistaken, we did get Tavon Austin late last season on waivers. I was excited about that pickup, but don't think he received much of an opportunity for whatever reasons.
In general, with still five games left in the regular season, it'll be interesting to see what our front office does as far as adding players.
P.S. Coldworld, as far as your comment above (which I upvoted), I do realize I may be wrong about a lot of things. I put forth things somewhat boldly, but not absolutely. It may surprise people that I tend to have a lot of doubts about putting out thoughts that are reasonable and accurate and appropriate -- and attempt to be really careful -- whether it's directly football or indirectly. All the best to you.
dobber
November 25, 2021 at 06:08 am
Eyes forward.
Coldworld
November 25, 2021 at 09:08 am
I see the RB Whyte on the PS as a better kick returner option than Williams. Faster and more experience in college. Unfortunately no punt history. I think Armstead is a more logical 3rd down candidate if he can master the playbook and block. Unlike Taylor (who has good hands but is not a shifty back), Dexter’s protection was sketchy at best. I think Taylor remains the 3rd option of choice at RB at least until Armstead or White are trusted to protect. I could see one elevated for 3rd RB/STs this week if Jones doesn’t play.
stockholder
November 24, 2021 at 09:44 am
This Defense is hanging by a thread. Gary and Merciius brought the pressure. And it will take more then P. Smith now. Keke will never be what the packers need on the DL. But he just might be a Julius Peppers or Arron Kampman. I believe the packers should ask him to move. After all, he's switched to DE. Datone Jones May have failed. But KeKe looks faster then peppers or Jones. The Packers are not going to change their front. But now is the time to experiment.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:29 am
"But he just might be a Julius Peppers or Arron Kampman. "
Say what?
stockholder
November 24, 2021 at 09:36 am
TT moved Peppers to OLB. Kampman Dropped back out of his DE. But still got sacks. Before he got hurt.
dobber
November 24, 2021 at 09:53 am
The comparison of Keke to a freak athlete and shoe-in first-ballot HOF player like Peppers, and to Kampmann, who was an outstanding DE in his own right, doesn't make a lot of sense.
gpt999
November 24, 2021 at 11:18 am
Boy, do I agree with this! Keke viewed as a "Peppers" at this stage of his career is a total over-reach! Keke will be lucky to stay healthy enough let alone play enough games to have a chance at such a comparison. I guess fans have the right to fantasize like this - just like Seattle fans have the belief that their Seahawks still have a chance to make the playoffs this year LOL?
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 03:46 pm
Nobody is like Peppers. A generational type physically who could actually play. A few individuals can just do things that they have no right to be able to in their bodies. Maybe Aaron Donald is one example playing now, but I can’t think of another off the top of my head.
Kampman was not good after the move to OLB, despite a great motor and wisely chose to move to a 4:3 team. Ironically the opposite of Mercillus, whom I think we miss significantly going forward.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 03:47 pm
Duplicate deleted
Bitternotsour
November 25, 2021 at 10:08 am
julius peppers was reggie white. they just don't make them like that.
kingsley keke is a nice player who made it to the nfl. he's no julius peppers. no one is.
Bitternotsour
November 25, 2021 at 10:09 am
oh.
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 05:56 pm
It is interesting to talk about how players may be better employed to take advantage of their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.
Herb Adderley was a running back in college switched to cornerback in desperation due to injuries, as I recall. It did work out wonderfully.
While Keke may not be a hall-of-famer in the making, perhaps he could excel at a position that requires less power and more quickness.
I don't know, but like the thinking outside the box.
Coldworld
November 25, 2021 at 09:22 am
Keke was a classic disruptive type coming out. He finished college at DE. At that time we loved those, unfortunately. He was very strong in the upper body but not so in his lower body, and that was a problem trying to be a regular player, despite flashing rush potential. That’s why he was a 5th rounder. The Packers saw him as a physical development project.
“Honestly, this kid is so unique,” Packers area scout Charles Walls told the Athletic. “I think whatever the coaches want him to do, he can do with his body type. He’s just a broad man with plenty of room to grow. He’s got good muscle mass on him. He can be whatever weight we want him to be and play whatever position we want him to on the D-line.”
He’s added mass to his lower body and it’s visible this year. He’s heavier overall and it appears to be paying off finally by allowing to handle the NFL run game and thus be on the field for more than rush snaps without being a liability. Aside from his concussion issues, I see him as a player with a promising future as a starter if not a star. For a 5th rounder, that’s pretty good if it materializes.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 28, 2021 at 02:50 am
Two of Preston Smith's six pressures against the Vikings were due to Keke bull rushing and forcing Cousins to move outside - Preston hadn't won his matchup until Cousins' changed his position relative to the OT.
[Not a diss at Preston: that's how the NFL works sometimes.]
gpt999
November 24, 2021 at 11:11 am
These are all good points. But I think what I question - week to week - is whether Rodgers is audibling to long throws vs going with the plays as they are called? I know he has the option to change a play if sees something in the pre-snap set up. The ARI game was a perfect example of using a short game to perfection - getting a lot of 1st downs and keeping your defense fresh. And yes, Cobb looks like he is open a lot... But I get a sense that AROD does not like that kind of offense? Maybe I'm wrong? Its exciting football to see him connect with an MVS on a 75 yard bomb for sure! But does that translate into consistent, championship football? I would argue no, as the many years of Mike McCarthy proved to us. MLF brings a winning formula to the table that "could" provide "consistent" championship football to GB. The question I have is whether Rodgers is patient enough to buy into it totally?
Swisch
November 24, 2021 at 05:49 pm
I think this is well said.
flackcatcher
November 24, 2021 at 11:23 am
Sorry Al, MVS return forced the Viking secondary to slide their coverage over on top of bracketing D. Adams. Their secondary had to choose their poison. Either they let the under go, or watch their secondary keep getting burned by Rodgers from going deep. There is no secondary in the league who can cover MVS deep. And that changes the entire offense, as we saw last Sunday.
Coldworld
November 24, 2021 at 02:25 pm
I think it will be more noticeable with Lazard back. It’s typically when there’s Adams, MVS and a larger non slot target that the holes really appear. Whom do you pass up?
Packers0808
November 24, 2021 at 02:42 pm
Actually I think our secondary saved Kirks butt by the interception chances that were dropped!
Fubared
November 24, 2021 at 11:05 pm
I dont care that much about the offense, they score points and make pretty plays every now and then. What I care about deeply is the attitude of this team going back six years: we dont need a good stinkin defense, we got Rodgers so all we must do is score more points then our opponents. Thus, KIng, Stokes and others only have to slow down the other team not actually try and stop them from moving down field.
Teams have seen the films and will mimik what the vikes did and their offenses will put up points quickly.
When you got Dalvin Cook and you use him sparingly because the secondary is wide open for big plays you attack it. I'm tired of the bs on the secondary play of this team.
Fubared
November 24, 2021 at 11:05 pm
I dont care that much about the offense, they score points and make pretty plays every now and then. What I care about deeply is the attitude of this team going back six years: we dont need a good stinkin defense, we got Rodgers so all we must do is score more points then our opponents. Thus, KIng, Stokes and others only have to slow down the other team not actually try and stop them from moving down field.
Teams have seen the films and will mimik what the vikes did and their offenses will put up points quickly.
When you got Dalvin Cook and you use him sparingly because the secondary is wide open for big plays you attack it. I'm tired of the bs on the secondary play of this team.
dobber
November 25, 2021 at 06:11 am
"What I care about deeply is the attitude of this team going back six years"
It shows.
croatpackfan
November 25, 2021 at 07:03 am
To all of you Packers fans and especially to you, Al - Happy Thanksgiving day!