-Face mask calls evened out by the end of game. Lewis showed his veteran blocking prowess on Jones's run because just as he was about to hold as the defender was moving laterally, he moved his feet and made body contact.
-I was surprised that Runyan didn't get the start , but O line played well against a very tough D line.
-Even before his gaming ending run , Jones gained some very tough yds. We have to get him signed, luckily RB don't break the bank. ( Henry 4yrs-50mill-37 guaranteed)
Get rid of Kirksey don't resign Williams and there's our Jones signing.

The team is on the rise. This is the best Packer team we've had since 2014. We should be playing deep into January, and unlike last year, we have a real chance to win the NFC. Just need a couple more things to drop... ahem... run defense... special teams... (man this really does sound like 2014. But with a better ending hopefully!)

It seems like play #2 is just common sense; that's how the defense is supposed to play on third-and-long when the game is still competitive, and I'm sure the players are happier when they're allowed to be more aggressive and have the chance to make a stop and get off the field.

Hopefully the team complains to the league about the missed calls when Jones gets his face mask, so the refs can be more aware of this. Maybe they'll balance things by giving him a phantom call. But did you notice that D. Adams hand was clearly grabbing the defenders face mask as he got the 500th TD for Rodgers? Sometimes things even out. As far as the defense getting better, apparently both Pettine and P. Smith can read the comments and the tea leaves, and are getting the message that if they don't do better, they'll be looking for work next season. Also, Z. Smith said he and some of the other members of the defense had approached Pettine, asking him if they could be more aggressive. Z. Smith then complimented Pettine on being open to new ideas from the players. Meanwhile, the fourth and 18 for a TD was vintage MP: relaxed coverage leading to another easy gain. And another punt return for a TD? I'm not going to blame Scott for "outkicking the coverage" or not making a tackle. The ST's coach should be giving Scott explicit instructions as to how to kick the ball so there is not going to be a return. And if the ball is not returned, the punter is not put in the position of trying to make a tackle- something he is not trained for. The Packers need to sign a good ST's coach, even if they have to pay him more than they like. Mediocre pay gets a sub-par coach, with the results showing up on the field.

Whose Defense Was This? the real question is Did Z Smith ask if he could share ideas with Mike Pettine or did MLF ask Z to share ideas with Mike Pettine to improve the defense? Either way, GPG

Al, every week you pick one that stood out to me and it was the face mask. Annoying.

I'm not sure Preston's effort was lacking. It was the lack of press coverage with safeties over the top that didn't give him time to finish his plays. It might indicate he's lost a step, but now that he has more time and route runners are better covered, he's getting there.

And so are a lot of others who have been roundly criticized (like Keke by that Brian Sampson dude, who has no idea what he's talking about).

When Hurts came in, the outside rush opening up the B gap was giving Hurts space to run and time to throw. I think it was his second series where Pettine had the OLB's bull rush and ostensibly play a two gap technique. Forced Hurts to have to throw the ball from the pocket. Nice adjustment from Pettine, albeit slightly obvious at that point.

Thanks Al, Once again I learned something from you. Thanks for taking the time to breakdown tape to find these examples that supply a real insight. I'm going to keep an eye out for more safety blitzes.

Though I'm not of the cloth that ILB is more critical than QB,CD,OT,DE it doesn't mean it's not important. When looking at the ILB prospects over the years I never gave much value to the Pass Rush/ Blitzers. Is it me or do the Packers almost never Blitz ILB?

I'm a fan of the DL/ED providing the pass rush with a focus on coverage and keeping the QB contained BUT like 90% of competition there is value is not being overly predictable. I don't watch coaches film but my thought is the Packers D is very predictable based on personnel and Formation.

And last week 2 Packers grabbed Trubiskey’s face mask on one play and there was no call. You’d think the refs could have seen at least one out of two.

This is a decent o team but c plus on d. Going nowhere in playoffs

I don’t know how the officials miss the face mask calls. So much for focusing on player safety. Another reason to have an eye in the sky official to make those calls.

Another good job Al. Thanks, Since ‘61