Bucs 31 Packers 26: Game Balls and Lame Calls

So many chances, so many mistakes.

Dear Packers,

Just thought I'd drop you a line to say thank you for an exciting ride through the 2020 season.  You went much further than many of us expected.  You have several young, ascending players that will be fun to watch in the future.  Just the fact that all of you showed the incredible personal discipline to stay healthy and available through this Covid-19 madness was impressive. 

In the end, you lost to a better team.  I'm sure nobody has to tell you how many chances you had to win the NFC Championship against Tampa Bay.  You just weren't quite good enough to pull it off.  A few too many mistakes, a few too many missed opportunities.  Others will chronicle them ad nauseum.  Suffice it for me to say I appreciate you went down fighting, not submitting.  You kept hope alive, as your defense, down by one score in the 4th quarter,  came up with three stops..  But the offense couldn't get the ball in the end zone.

Your coach, Matt LaFleur, is likely going to take a lot of criticism for his decision to kick a field goal, instead of going for the touchdown on 4th down late in the game.  But I kind of get it.  Your quarterback was getting flushed out of the pocket on pretty much every play, and with the defense being allowed to hold and grab, you figured the odds of getting the ball back were better than the odds of Aaron Rodgers throwing a touchdown with Shaq Barrett hanging on him, as he seemed to be doing the whole game. 

Some will blame the loss on the officials, especially for that late holding call on Kevin King.  But he did hold.  In fact, I think I saw him holding on a few other plays that were not called.  Yes, it was a tough break that an official decided to make a game-ending call there, but I know you acknowledge that it never should have come to that.  You guys are a class act.  No excuses.

Thus begins what promises to be one of your most interesting off seasons in recent memory.  You are already projected to be way over the 2021 salary cap, with contracts expiring for several key players.  You may well look very different when a new season begins next fall.  But I trust your front office to make it work.  So far, most of their decisions seem to have panned out fairly well.  I wish next season could start now.  I can't wait.  Until then, I hope everyone has a great spring and summer and stays healthy. 

I remain among your most loyal and relentless fans.

Ken

 

GAME BALLS

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The Packers needed their great players to play great, and their lesser players to come up big.  MVS did his part.  4 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.  In what was an up and down year for him, MVS finished with a strong statement to enter 2021 as the number two receiver.

 

Kenny Clark

With 8 tackles and a sack, Clark was the main reason Green Bay pretty much stoned Tampa Bay's rushing attack, holding them to 76 yards on the ground, including Leonard Fournette's 20 yard scoring run, the only significant run of the day.  After a slow start, Clark showed why he got the big bucks at the beginning of the season.  It's exciting to think about how good he might be over the next several years in green and gold.

 

Jaire Alexander

It's been fun to watch him go from cocky rookie to second team All Pro.  With two interceptions and a beautiful pass knockdown, Jaire showed again why he is perhaps the top player at his position today.

 

LAME CALLS

Lack of Officiating Consistency

It seems obvious the NFL has instructed officials to back off of holding calls.  So be it.  Let them play.  But then calling it on King in that situation is just not fair.  I'm not saying it cost them the game, but it sure would have been interesting to see what the Pack could have done with one more possession at the end. 

 

The Decision to Kick the Field Goal

I really don't want to pile on Coach LaFleur for this call.  As mentioned above, I'm trying hard to think of reasons to justify the decision.  But to bank on your defense stopping one of the great quarterbacks of all time from getting a few first downs in that situation seems like a low percentage play.

 

SHORT YARDAGE

•  The worst part of this loss will be listening to the Tom Brady hype for two more weeks.

•  If this was Aaron Jones' swan song with the Packers, it ended on a sour note.  6 carries for 27 yards, 4 catches for 7 yards, and his final play was a back-breaking fumble returned to the Green Bay 8 yard line, which was quickly converted into a Bucs TD.  Jones was hurt on the play and did not return.

•  Big numbers for Aaron Rodgers as he threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns, one interception, and a QB rating of 101.6.  But it was his failures in the red zone that made the difference.  He just couldn't overcome the weakness of his offensive line.  An unfitting conclusion to a sensational season that should culminate with his third MVP trophy.

•  Forgotten in the wake of that back-breaking 39 yard TD pass at the end of the first half is the fact that it doesn't happen if Will Redmond doesn't let a third down interception go right through his hands.

•  Will be intriguing to see what, if anything, the Packers do in the offseason about their special teams coaching.

 

THEY SAID IT

Matt LaFleur (on the decision to kick the field goal):  "It was just the circumstances of having three shots , and coming away with no yards, and knowing that you not only need the touchdown, but you need the two points.  The way  I was looking at it was, we essentially had four timeouts with the two minute warning.  We knew we needed to get a stop, and I thought we were going to get the stop there at the end but we got called for the PI."

Aaron Rodgers:  "I'm just pretty gutted.  You know it's a long season and you put so much into it.  To get to this point , you know we had our chances....defense came up with a couple of big turnovers so, we had our chances.  I'm just pretty gutted."

Adrian Amos:  "It's kind of surreal because this is not the ending we expected.  We had full confidence in the locker room that we were going to the Super Bowl, and, so it's like a shock.....it's still hitting us."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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__________________________

Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

__________________________

7 points
 

Comments (105)

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

January 25, 2021 at 06:10 am

Considerations:
1 - Rodgers was not perfect, but I believe that with inverted quoterbacks we would have lost by 20 points;
2 - the conversion from two points I do not understand it;
3 - The intercept at the end of the second quarter is the son of a PI on Lazard not called;
4 - That throw was a 2nd and 18th and maybe it wasn't a call to make since if we finished the first half under 14-10 we had a whole other game to see (however it was PI !!!!);
5 - on the next tampa drive we blatantly missed an intercept on a Brady shit throw, and then did a TD on a short 4
6 - start 3rd quarter Jones fumbles (maybe he was still shocked by the header received and not whistled before like PI ???? who knows, in fact he never showed up afterwards)
7 - in the fourth quarter, in the drives after the two interceptions, first the pocket doesn't hold up (if I look at the one in Tampa in comparison it makes me laugh in explaining why Rodgers sometimes makes mistakes), then there is a monstrous PI on Lazard not whistled on a third down,
8 - MLF can't call the three-point conversion (I wonder what's the use of having Rodgers on the team ....)
9 - You cannot call PI to King after all the conduct of the race you have had and after all that you have allowed in Tampa.
10 - Even if I sometimes disagree with you Taryns, this doesn't mean that many more times you may be right. Our first pick yesterday wasn't on the pitch, Tampa had it on right guard
11 - the injuries had an impact
12 - Brady and the whole NFL weighed the money for the audience they will make for the SB between the old (him) and the new (Mahomes)
13 - if the dead Cap allows it, I think it's right (for him and for GB) to trade Rodgers and see what draft we do
14 - I'm like shit
15 - GPG

-5 points
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:24 am

Fabio, while the many points you make are good ones, there are always calls and miscues that don’t go your way. Usually they even out...but not always. For example, both teams had turnovers but TB scored off of our turnovers more than we did off theirs.

While the lists will be made and recited over until the next NFC Championship game we win, these games are usually won and lost on one or two plays per game. In my initial watch of the game (I don’t think there will be another) I have two game changers. Davante’s end zone drop and Redmond’s int drop. These led to an 11 point swing that we could never really recover from when we strayed from our running game to throwing the ball 50 times, with KK against an elite QB, and facing a fast defense with their ears pinned back.

2 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:58 am

That's spot-on, Doug. Adams always *always* catches that pass. I'll add if KK would have taken one more stride before his leap on the initial TD pass, he would have knocked it down or intercepted. I know, if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle.

I wish I could return to the numbness I felt last night. Upon further review, this loss cuts to the core. Shit!

6 points
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dobber's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:12 am

If ESB catches that 2-point that he dropped after having it hit him in an awkward spot (um--his hands!) the Packers go for that 4th and 8 at the end. Making it means you take the lead with the PAT. MIssing means you bury TB deep and give yourself a chance on a short field if you can get a stop.

3 points
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Fabio's picture

January 26, 2021 at 04:15 am

Hi Doug.
I live in Italy so I don't think I have the knowledge of football that you have in America. I apologize if I sometimes write things that can probably turn out to be silly. I agree with everything you say, but not totally on turnovers. We have had two turnovers, one close to the Red Zone and the other on 45 on which I agree with you that if Radmond intercepts it is a whole different game. The turnovers from Tampa are all comparable to their punt and once the pocket did not hold up, on the other a monstrous PI on Lazard was not called. I greet you with my personal thought (it does not want to be absolute truth), This sport is beautiful because it never depends on a single player. I don't think it can be boiled down to Brady vs Rodgers. Personally I have always thought that the GOAT has always had better teams than Rodgers had, even on Sunday evening unfortunately, and also the luck of the greats (I just think of Edelman's taking in the key game of the SB or the hallucinating refereeing of all these play offs in favor of Tampa including the match against NO). In the end, however, I bring it all back to a moment .... 4th and goal you need a TD and a conversion from 2p (for a previous wrong choice !!! and dropped by St. Brown !!!), you have Rodgers team and what are you doing ???? conversion from 3pt? No, we're not really there. In order to write the story of a match you have to give the pen to the writer. Rodgers himself said that on the 3rd down he didn't finish running because he thought he still had another chance (honestly me too because even if we failed Tampa had to start again from 8y and it didn't change anything compared to what we did with the conversion from 3p ). Here. If he had failed the 4th attempt, then I would have recognized with no problem that Rodgers had not taken us where we wanted. I'm just saying that we pay him a lot because he is probably able to solve these moments ..... but we didn't trust us and we threw everything away. Greetings and thank you for the comments you made (they help me understand this sport better - I fell in love with the Green Bay Packers in the 90s) I expect you to continue without the nastiness someone uses (just kidding). I hope to talk about it again next year even if I have some doubts. However Go Pack Go, always, however beyond everything, against everyone and everything.

0 points
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Philarod's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:27 am

I won't go through every point, but I absolutely agree on point #1.
Per Rodgers'one pick, not only was Lazard getting held, but the ball still went right past his hands. He HAS to at least still break it up.

Lazard was a disappointment yesterday,.
I think that Packers fans still don't know how truly great Rodgers is.
An MVP, record-setting season on a team that seems to never have more than one WR or TE play well in the same game.
Where was Davante yesterday? Lazard was terrible on a few plays. ESB cost them two points. Tonyan wasn't too involved. Take away the INT and Rodgers' rating is probably in the 120s or so.

3 points
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dobber's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:13 am

No. The defender had position in front of Lazard. It would've been nice if Lazard had made an attempt to knock it free, though.

3 points
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Razer's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:28 pm

I'll go one step further. The ball was thrown behind Lazard and, in essence, in the best position for the defender to make a play on the ball. You are right, Lazard needed to defend rather than receive on this play

1 points
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barutanseijin's picture

January 25, 2021 at 06:32 am

MLF didn’t get the best performances out of his team, nor did he he use what they gave him to maximum advantage. He did a poor job preparing his team. That said, DBs, RBs & QBs will not have good days when you’re losing in the trenches.

Refs are gonna ref. You can’t leave it to them.

6 points
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Lare's picture

January 25, 2021 at 06:36 am

To me, the lamest call was by whoever decided to ignore the running game.

3 points
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Qoojo's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:30 am

That's what really burns. On the last three drives, empty backfield too much, and completely ignore the run. On the last drive, they only moved it when more balanced, then nothing once they got down there and went empty backfield. I am willing to bet that's a MM/Rodgers special there.

This team isn't going anywhere. Shit defense year after year, and expecting 30 points to win in the playoffs, isn't going to work. Good enough to beat the dregs and average teams, but can only win 1 or 2 games in the playoffs with the perennial lol defense.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:21 am

For me, nothing compared to the call on D at the end of the half or perhaps the defensive strategy in the first half, but all the coaching was exposed from preparation to calling in game.

We won’t get better on D with Pettine. He’s tactically inept and gets less out of both players and his own scheme. LaFleur showrd he has strengths but a lot still to learn. But let’s be honest, other than MVS, Rodgers was also let down by pretty much everyone on the O at some point.

3 points
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Packerfansupreme's picture

January 25, 2021 at 06:40 am

How does kevin King not get a lame ball!?!?

11 points
14
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PeteK's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:36 am

Yes, but injuries plagued him yesterday and always.

-2 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:23 am

I believe that if Coach LaFleur had it to do all over again he would have gone for it on 4th down. He had a split second to make a decision and, yes, I understand that he is paid to make the correct decision. However, one can understand what he was thinking when deciding to kick the field goal. I simply believe that if he had more time to consider the possibilities he would have gone for it.

-1 points
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jhalwas611.com's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:17 am

He could have taken a time out.

-1 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:44 am

Possibly, although all three timeouts were desperately needed at that point in the game. Whether to use a timeout there was probably one of the many things going through Coach's mind.

-3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:52 am

Agree. Coaches should not need to take a timeout to decide whether to go for it or to kick a field goal, imo. Glad I didn't have to decide. I'd have gone for it, but that doesn't mean it is the right decision. 33% success rate on 4th from the 8 yard line. GB's is probably a better percentage.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:24 am

I’m less upset at that call than I am with repeating the same play calling mistakes he made in the first Tampa game. Going pass happy and not running was responsible for putting us there.

2 points
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Hematite's picture

January 25, 2021 at 03:53 pm

That was the most pussified coaching job I've seen since the Dan Devine years.
The coaching was pathetic on both sides of the ball.
And then there is the special teams units.

0 points
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jhalwas611.com's picture

January 25, 2021 at 01:29 pm

Please don't forget you've a MVP Qb with a decent record of late game heroics with few if any timeouts. Taking one and getting the right play call would have made the most sense. Even if the score doesn't happen it would be the poorest field position handed the Bucs all day.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:40 am

Especially since Bucs would get the ball at the 8.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:31 am

HPD, good points, it was a 50-50 proposition and based on circumstances a very tough decision that could go either way. IE: what if the PI isn’t called due to being uncatchable might we be feeling differently now as Arod gets the last opportunity to win.

3 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:42 am

I appreciate the kind reply murf. It was indeed a very tough decision.

-2 points
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Cheesey51's picture

January 26, 2021 at 06:58 pm

First off I've been a GB fan since the Packers drafted the first black LB out of Penn State.
I do not. If Aaron Rodgers had tucked it in and run--then I see a 4th down play versus FG
Rodgers is an incredibly gifted athlete. Rodgers will never win another SB in GB. No Guts.
Yes he's had broken bones and played on one leg and had his facemask pulled in the Arizona game big deal. When it comes to winning it's all about him.
Tom Brady, as much as I despise him, knows how to win. It does not matter whether he winning or losing during a game he is always in, very even maintains his composure, Rodgers sulk when he is losing and is superb snobby when he is winning.
Rodgers quits when he is losing. No Guts
Rodgers wants to win in GB, THEN have him take self imposed pay cut(Isn't a legacy worth more than $$)and use the $$$ to get the assets he needs with the cash. Otherwise, begin the Jordan Love era

0 points
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jhalwas611.com's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:16 am

Clark must get the game ball for his consistent play all game. Rodgers too. He outplayed Brady while under constant pressure and without coaching adjustments to slow the Bucs rush. Shades of McCarthy. Alexander too gets a game ball.

Lame calls: Special teams lost the field position this week handing Brady good starts all game long.
Defensive play calls were mind numbing. Time for a change there. I mean the late substitution penalties at home! Come on.
Playoff officiating, helment to helmet shots not called, facemask not called, P. I. not called. On the disputed interference call the ended the game there is blatant offensive holding that was not called.

6 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:17 am

I also believe that the decision to go for two when the score was 28-23 was incorrect. This belief has nothing to do with the moronic opinions about the Packers alleged inability to convert two point conversions. When the situation calls for it the two point conversion should be attempted, regardless of ridiculous perceptions of the chances of success.

To the contrary, I believe that the mathematics do not support going for two in that situation. An extra point makes it a four point game, meaning that an opponent's subsequent field goal only puts them up by seven. Thus a touchdown and extra point ties the game. Their are other possible scenarios that I believe support kicking the extra point in that situation.

However, I am sure that Coach LaFleur has access to the calculations regarding when and when not to go for two. Ultimately I am willing to trust his judgment and feel for the game.

-3 points
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Philarod's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:31 am

I see that as a 50-50 call.
(of course, ti would have been vindicated if an NFL receiver could catch a spiral in his bread basket.)

4 points
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White92's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:17 am

Three shots at the end zone all with an empty gun. What happened to creativity? Maybe a shuffle pass or something? At least have a back there to help with the rush...

11 points
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Crankbait's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:47 am

Exactly.... very poor and predictable playcalling in the red zone ....no creativity just sand lot, and that's what killed us there. When Brady was in the red zone it looked like a practice game where he was wearing a red shirt.

3 points
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Migas's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:37 am

what happened to the screen pass? Used to be a staple of Packer offense. You use it to slow down pass rush. We never use it anymore.

2 points
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BAMABADGER's picture

January 25, 2021 at 01:02 pm

Haven't used the screen effectively since Farve.

1 points
1
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 25, 2021 at 11:32 am

The attack on Wagner was relentless, he needed some TE help. If Barrett crashes hard fling the ball to the TE.
Basic football ignored.

2 points
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egbertsouse's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:21 am

This writer is a true Packer fan. With a plethora of crap playing to choose from, he whines about the refs. This is why the rest of the league hates Packer fans.

-4 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:35 am

That call was the deciding factor in the game. Why shouldn't it be mentioned?

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:26 am

No game should be ended by a call so at odds with those if the entire game before that. It defeats the premise of sport.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 25, 2021 at 11:36 am

At minimum, the call should have been off-setting penalties with Wirfs hog-tying Gary and the referee watching it play out in front of him.

3 points
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Ollie1960's picture

January 25, 2021 at 02:01 pm

Shut up asshole

-2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:21 am

Game Balls:

Clark - He was outstanding! He basically shut down their run game and provided a push in the middle on passing downs. They just needed someone next to him to provide the same thing.

Alexander - If Amos doesn't come over and intercept the one pass, there was a possibility that Alexander has a 3rd interception.

MVS - He was really good. Deserves a lot of credit for how well he played.

Tonyan - Still one of the most dangerous weapons we have in the offense. He needs to get more targets.

Lewis - Big Dog still has it. I hope he returns next year. He provides a big target and is really good blocking.

Lame Calls:

Officiating - They allow grabbing, holding all game long. They allow the Bucs to block in the back the whole game, they allow them to hold the entire game. Until the final drive they throw the flag on King. Are you kidding me!!! Here is the great thing. If the RT doesn't hold Gary, he gets a sack. But they didn't call that. Fine they are going to let them play. Fine, but they can' throw a flag on King in that spot. Also, that throw was really high. I don't think it was even catchable.

Brady the Goat - Seconds after the game I saw how Brady is the real goat and he proved it. Ummm... Didn't he just throw 3 interceptions and was the biggest reason why GB was still in the game. A number of his throws were really high too.

Notes:

Kind of a What IF game.
-What IF Adams doesn't drop the TD. (they have 4 more points). If everything plays out the same, and they score the final TD, they would have been able to tie the game with the extra point. That changes everything the rest of the game.
-What IF they only allow a FG at the end of the half and not a TD? OR What IF Redmond actually catches the interception and they don't allow any points going into halftime. Being down 4 points vs 11 is a huge difference going in at halftime.
-What IF they don't call DPI on KIng and they get the ball back with 1:40ish left in the game and a timeout. They have a realistic chance to win the game.

LaFleur's decision to kick the FG looks like a genius call IF the Refs don't make that call (they shouldn't have based on how the game was called all game long), the Packers get the ball back with a roughly 1:40 left. I truly believe GB goes down and scores to take the lead.

6 points
8
2
Bearmeat's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:32 am

RC,

We've had the WHATIFS for 30 years. And we (once again) are sitting at home. I'm sick of it. This was exactly the kind of game we've blown again and again since 92. And... we did it again. This was exactly what I've been afraid of and why I don't get too much into optimism... we've proven as a franchise over and over again that we can't handle it.

Yes, the refs put the nails in the coffin. America deserved to see ARod try to win it. But we jumped in the coffin all by ourselves.

4 points
5
1
Razer's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:36 am

...deserved to see ARod try to win it. But we jumped in the coffin all by ourselve...

Too funny

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:00 am

We crawled into the coffin, but had a chance to crawl out of it. Nope, the Refs kicked us back down into it and nailed it shut.

2 points
3
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Bearmeat's picture

January 25, 2021 at 10:24 am

We should not have been in that place. Yes it was a terrible call compared to how the game had been reffed up to that point. But the end of the half and beginning of the 2nd half did us in.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 11:41 am

We had plenty of opportunities in that game. The end of half where Redmond drops the interception cost us 7 points. Adams dropping the TD cost us 4 more. Basically at halftime it could/should have been 14-14. Instead it was 21-10. Huge difference at halftime.

We didn't lose the game because of that play. But it did not allow us that 1 last chance to win the game.

1 points
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splitpea1's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:29 pm

Please stop blaming the referees. The were multiple opportunities for the Packers to win on both offense and defense, and they're too numerous to mention. The calls didn't exactly even out, but we never should have been in that position in the first place.

1 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:53 pm

Did you read anything that I wrote?

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

January 25, 2021 at 04:38 pm

Yes, and most of it seemed to center on blaming the referees or speculating about what may have happened if they had called this or that. Sorry--the referees were the least of our worries in this game. It's all about missed opportunities and coaching miscues.

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:29 am

"In the end, you lost to a better team. "

No. Just no. We had our chances, but if the Bucs don't get away with holding on EVERY DAMN 3rd down in the 2nd half, we don't go 3 and out 3x in a row and ARod doesn't get picked.

"He just couldn't overcome the weakness of his offensive line"

BOY wouldn't it be nice to have some FRIGGING luck in January for ONCE? Tom Brady this and Tom Brady that. But having the best OT in the game out in week 17...sucks.

"The worst part of this loss will be listening to the Tom Brady hype for two more weeks."

No, it won't be. Because I'm not clicking on any non-Packers news until Free Agency starts. I will not be watching the Super Bowl. I have skipped the last 3 Tom Brady Super Bowls, and I'm not going to change that. It needs to change. He needs to go away. And the refs... OH FUCK THE REFS. Sorry. I don't usually curse like that, but I'm just that angry.

"Will be intriguing to see what, if anything, the Packers do in the offseason about their special teams coaching."

And not just the STs coaching. Defensive coaching too. Any unit that has Jaire, Kenny, Zadarius, Preston, Rashan, Adrian and Darnell on it SHOULD NOT get gashed like that. We wasted years of ARods prime with loyalty to Slocumb and Capers. Pettine and Mennenga need to be gone, MLF. NOW.

"I'm just pretty gutted."

YEP. 95, 97, 98, 03, 07, 09, 11, 13, 14, 15 and now this. We've had two top 10 QBs of ALL TIME in the past 30 years, and we've come away with two titles. Not enough. It should be at least four by now, and probably more. We've had rotten luck, bad reffing, bad injuries, and yes, choke jobs. The Vikings may specialize in one-and-dones. But we seemingly specialize in the Divisional and Conference round head scratchers.

Pissed. So. Pissed. See you all in March.

9 points
12
3
Philarod's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:39 am

I hear you load and clear.
As to your last point, I'd say not only two Top 10 QBs of the SB Era, but I'd place Favre around #8 and I still believe AR is #1/

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:20 pm

Yeah, it's all luck....What a terrible Super Bowl it will be because my team isn't in it....That Tom Brady is so darn awful....

Childish, whiny, and as usual, blinded by homer-ism and nothing but a bunch of sour grapes.

-5 points
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Migas's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:27 am

A brutal ending to a great season. My two cents:

1. Rodgers will get heat as MVP for failing to get team to SB. His legacy will be tarnished pundits will say. But this GM had EVERY opportunity to provide an impactful draft to push team over top and instead decided to draft Rodgers replacement. I understand him taking the long term view but your team was in the 2019 NFCCG. Why not improve it for the NOW. Well the NOW got traded for the NEXT and we lost. The crazy part is nobody really knows if Love is any good.

2. The special teams stunk all year and when Ervin went down Pack had no answers. Tavon Austin did absolutely zero. It got so bad teams were kicking returnable balls to pin offense deeper. Punter stunk all season. Field position in this game was decidedly in favor of TB. Even turnovers Pack got were deep in their own territory. No short fields for offense.

3. Defense once again failed in big game. DC needs to go after playing man and giving Brady an easy TD before half. Not only does DC make absurd call but King doubles down by playing press knowing he can't get beat deep there. All season King was playing 10 yards off and finally decides to press at a critical moment in NFCCG. King is gone so no point in bashing his atrocious play in this game further. Kudos to Clark and Jaire who were both terrific in game. Pack shut down run but aside from Jaire our CBs were not good.

4. The refs were awful as usual. Inconsistent as usual. They allowed TB a lot of latitude with press coverage. The Rodgers INT was obvious holding (not obvious to refs tho). Then, of course, came the big call. The only argument I can make was that the ball wasn't catchable. Perhaps if it was Jaire then we get call. But King was so brutal it seems fitting the flag was thrown.

5. MLF made questionable decisions but one thing I saw that was not mentioned much. TB's edge rushers were in AR's face all game. Why did MLF not have TEs chip them? Also by continuously snapping ball at last second, the D-line of TB was getting a better start in their pass rush. Rodgers could not exploit TB missing both starting safeties either from his back or running for his life..

6. Draft failures. Lazard is not #2 receiver. Love him but he is not gonna scare D. When playoffs came I wondered how Pack offense would react if Adams was taken away. TB game showed it. MVS was great but we got little from everyone else, Speed is an important element and Pack did not have enuf. Anyone think TB plays press vs Hill in SB?

There were many twists in this game that can be analyzed. Redmond dropped easy INT. The long pass to Godwin that should have been at least knocked down. The turnover at the start of second half. Many others. Hard for me to say "great season" knowing we got the best from our QB and still came up short. Does this organization want be just competitive or win a SB. Not sure of answer. Watched TB add weapons via draft and other means to give Brady a shot at another SB. What did GB give Rodgers?

1 points
3
2
Coldworld's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:32 am

If you think this roster wasn’t good enough to get us to the Super Bowl then we disagree. We individually mostly played below expectations, the difference on defensive coordinators was painful and we lost the plot in play calling. We were simply not as ready. Brady was awful in the second half, gifted a lead by strategic ineptitude and we still couldn’t capitalize and forgot to run. Out prepared and out coached.

2 points
2
0
Migas's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:57 am

I agree we were outcoached. Don't understand the "not ready" comment but assume it also means coaching. I still have reservations about some of the D personnel but I think it's right to lay blame on Pettine. I strongly believe we were lacking at WR. Adams is fantastic but I really don't think any of the rest are good #2 receivers. Every time teams take away Adams offense struggles.

3 points
3
0
Packers1985's picture

January 25, 2021 at 11:47 am

This is what i have been saying for a while that if a team takes out Adams then we loose. A good slot WR would've made this offense more potent and unstoppable.

0 points
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0
PackersWinning's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:28 am

Kevin Kong free agent resume picture: see above

0 points
1
1
Razer's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:30 am

The Bucs imposed their will on defense, trashing our Oline and stopping any run game. The fact that our MVP couldn't take advantage of two backup safeties tells you how good the Tampa Bay defense really played.

Packers defensive mistakes helped to seal the deal. Secondary collapses and weak linebacker play were enough for the Bucs to put up 30+ points. I can't get a screen to Gronk that goes for 20 out of my head.

Ultimately, not enough timely plays when needed and a few too many mistakes at critical times. Bucs staff out-coached us both on defense and offense. I did not have a problem with the officiating. They let both sides play and ignored numerous light calls on both teams.

Packers gave us an exciting season and the Bucs spared us a Super Bowl thrashing.

5 points
5
0
croatpackfan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:42 am

Thank you Ken for this article. It was worth of reading.

I like to say something about the game, the reasons why Packers lost it, how I see those reasons. Maybe my "diagnosis" is wrong, as
I will agree with you all that my football knowledge is limited towards many of you here who are "living" football all life. No matter what, this is what I noticed through almost 15 years as intense follower of the game, especially Packers and Aaron Rodgers.

1. Is there is kryptonite for Aaron Rodgers it must be Tampa 2 defense. If I remember correctly only loss to Packers in 2011 season came against poor team of Kansas City and their interim HC Romeo Crennel. He obviously noted something in Aaron Rodgers and played whole game with KC defense in Tampa 2 type. And they stopped highly efficient Packers offense on just 14 points that came late 3rd and 4th Q. Giants used that info and knocked down Packers in divisional round that season (they played part of the game in Tampa 2 system!). Similar happened in NFCCG 2012. 2013 we all knows Packer played mostly w/o Aaron and lost in divisional round by SF, again. 2014 both loses against Seattle happened because Rodgers was afraid to throw the ball against Sherman, so he had only half of the field populated by 10 other Seattle players. Especially first game was telling where Davante Adams was several times alone 15 yards or more behind Sherman, but Aaron did not consider to throw him the ball. We all know how it finished. 2015, 2016 Packers were bad team and carrying by Aaron they reached the postseason, but not went through the post season. we remember 2017th and 2018th how it was finished. Last season again SF, same thing opponent D very often played with 2 deep safeties and Packers D played terrible. So there was embarrassing outcome. This season, this last game showed us Aarons problem - playing against him 2 deep safety, he are not using center of the field as much as he needed to do on short 8 to 15 yards throws to move the chains. He was looking for opportunity to go deep, what is not quite easy when you have 2 deep safeties. Expect that much more in the future seasons against Aaron.

2. I get that referees decided not to call penalties, except procedural ones. That was decision that move the advantage to Tampa side. Tampa plays "dirty" football. Their OL very often holds DL and very often that is tolerated by officials. Blatant no call on holding, in yesterday game, was hold on Za'Darius Smith on the play of Fournett TD. I will not go in this DPI call, as this was not DPI call at the first, but holding, because King was grabbing and pulling before Brady throw the ball. After the ball was in the air, there was no significant contact between King and Tampa WR. If the referees were honest, they will pick up the flag. Problem was that there was another flag for 12 men on defense (also 1st down). So, they did not gave the first down to the Brady. But, if there were no call for DPI, possible stop would be on the 15 yards shorter field.

3. Kevin King played quite a terrible game. He was directly guilty for 2 TD. But do not add "alternative" facts to the terrible outing. Kevin King is one of the best tackler on the team - well when he is not 10 yards away from player he should tackle.

4. We all know that Aaron Jones is quite exciting players, but I believe he lost several million dollars per year yesterday with those
2 fumbles.

5. Father time obviously catching Aaron Rodgers. He is not any more that efficient as he was in scanning field. Also, when he decide to throw to Davante, he do not look for other players/receivers who might be in better position. Remember how Big Bob was alone in the and zone at Indianapolis at the end of the game, when Aaron forced his throw to Davante with no success. Aaron from 5 years ago would throw that TD to Big Bob. In every game from that one, there was similar situations to that, either for achieving 1st down, or to score TD, but Packers were winning and that covered all those missed opportunities. Saying that, and what I wrote in point 1. I still believe Packers are better with Aaron that with any other QB at the moment. He did not lost his arm strength, but he lost some accuracy.

6. I know that many of you are mad on MLF for that FG, I was to in the heat of the game. You do not want to know what I was shouting to MLF here from Croatia for that decision. But, this morning I start to understand the logic on his decision. you tried 3 times and 3 times you got nothing and pocked was collapsing on each of those tries. The best option was to score FG and hope that D will stop Brady (small chances, yes, I know) and Packers will have opportunity to put TD outside RZ (or gold zone). If you lose 31 to 29, or 31 to 26 does not matter. It was not the question of bravery, it is the question of logic. Also, if Packers failed to score TD, Brady would get the ball back anyhow and there was less chances to stop him because 2 minute warning would be gone as additional time out. Do not forget that Brady got the ball on 2:02 left in the game.

7. I believe Packers can find another RB to complement Dillon, either on late draft rounds, or as UDFA or as FA. I'm quite OK with letting Aaron Jones go, despite I loved him as Packers.

8. The worst feeling right now I have is that I have to wait till end of august/early September to see meaningful football (that means to watch and cheer for Packers again).

Thank you all for interesting season and hope the best all of you in the future. Stay healthy, wealthy and well.

7 points
8.5
1.5
NickPerry's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:51 am

Game Balls...The 2020 Packers. Most had the Packers finishing 9-7 or 8-8, especially after the draft. It sure as hell didn't end like we wanted, but it's a hell of a lot better than the "Experts" predicted.

MVS...Hell of a game young man. Something positive to build on for 2021. Not go get to work.

Alexander...2nd team All-Pro my ass. He's 1st team All-Pro all Goddamn day!

Lame Calls...MLF...Not going for it on 4th down. Common Matt, you've been aggressive all year long. THIS was not the time for a FG.

MLF part 2... Lack of motion and not running the ball once on the 2 failed goal to goals when they kicked FG's. Would have liked to see Austin in motion like Ervin at least a few times and Dillon get a crack or two. Especially on the first failed goal to goal.

Kevin King... There are no word to describe his play yesterday. I'll bet TJ Watt would have affected this game in a positive way, at least one HELL of a lot more than King and Vince Beigel did!!!

Aaron Rodgers is 1-5 in NFC Championship Games. Your defense, especially Alexander gave you 3 EXTRA chances with interceptions and you did squat. You ARE the GOAT of the regular season...The Playoffs not so much.

Refs calling PI on King... Are you fucking kidding me!! You let them play all game, you let TB hald and get away with PI on at least 5 or 6 plays that I can remember and the Ref 30 yards away throw the flag? Give me a friggen break!

3 points
6
3
13TimeChamps's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:45 am

Actually he is 1-4 (Favre was the QB in the 2007 loss). But you're right....he hasn't played particularly well in the 4 losses. Certainly not up to his regular season standard anyway.

2 points
3
1
NickPerry's picture

January 26, 2021 at 04:42 am

Thanks Buddy...2014, 2016, 2019, & 2020...Instead of a 020 win percentage he's jumped to a .025 win percentage...Awesome!

Hey 13, not trying to be a dick with my comment. I do appreciate it. Just still SO bummed.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:57 am

Nick I agree with most of your points. However, the Packers did drive for a TD after the Amos pick in the second half. That was the TD where ESB dropped the 2 point conversion. The Pack failed to move the ball after the 2 picks by Alexander. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
0
Packers1985's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:02 pm

Yes they did score after that Amos INT. Coming to that 2 point conversion man that literally hit st.brown's hands and he dropped it , if he had held onto it we would've gone for the 4th down ..But hey that was the kind of the day it was for most of the players.
Jones fumbled two, adams dropping balls and Oline getting owned.
Defense giving up easy deep passes and Arod missing throws.

1 points
1
0
LombardiSince65's picture

January 26, 2021 at 10:37 am

I have the utmost respect for Aaron Rodgers but I do question just how bad he wanted to get to that Super Bowl. Facing a 3rd and Goal down by 8, he breaks out of the pocket which was collapsing and has nearly eight yards of open field in front of him to the right with most receivers and TB defense moving into the end zone and away to the left. Choice: Pull the ball down and go hells bells to the end zone or throw a dart into double coverage on Adams? I will forever remember John Elway helecoptering into the end zone in a winning Super Bowl effort from a similar distance, over who! How bad did he want it? Worst case Rodgers ends up on the 1 or 2, and changes MLF's fourth down decision. Just saying.

0 points
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0
NickPerry's picture

January 26, 2021 at 04:37 am

My bad..Thanks Since '61.

0 points
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0
Dadyo's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:43 pm

Here is the Real reason the Packers lost. BAsically everyone needs to wake up. They play in a horrible division. 6 wins automatic every season against the Bears and LIons and Vikings in most seasons. Come on. Each year they are way overrated for that reason. Play lousy teams and act like they are the best team on Earth. What goes around , comes around. Soon the Packers will be at the bottom of the cellar for a very long time. Good luck.

-1 points
1
2
AFanHasNoName's picture

January 25, 2021 at 04:12 pm

Hi,

I'd like to introduce you to Brady's previous division and the greatest dynasty in football the last 20 years.

2 points
2
0
13TimeChamps's picture

January 25, 2021 at 06:47 pm

Didn't seem to affect the Patriots playing in the NFL's worst division for years.

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

January 25, 2021 at 07:52 am

Sometimes the other team is just better.
The Packers were very good, the Bucs a little better.
On defense, the Bucs were fierce and fast. They hit hard, with crunching ferocity.
The fumbles by Aaron Jones were understandable as perfect hits by the defender.
When Aaron Rodgers is being harassed (and the running game is being stuffed) he's going to make more questionable decisions.
In general, when their defense is that good, it's going to cause our offense to be a little off.
Still, on both sides of the ball, lots of good things from the Packers.
It's worth analyzing the game in some detail, but not at the expense of tearing down the Packers for losing to a top team.
There's room for improvement, and difficult decisions to be made, but we've come a long way in a short time under Coach MLF -- consecutive 13-win seasons and two Final Fours.
It hurts a lot, but no regrets. We played hard and lost to a better team.
All but one team in the playoffs loses its last game.
The main questions are about what we learned yesterday, and how we get better for tomorrow.

4 points
4
0
Coldworld's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:37 am

I do not think they were better. Lost in all this is that we squandered multiple chances. Adams said only the Packers could stop themselves and proved right. Out prepared and out coached and called on both sides of the ball. That was a game we should have won.

4 points
4
0
Crankbait's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:51 am

We all know what we need to be better since we've had Rogers as a quarterback. It's all about the defense and it has been sorely lacking since 2010.

1 points
1
0
Houndog's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:09 am

We can second guess a lot of things here, and spend a week or a month doing it, but it won't change a thing.
However, at the risk of sounding like a whimpering Vikings fan I will say, "The Refs let the secondary(s) have their way all day, and a lot of us bitched about it all day. And then, they call a PI on an un-catchable ball for a one finger hook on a jersey with 2 minutes left and the game on the line". . WTF is that?

Almost looks like the NFL might have felt that they needed a Brady vs. Mahomes SuperBowl.

4 points
4
0
MarkinMadison's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:16 am

The only people I would give game balls to are Clark and Alexander. Rodgers was good, he was better than Brady, but he missed some opportunities, so to me he is an honorable mention.

Lame Calls - MLF. With all of the pressure on Rodgers, the TEs should have been featured more. And the other thing I've been thinking for a few weeks now: if running inside is hard use Dillon early to soften up the front. Jones had one big run against the Rams and a handful of other runs where he made short yardage out of nothing. Dillon can literally gain five yards while dragging two defenders with him. Save Jones for the second half when the defense is a little gassed instead of running him into a brick wall in the first quarter because he is your #1 back. It. Doesn't. Work.

Pettine. End of the first half. Enough said. Other than that, bring more heat on Brady. In the second half you saw Brady getting disrupted pretty easily. Someone breathed the wrong way and he threw the ball into the ground. A little pressure and he is throwing up jump balls. With Preston, Z and Gary, if you can't find a way to get pressure on the most immobile QB in the NFL today then that is on you. You can bring the heat and gamble on Brady making the big play, or you can not bring the heat and watch him make the big play.

2 points
2
0
mrtundra's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:26 am

MVS deserves a game ball.

5 points
5
0
blacke00's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:19 am

I have argued for at least 50 years (and yes I've been packer for even longer), the refs call penalties when they want to, meaning they choose to call them when they want to (consciously or unconsciously). This needs to stop. This is not just in Packer games it's done all the time. it's done against certain teams (maybe by reputation of team or whatever) and not others. How do you account for penalties called in the last minutes of a game when calls were not made throughout the remainder of the game. OL holding is one of the best. We all see holding on just about every play no call...last 2 minutes of a game the call is made. I can't tell you how many I seen that happen (to many to count and I'm not talking about only Packer game)

I know no one believes me but I'm sticking to it. I've seen this happen for it to be coincidental. Refs should never determine the outcome of a game. If you don't make the call early in the game don't make in the last minute.

2 points
3
1
mrtundra's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:29 am

On the play where King was called for PI, Gary was being held during his pass rush on Brady. One replay view of the King PI showed Gary being held, no flag there. Should have been off setting penalties and a replay of the down.

3 points
3
0
Guam's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:35 am

I've never been a conspiracy theorist and am not starting now, but you are correct that DPI should not have been called. If they weren't going to call DPI on the interception against Lazard where he was clearly held by the Buc's CB (allowing the Buc's CB to catchup to Lazard and jump in front of him to secure the INT), then they can' t make the call against King.

In my opinion, both were DPI and both should have been called. But you can't not call one and then call the other. The refs inserted themselves into the game by doing what they did.

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:43 am

Tampa will lose next week if the refs call even slightly more strictly. They did the same last week. Their rookie CB could, perhaps should, have been called on every play in both games not credited with 3 interceptions. I don’t know why we didnt respond in kind, but the non calls throughout played a big part in the outcome even before the farce of the call to deal the game.

0 points
0
0
Swisch's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:05 am

That's what I'm most concerned about -- whether or not the Bucs were getting away with illegally pawing at and grabbing our receivers consistently throughout the game?

0 points
0
0
Wilment's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:21 am

A bunch of stuff sticks out .....the lack of the motion on offenseI saw during the win over the Rams. What would the game have been with Baktiari mauling JPP and keeping Rodgers clean? Kevin King regressing four seasons in a day, smoked twice staring in the backfield, both times for touchdowns. The field goal? Inexperienced coach playing not to lose instead of playing to win Arians understood it, and put the dagger in at the half. How much more does Rodgers have left? How many more chances does he have in a Packers uniform before his skills decay? Going to be tough addressing the needs to advance next year.

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:16 am

I wonder about the lack of motion on offense, as well.
I don't remember even the appearance of one jet sweep.
It seems there was very little misdirection at all.
Also, early in the game, Rodgers rolled out at our goal line to complete a big pass to Lazard -- but then we didn't use the rollout much, if at all, as a way to outflank the rush.
I'm also wondering if we could have helped our offensive line more on pass blocking.
Finally, on defense, there's the King thing.
With Alexander being so good, could we have spared some deep help for King?
Did King have his head in the game? Did the coaches talk with him on the sidelines? Should he have been more or less benched?

0 points
0
0
Guam's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:28 am

Lame call to Pettine. He usually plays too much prevent defense for my taste, but the one time he absolutely needs to play prevent, he calls for press man coverage and no help deep. And King executes poorly. Then Pettine gets called twice for too any men on the field when he is trying to shuffle in replacements too late and the Bucs are already at the line. What was he thinking??????

I am joining the dump Pettine bandwagon (along with Mennenga). Those kinds of brain cramps at crucial times in the game are inexcusable for a veteran coach.

0 points
0
0
Razer's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:36 am

Never been one to complain about referees even when there are bad calls. A team takes what is theirs and wins games outright. We had our chances and didn't perform. The Packers got away with a lot of non calls as did the Bucs. Kevin King played like crap and stretched the guy's jersey in wide open spaces because he was beat again. Stop crying about a perfectly obvious call as if that was the deciding factor. The Bucs defense outplayed us and we lost because we didn't execute at the critical points in the game.

2 points
2
0
SteelyPhil's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:01 am

Ken, you miss me with the "you lost to a better team" schtick. The 2020 Packers were awesome and TB made PLENTY of egregious mistakes this game.

What's really gutting about all this is that with the salary cap situation and the number of players hitting free agency, it's hard to imagine this team being better next year than they were this year. On the one hand, I guess that doesn't really matter - the team that beat the Titans and the Rams was one of the best teams I've ever seen in green and gold, and the outcome was the same as last year and 2016 when they were not nearly as good. There's some nihilistic comfort to be taken, I suppose, in that the only time we got a ring with Rodgers under center was an improbable run where they were a WC team. But it also means that having expectations of SB glory with this franchise is a waste of emotional energy. If they win a SB, it'll be because the football gods were feeling especially generous, and no other reason.

1 points
1
0
Migas's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:09 am

Agree. Don't see any way with cap situation and schedule that this team does as well. Even Rodgers knows it. This was there last best chance with Rodgers. While the roster was pretty good, I still maintain the 2020 draft hurt this team's chances. Were the Packers outcoached? Yes. But look how Brady was given the tools to succeed while Rodgers was basically told play better with same team. He did but it was not enough.

0 points
0
0
SteelyPhil's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:28 am

I think discussions of the draft are kind of moot at this point. They had a formula and a team that could have won yesterday, and if we had the ability to replay this matchup 100 times, GB probably wins more than 50% of the time. The offense literally broke records in terms of productivity throughout the season.

The bigger problem for me as a fan is that the quality of team seems to be completely unrelated to getting to the Super Bowl, if you're the Packers. It's usually a fun ride getting to January, but they will always find a way to wilt.

0 points
0
0
Crankbait's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:41 am

I don't know what it is with this organization , it's culture within but this team just seems to choke in the playoffs.
All the opportunities, more than enough opportunities, were there for them to take control of this game and win but they just kept beating themselves.
Missed tackles, turnovers, dropped interceptions, poor defensive positioning and execution, and not getting the ball to the open man. It has become a habit now in Green Bay. I just don't get it.

2 points
2
0
Winchester77's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:41 am

Dear Minnesota Vikings,
I don't know if you've heard, but there's this really good cornerback named Kevin King who is about to become a free agent. He's really, really good. You should sign him.
Please...sign him.

3 points
4
1
stockholder's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:55 am

The Bucs knew how to dial it up when needed. They were the better team. This was a confidence game. It reflected in the coaching decisions. The lack of speed. And players that over achieved. This team is to slow yet. It lacks muscle. And while some players took that next step. It lacks the talent to be champions. I too over estimated the success of Rodgers. The Rbs. This OL. The Game Balls were correct. The thing they had in common was speed. Theres no substitution for it. And when you have a GM that doesn't fix the trench. You will lose the biggest game every time. A QB can't do it all. Rodgers has done to much already. That for 10 years we have kept pointing to the Defense. ) And for ten years they got beat up. Pettine must be Fired! Two years of failure will only continue.( Until they find the right players. The right scheme. ) Yes bitch about the officials all you want. But the person that shares in the blame; sits in that GM chair.

0 points
1
1
Migas's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:21 am

Agree about GM but I don't think the OL was bad. Bakhtiari missing really hurt. Bad matchup with JPP and Barrett vs our OTs. But lack of speed in skilled positions was an issue. Defense played great vs run but CBs outside of Jaire let us down. This D is like playing Whack-a-Mole. Last year it was run D so this year we stuff run down stretch and then teams torch secondary. DC MUST be fired. And don't forget special teams (and lousy punter).

Officials were bad but that was not the reason we lost.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:34 am

LeFluer stated the OL must do better at 1/2 Time. They let Rodgers down after the INTs. The biggest problem still is No PRs. Been a revolving door. That could have been drafted. DL - Brady still had to much Time. They came on in the second 1/2. Lowrey played better to save his fate. But a pay-cut is still in order. How many chances do you want to give people? If the super-bowl isn't the goal they have the right players.

0 points
0
0
Philarod's picture

January 25, 2021 at 08:55 am

I already did a similar exercise on the Good/Bad/Ugly thread.
It's all a blur.

Quickly, I extend game balls to - not in order: Clark, Jaire, Rodgers and MVS.

Lame Calls to the refs' inconsistency, the gold zone play design and execution, Kevin King and Mike Pettine, the FG decision (I'm a big MLF fan, but come on), ESB (really?I), Lazard and even A Jones and Davante.

What sucks - among other things - is that this will be more "evidence" of Brady as GOAT.
Rodgers is considerably better in my opinion, but how does one make that case when TB12 is going to his 10th SB with 6 Lombardis under his belt, and AR12 is stuck at one.
Football, of course, is the ultimate team sport, and what Rodgers has done over the years to make this mediocre team a contender almost every year has been an annual miracle.

2 points
3
1
Since'61's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:19 am

Game Balls: Clark, Alexander, MVS and Rodgers (33-46, 346 yards, 3 TDs, with little ground game and shaky OL play).

Lame Calls: I posted pre-game that the quality of the Packers OL play was the #1 factor for the Packers in this game. The OL played hard but they did not play at the same level they had been playing at over the last 6-7 games.
The run game was stopped although we should have run the ball more than 16 times and Rodgers was under pressure for most of the game.
Adams dropped TD took 4 points off the board. Ended up to be a big hurt. Redmond dropped an easy pick before the disastrous end of half TD. Kevin King gave up 2 long TDs.
Pettine, WTF? Why didn’t you call the defense in the 1st half the way you called in the 2nd half. We only gave up an FG in the 2nd half. MLF, why did we stop running the ball? Why weren’t our TEs chipping on outside pass rushers? An FG down by 8 points late in the game! Why take the ball out of Rodgers hands even for one play? Too, too many questionable coaching decisions throughout the game. Many were decisions that should have been covered during the game preparation during the week. No unscouted looks against a defense like Tampa for the championship game!!!
Why not more carries and even receptions for Dillon!!
Yes, players make mistakes and officials make bad calls, but the Bucs were better prepared for situational football than the Packers yesterday. For example, Would you rather have Pettine or Bowls as our DC? I rest my case.
Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
0
flackcatcher's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:31 pm

Pettine or Bowls? Bowls had back to back game crews who let hand coverage and outright holding on LB/DB without calls. Packers don't play their coverage that way, so they were at a disadvantage all game long. Even though the NFL has made it clear to their game crews that those penalties are to be called, player safety the league office says. (Don't get me started on the number of horse collars that Tampa's OL hung on the Smiths and Gray...)

0 points
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Migas's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:29 am

Agree about DC. Pettine is awful. Sometimes I wonder how much is players and how much is DC schemes. But play before half sealed it for me.... You can't expect offense to constantly score 30+ points to win every game. Some Playoff teams have good defenses.

Dillons minimal use was a head scratcher and chipping with TEs seemed obvious but was overlooked. MLF was outcoached.

2 points
2
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PeteK's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:37 am

--The biggest blunder was the TD before the half PERIOD
--Yes, some calls did go against us ,but none were as blatant as King stretching that jersey for that long right out in the open., lets be fair.
--Rogers was a warrior today, 346 yds, 3 TDs ,1 int. ( 5 sacks, 8 hits and numerous pressures) it's a rarity for a team and QB to be in a 5 pt game with that type of pressure. Yes, Adams and AR were just a little off on a few TDs that would have resulted in a victory, bad luck.
--I thought there would be some new wrinkles in the O today( shovel, pass, reverse,Williams at QB whatever)
--Sadly, in the end, our O line's and King's constant battles with injuries were taken advantage of by Bucs and lead to our demise.
--Finally, for people like me 65, I felt Rogers' sadness because we don't know how many chances there are. It's very difficult in a long season to get this far. however, I think we have the talent for one more run with Rogers and then we just might have a QB that we will LOVE.

1 points
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Packerpasty's picture

January 25, 2021 at 09:49 am

some GM's go all in to win a SB, some guys do things like drafting Love....

-1 points
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Swisch's picture

January 25, 2021 at 10:59 am

Good stuff, Pete.
I am taken aback at least a little by the apparent lack of creativity in our play calling.
I am stunned by the repeated lapses of King; but, then again, wonder if he should have had some deep help (or have been switched out of the game, more or less).
The play that really hurts for me is the grab by King at the end on a pass that turned out to be, at least to appearances, uncatchable.
Without that, we do get the ball back in time to try for a winning touchdown.
At least in slow motion, the jersey on the Bucs receiver billowed like a sailboat -- making it difficult not to call as a penalty.
Maybe there's more to the story overall to go easier on Kevin King, but the results were atrocious.
I hope he recovers and has a nice career with another team, and most of all a good rest of his life.
The bottom line may be that he is too prone to injury to perform at a high level consistently in the NFL.
Maybe he was too hampered by injury to be out there as much as he was yesterday.

2 points
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PeteK's picture

January 25, 2021 at 04:22 pm

Billowed like a sailboat-hahaha. Why they weren't in a 3 deep zone with 8 seconds baffles me.

1 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

January 25, 2021 at 10:16 am

What, if anything, they do about their special teams coaching? That has to be one of the easiest decisions ever. If there isn’t a coaching change at special teams we need to start a search for MLF’s balls.

1 points
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cheesehead1's picture

January 25, 2021 at 10:18 am

The Bucs O line and D line outplayed us. I’m tired of some fans blaming the refs, we got away with a lot too. To me the problem continues to be our average at best defensive play, year after year except 2010. As great as Brady is, and rightfully so, he’s had much better defenses over the years compared to Rodgers, yesterday was no different. I’d be shocked if King returns and think it’s time to move on from Pettine.

1 points
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Packers0808's picture

January 25, 2021 at 10:38 am

What sticks in my craw was the high 5 given to Brady by ref at end of game! What does that smack of AGAIN? Also way King was playing why not use Williams as long as you brought him along, heck use him! Couldn't do any worse for sure!

3 points
3
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NWPackersfan's picture

January 25, 2021 at 12:53 pm

Lame Calls : Not blitzing Brady on that Final play of the First half. Pettine coached against him twice a year with the Jets and he should have realized that given enough time in the pocket Brady would find the open man and of course it was King...
.
also, not enough AJ Dillion on the field...he has so much power and fresh legs. Why didn't they utilize hime more?

Wagner just couldn't stand up to the rush so why didn't they give AR some additional protection on that side?

Lastly, NO creativity in the gold zone...what happen to Tonyan?
Game Balls are of course the same as yours.

Generally just a tough pill to swallow after such an amazing season. Ending with home field advantage which didn't turn out to be anything....kinda felt like that Seahawks loss ...

the team that wanted it the most must have won!

0 points
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BAMABADGER's picture

January 25, 2021 at 01:25 pm

Plan and simple.... History will crown Brady as the GOAT, while Rodgers is 1-4 in opportunities to get to the Super Bowl. Eli has a better post season record.

0 points
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Minniman's picture

January 25, 2021 at 01:39 pm

You know it was a bad loss when......

As a fan, you wake up, in a startle, in the middle of the night, and the dread that it wasn't a dream kicks in.

...... this one hurt.

Those three 3-and-outs after the turnovers did it for me. They are going to be residing "rent-free" in my head for a while......

Still love supporting the Packers though.

Go Pack Go!

0 points
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4thand10's picture

January 26, 2021 at 02:52 am

Game balls...Dillon, Dafney,
Lazard MVS playing clutch when it was important Adams for drawing double and triple teams. Rodgers.

Lame calls ...Not going for it, Pettine rushing 4 when he watched the saints doing it and failing. I want him gone. Or change to a 4-3. LaFluer. Yes, LaFluer makes this list. When your in the red zone you don’t take Dillon out of the game. He really makes play action work because he is a tough runner. Why take him out? Brady gifts you with 3INTs. There was time on the clock so why go empty backfield? Why not run or get T Austin involved on a reverse or screen? Dafney and Dillon absolutely stoned and drove their man back on both their blocking assignments why not buy Rodgers more time if your hell bent on passing on first downs, again why take them out and show your hand? I was hoping to see Snacks and Clark lined up next to each other the whole game and instead got Lancaster and occasionally just Clark and a bunch of OLBs....just dumb.

I’m with Bearmeat...I have not watched the last 3 Super Bowls. Super upset with officiating. And that ref that padded Brady on the Ass before the first snap of the game said it all.

This yrs Draft.....DL ,WR, MLB , RB, CB

0 points
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