Colts 34 Packers 31 Game Balls and Lame Calls
So many chances, so many blown opportunities.
By KenLass
It's tough being a fan of these Green Bay Packers. They play like champs. They make you cheer. They choke and collapse. They make you curse. They rekindle your hope, then they break your heart. And all this in the same game.
In the end, the Packers just weren't good enough. I know you want to pin this loss on one player or one unit of the team. I do too. That would make it easier to hope this team is close. But the truth is, against quality opposition, they are just not good enough. Anywhere. Across the board. Not good enough on defense to stop anything, much less protect a 14 point halftime lead. Not good enough on offense to gain one yard when they have to have it.....or score a touchdown in the final seconds of regulation to steal the game. Not good enough on special teams. Not tough enough. Not poised enough. Against good teams they are just not enough. At least not yet.
They may be good enough to win a weak NFC North, although next week's game against the Bears will go a long way toward answering that. But they're not going anywhere in the playoffs, should they get there. Something is missing. I believe they have the talent. I'm not sure they have the heart.
GAME BALLS
Elgton Jenkins
Once again showing his versatility, Jenkins stepped in to play center when Corey Linsley went down. There was no appreciable dropoff in pass protection or snap exchange. This may well be his position of the future, salary cap limitations making it unlikely Linsley will return. If so, the position is in good hands.
Honorable Mentions
Aaron Rodgers threw for 311 yards and 3 scores. But after leading a brilliant drive at the end of regulation, he had Robert Tonyan wide open in the end zone on third down. Unfortunately, he had already committed to the other side of the field and threw incomplete to Davante. Sure would have liked to see what he could've done in OT. Davante Adams had 7 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. There were many flashes of good play from guys like Raven Greene, Adrian Amos, Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Tonyan, Sternberger, and yes, MVS. Let's not forget the Packers would never have had the chance to tie the game at the end of regulation without his 47 yard reception.
LAME CALLS
Lack of Creativity on Short Yardage
It's killing this team. The Packers have simply got to figure out a way to gain one yard on third or fourth down. They obviously don't have confidence they can run for it. Now it appears they can't throw for it either. You know that old expression "If you can't gain one yard you don't deserve to win?" Exactly.
Wasting Last Time Out
I can't figure out why the Packers called time out after the bomb to MVS on the last drive of regulation. There was plenty of time to get up to the ball and clock it. They needed that last time out on third down inside the ten. It would have given them a chance to talk it over and maybe come up with a better play to score and win the game.
Lack of Blitzes
Heck, I understand why you might be hesitant to send extra pass rushers against an experienced quarterback like Philip Rivers, but the 4 man rush was clearly not working. Yes, you might give up a big play, but your defense is doing that anyway.
SHORT YARDAGE
• Our kickoff return unit is so weak, opponents are intentionally kicking the ball short, forcing a return, knowing they can stop it well inside the 25.
• An overlooked aspect of this game might be the short punting by J.K. Scott, enabling the Colts to consistently win the field position trade-off.
• Jon Runyan sure looks like the left guard of the future. Didn't notice much of a dropoff when he came in after Jenkins slid over to play center.
• What in the world is Preston Smith doing covering a tight end in the red zone? Doesn't he get paid to rush the passer?
• Kind of a shame the only thing we will remember about Marquez Valdes-Scantling in this game is his back breaking fumble. Not only did he catch that 47 yarder on the last series of regulation, but he drew a 51 yard DPI penalty at the end of the half, leading to the TD flip to Jamaal Williams. If you're waiting for MVS to develop into a dependable, consistent performer, it's not gonna happen. This is what you get with him. The bad with the good.
THEY SAID IT
Aaron Rodgers: "I have a lot of love for Marquez (Valdes-Scantling). I see the guy every single day. I see how much he cares about it, and it happens unfortunately. A lot of it is fundamentals. Bad timing obviously, but I've had my share of fumbles."
Christian Kirksey: "I love this defense. I'd go to battle any time with these guys. We've still got everything in front of us. We've just got to look at the film and learn from what we were doing and build."
Matt LaFleur: "I can live with MVS. I've got more confidence in him now than ever. I think he continues to get better each and every day."
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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.
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Comments (134)
packerbackerjim
November 23, 2020 at 06:24 am
The sub-2 minute drive to end the first half was a thing of beauty.
The special teams performance was not.
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 06:24 am
Been a while since I've commented.
Packers are still the same, though.
News flash... Bears (yes - the Bears) are hanging 30 on this garbage team.
This is the most psychologically fragile team I've ever seen.
Starts with leadership.
All the Packers "leaders" are front-runners.
Shrink at the first sign of adversity.
Packerpasty
November 23, 2020 at 08:20 am
ill agree with that...Boy wonder head coach can't fire them up and they are not a "mean or tough" team...like many are saying "frontrunners"....
Big_Mel_75
November 23, 2020 at 09:08 am
You must be drunk to think the bears are going to hang 30 on this team.. The Bears have scored 30 points once against the Falcons. The Bears have a good defense, the offense is horrible.
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 09:34 am
Bears will get a ST or Def score.
They will have short fields all day long because their Def is awesome, the Packers can't run, and Scott sucks.
QB play doesn't matter because teams do not have to throw against this garbage defense.
30-17 Bears.
Watch.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 06:26 pm
The Bears will score 30 against us, but it will take them two games. The Bears are just not very good on offense.
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 08:16 pm
And the Packers are even worse on defense.
NickPerry
November 23, 2020 at 06:29 am
"Wasting Last Time Out
I can't figure out why the Packers called time out after the bomb to MVS on the last drive of regulation. There was plenty of time to get up to the ball and clock it. They needed that last time out on third down inside the ten. It would have given them a chance to talk it over and maybe come up with a better play to score and win the game."
THIS, THIS, THIS IMO was ONE of the biggest blunders made by the Packers yesterday. I mentioned it in my 2 previous posts and it's worth mentioning it again. What is it with TO and this team? It's been like this FOREVER!!!!
Just ONCE on a critical 3rd down I'd love to see Pettine BLITZ. Look at what it did to a mobile QB on 4th down when MLF didn't kick the game tying FG. Rodgers had no time and threw an air ball to Williams. The Packers on the other hand play off coverage against a QB who has a bad leg and rush 3!!!!!
Until Mike Pettine is gone (Which will be right after the Packers last loss of the season in playoffs) I will have that SICKENING FEELING in the pit of my gut when the defense is on the field with the game on the line.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:14 am
How about when its 3rd and 20 we not give up 16-17 yards?
Sorry but when its 3rd and long and we have 7 guys playing 20 yards down field, its pretty easy to figure out what the offense is going to do. Run a screen or something similar and let blockers get out and get however many yards. It happens almost every time. After a penalty to make it 1st and 20, how many times do we give up 10+ yards? Seems like every time. He goes into this prevent style defense almost every time.
The sad part is we have enough players on this defense to be decent-good-better then good. But it is the choice of how he uses players that I think hurts the defense the most. When there are extra TE's in and he decides to play Dime defense with 1 LB. Or to use 2 DL.
How about whatever defense he calls to get his MLB covering a WR? Especially when they are in a Dime defense.
I just don't get some of the decisions he makes. Its not all on Pettine, but this defense should be better then what it is!
Razer
November 23, 2020 at 08:45 am
...But it is the choice of how he uses players that I think hurts the defense the most...
While I have been one to point to lack of talent and give the DC benefit of the double - I think Pettine is guilty of the above. This defense is usually on the wrong side of the matchups and scrambling to assess what is coming at them. Pettine may have been good when he had a dominate D-line (Jets) and the game could be reduced to limited options. He looks lost on the sideline and his defense has little coordination.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 10:07 am
I don't blame all of it on Pettine and I do think there is a lack of player talent. Especially on the DL.
But we have one of if not the best CB's in the league right now. He can virtually lock down any WR in the league. We have Za'Darius and Clark who are pro bowl players. In all honesty we have 3 for sure pro bowl players on defense. And they play 3 of the most crucial positions. CB, Pass rusher and DL.
We have other players as well that are good players.
I just don't get some of the decisions he makes. Playing Dime defense almost all game long regardless of what the opposing offense plays. And then there are decisions that I question as well. And personnel decisions. Billy Winn being inactive when they could use the help on the DL. Adams playing few snaps. Gary not getting enough playing time.
The lack of aggressiveness is what really bothers me. How many 3rd and longs do we rush 3. How many times have we seen a 1st or 2nd and long and they off coverage and let them have 8-12 yards. These are things I just don't get.
croatpackfan
November 24, 2020 at 02:02 am
I agree with most of what you have write after this game, but let's be fair. Jaire was aloved 5 passes and defended one. Rivers never tried to threw the ball against Kevin King, and Kevin had several very important tackles, 1 for loss. All Colts WR were running away from King on the side of Jaire and Sullivan. King noticed that TD pass to the TE (Preston was in cover!?????), but he was to away to be there on time, to defend pass. On Sunday, Jaire did not looked like shut down CB, unfortunately...
And (this is not on you RCP) regarding MVS, I may say we should also cut Davante (similar fumble against Jags), or Aaron Rodgers (fumble on the first series of the game, clearly his mistake), or once again stupid INT thrown badly, Or to mention that he didn't see BIG Bob (BIG you know) alone as ghost in the other corner of the end zone. Easy TD and win! Or wasting the time by trying to get free play with 20+ seconds on the clock for the the last pass of the game...
There is so many blame you can put on any player in this game, but for me, main culprits are HC (as play caller) and DC. I would say that both were badly underperforming in the second half, not adjusted to the expected adjustments from the opponent and not adjusted when they saw what is going on.
If you want to blame anyone on the D-line, let say that Lancester, Lowry and Winn was have their moments in tipping the the throws from Rivers, but there was nobody to pick that freely floating balls. I agree with many of you to use Preston as cover guy. He is not LB, he is DE, or at best OLB. Also, alone in 3rd Q D was on the field for something less than 12 minutes, and that heavy load was continued through most of the 4th Q.
I was watching the game here in Croatia, on one of local TV, and announcers was crying loudly complaining of so many hold penalties against Colts. What I saw all but one was very justified and were blatant holds from the Colts OL, I disagree with the call of incomplete throw from Rivers, I believed the ball was out his control when he pushed it forward, but I might be wrong on that.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 06:41 pm
Croatpackfan....you have several good observations.
I, personally, can’t blame the coaches when the player fumbles. I agree with you about the Rivers fumble. I don’t think he had possession of the ball when his arm started forward.
Tundraboy
November 24, 2020 at 11:03 pm
You got it NP The only thing I have to add is ,what do we have to lose by canning him now? Nothing, at least we feel we might have a shot with anyone else in the playoffs. I don't think any of us have any confidence if we get there with Pettine.
Coldworld
November 23, 2020 at 10:09 am
If, as I do, one believes that this D is being held back by his calls and personnel usage, subtraction may be addition.
The safe approach for decision makers is to ride it out. At this point, however, unless they believe Pettine really is contributing, getting better isn’t going to happen with Pettine. Don’t change the system, change the decision maker driving it. Maybe we get a little better against the run. At this point that might be all it takes to put this team on another level.
Coldworld
November 23, 2020 at 10:10 am
duplicate removed
jhalwas611.com
November 23, 2020 at 10:26 am
Can you say Dan Quinn?
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 10:44 am
Dan Quinn would test the commitment of this team to an odd-man front
jhalwas611.com
November 23, 2020 at 11:45 am
exactly
jhalwas611.com
November 23, 2020 at 11:45 am
exactly
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Preaching to the Choir,...
NickPerry
November 23, 2020 at 06:35 am
Last week someone got a bit peeved with me when I questioned the hire of our ST coordinator quickly coming to his defense.
Really dude, really? Yesterdays shit-show was just another in a LONG running series. When they actually kick to you and they WANT you to return the ball, can it be screamed any louder your ST are a joke?
HighPlainsDrifter
November 23, 2020 at 08:14 am
That was me. That reply was prompted by the fact that you insinuated that Mennenga's only experience was coaching one year at Vandy. I simply pointed out that he is an experienced coach.
Razer
November 23, 2020 at 09:26 am
Double LIKE the civility of this response. Thanks
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 10:45 am
Agreed! An a like for Razer for calling attention to it!
NickPerry
November 24, 2020 at 05:01 pm
That wasn't what I said, not even close. I NEVER said his ONLY experience was at Vandy... Matter of fact here's the comment.
NickPerry
November 18, 2020 at 05:04 am
The Packers haven't been a hard hitting defense for years. Dating back to MM and Capers and now Pettine. There was 2010 when we had Bishop who knew who to hit, and Matthews from time to time.
BUT I wonder how much of it is also on the penalties given out anymore. I don't want to say that's the reason because this defense IS soft. I honestly believe MLF was STUCK with Pettine and was strongly urged to keep him another year. I don't think that will happen in 2021 again and Pettine will be gone.
When MLF hired Shawn Mennenga from Vanderbilt my first thought was really? When I looked at Mennenga's ST rankings while at the Football Powerhouse Vanderbilt my next thought was WTF!!!!!! Last season before the Packers brought in Ervin, they actually had NEGITIVE 8 yards in punt returns with a long return of only 3 yards. Now that was 12 ( TWELVE) weeks into the year. Personally I'm shocked the Packers don't have a KO or punt return against them every week with that type of coaching on ST. Ervin really is that good and might be superman had the Packers hired Rizzo instead of lowballing him! Just my opinion...
If you're going to blast me or anyone for that matter at least be correct in what your saying in your comment.
Packerpasty
November 23, 2020 at 08:22 am
when have the Packers ever had a great or even good special teams??? Been a long time...they just don't seem to value that part of the team very much and its costing them...this kick return dude shouldn't even be in the NFL for one thing...
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 09:35 am
It's because back-ups play ST and Packers usually have garbage bench because their drafts are trash.
Bearmeat
November 23, 2020 at 10:39 am
MOO!!!!!!
4thand10
November 23, 2020 at 06:34 am
Game Balls.... entire Oline
Lame calls... I cant prove this statistically...maybe one of our good stats people on here can, but it seems like every single third quarter with the exception of maybe one game has sucked as far as play calling . I know other teams adjust after half, but ours suck and then we don’t even adjust to their adjustments.
The no call face mask on Jones was a back breaker...yes, he still got the 1st but that 15 yards at that point in the game was crucial.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:17 am
What is just as bad on that no face mask call was when Aikman was heehawing around about whether it was an actual penalty. I guess since he has a visor its not a penalty?
That was a huge missed call. If Jones doesn't get grab by his facemask, he likely gets a big gain on that play. That was a huge missed call.
murf7777
November 23, 2020 at 07:49 am
Things would’ve been different if we converted our 3rd downs. Because that would keep opposing teams offense off the field. You can’t count on not having to play a 3rd down often like in the first half. Is it play calling or execution as good as MVS can make plays for this team he can be just as detrimental and I’m not talking about his fumble. Early in the 3rd quarter he was to run a back shoulder Radeon the sideline. Rodgers threw a perfect pass to nobody because MVS ran past where he was suppose to be. If he fixes that type of route running mistakes he could become a dominate receiver in the league.
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 09:38 am
1st and 2nd downs don't involve pressure.
Fail and you get another down.
3rd downs involve pressure.
Fail and you're done.
Packers shrink under pressure.
Mentally, physically, and emotionally weak.
Philarod
November 23, 2020 at 08:11 am
Yes, especially to your last point.
That was the definition of a lame non-call.
Razer
November 23, 2020 at 08:53 am
I am sure there were missed calls going the other way. This loss wasn't affected by poor referees. We didn't run enough or well so a missed facemask is secondary to missed opportunity. The better teams find a way to win regardless of the calls. The better teams don't let opponents back into the game and let calls become excuses. The better teams score more than 3 points in the tough part of the game. We are not a better team.
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:04 pm
We have been screaming for a power running game for the past how many years? Where is the Fullback on this team or at least re-supply the HB position. Lovette goes down and they replace him with some scrub WR.
If you want to move the pile get bigger. Why not use Wagner at the power TE ? It is not even High school Chemistry, much less rocket science. Pettine has to be released from his duties. No pressure on Rivers. Shooting gallery bullshit again with the dime D.
Lare
November 23, 2020 at 06:40 am
I think the Packers play with the demeanor of their Head Coach.
I also think MVS has what it takes to be an NFL WR below his shoulders, where he struggles is above them.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:21 am
Honestly outside of the fumble which was his first fumble in the NFL, he was really good in the game yesterday. If it wasn't for him, we likely don't get the TD before halftime, and we don't know what happens on the final drive. He was big time for us when we needed him to be.
Honestly it should have never gotten to him fumbling the ball away. The offense did absolutely nothing in the 2nd half. 3 points when they score 28 in the first. 4 turnovers. Rodgers fumbles the snap on the opening drive. He throws a pick later. Both on Rodgers.
The only other 'mess up' with MVS was on the back shoulder throw. Which that is a communication error with Rodgers.
Packers2020
November 23, 2020 at 08:55 am
The INT was on Rodgers, the fumbled snap was on Linsley. He snapped it low to the bottom hand and not the top hand.
As for the O, I agree to a certain extent. The D allowed the Colts to have the ball for 13 min of the 3rd quarter and the O did not get it back until 9 min left in the game. You cannot expect the O to score every time and only have 4 total possessions all half. This D needs to be held accountable.
Coldworld
November 23, 2020 at 10:42 am
Agreed. No team should expect to score every time, particularly against an elite D. The fact is that a switch to a run focus by our opponent allowed them to eat the clock and put up points. Rodgers and Co. can’t score from the bench.
So this comes back to the D and Pettine insisting for the third quarter on a lighter D line and one ILB. This is on Pettine at root. Yes the fumbles were critical but the initiative was again surrendered by the strategy on D.
Enough is enough, either trust your backfield or don’t, but frankly they’ve given us more reason to have filth than what’s in front of them, especially when used aggressively. Bolster the run, rotate your OLBs and go heavier on D line and play 2 ILBs. That will help Clark and the OLBs.
Pettine has just run out of conviction, ideas or both. Time to hand things over to one of the coaches. A small improvement on D strategy and usage may be all it takes. The current approach is just undermining our strength on O and, in my view, negating the areas we are strong on D too.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 10:51 am
I don't know. To me it hit him in the hands. I'm not sure exactly what happened to be honest. Its not like it hit his fingers or hit his under hand. It was right where it should have been I think. Either way it was a turnover between him and Linsley. It happens once and a while. Unfortunately it happened yesterday.
Well the offense had 2 - 3 and outs. That didn't help the defense at all. The defense couldn't get off the field either but the offense not doing anything in back to back series, followed by the turnover on special teams, it put the defense on the field a lot.
Can't expect the O to score every time. But when the defense is struggling a little they need to pick there game up and have a drive that consists of more then 3 plays. When we needed the 2 drives to do something/anything, they didn't do anything.
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:08 pm
Lazard also had a key drop on that series. Football Focus 101, get back to basics.
badaxed
November 23, 2020 at 06:46 am
Bad coaching. Half the time balls hit players in the back of the head becausee they never turn around and look for the ball. Most of the time wide receivers are running around in our secondary with no one around them for ten yards. Why is it that opponents can blanket our receivers yet our defensive backs stand flat footd and let everyone run past and around them wilde open. I am sorry but this is a reflection of coaching style. No pass rush. Dime package continues against a run game. Continuing broken coverage. Pass rushers trying to cover receivers. I do not believe that anything will change until the defensive coaching system is changed ( Fire Pettine ). The special teams are special needs. Poor punting. Poor coverage. No blocking. No returners. I cannot believe there Is not one other sure handed player on their team who can not not make at least one person miss a tackle. On the return of a touchdown by Jacksonville no one stayed in their lanes. That is poor coaching. Pathetic.
flackcatcher
November 24, 2020 at 11:40 am
DB are told not to look back till the WR lifts his arms. That's across all levels of football. This goes back to the changes in PI rules in both college and pro level. I agree, but this the new NFL. Pass game rules put the defense at a mass disadvantage. That's the way it is.
badaxed
November 23, 2020 at 07:03 am
Fire Pettine.
jeremyjjbrown
November 23, 2020 at 06:53 am
Not kicking the FG was dumb.
If they had kicked and tied the game and had a good kickoff, then if put the rest of the game after that in they would win.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:23 am
My question about this is, were they concerned that Crosby wouldn't be able to make that kick?
I know he wanted to be aggressive, but was some of his decision to not kick it because Crosby has been hurt?
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 10:49 am
I think the call was made because they didn't want to give Indy the ball back in a tie game with 3 minutes and 3 TOs.
That said, I think you have to tie the game there.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 11:18 am
If nothing is wrong with Crosby. I would have probably went for the FG.
The otherside of that though is it is not a chip shot. That was a 50ish+ yard FG. If he misses they give them the ball with good field position.
But my question was if something was wrong with Crosby or not.
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 11:21 am
I think he was not listed on the injury report at all this week.
https://www.packers.com/team/injury-report/
jeremyjjbrown
November 23, 2020 at 02:55 pm
But that's exactly what they did. And they left them the lead too.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:01 am
Game Balls:
Jenkins - What an absolute stud!! I am just guessing that after this year we will see Linsley leave in FA and Jenkins will be our starting OC moving forward. Just a guess.
Also of note, Runyan came in and played really well at LG from what I could tell. Perhaps he will be our OG next year if/when Jenkins goes to OC.
Raven Greene - That punch out to get the ball back after the fumbled exchange was huge. Colts would have had 1st and 10 at around the 50 and who knows what happens from there. That was a huge momentum swing early.
I really want to give MVS a game ball. Its hard to not want to because of the fumble, but if it weren't for him, we likely don't score a TD right before halftime. And who knows what happens in the 4th quarter. Without his bomb catch who knows if we even get a chance to score. Also he blocks his ass off!
Honestly his fumble in OT should have never gotten to that point.
Lame Calls:
Darrius Shepherd - I liked him last year in the preseason. But he really hurt this team in this game. First the kick return just before half time. He lets the ball go, which lands just at the goal line. I get that he didn't expect it to bounce backwards, but the second he did he needed to get on that damn thing and go. Luckily replay showed it hit the line (barely). That play could have been bigger then what it was. He had that fumble which absolutely was the worst time for it to happen.
Sorry to say this but they have to find a replacement for Shepherd.
2nd half offense - At one point I think the Colts ran something like 33 plays to the Packers 6? Going two 3 and outs back to back absolutely changed the 2nd half.
Final drive. I really don't like how they managed that final drive at all. They call timeout after the bomb. Ok, fine I guess but not sure why when there was over a minute left. They could have went up clocked it with 50 or so seconds left. Should have been ok. Then they get towards the goal line and when Tonyan gets the throw to make it 3rd and 3 or so, why not have a play to get 3-4 yards. There was a lot of time left and they ran the clock down to almost no time left. I get why they did it, but they had the defense on their heels. By running the clock down and going for 1 play they allowed the defense to get reset a bit. I really would have liked to have seen them try to get the first down, clock it and try to get 1-2 shots into the endzone.
I don't know what the realistic answer to that was, but the entire drive I just didn't like how it worked out.
Notes:
I hate games like this. Games where they should have won and didn't. The first half they were cruising. Go into halftime and come out flat. The offense has a couple of miscommunications, the defense goes into a bend but don't break mentality, and all of a sudden the game is tied and we go behind.
I didn't hear it but when it was 4th and 1 and we elected to go for it vs kick the FG try, was it because of concerns with Crosby? He had been battling some injury's and whatnot. Was it because of that? Or was it purely they felt they had a bit of momentum and wanted to stay aggressive?
MVS Fumbled, but my god Packer fans. Stop with this death threat shit! It shows what kind of person you are if you're threatening him over this crap!
Coldworld
November 23, 2020 at 07:23 am
The freak bounce on the punt that just hit the line was the right call. Just because a tossed coin can land on its edge doesn’t mean you play for that outcome. We don’t want returners catching the ball on the one yard line.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:24 am
I was fine with him letting the ball go thinking it was going into the end zone. In all honesty what are the chances the ball on the kickoff bounces backwards? But the second it bounced back he had to pick it up and take off regardless of whether he thought it hit the line or not.
Coldworld
November 23, 2020 at 08:37 am
He did
Bearmeat
November 23, 2020 at 07:22 am
Agreed 100%, RC.
They should have won. But when you turn the ball over 4x on the road, you're usually going to lose. Especially against good teams. If they get a rematch (which I'd be thrilled with because it would be in the Super Bowl), they win.
That said, I just don't think this team has "it." Whatever "it" is. A lack of focus. A lack of heart. A lack of a spine by the defensive backfield? A lack of talent at DT.
I'll watch and root. Because I'm a fan. But I have a very sinking feeling that we're looking at a 12-4 team who gets the 3 seed and loses at home vs the NFCW/S #1 WC.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 07:31 am
Wait what??? You agree with me? Did you finally take your foil hat off? Lol.
I just hate games like this because it feels like we let one go. We beat ourselves, not them beating us. I hate that feeling.
I think on defense its purely a lack of aggressiveness. The defense in the first half was playing aggressive ball. It was great to see. But after half time i don't know if they just go to comfortable or what.
The offense honestly in the 2nd half it was just missed chances. 2 - 3 and outs really hurt them.
What I hope this game does is propels them into thinking that they know they should have won and will take it out in the game next week. That is my hope.
Bearmeat
November 23, 2020 at 08:15 am
LOL.
I'm no (serious) Cow/tinfoil hat idiot. I'm just generally a pessimist. 30 years of "almost good enough" with only 2 "good enoughs" for most of my life (I'm 39) would do that to anyone.
The 2020 team has talent - other than at DT, it's good enough to win it all. In 2019, they just weren't. Plain and simple. Which makes losing to the Vikings, yesterday, and frankly, beating the Jags by the crappy way they did - more frustrating.
We NEED that bye. And frankly, the entire NFC Playoff field, other than the 4 seed, whom we won't be facing, scares me.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 09:24 am
lol. i get it. Just fun picking on you.
Well I guess you have more experience then me to be a pessimist. (I'm 38).
I agree with you about the talent from last year to this year. We have 1 stud DT and the rest are average at best. Though I will say I thought they played one of their best games of the year yesterday.
I agree about the bye. We do need one or will need one.
Honestly this year in the NFC it is wide open. Who can't win it? IMO GB has as good of a chance as anyone to win it. Honestly we just need some more consistency. Yesterdays game was honestly more of them giving it away more then getting beat.
I feel better as a whole after yesterday then I did against the Jags. Even though we beat the Jags and the weather was a factor. I feel like we just killed ourselves more then anything.
Bearmeat
November 23, 2020 at 10:41 am
Agreed 100%. We were due for fumbles though. Even if Rodgers hardly ever throws picks, we were way below average in TO's until recently. We didn't have a turnover until the TB game IIRC. That was historic.
The fumbles won't be that big of a deal going forward.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 11:43 am
The MVS play I think was a great play by the defense kind of thing. Honestly looking back at that play i put a lot more blame on the 2 guys trying to block 1 guy and not, then I do MVS fumbling. If those 2 guys blocking don't allow the DB to split them MVS easily gets the first down and likely doesn't fumble. I don't think MVS expected him to get through and probably got a little loose with the ball.
Rodgers doesn't throw many pics that are bad throws. This one I felt he was a little late on the throw. But it was a great play by the defender.
Coldworld
November 23, 2020 at 07:40 am
Oddly I saw more spirit this week than previously. Indy is a good D. Our ball security let us down.
Lazard took the first steps in his return, MVS showed again that he is developing. Even EQ had a play, Greene again showed. Winn was active and yet again made an impact.
The fumbles in the second half were players trying too hard for extra yards. At least that’s a sign of desire if also perhaps one that coaches need to focus on in terms of decision and technique.
The team that showed yesterday was a lot more impressive than the one that won against the Jaguars. Yes, I still don’t like what Pettine is doing but I think after some inexplicable blown coverages early the D did well having effectively handed them 7. I think if Lazard is healthy we win that one.
It would be nice to solve the short yardage issue though. Dillon may need to be in more and be available to take those and decoy. LaFleur is getting too predictable without the real threat in the middle.
Indy are a good team. I had that as a loss going in. Yes it hurts to lose a game you should have won on the OT coin toss, but overall I see positives.
murf7777
November 23, 2020 at 08:08 am
Well stated CW.....we played with great energy. we were finally at full strength and I felt we could put a lot of explosive 20+ yard plays on this team and beat them. Which is exactly what we were doing. I was also not overly concerned with their run game unless they ran for over 150 yards and won the TOP. They ran for 140 and did win the TOP.
A big mistake in the 3rd quarter on 3rd down was MVS not running a back shoulder route correctly thus having to punt and allowing Indy to control the clock. Man, if that guy starts running intermediate routes correctly, watch out. The reality is we lost due to losing the TO battle, which contributed to the lack of TOP. Did anyone actually think we are going to blow this team out?
IMO, we are the better team or at least even, we just weren’t yesterday. Mainly because Arod>Rivers. Regarding MLF, I personally love his aggressive nature and believe he needs to spend a lot of time practicing short yardage situations. He is a very intelligent leader, albeit not without mistakes, but if he learns from them, he will go down as one of the better ones. We need to remember this is only his second year and he has shown to be above average already.
HighPlainsDrifter
November 23, 2020 at 08:04 am
The MAGAbillies love to issue death threats, especially against Black players. Look no further than the comment above assuming that MVS has nothing from the neck up. Typical dog whistle language, typical racist behavior.
Leatherhead
November 24, 2020 at 07:29 am
Bigotry and hate. Take it some place else.
Swisch
November 23, 2020 at 10:08 am
I was impressed with the way MVS blocked on the big catch-and-run by ESB, plus I think he had another big block at the goal line that helped to score a touchdown.
I'm reluctant to give up on Darrius Shepherd so soon, especially if the blocking ahead of him has not been that great.
In general, young guys are going to make mistakes. If we see promise in them, though, and effort, then let's build them up when they're down.
It could be the difference between them starring for us in the future, rather than making it big with another team.
Roadrunner23
November 23, 2020 at 07:10 am
Not good enough? They also weren’t good enough during their last Super Bowl run, but they got hot in the playoffs. Dominant no, good enough yes.
That’s why you play the games.
Lot of season left!
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 07:56 am
Nah.
This team is dead.
There is no balance.
Run game doesn't help the pass game.
Pass rush doesn't help the coverage.
Coverage doesn't help the pass rush.
Defense doesn't help the offense.
Offense doesn't help the defense.
Special teams doesn't help anyone.
Coaches don't help the players.
Players don't help the coaches.
Lack of talent acquisition doesn't offset lack of player development or vice versa.
Just no balance.
They'll probably make the playoffs (although I could see this ending 9-7).
If they do, they'll lose to LA, SEA, TB, AZ, or NO.
It's over.
Bearmeat
November 23, 2020 at 08:04 am
WELCOME BACK! MOOOO!
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:27 pm
Picket, Raji, Green, Wilson up front. Bishop in the middle....Clark and nobody.
badaxed
November 23, 2020 at 07:15 am
Wide open Tonyon in end zone. Rodgers does not see all the field. (Blinders for Adams). The interception was the same. Maybe win division. One and done in playoffs. I do not ever see Rodgers in another Superbowl. I saw Carr of the raiders make a short throw over a rusher that Rodgers could not make (overthrow). Perhaps drafting Jordon love for the near future is not such a bad idea.
murf7777
November 23, 2020 at 08:14 am
YES! We should can Rodgers cuz he didn’t see Tonyan on that play~
Packerpasty
November 23, 2020 at 08:26 am
I hope Rodgers leaves in the coming seasons , curious to see what another team and coach will do with him, also curious to see what our brilliant GM see's in Love...
TXCHEESE
November 23, 2020 at 08:39 am
We all wish Rodgers had seen Tonyan, but in his defense there was not enough time to scramble around and look for options and still give yourself another down. I may get crucified for this, but I was kind of hoping GB would have just gone for the win.
gkarl
November 23, 2020 at 10:33 am
I don't think Rogers really needed to scramble around and look for other options on that play. It look like Tonyan ran the route he was suppose to, Rogers just locked in and appeared to never consider another option on that play.
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:21 pm
I listened via Nagler, so i could not see the play. Sounded like Rodgers rolled right, they doubled Adams and no trailing WR and Tonyan backside release w/ no cover guy. Maybe they took too much of Rodgers improvisational skills away with a one-read play design. The killer was not letting Rodgers run hurry up in OT as he did to tie up the match at the end of regulation. Time for the six game roll.
13chpshps
November 23, 2020 at 07:18 am
"I believe they have the talent" I must be missing something. Certainly on defense and special teams where depth is crucial the Packers seem woefully talent starved. Is there a worse team at stopping the run in the NFL. These are one on one matchups where the Packer players are outplayed week after week. After K. Clark, Alexander and Z Smith is there a player on the defense who would start on another NFL defense? Maybe Amos but its hard to find another. As far as play calling... contemplate this. Packer fans should know that we once had a coach here who ran the same play over and over again. The defense knew what was coming and could not stop it. To win a play you must execute and beat the guy in front of you. The Packers do not have enough talent. But we do have an opportunity to ride Rodgers again next year to the playoffs where we once again exit after one or two games. Two championships in 30 years with these past 2 QBs is a travesty due to management.
Razer
November 23, 2020 at 07:43 am
I tend to agree with your assessment on the talent and the failure of management over the span of two very good QBs. I do think that better coaching over the years would have translated into more success. Our defense could be better but the lack of cohesion and design is a major cause of under performance. But ultimately, you are right, there aren't enough difference makers throughout the team
PhantomII
November 23, 2020 at 03:15 pm
I think we have plenty on offense. Sure I would like a true #2 WR but we have 2-pretty good RB's, 2-pretty good TE's a future hall of fame QB. An all pro level #1 WR. A good returner when not overused in our offense and is now hurt. A very good OL. Lazard is back and will earn more reps. MVS is improving. ESB nearly got a TD on a nice grab. Defense showed they could hold the Colts to 3-points conversions. It's mostly Pettine's lame dime that is killing our 'D". The player quality on the DL is poor and he does not put enough players at the 1st and 2nd level to stop anything that is and has been his biggest failure. Never Blitzing is the next. Time for the other DC to make Defensive alignments, go Gray.
murf7777
November 23, 2020 at 08:16 am
“Is there a worse team at stopping the run in the NFL.“
Watch some other teams play and you will see there are worse teams, many of them actually. Before this game our rating was 12th in YPC.
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 10:57 am
They did a nice job against the run in the first half, but Indy committed to running it in the second half, and they had long stretches where Taylor and Hines were knocking off 6 ypc and always falling forward.
Statistically, this is a decent run defense. The numbers say that...but the eye test shows a team that has a propensity for giving up long drives and not being able to win at the LOS for significant stretches. This isn't a defense that dictates play. That's the problem.
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:25 pm
Hard to stuff the running game playing dime.
Razer
November 23, 2020 at 07:31 am
Ken wrapped it up fairly well... But the truth is, against quality opposition, they are just not good enough...
Too many gaps on this team to expect it to run like a Ferrari. Defense is "pillowy". Offense is inconsistent and soft as well. Special teams - where?! Of all the tears and cheers from yesterday, I have the least concern about MVS. He played well and made a mistake that every WR/RB and QB makes.
The bottom line - we scored 3 points in the second half and left a poorly run defense on the field in its place.
murf7777
November 23, 2020 at 08:22 am
“I have the least concern about MVS. He played well and made a mistake that every WR/RB and QB makes.”
Many times the difference between an above to below average WR is running the correct routes. He has great potential, but he needs to run the correct intermediate routes so him and Arod are on the same page. Then he will be more then average. He has to be more then a field stretcher. I’m rooting for him as he seems like a great teammate and he could become extremely dangerous if he can Excell at intermediate routes.
Stickfish
November 23, 2020 at 07:51 am
Lame Call - I’m calling one on myself for giving my cat a near heart attack after I screamed at the TV “ un____ing believable” after yet another inept short yardage age call. This one in particular left exactly one option for success which failed to yield a first down. Cat I’m sorry but you have like at least 5 more lives to live whereas the TV remote is on its last legs after this Sunday.
Game balls to the O line and Coach Stenavich for a heck of a game plan that was adjusted on the fly when needed and well executed.
Wonder what the mindset of that group is when you don’t trust them to pick up a yard on the ground via a QB sneak or conventional dive play?
cow7
November 23, 2020 at 08:02 am
"Wonder what the mindset of that group is when you don’t trust them to pick up a yard on the ground via a QB sneak or conventional dive play?"
This is a problem.
The coaches talk about trust... but don't show it.
Pettine doesn't trust his coverage guys (plays off and soft).
LaFleur doesn't trust his OL (constant throws on 3/4 and 1).
The team has shown a lack of heart/aggressiveness/attitude/toughness.
Coaches coaching scared isn't helping.
Razer
November 23, 2020 at 08:07 am
...Game balls to the O line and Coach Stenavich for a heck of a game plan that was adjusted on the fly when needed and well executed...
Good observation. When you O-line performs well, your offense should perform well. Strangely our offense played half a game. Rodgers seems to be drifting back to his sideline and vertical game. Would like to see a play distribution from yesterday's game. Running game is not serious.
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 11:00 am
Runyan is looking like a find in round 6.
Packerpasty
November 23, 2020 at 08:30 am
I hate it when one of our RB's burst through the line and then gets tripped up a yard short...its like I know they probably wont pick it up, especially running into the middle of the pile...it disheartening to be sure...
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:29 pm
RB with a high pick in 2021. Bet on it.
PhantomII
November 23, 2020 at 03:22 pm
Packers are not going to QB sneak w/ Rodgers having had 2- broken collar bones. Brady was always good at it though. Maybe an extra lineman like Nijman big ole fella. I bet he could move a couple DL. ML get on it.
Fabio
November 23, 2020 at 07:53 am
In the second half, the defense was called upon to resist and did not. Of all the Colts possessions, only 1 punt ..... The Colts defense was called and answered PRESENT
I also believe that with these types of defense (very strong physique and very limiting the run) the 1st down of the actions must mostly be hand passes after feints of movements (even for short yardage) otherwise we become too predictable.
Last thing ..... I'm still thinking about the lost time out (to reverse the call of Sheperd's nonsense) that we missed at the end of the game and forced a quick and little thought out execution .....
Unfortunately, the low level of performance of our LBs seems very evident to me compared to those of the Colts and any other team
I'm an Italian fan and I know I'm not very competent. I hope I didn't say a syupid and not piss anyone off.
Unfortunately, the low level of performance of our LBs seems very evident to me compared to those of the Colts and any other team
Come on Packers
Archie
November 23, 2020 at 08:08 am
Although I agree with many of the criticisms voiced above, clearly this was the most exciting game the Pack has played for a long while. And the Colts are a very good team. The good news is the Pack can play another level higher that they managed today.
St was kind of a disaster and that is where they really missed their #1 returner - Ervin.
Except for TOs, offense played well. Play calling could have been better at times but offense played well enough to win.
Defense was our achiles heel once again. It was nice to see Savage actually making good tackles today and while at times the run defense showed up, at other times it did not. Perhaps worst sin of all was knowing that Rivers throws all short to intermediate passes, our defense backed way off the LOS and gave up way too much cushion. I have come to the conclusion that it is not the talent level of our defensive players, but the way they are being coached. We should be covering more tightly and we should be sending blitzers every now & then.
So I expect we will hold on to win our division (sweep the Bears and we are in). The Titans is the only really good team left on our schedule. But the playoffs will be very difficult for this defense no matter who we play. Rams, Bucs & AZ are the three WCs if the season were over today. Only one we have a chance against is maybe AZ. SEA has very good offense/bad defense but so do we. NFC East winner doesn't matter. NOR QB position unsettled but they have Kamara and Hill. Shows that every team has warts. Bucs probably have best defense of anyone in NFC.
Packerpasty
November 23, 2020 at 08:32 am
sorry but I don't agree that they can play at a higher level, especially against some of the better teams in the league...I would be very happy if they prove me wrong but I don't see it....
splitpea1
November 23, 2020 at 12:44 pm
As indicated by the final score, the offense did not play well enough to win, mainly due to their disappearing act in the second half: two three-and-outs, a turnover on downs, and a late field goal. That's about five minutes of possession. I don't know what MLF does at halftime, but it certainly doesn't translate into any on-the-field creativity and motivation for his players. This has become a crippling tendency that is beginning to define our season.
13TimeChamps
November 23, 2020 at 08:33 am
Pretty simple really...and we've seen it before. Indy made halftime adjustments. GB didn't.
stockholder
November 23, 2020 at 09:27 am
Game Ball- Clark. Double teamed. lame Call- Holding on Lewis? Where was the Face Mask penalty on Jones? looks like the officials were Bias to me.
RCPackerFan
November 23, 2020 at 10:23 am
The crazy part about the officiating is that every one of the Indy's penalty's were legit penalty's.
Also they could/should have called at least 1 more holding on that final drive. It was crazy.
scullyitsme
November 23, 2020 at 09:34 am
Lots of things to be frustrated about. Pettine needs to be canned for one. The other thing that keeps bothering me is they keep making this huge effort to get Jamal Williams involved. He’s an ok backup, he dances very well, but put frickin Aaron Jones in the damm game! We are playing a quality opponent and In a game we need to make a statement and Jamal 3 yards and a cloud of dust was in there way too much.
Swisch
November 23, 2020 at 09:38 am
I'm a big fan of MVS!!!
Clutch catch of concentration on the final drive in regulation, on an underthrown ball, with three defenders closing in on him!
About that fumble in overtime, it seems to have been off of a weird play, with an awkward pass route and a difficult angle between Rodgers and MVS -- and then, due to a missed block, MVS gets hit almost immediately, resulting in the fumble.
It would be so sad to lose confidence in MVS over this oddity of a play, and for him to lose confidence in himself. He doesn't deserve to be labeled as inconsistent so early in his career; he's just learning the pro game through experience. We saw last week how even Davante can have some bad plays.
There are times when fans have to rally around a young player to say we appreciate how far you have come on the field; we understand that humans make mistakes; and we're rooting for you as a player and a person to excel and find happiness.
MVS, you're one of ours as a Packer, and at least one fan is super excited about you being with us and prospering for a long time.
I urge other fans to join me in cheering on this guy into a wonderful future.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 09:50 am
Game balls: A Packer team that went on the road and played a good team tough despite turning it over four times.
Lame calls: The alleged fans of this team that just bitch, bitch, bitch about a first place team. And you know why? Because they’re bitches.
scullyitsme
November 23, 2020 at 02:05 pm
Lame calls, fans that spend their time bitching about other fans bitching, on a site that is pretty much all about bitching. Oh the irony
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 03:13 pm
Lamer call, fans that bitch about a person bitching because other people are bitches. That is irony.
SwedeBayPacker
November 24, 2020 at 01:07 am
Game Balls: Some healthy venting
Lame Calls: Some negative bitching
scullyitsme
November 24, 2020 at 08:35 am
Might be a good idea to have a dictionary around sometimes before you comment and use big words. I don’t have a problem with bitching. Therefore no irony. I know you are but what am I?
mrtundra
November 23, 2020 at 10:26 am
Game Balls: Jenkins, of course! Runyan in at LG when Jenkins slid over to Center. The O Line did not miss a beat in those moves. Putting up 31 points on the best defense in the NFL, is no small feat. MVS is a solid, speedy WR, who can bust it open for the Packers. Just because he fumbled the ball, once, is no reason to go off on him. If it weren't for MVS, we would have lost in regulation. Rodgers' bomb to MVS with under a minute to go, got us down field in that 2 minute drill offensive series and put us in a position to win the game in regulation. MVS blocked well, all game long. That alone seems to be something MVS detractors never talk about. All teams in the NFC North, who played this week, lost. We did not lose ground on anyone in our division.
Lame Calls: Preston in man coverage on a TE. Opie's punting left a lot to be desired. Shepherd on STs left a lot to be desired, too! Our DBs playing well down the field leaving underneath the coverage wide open, all game long. Rivers could dink and dunk the Colts to first downs, all day. Our clock management sucked. Using a Time Out when spiking the ball would have been better, late in regulation. Too many penalties and turnovers. The a-hole fans sending out death threats to MVS, are not really fans. They are haters and are the lowest form of life on the planet. Grow up!
gkarl
November 23, 2020 at 10:45 am
Lame calls: Preston in man coverage on a TE. Agreed it was ugly, but for as much nickel and dime as Pettine plays how does that happen, we should have a DB on the TE not an OLB, they get paid to rush the passer. Amos didn't read that play very either.
dobber
November 23, 2020 at 11:04 am
I don't disagree on Smith. That's not a battle he's going to win...but offenses are constantly looking for ways to shift/motion coverage and leave a mismatch like that. The Packers do it all the time. Not only did Indy generate that mismatch, but Rivers threw a nice ball and Burton made a great catch.
bassrock
November 23, 2020 at 08:55 pm
How is taking time out and saving 14 seconds worse than wasting the 14 seconds getting to the line and spiking the ball and losing a play? You save a play and 14 seconds. Please explain why that is a bad thing?
jhalwas611.com
November 23, 2020 at 10:33 am
Game Balls to Jenkins and Kenny Clark. Clark drew a lot of penalties and attention from the Colt line.
Lame calls to whoever thought Kirksey was the answer at linebacker. In the 3rd quarter he was out of position on every running play! If this was by design then this defense has problems. Add that to the horrific sight of Preston Smith in pass coverage and it's over.
iciice
November 23, 2020 at 10:58 am
Agree with the majority of the comments so won't repeat those, but there's one Lame Ball missing. Christian Kirksey. I noticed one time he disengaged a block to finally make a tackle after an 8 yard gain, so I started just watching him a little more closely. Most of the time he's extremely non-aggressive, waiting for a lineman to engage and then attempting shed the block after the running back already has a 5 yard gain. I know he has to keep his lane at times, but his decision making is a second too slow on almost every play, and the angles he takes are horrendous, as are his coverage skills (see the first 45 yard touchdown to PIttman on a 5 yard crossing pattern where he is completely burned and then takes a horrible angle to even attempt a tackle). This is the guy we preferred over Blake?
frankthefork
November 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Bingo...Kirksey is not that good of a ILB...he's one and done in GB. FO has a thing going w/ the Browns organization and that's not good. As for Pettine...please. MLF needs to claim his coaching job and take charge and act like a head coach; because after halftime this team is a dud. Gut kunst needs balls too. Find better talent and trade back not up...the more you pick the more you hit.
jannesbjornson
November 23, 2020 at 01:43 pm
He's playing becaise they overpaid him.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 03:16 pm
He’s not an improvement over Martinez . Anybody should be able to admit that. He’s cheaper, but not on a per tackle basis.
iciice
November 23, 2020 at 04:13 pm
Martinez was more consistent in the run game. We needed to improve and Gute didn't get the job done.....although the jury's still out on our young guys.
iciice
November 23, 2020 at 11:01 am
One more I forgot.....I know we need to protect Rodgers but does anyone else notices a huge gap almost every time on 3rd and 4th short yardage by the center? Aaron could fall forward for the first down. Run a sneak at some point to at least keep defenses honest.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 03:17 pm
Many years ago, Rodgers got a concussion on a sneak. That was the end of that.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 03:17 pm
Many years ago, Rodgers got a concussion on a sneak. That was the end of that.
iciice
November 23, 2020 at 04:15 pm
Agreed, which makes it difficult to suggest but with the gaps we've been seeing he doesn't need to worry about it....he'll pick up a yard and be down on the ground before anyone on the defense can even touch him. It's that bad. The defense can keep a defender back to read the play and hit the gap. It's one of the reasons our short yardage runs end of short.
MemphoMike
November 23, 2020 at 11:20 am
Game Balls-
Jenkins= The entire OL played well all game but Jenkins seamless move to C stands alone. This kid is good.
Clark is getting back to full strength and his disruprtive/tenacious play is now emerging. I wish we had 9 more of him (Jaire not included!). He's getting double teamed and the others still can't create pressure on the QB?
Aaron Jones is a fluid, playmaking machine, ala, Kamara, McCaffery, etc. He's an elite talent in the NFL and there aren't many guys like him on other rosters. MLF needs to stop pulling him off the field and do more to create different ways to get the ball in his hands.
Colts ST Coach (Yep, he deserves it)- He saw the tape and recognized Packer KR Shepard for exactly who he is....just a guy. No shift, no shake and absolutely zero speed. Rather than kick the ball deep, the Colts ST coach game planned to kick it to Shepard instead. He fumbled once and never took it beyond the 25. Is there a reason why they can't put EQ back there, at least he's got speed?
Lame Calls-
Second half- Disappearing act by entire Packers team and coaching staff. MLF and company abandoned the "all gas, no brakes" first half performance. A confounding, and ultimately, game losing decision.
MVS fumble- Unfortunate setback for a kid that seems to be coming of age as the season progresses. Definitely not enough reason to cut him, as some are screaming for, his clutch 50+ yard reception in traffic pushed the game to OT.
Defense/ST- How many more games will it take? Pack has dominate players that don't dominate. The lack of pressure and designed blitz calls on an immobile QB in crucial moments is as perplexing as why the DBs line up 20 yards off the line of scrimmage. Both of these flawed approaches contribute to why opposing teams can go from 2nd down and 20 to an easily managable 3rd down and 2 yards. It seems to happen all the time, throughout every game and it keeps the D on the field for way too long.
JK Scott- The only reason this punter is keeping his job bc he holds for Mason Crosby, right? His 37 yard average indoors is laughable and embrassing. He's really shown nothing special over the past two seasons and his 37 yard average indoors yesterday sums that up. We signed a punter last week, it's time to teach Boyle how to be the holder and let's move on from Scott.
frankthefork
November 23, 2020 at 12:28 pm
JK Scott is a Punter who Gut Kunst picked in the 5th round...who does that? Ugh.
FYI -NFL Kickers and punters are 95% of the time udfa's; and for 29 of the 32 teams...yikes. Why waste a draft pick? So many mistakes by Gut, but he did find some gems in Jenkins, Alexander, Gary Savage, Runyan, Sternberger, Barnes and many other back ups who will soon start playing more. We can all do better, in time. GPG
Pauly
November 23, 2020 at 06:29 pm
The defense playing soft 20 yrds of LOS has been a Packers mainstay since early Dom Capers! Letting dink and dunk get teams back into games.
Barazinho
November 23, 2020 at 01:35 pm
Game balls
- D after turnovers (only 6 points, and the last 3 were the OT where they were in FG range already)
- Pass distribution - the more who get involved, the harder it is to defend (including the return of Lazard, ESB getting better, and the TE's finally getting targets)
- The first half shredding of the "best D in football"
Lame calls
- The D staying in 2 down lineman after it was clear the Colts were going to run the ball to start the 2nd half
- The D playing 15 yards down the field on 3rd and 20, and other soft coverage on 3rd down (there was one on the Colts' first TD drive)
- The end of game clock management, it went from Troy saying "they have plenty of time" to "shit, there are 7 seconds left" really fast
- Locking in on Davante when he was doubled, and Tonyan was open
- 2nd half 3 and outs on 3rd and short
- Darius Shepard - so bad that they're not kicking touchbacks
TheBigCheeze
November 23, 2020 at 02:42 pm
LeFleur needs to read some of these comments......he's beginning to look a LOT like McCarthy in his offensive play calling......BORING AND PREDICABLE....
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 06:05 pm
McCarthys boring and predictable offense was in the top ten a bunch of times and led the league twice.
bassrock
November 23, 2020 at 08:59 pm
Yeah and how many superbowls did he win? Most underachieving coach in Packer history.
CoachDino
November 23, 2020 at 04:13 pm
First I'm a Packer fun so my first instinct is to question criticism with a bias. second, I'm aware of it and try to offset it.
To say the packers aren't good enough to of won that game or go anywhere in the playoffs seems like a very rash/emotional response.
The packers just put up 31 points on one of the best defenses in the league while turning the ball over 4 times. They have an ELITE offense. Doesn't mean they will always produce that comes down to execution.
The defense is the weak link, it needs the offense to not turn over the ball and win the time of possession game.
Simply, IMHO if the Packers execute on offense and execute to their ability on defense (mid range - not terrible or the worst) they can win any game. It's the first time this year they looked lost on D in the middle of the field. Easy to say it's due to the rash of injuries and having 4 starters come back from injury this week that contributed to it. Still shouldn't happen. Players and Coaches need to be ready/prepared. Really hope Cheesehdtv can obtain some explanations from the coaches about the D's poor execution.
get over preston Smith being in coverage. It happens all over the league. Hilarious how we complain about Pettine being such a predictable player caller/scheme but when get tries to drop a OLB into a Zone coverage som to bring pressure from a different area we all are confused. preston actually didn't look bad, where is the coverage over the top? It's why teams don't try to go overboard with all sorts of crazy blitzes and pressure sets. It exposes weaknesses that veteran Qbs can often expose. Preston is just paid to rush the Passer, he is paid to play the run, rush the passer and cover. Not arguing coverage is hi weakness but OLB will be asked to cover. When and how much is the question.
Sure BT was open and DA was covered but did anyone notice the rush? Did ARod have time to go through all the reads? I just saw a few replays, interesting to see the film.
Arod is human
MVS can be the best #3 wr in the game - fact... MVS can be the worst #3 in the game - fact
Can we please try Dillon on short yardage. When Dillon was drafted IMHO the replacement of AJ AND the solution to short yardage woes the last few seasons made it a good pick. Love AJ and JW but they are not power backs - at all. They have some power for size but that's not where they excel.
Is it opposing teams adjustments, play calling, or lack of intestinal fortitude by the players that the team struggles in the 3rd Qtr.?
The Packers have a strong pass rush. Gary is going to be a player. Z is a beast
The Packers showed they can play D with an attitude in half one. now how do they do it for full games?
It's one thing if you can't do something, thats when you lose hope. the packers showed they can do what it takes, what they need to do now is show they can take that and execute it on each and every snap. THATS what SB teams can do that others can't.
Lets Go Pack!!!
PS - Wasn't the article on lack of turnovers and big plays of defense this week telling.
Also Leather head nailed the game being all about execution.
flackcatcher
November 24, 2020 at 12:09 pm
(sigh...) Dillon and Martin are on the covid list. No telling when they will be football ready.
flackcatcher
November 24, 2020 at 12:25 pm
(SIGH) Dillon and Barnes. BARNES. (Now I'm mixing Martin and Barnes up. Way to go flacky. Way to go :-)
Pauly
November 23, 2020 at 06:12 pm
Put Jamal Williams back in place of Sheppard. Teams will stop kicking short.
Leatherhead
November 23, 2020 at 06:20 pm
It’s nice to see some balanced and rational assessment. I wish I could claim credit for saying it’s about execution, but somebody figured that out before I ever knew what a football was.
As dobber said “I’ll take ‘what happens when you don’t take care of the football’ for $1000, Alex”.
Still, there are so many positives in putting up 30, on the road, despite four turnovers, against a pretty good defense. If this offense has their shit together come playoffs, we can beat anybody.
Xxxxxxxx.
Chicago has a pretty good defense too. Let’s hope we can hang onto the rock, because that’s a key ingredient in any recipe for success.
CoachDino
November 23, 2020 at 09:43 pm
Leatherhead... I posted about a guy (Mr leatherhead) who called it before the game. It comes down to execution. Its was very poignant in the end and have helped narrow my focus on Key Performance Indicators. Execution/Ability.
Ability (Talent/Skill/Physical attributes etc..)
Execution (right place, right time, right way)
Coaches Ability: strategy/scheme/ game plan/Communication, , etc...
Coaches execution: Process of implementing his/her Ability Deliverables to the team to ensure a high degree of Quality and Consistency of execution on the field
Ability IMHO is not the Packers roadblock to the SB. They have the ability to win against anyone. Adding Players/Changing Coaches IMHO can certainly help how much will the team improve and at what cost. IMO - very little improvement impact for 2020 season.
EXECUTION IMHO is the biggest roadblock - By Far. This game is a poster child for it.
30 pts scored and 30 points allowed against while turning the ball over 4 times for me -
Says Ability isn't the issue.
Turning the ball over 4 times, Receivers running free in your secondary, Not converting in short yardage, having your contain ends get washed up inside, poor tackling, etc
screams execution being the core problem.
If AR and the rest of the packers don't start executing at a high level, Consistently/Correct, they remain what they are now. A good team, a playoff team, team capable of beating anyone but one known to and will, poop the bed in any given game.
That falls on the coaches - Why can't these coaches get their players to execute. I have no idea not being privy to the practice,locker room, sidelines, meetings etc...
On the subject of coaches responsibilities, not buy into blaming coaches for the teams "energy".
High level "Adult Competitors" Professional or not, should not be dependant on anyone other than themselves for giving it 100% of what they can for energy, its one thing a player CAN control. Sure a pep talk from the coach(s) and teammates are great but to depend on that being what drives you is disappointing.
Having fun,emotion getting fired up are all reasons to love the game but Competitors at the top levels can't rely on that to drive them, To many games, too many highs and lows, crushing disappointments, unbelievable highs, years of participation, how many times have they heard this stuff, these are men not kids, Does it fire up an old veretran when the younger guys get all crazy, sure its fun and can feel good. At this level and when your being paid/sponsored etc you do your job regardless about how you feel that day.
Lets Go Pack!!! - They can do it....
Tundraboy
November 24, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Great idea ,when Dillon comes back.
Pauly
November 23, 2020 at 06:38 pm
The defense playing soft 20 yrds of LOS has been a Packers mainstay since early Dom Capers! Letting dink and dunk get teams back into games.