Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - 2019 Game 16, Packers - Lions

The weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Happy New Year! If you're reading this a bit blurry-eyed, hang in there. There's going to be a home playoff game at Lambeau Field! That should perk you up.

Stress: Why, oh why, oh why does watching this Packers team have to be so stressful? They simply can not do anything the easy way. 

LaFleur: Ok, so it's been a bromance for me with Coach LaFleur - things have gone better than expected and  I was determined to let him have a season to show his stuff, anyway. So here is what's going to be my first real criticism. Matt, your obsession with "explosives" is hurting the offense. Sure it's great to hit a big play, but that approach has been a failure this year. Whether it's Rodgers' bad throws or receivers that can't create separation or bring the ball in, it's just not working unless there's a defensive coverage mistake. Furthermore, it feels like your emphasis on "explosives" is just enabling "go for broke" Rodgers to feel comfortable taking shots regardless of the situation. And that's a big deal - WHEN you take your shots (down, distance, score, game situation, etc.) matters. What I'd like to see from you Matt is stop with the big-play game plans, stop trying to be so buddy-buddy with Aaron and instead, encourage Rodgers to do more of what got the Packers back in a game they had no business winning - a 95 yard drive executed to perfection with running the ball, quick completions and moving the chains. If it works, do it!

Wide Receivers not named Davante: As stated here before, Lazard is the defacto #2 receiver now. His route running has steadily improved, he catches the balls he should and his size/wingspan comes in handy when your QB is struggling with accuracy. Geronimo was supposed to be Mr. Reliable, but his sudden case of fumble-itis threw that right out the window. He almost did it again against the Lions, but luck was on his side when he unknowingly back-kicked the ball out of bounds. Kumerow is just not getting the pass-catching opportunities I expected he would. I was fully in his corner starting the season but from what I've seen, the issue could be that he just doesn't get much separation on his routes. (Admittedly, there was one play against Detroit where he got wide open deep on a double move and Rodgers under threw him badly). The limited snaps he's gotten this season were mostly for his blocking skills. I have to say I'm disappointed - I thought he would be a guy to emerge this year, but he just hasn't at all.

Aaron Jones: The Packers ran 32 offensive plays in the first half - Aaron Jones touched the ball on just 10 of those plays. As your biggest play maker on offense, that's not a very smart approach. Was it LaFleur's game plan or Rodgers decisions on the field? Regardless, in the second half, Jones ran the ball 15 times and was thrown to 6 times. Even with Rodgers' missing him for a sure TD and almost getting him killed on another play, things went better for the Packers with Jones more involved. That needs to continue.

Defense: They came through when it was needed most, holding Detroit to just a 56 yard field goal on four possessions in the fourth quarter. The sacks weren't there this week, but with Blough making mostly quick throws, that's understandable. There was some poor gap play and missed tackling that wasn't there against the Vikings, but that just fits in to the overall sloppy effort the Packers put forth to get a very fortunate win.

Seattle: Inches short of giving the Packers the #1 seed in the playoffs. Damn...

49ers: This is the team I fear the most in the NFC - their team speed can be overwhelming and only Wilson's mobility and scrambling kept Seattle close. Their DL is unlike any other team's. The heaviest guy is Deforest Buckner at 300lbs, but that's on a 6'7" frame. They are basically four defensive ends coming after the quarterback. You then might think that you can run on them, but their linebackers are really good and take care of that aspect. They're the one team I think the Packers offense just doesn't match up well with.

A Very Rodgers-esque Comment:

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

11 points
 

Comments (57)

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

January 01, 2020 at 07:58 am

Excellent stuff, Al, and Happy New Year to you and the CHTV crew!

MLF's, offense this past week was "offensive" again. It almost completely torpedoed the team's hard-earned bye. Outside of MVS and his inability to understand the last 20% of his job on any pass that comes to him, this team does NOT have the personnel to be a big-play offense. Al is right. Just LET IT GO and get better players at WR/TE for next year. Maybe that makes the quarterback throw a temper tantrum. But the coach is the boss, the QB is the employee. Do your job.

The team has a bye in a season that it was incredibly fortunate with injuries, one-score game results, and timely turnovers. That is almost certainly not going to be the case next year. Even with a better team (WR/TE/ILB), it's likely that 13-3 isn't happening again soon. As a matter of fact, I could point to 6 to 8 Packer teams in the past 25 years that were better. (95, 96, 97, 98, 07, 10, 14 and maybe 16). Only about half of them got byes and most of them flamed out in the NFC playoffs.

What I'm saying is that because of good play, but also some good fortune, we have a good chance now for Lombardi #5. Play to this team's (limited) offensive strengths and hope to get a bounce or two in your 3 possible remaining games. Play good defense, get a turnover and let Jones get the team down the field. Keep QB1 as game-manager 1 who can occasionally make great throws and that's it.

3 points
7
4
Swisch's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:58 am

A like from me, Bearmeat, while adding the opinion that a quarterback as game manager, if done with the proper approach, is an artisanal craft of creativity and precision and encouragement and leadership. It's an opportunity for glory on the field, along with the great throws; and without which the great throws will usually fall flat on the field, with the game lost.
Also, I'm still high on MVS as a young guy finding his way, but who can be effectively utilized right now. As has been pointed out, he at least stretches the field; but we've seen two or three big plays from him in crunchtime the last two games that show him as an effective weapon with potential for these playoffs.
Get him a touch early in this next game; and target him long at least once afterwards. I'm not saying MVS is a go-to guy as of yet, but he can make a big contribution if employed with positivity and positioning.

1 points
1
0
Lare's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:06 am

Regardless the miscues, I'm sure glad to be looking forward to watching the Packers in another game at Lambeau in two weeks as opposed to be discussing the offseason and upcoming draft.

17 points
17
0
Renllaw's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:22 am

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
On your MLF "explosives comment" I just read an interesting article about how MLF may recognize Aarons loss of accuracy and is play calling for more deep shots because of scoring efficiency vs completion percentage. Basically they are betting on the big pass play because it is statistically more likely for Rodgers to hit 1 deep pass for 40 than it is for him to hit several short passes for 40 at this point in his career...... And the numbers say it's working. It was compared to the three point shot in basketball. percentage goes down with the longer shot, but scoring efficiency goes up. Having said that, I still have to agree that they are taking too many of the big shots down field before they establish Jones and get the defenders cheating up a bit. It seems like they haven't found that balance yet. Great article Jersey Al, thanks for your contributions this year!

8 points
8
0
JerseyAl's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:51 am

Not sure I agree but I'd like to see that article. Where can we find it?

1 points
1
0
murf7777's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:15 am

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been a supporter of the long ball but never had any stat to back it up. The short pass, like the run is there to provide long pass opportunities. As in the Lions game two TD’s came from over 20 yd completions. Throw in the possibility of a DPI call and it makes sense. It was also obvious that the game plan in the lions game was to take advantage of their weakness in their DB. Good coaching looks to exploit other teams weakness, that is what has made Belichick so successful.

2 points
2
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:27 pm

The APC article gives the season long numbers (35 for 93, I gather). Against Detroit, AR went 3 for 17 for 81 yards, 2 TDs and an INT. That's a 61.64 passer rating.

Prior to the Detroit game, GB averaged about 5 deep passes per game (20 yards or more in the air), and AR had a 111.2 passer rating on them. It is true that the plan against Detroit worked on paper: receivers were open on these 17 deep shots, for the most part.

IDK about the basketball analogy. That's got one moving part, mostly. Football has multiple moving parts: the QB, the route-running of the receiver and various speeds they have, pass rush, etc.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

January 03, 2020 at 07:54 pm

They had to preserve Jones' snaps to limit injury considering Williams and Vitale were down. Dexter looked good creeping for yards, but doesn't have the game reps to carry more load. Good Risk Management by LaFleur. The Detroit malaise also rubbed off on the defense, especially during the first half of play.Letting a greenhorn QB look good and not hitting the gaps with 20 seconds on the clock etc---3 points on the board. The special teams looked better and carried quite a bit of the load to secure the BYE.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:36 am

Another great article Al. Your fine work each week keeps me grounded. My biggest concern continues. Not using your best offensive player,Jones as your focus, and sticking with Graham,MVS and Allison, all while targeting Davante almost exclusively, is not a good formula. Can we just stop with that?

9 points
9
0
Guam's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:34 am

Happy New Year Al and all of the CHTV contributors who make each day a little better by talking Packers every day of the year!!!

6 points
6
0
albert999's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:39 am

Rodgers needs to take a preparation note from the Drew Nrees playbook to adapt and better yourself and not rest on what’s worked in the past.....his accuracy,footwork and follow through and ego check all need work.
We’re gonna need some serious luck to make it all the way this year
Congrats on 13-3 Happy New Year to everyone
GO PACK GO

2 points
4
2
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:14 am

It's rough to watch Rodgers skills in this state. Hopefully the bye week will give him and Getsy time to polish up on fundamentals. If he can get his footwork right and just take the open play I believe he can still play at a very high level.

3 points
4
1
Lare's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:15 am

Rodgers is supposedly a pretty intelligent guy, you would think he'd be embarrassed by missing so many wide open receivers so often.

1 points
3
2
fordguy's picture

January 01, 2020 at 12:10 pm

I wonder where his focus is because it's easy to draw a conclusion whether fair or not about his social life. When you look back over the last couple years what's changed? He bought into the Bucks and now has a girlfriend live with him versus part time with Olivia Munn. Is he spending the time he did preparing before and studying like he used to for games or is he more focused on the Bucks and buying new houses? I don't know what's changed but something has.

-1 points
1
2
dobber's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:42 pm

With pros and celebrities at this level, you always have to ask, "who is whispering in his ear?"

-1 points
0
1
Oppy's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:58 pm

Brett Favre. kidding.

but serious.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

January 01, 2020 at 03:47 pm

If he buys a tractor, you will prove to be most insightful.

0 points
0
0
porupack's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:45 am

It certainly was frustrating not connecting on the deep shots, but a few years in recent past the fans complained that defenses were clogging up the short passes, and WRs weren't getting separation. So, by taking deep shots, opposing CBs have to be conservative.

I think the problem was not having consistent short, methodical "move the chains" pass plays working well in between the deep shots. If those short timed completions work, then double moves will leave opposing CBs standing in their jocks, and increase the separation. MLF WAS SCHEMING players open, as we all want.
It was a very reasonable game plan against Detro chucking deep balls against the worst pass defense. LaFleur says, they wanted to stress the defense, and they had the looks. Just because it didn't work, doesn't mean the concept was flawed. Rodgers was clearly off, and he and WRs need the reps in live action. Yes, that is concerning.

WTH, at least they had a lot of practice against Detro. Not sure they are practicing much during the week.

7 points
7
0
TarynsEyes's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:45 am

'Winning Ugly' has become the mantra of many and is supported strongly by the 'Win is a Win' mantra which is used to deflect from acknowledging flaws of this team with some a carryover from the previous seasons under McCarthy/Thompson as to game play and all that implies.

Failure to obtain much-needed WR help.
Failure to use the run game in more constant proficient manner even though Jones has 20 TDs.
Failure to reign in Rodgers ego which is clearly on display weekly to the detriment of the team even with 13 wins.
Failure of the offense to keep the foot on the gas though finding the gas would be helpful.
Failure of MLF to adjust personnel/in game plan or is it again a Rodgers/McCarthy issue to a smaller extent.
Failure at the TE position overall.

I know, I know, it looks all negative but there are positives, just not enough to make the negatives seem as trivial as those positives, even with 13 wins, especially since we all know how 'Ugly' they had been in the achieving of them.

Thankfully the defense has played to a top 10 level and has bailed out the offense and is the reason for a majority of the wins though had it suffered any real injury to a couple of players like in previous seasons, this team would be a more a 6-7 win team. A loss in the opener to Chicago, both Detroit games, a Mahomes-less Chiefs, Washington are 5 wins that would easily be losses if not for the defense.

The Packers are in the playoffs, a feat which many declare as a success story. Is it though, really? Unless Rodgers can be much more like the Rodgers prior to the previous two seasons and MLF can be more of what many jumped on his wagon train for or believed would be like, this team has the hardest path to a SB even though a 2 seed.

Yes anything can happen and I have my fingers crossed but to keep them crossed, as my reality fights with blind optimism, I'm compelled to secure them in crossed fashion with duct tape to give optimism a fighting chance. Hopefully, the duct tape of the Packers, Defense, gets less a fight from its opponent, the Packers offense.

-8 points
2
10
Bure9620's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:52 am

Happy New year.

I am guessing this out of control gameplan against the Lions was more Rodgers than Lefleur. Rodgers has been given the keys to the offense and he owns the outcome as well. I am guessing the LeFleur/Hackett gameplan was certainly to attack their secondary but with calculated deep shots but also with intermediate chain moving concepts as well. There was no intermediate game from Rodgers at all, and judging by film, he ignored it, particularly in the first half. There were plays to be made in the 8-15 yard range. Rodgers wanted the deep option on many of these, and missed nearly all of these throws.

1 points
3
2
PackfanNY's picture

January 01, 2020 at 08:54 am

The thing with this offense is that it seems most drives start out ok if the aim is 3rd and manageable. However, it almost seems inevitable that the Packers take a shot downfield that misses. Sometimes if it doesn’t miss it just plain fails with a sack or something for a loss. Instead of getting back to the game plan they seem to double down feeling like they need the “big play” even more. This doesn’t work and now instead of something realistic like 3rd and 6 or 7 they end up in 3rd and impossible. I don’t have the stats to support this but I think it is a big reason why Packers have poor 3rd down conversion rates.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

January 03, 2020 at 08:02 pm

They took early shots on the first play contre the Bears and Lions but the WR/TE dropped sure TDs. That would tend to decrease the success/pass attempt ratio regardless of the misses that occur on subsequent tosses.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

January 01, 2020 at 09:15 am

Happy New Year Jersey Al, CHTV team and our fellow bloggers.

Your comments on The 49ers are spot on and why the #1 seed would have been huge for the Packers. However, the #2 seed is a great spot to be in and hopefully we can make the most of it. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

5 points
5
0
Fire_Gute's picture

January 01, 2020 at 09:58 am

I kinda prefer the number 2 seed. Number one likely would have meant San Francisco comes to Lambeau in round 2. I don't like that match-up. I think NO will be more affected by the weather and elements, and I would rather let Seattle have another crack at San Francisco.

4 points
4
0
Bure9620's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:28 am

Then likely SF at Levi stadium again........

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

January 01, 2020 at 09:30 am

Happy New Year everyone. We just don't know what the game plan is. We don't know if AR is checking out of calls or if MFL is calling the plays that are run. We all agree there seems to be way to many deep shots, especially with these receivers. The offense always preforms better when it goes through A Jones, the real proof was when Adams was hurt and out. They have 2 weeks to prepare for a home playoff game that will need more than 2 quarters of good play to win. AR pulling games out of his ass only hinders the ability to reign him in IMO. The team shouldn't need to pull out games if they offense does its job by being balanced. Like it or not, this team will go as AR takes them. Put the team first, you don't have the savior anymore AR.

0 points
2
2
Bure9620's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:23 am

It is pretty easy to tell when Rodgers is checking out of calls. Alerts. Hand signals, WRs changing their stance and position on LOS, Center coming out of stance, tackles heads turning, WRs heads turning to him also, offensive linemen changing splits, and slot WR getting tighter to the O-line and getting ready to block in the run. Some of these are protection calls, but Lindsley calls most of the protections. Overwhelmingly, this is Rodgers changing a call. He has the keys to offense, and he should own the results as well.

4 points
4
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:44 pm

Agreed. I'd just like to add that I am sure AR had a checkdown on these deep passes. I remember 4 or so (my memory is awful, so likely more) deep passes where the receiver was absolutely open and AR just overthrew it. If the receiver is open deep, by all means throw the ball to him. What I don't know is how many deep pass attempts went to well-covered receivers.

I've also noted that if AR likes the match-up Davante has (including the defensive scheme - perhaps no safety help or single high) he will stare Adams even before Adams makes his first move. Doesn't matter too much what the other receivers do on these plays.

3 points
3
0
Qoojo's picture

January 01, 2020 at 09:55 am

- As far as Allison goes, I don't know how the coaches can play him given he cannot hang onto the ball.

- Seattle-SF game, inches short of a chance. I do not see a different outcome in SF. Just have to hope Seattle wins, and beats them, while the packers try to beat the saints.

- SF is built to beat the packers right now. The packers cannot handle the front 7, and unless they get a better plan or something, the 2nd outcome will not be different, if the packers are fortunate enough to handle Brees and the Saints.

- oh well, one playoff home game, then we will see what's next.

2 points
2
0
murf7777's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:01 pm

I agree SF is a tough matchup, BUT SF is far from invincible and their 4-3 record to end the year shows. They also could easily been beaten by Seattle last week.

4 points
4
0
Qoojo's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:11 pm

If you look at 2 of the 3 losses (SF and SD), the packers couldn't handle the defensive front 7. Packers have a chance, as long as Rodgers has time, and the defense holds.

The Philly game was just strange, and losing J Williams really hurts this team. I think if he doesn't get injured early on, that the packers win that game.

In a rematch, we have to hope that they learned something and adjust. They are so much better when Rodgers accepts and goes with the short game to move the sticks.

2 points
2
0
dobber's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:41 pm

"If you look at 2 of the 3 losses (SF and SD), the packers couldn't handle the defensive front 7."

This is right on. The Packers got completely manhandled at the LOS. KC did it for a half, too, but didn't have the personnel to keep it up for 60 minutes. You can bank on seeing this more in the playoffs.

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:18 am

I have never seen so much negativity for a team 13 -3. Doubt and fear live in the fan base. Everyone praises Gute now. Yet still have complaints. It's LeFluer for coach of the year. Still the complaints. Rodgers for MVP. Yet "Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.” We need to draft a better QB? Aaron Jones needed more touches. Ok, but wasn't everyone holding their breathe when the trainers went out to him? The packers did what they had to "do" all season long. They followed orders. And took advantage of what was given to them. IMO, This team can win it all. Their strength is the defense. The offense; Do, or do not. 13-3 wasn't easy. No player should be satisfied. Anyway possible is the way to the title.

4 points
7
3
Qoojo's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:13 pm

Like the 15-1 season, you can tell the team has major flaws. It's hard to see them beating SF or Ravens without some luck or major game plan adjustment.

1 points
2
1
Spock's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:30 am

Happy New Year everyone. Thanks to CHTV for all the great 2019 articles; we are all looking forward to more of the same in 2020. The Packers are 13-3 and have a bye. Wow, who would have expected that at the beginning of the year?! Can you believe the "winning ugly" Packers are seeded way higher than the team almost everyone has used in the past as the "higher standard" for NFL coaching and GM: the Patriots, lol. I've been thoroughly entertained by all the Packer games even the stressful ones, which, I guess, was most of them :). It's been an incredible run so far for the first year head coach and his staff. The exciting FA additions of the Smiths along with Amos and others and what looks like a nice draft have made for some fun story lines to follow in 2019 and should be continuing stories in 2020. For now it's time to reflect on the good times in 2019 and hope for good stories (SB !?!) to emerge in 2020. Go, Pack, Go!!!

2 points
2
0
dobber's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:45 am

The Packers were one of only two teams this season (with Arizona) who did not return a kick, punt, or TO for a TD. Those are game-changing plays and the Packers are going to need some of those to go far in the playoffs.

4 points
4
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:47 am

With Ervin honestly I feel like he is close to returning one. Wouldn't it be a perfect time for him to do it in the playoffs!

4 points
4
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:46 am

Happy New Year! I just wanted to take a second and thank everyone at Cheeseheadtv! You guys do an amazing job and this is still my go to site for Packer Talk.

Stress: There is a reason i don't wear anything that shows my heart rate during games.

LaFleur:
I do agree with you about the deep ball. I really hope LaFleur and the coaching staff takes a hard look at themselves this week and realizes what has worked and what hasn't. What has worked has the been the quick passing game, getting the ball to the RB's in the passing game.
The 4 game stretch without Adams they used the short passing game more. They were getting the ball out quick and using the RB's. The offense was rolling. They still need to get back to that more. I'm hoping this bye allows them time to do that.

Wide Receivers not named Davante:
Lazard is the #2. He has earned it! Beyond that, Allison can block. but he has quickly become a liability in the passing game. I do believe they need to get Kumerow more involved, though I also wonder if he just doesn't get open.

Aaron Jones:
By the way the first half worked out it just felt like to me they were trying to hit some big plays and knock out them early. Trying to save Jones. But then the 2nd half they realized they had to use him. And when they did they won.
Should serve some notice to them. Get Jones the ball!

Defense:
The defense definitley didn't come to play in this game. But the 2nd half they showed up.

Seattle:
This is why i don't root for them... ughhh.

49ers:
49ers and Saints are the 2 toughest teams for GB.
My hope is if we play them again, they will have learned from their first matchup. Also hopefully we will have our OL all intact. The last match up Bulaga got hurt right away forcing Light in. At least this time we have Veldheer if we need him.

3 points
3
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

January 01, 2020 at 10:48 am

Everything that Rodgers is being criticized for begins and ends with the awful trio of Allison, MVS, and Graham. Three of the worst receivers in the NFl, and the numbers beat that out, yet Rodgers is being described by many as a QB who has lost his skills. Even respected commentators are recommending he become a game manager. Ludicrous. Rodger's 2nd half against Detroit at times was vintage Rodgers with a gorgeous throw to Lazard and an easy toss to Adams for TD's, and a miraculous throw on a screen to Jones that iced the game. He threw a long ball to Adams that was inches from a TD. Two beautiful sideline tosses to Adams for long gainers. Even the three goofs each managed to make a catch, but once Rodgers went away from them in the main he was almost Rodgers of old. Many here are touting Brady and Brees and contend that they make lesser receivers better. They'd have retired by now if they had to throw to those three bums. For now, we have what we have. I'm so hoping that MLF is spending the next two weeks designing plays for Sternberger, Ervin, maybe even bring up Ryan Grant. The three bums need to be benched. They won't be but hopefully, the majority of their snaps will be given to others. A shame Gute didn't recognize the need for a legit #2. This team would be so much better. Rodgers is still one of the best throwers of the football in the world. If he had a Jennings or a Jordy or a Cobb to go along with Adams this offense would be lethal. MLF needs to make the tough call and bench the bums. Then I think the Pack has a legit chance to win the whole shebang.

3 points
4
1
4thand1's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:03 am

If any one of those 3 guys is your 1st or 2nd read and it's not there, then the play is a bust. MVS is a huge disappointment.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:38 pm

I think the expectations for MVS were just too high. He's a 5th-round WR, which makes him a longshot to be a quality starter to begin with. Maybe he was schemed better last season, maybe the change in staff and new terminology has been hard for him. The problem was banking on him being the answer in 2019 and not bringing in a vet or draft pick.

2 points
2
0
Oppy's picture

January 01, 2020 at 02:01 pm

We all have heard "Speed Kills", but what they didnt tell us was how seductive it is, or what it is that is dying.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

January 03, 2020 at 08:12 pm

Diggs and Antonio Brown were late rounders. Thielen a free agent. Scantling does not have It.

0 points
0
0
fastmoving's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:23 am

We have a more than good enought WR group. With average QB play this cold be a top 5 unit without question.
We dont have a good receiving TE but with St. Brown back, we have more than most other teams. Adams, MVS, Lazard and St. Brown are way better than what 85% of the leage field.
What do have the Ravens, 49ers, NE or Seattle other than a QB who is willing to use what he got??

So we have a top 10 D, an special RB and a big and fast receiving group. What do we miss??????

and for the footlose guy who likes to paint AR ("gorgeous, miraculous, beautiful sideline tosses……") as the hero and all the others are just bums or whatever: maybe you should have watched one or two games over the last 3 Seasons? just maybe...….

-5 points
2
7
JohnnyLogan's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:45 am

You say, "With average QB play this could be a top-five unit without question." So Rodgers isn't even an average NFL QB? You list St. Brown in our receiver corps and don't list Allison. You do know that St. Brown has been out all year, correct? I knew because I've "watched one or two games over the last 3 seasons."

2 points
2
0
mrj007's picture

January 01, 2020 at 03:45 pm

49ers- Samuels , Sanders ,Kittle, Mosert - very strong group along w a good on-line.
Saints have Kamera, Cook and record setting Thomas.

Seems like each have above average TE talent. GB doesn't

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:36 am

It seems an impenetrable mystery week in and week out all season long: Are these agonizing, exasperating, head-hurting, gut-wrenching stretches on offense because of Coach LaFleur's game plan, or is it Rodgers changing things on the field?

-1 points
1
2
Handsback's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:44 am

So the Pack is in the playoffs...that's magnificent. Win 2 games and they are in the SB.
I'm pretty stoked about it. Why? Because they are healthy and that has stopped them (outside a few blowouts) just about every year.
The Oline has very good depth as well as pass rushers. Solid DBs will provide a wedge against the pass so now they just have to execute.
Play well and they control their own destiny. Hard to ask for more.

2 points
2
0
dobber's picture

January 01, 2020 at 01:46 pm

Mostly healthy. AJones has a shoulder...Williams has a shoulder...Bulaga is in the concussion protocol...Linsley has a bad back. At this stage of the season there are a lot of aches and pains, but most should be playable. Without the bye, it's hard to say that would be true for next weekend.

0 points
2
2
ILPackerBacker's picture

January 01, 2020 at 11:57 am

The packers are 13 and 3 when most posters here would have loved 8 and 8.
I am pretty sure MLF and the staff know what they are doing.

Moreover, they KNOW why the deep passing is not working. THEY are not guessing Rodgers made a bad pass on the long attempt to Lazard that DUSTY highlighted so well. A play fans and talking heads are guessing about.

You can't fix that entire roster in one year.

Ask yourself, would you give up Jenkins to have taken a WR? Savage? Even with hindsight which does not exist in reality GUTE did a great job.

Ask yourself, do we give up either smith or Z Smith for another FA at perhaps WR? or TE?

Enjoy this outstanding year an the multitude of triumphs. Of unexpected pleasure. It is perfectly possible GMO is the best option when blocking and reading the defense are needed. Jake did not impress last game. It could be the coaches film see that the fumbles are cause by fluke type things. Maybe not but we don't know.

We do know 13 and 3 and what was expected.

3 points
3
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 01, 2020 at 03:19 pm

THINGS I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS PACKER TEAM: (Do I need to be correct?*)

1. Defense has a tough time against teams with a good center and guards. GB needs Clark to dominate, eat up double teams to keep Martinez clean and push the pocket to give Z and P good angles.

2. Defense has trouble with TEs and plays in the intermediate middle.

3. Offense runs the ball well, but does seem to have more negative plays than one might expect. Out of 45 RBs, Jones and Williams are 5th and 7th in success rate. Jones is 7th in DVOA. Jamaal is 21st (-1.3). Per FO: "A player with lower DVOA and a high success rate generally gets the yards needed, but doesn't often get more." Jamaal fits but does get a bit more than needed for success, imo.

4. OL is good. It is 6th in adjusted line yards. However, GB is 27th in power run success. Not a mano-a-mano team. It is 10th in adjusted sack percentage, per FO. Not sure if AR's proclivities, both good and bad, are included in the adjustment.

5. MM got more out of these same TEs than LaFleur has. MM is at .67 receiving yards/snap while LaFleur's TEs are at .49.

6. AR used the middle more in week 16 and 17 after eschewing it for most of the season. Link.

7. Gute found a lot of valuable depth players in UDFA and the waiver wire.

amirite? Got any more?

https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/list/pass

4 points
4
0
flackcatcher's picture

January 01, 2020 at 06:52 pm

Once again you cover the waterfront Al...

0 points
0
0
jlc1's picture

January 02, 2020 at 07:53 am

The Rodgers-esque comment is interesting because I can read it two ways. One is he is throwing most of WRs under the bus. The other is he is holding them accountable for not getting to the spot and being open. I know a lot of regular commenters here know that the first is the only way to read it. But if it is the second is he really saying anything he and the coaches don't say to them in practice?

2 points
2
0
flackcatcher's picture

January 02, 2020 at 01:48 pm

If it were the second, MLF would already be on the record backing Rodgers on it. Frankly, MLF is in a tough position here. Watching the all-22 shows the WR are running their routes and getting to their spots on time and schedule. Rodgers is more often than not throwing to them as they are running curls and digg routes with are 10-15 yards. Rodgers is throwing (Lions game) to the second or third option on fly or skinny posts, and he is still checking out of the RPO way to often. What must drive MLF nuts, is Rodgers is even on a bad day lethal when he plays within MLF offensive scheme, as we saw in Detroit. Now, to be honest it is also MLF fault if he sets the offense up for failure like he did against both the Chargers and 49ers. This offense works best when you punch speed rushing front 7 in the mouth with a inside run game. Bottom line, is you do not let them tee off on you. MLF did that, and the end result is Rodgers became one with the grass. This is not about the WR. (I wish it were) This is about Rodgers showing the discipline to run the offense to victory, and MLF having the toughness to discipline Rodgers when he does not. Playoffs are here, we'll see what happens....

-1 points
0
1
deerskinlake's picture

January 02, 2020 at 08:18 am

Rogers forcing plays....not taking what defenses give him. This is the problem with our offense plain and simple.

2 points
2
0
Ferrari-Driver's picture

January 03, 2020 at 11:16 am

I text back and forth during Packers/Badgers games with a lifelong friend and I commented "Will they ever play game that I can just sit back and relax?" She replied "Not when you are a Packers or Badgers fan."

Al, you hit the nail on the head when you made you comment on "STRESS".

0 points
0
0