Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Packers Get Skoled

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Bleah - There's no denying how good Justin Jefferson is, but what in the world was going on in the Packers' secondary - especially the safeties? They looked like they had never played together before. It reminded me of my first in-person Packers game, Mike McCarthy's first game as head coach. The secondary that game was even worse than what you saw in this game - they made Rex Grossman look like Joe Montana that day (while Brett Favre looked like Rex Grossman),

Little Pressure - Beyond the secondary play, my main disappointment with the defense was the overall lack of pressure. Maybe one or two of those Jefferson big plays on the long crossing routes don't happen if Cousins wasn't allowed to sit back there so comfortably.

Stenovich and the OL - I'm here to start a petition to take the OL decisions out of Stenovich's hands. He messed up the OL configuration in last year's playoff loss. His insistence that Jake Hansen is a starting-caliber offensive lineman in the NFL and Royce Newman can play tackle was a big factor in the offensive struggles on Sunday. Put Newman at RG and Zach Tom at RT until Jenkins or Bakhtiari come back and adjustments can be made.

Cousins > Rodgers? - He was yesterday. Sure he had Jefferson wide open on some plays, but aside from that, he was the SMARTER quarterback yesterday (ironic since Rodgers always thinks he's the smartest guy in the room.) Cousins was patient, Cousins took what was given to him. Cousins used his check downs. Cousins threw it away if he had to. Rodgers reverted to his bad habits of looking downfield too much and holding the ball. He zeroed in one one receiver and forced passes, like the fourth and one to Tonyan. You're down two scores there, plenty of time left, why take the risk of ending the game right there with an all or nothing pass into double coverage? And with that route clearing out the middle of the field, why have all your other receivers out near the sidelines? Poor play design there, whoever was responsible.

Special teams - Wow, if I told you the most consistent part of this game would be the play of special items, you certainly would have called the men in the white coats.

Against the Bears - I am expecting that DBak, Jenkins and Runyan do not play against the Bears. My move would be to start Rasheed Walker at RT with Newman and Tom at the guard spots. That would be their best lineup under those conditions.

Hurry (yawn) Up - The Rodgers hurry-up offense has to be the slowest, least urgent hurry-up offense in the league, They still run another 20 seconds off the clock as Rodgers gives instructions to his line, then his running backs (if in) then yells out to his receivers. Other teams/quarterbacks don't do this. They have set plays in the offense and fast ways to call them at the LOS, but Rodgers is so intent on doing things his way. He just has to micro-manage everything instead of just go, go go.

Scoring drive -  This showed you what the Packers offense is capable of if Rodgers would just run LaFleur's offense - all game (or even half the game...)  I heard Ben Fennel say on Pack-A-Day Live that Rodgers was 19 of 21 on Sunday when he got the ball out in 2.5 seconds or less. Hmmm...

Oh, there was a defensive game plan?

 

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__________________________

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

__________________________

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8 points
 

Comments (132)

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

September 14, 2022 at 06:12 am

Rex Grossman looked like Tony Montana? Man, I missed that part of the game!

3 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

September 14, 2022 at 06:21 am

Yeah, I'm assuming Al meant Joe Montana, not "Scarface."

2 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:18 am

He gunned them all down with a blaze of footballs thrown?

2 points
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JerseyAl's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:23 am

hahaha. I've known several Tony Montanas in my lifetime, in addition to the movie character. I guess those two names are glued together in my head. I will fix it.

3 points
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TomFisher's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:31 am

I instantly got a visual of Grossman running around the field saying "You wanna play rough?!?!" hahahaha

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:38 am

Maybe Hanna Montana?

4 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

September 14, 2022 at 06:26 am

My biggest take from this game was Rodgers' TERRIBLE body language as a "leader."
He/it screamed "no confidence in this team." What a morale buster! And it was unbelievably early and constant! Talk about a polluted mindset!
It was a breath of fresh air when Jordan Love came in and looked energized and focused.

13 points
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Lphill's picture

September 14, 2022 at 06:33 am

was Rodgers covering Jefferson?

-4 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:19 am

Did Rogers get the ball out on time?

6 points
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Spawny's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:04 am

I'm pretty sure the guy covering Jefferson was Joemomma Barry. We got him from Detroit for a couple first round picks.

0 points
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mnbadger's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:03 pm

nobody was covering Jefferson

2 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:26 am

I know Nags doesn't like talking intangibles, and I get it: a lot of times when people are talking intangibles people are talking bullshit. And I get that you can probably point to examples of Tom Brady behaving similarly. But sometimes, some people just don't have "it." Two guys can act the same way but it is received totally differently based on chemistry and context. I don't know anything about how Rodgers' teammates really feel, and I don't know if Rodgers is playing chess or just letting it all hang out, but it is just not a good look.

13 points
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Spawny's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:08 am

What is not a good look is Dean Lowry pretending to play defensive tackle against the run. For that matter Dean Lowry attempting to rush the quarterback.

-3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 12:59 pm

He was decent rushing. He was his old self against the run and the Vikings knew to run his way. Too many snaps in roles better suited to Reed and Slaton. Same over and miss use but now with clearer alternatives to minimize excuses.

1 points
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Spawny's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:02 am

Yep. I remember the same terrible body language when he forgot his assignment and let the Niner block our punt during the playoffs last year. That Rodgers sure screws up a lot. And let us not forget when he fumbled the onside kick against SEATTLE. Why he hasn't been cut years ago alludes me.

-3 points
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barutanseijin's picture

September 14, 2022 at 05:00 pm

The real joke was Rodgers’ performance vs Seattle. Rodgers choked just as hard as Brandon Bostick. He had a putrid 55.8 passer rating in that game. He was clearly worse than Wilson who threw four(!) interceptions. After all, in spite of his many mistakes, Wilson righted himself and piloted a comeback. That’s mental toughness, which Rodgers doesn’t have.

0 points
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Spawny's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:02 am

Yep. I remember the same terrible body language when he forgot his assignment and let the Niner block our punt during the playoffs last year. That Rodgers sure screws up a lot. And let us not forget when he fumbled the onside kick against SEATTLE. Why he hasn't been cut years ago alludes me.

-5 points
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Ritzy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:00 pm

Amen on Rodgers' body language. That's been going on for years and Lafleur needs to stop it. I also read that Rodgers threw a tantrum on the sidelines after the Watson drop and had to be restrained. Not a good way to show leadership. Aaron seems to be saying the right things about his young receivers since the game, so that's encouraging. Let's hope he throws to Watson early on Sunday night against the Bears to show some confidence in the young receivers

-1 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 14, 2022 at 06:40 am

The Packers lost a lot of offensive coaches in the offseason. Maybe losing Hackett, Getsy, and Otten will take some time for the new coaching staff to jell. Or maybe Gute should have TRADED Rodgers to the Broncos for the shitload of choices they received.

On the Pack-a-Day podcast, I heard an interesting take from Dusty I believe. He reminded me of just how BAD Joe Barry has been as a DC in previous stops. He also reminded me how the Packer's defense performed down the stretch last season. They gave up 34, 28, 30, 30, 22, 10, and 37. Two of those games were against backup QBs and another against Justin Fields. Now I know I was running my mouth all off-season about how great this Packers defense will be, and I still think they can. But that REALLY made me think if Barry can do it. Will Alexander, Quay Walker, and Wyatt REALLY make that much difference? Especially when Barry doesn't know HOW to use Alexander?

Hurry up offense? What hurry-up offense? Not just that, he burned TWO timeouts in the 1st quarter. UGH!!!!!!!

19 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:20 am

Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing - lots of folks in new roles on the offensive coaching staff. I sure hope Joe Berry has learned something from his prior stops...

2 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:30 pm

Yeah Rodgers running the hurry up can be like a clock winding down in a game show with out the music! Always seems to be in slow motion

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:17 am

When Rodgers has the ball in his hands for so long sometimes I wonder if there is a big yellow yolk inside it. So tired of him holding the ball and that look on his face like he is the only important Packer on the field!

4 points
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kobebryant69's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:01 am

Well he does get paid 50 million, won 4 mvps, carried this franchise on his back for 14 years, and is the greatest Packers QB of all time. He definitely can act like he is the most important player.
If anything this game is a testament to Matt Lafleur being overrated. He is unwilling to adjust and he cracks under pressure. He cannot stick to his guns and run the damn ball. We have seen this time and again over the past 3 years.

1 points
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Spawny's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:19 am

Sacrilegious. Matt Lefleur is a legend. Aaron Rodgers earns his money by being ML's caddy.

-2 points
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Packers0808's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:52 am

If you think that look goes over with the rest of the team just watch their play after his petulant ugly looks and see the paly go right down the tubes like last week. He makes mistakes every game and do you see anyone glare at him or thrown their arms in a tantrum.? Unless I miss something watching every game in person or on tv tell us when and where. I don't care how many awards he wins it is still a TEAM sport!

5 points
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Spawny's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:16 am

Amari Rodgers was open all day. And Randall Cobb took the heart away from the Vikings secondary. Watkins was open tying his shoes. Our offensive line was devastating. Every other quarterback in the league throws just fine sitting on his wallet. I don't get why Rodgers holds the ball forever. Its like he wants to get sacked. I guess he just wants twenty more titanium screws in his other shoulder.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 02:50 pm

Would you rather that he throw the ball up for grabs the way Favre did for his last 6-7 seasons in Green Bay?
Thanks, Since '61

-2 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 14, 2022 at 06:52 pm

Sorry but you aren't a bit funny.

1 points
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The_Justicar's picture

September 16, 2022 at 06:55 am

Not to ruin your analysis but…Amari Rodgers played zero snaps on offense. Thus he was never open. Don’t let facts ruin your argument though.

0 points
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T7Steve's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:26 am

Ok it's Wednesday of Bear week. Let's turn the page. I hope we don't feel this way the rest of the year.

One thing for sure. If they get worse or mail it in for a Bears game, we can send more coaches and players to other teams and start fresh.

6 points
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murf7777's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:36 am

Yes, Rodgers was 17-19 when 2.5 secs to throw. I suspect most of them went to RB’s as a dump off. What I’d like to see is more quick slants and other plays that allow the ball out of Rodgers hands in that time. Maybe, they are running them and Rodgers isn’t throwing to that player, which wouldn’t surprise me. I’m sure some of it is wrong route run like Doubs which was a quick throw play. Hoping Lazards comes back soon because Rodgers needs another player that he knows will be where he wants to throw the ball. Those timing throws are very important to any offense.

Defense, its time to shut up and play excellent ball! Talk is cheap.

Al, I couldn’t agree more about Steno and the OL. Please come back Bak and Jenkins. Take the decision away from Steno.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:08 am

Perhaps it’s ironic, but the return of Bakh is really not essential at this point. Nijman is plenty good enough and thanks to the handling of him and the OL this summer, is apparently not ready to just switch to the right. We need Jenkins back in the worst way though.

I’d switch to Walker/Jones at RT. It may not be pretty, but it’s not likely less ugly and at least they may improve and Newman is back where he should be. Tom probably lines up at LG this week, but he was as bad as Runyon/Myers overall, despite a few flash plays. No body was Hanson bad and I think he makes everyone around him worse too knowing his issues.

I am very concerned with the talent evaluation on OL. I wanted to believe that Stenavich’s move in the Championship was a one off howler. Im starting to think that it wasn’t. If LaFleur can’t get a grip or have the confidence to override him on some of these, then LaFleur isn’t a HC and what’s good in Stenavich will be undermined by his blind spots.

5 points
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murf7777's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:49 am

Not taking anything away from Nijman’s good play, but its not at the level of Bak. It’s great to have Yosh as a back up in case Bak injures his knee again or it just doesn’t hold up anymore.

1 points
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dobber's picture

September 14, 2022 at 12:06 pm

That's the presumption.

Adding a player like Bakh or Jenkins, even if he's only 85%, takes an inferior player off the field. You're better onfield.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:07 pm

We can live with Nijman, quite adequately. We can’t live with the right side. That was and remains my point.

3 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 14, 2022 at 06:53 pm

So true. Totally agree. Bahk is great but we really do need Jenkins at this point.

2 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:41 pm

I vote for Bisaccia taking over and Coldworld for OC

0 points
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HarryHodag's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:51 am

I wonder what would have happened if Watson catches the pass from Rodgers and the game is tied at 7....oh, well, can't cry over spilled milk.

The most damning aspect of the team now is the offensive line. Until a cohesive unit plays together the Packers will struggle. The national sports media dopes all focus on the receivers, but there's a real possibility two rookies and underwhelming Jake Hanson will be starting against a fairly stout Bears defense. All the Bears need to do is hang around for a shot at the end of the game.

11 points
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mrtundra's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:00 am

Or if Dillon punches it into the end zone on that 4th down run or if Tonyan catches the ball in the end zone on that pass from Rodgers. If someone, like Cobb or Amari, could have gotten open underneath, on that pass to Tonyan, we may have been able to move the chains and have 4 more chances to score, there. Spilled milk and no cookies to dunk.

4 points
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T7Steve's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:17 am

How about: "That wouldn't be a problem cause the Vikings will be backed up and we'll get a safety or a turn over anyway with this D. We won't let them march 99 yards and score a touchdown."

2 points
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PeteK's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:57 am

I believe it was a field goal, but still a 10 pt turn around was the killer.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:19 am

Cobb was being well covered by ILBs most of the game. Now those players are good, but they settled on Watkins and Cobb and neither could beat them consistently.

That ought to worry us greatly. Lazard will help, but again, the Vikings knew that Rodgers would be looking to them. They also seemed to be confident that the Packers weren’t going to run at them and that helped us when we finally made a concerted effort to do so, but still Cobb and Watkins couldn’t get open. Watkins for me was the biggest single disappointment. If he’s not better than that then his place here is as fraudulent as Hanson’s. Cobb looks to have slowed.

If we don’t come out against the Bears with a wholly different plan and very different personnel and route usage then I think this season is going to be an extremely ugly end to an era.

3 points
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mrtundra's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:54 am

I hope R Walker is on the RT spot for the Bears game. Maybe even Caleb Jones at RT. Newman and Tom at the Guard spots works for me. Why does it seem that the coaches are not as "cued up" as to who plays well, at certain spots, as the fans are? Every fan can see Zach Tom is better than Jake Hansen, yet Hansen gets the nod over Tom. How about Sean Rhyan, at a Guard spot? How has he looked, in practices? I cannot wait for both Bakh and Jenkins to be healthy, again. Until they are ready to go, I'm afraid there will be more head scratching from us fans when the line up comes out.

2 points
2
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Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:22 am

I have come to the view that this team, including coaches, believes it’s own hype and has cocooned itself in a bubble of self-validation that has got increasingly divorced from reality.

6 points
7
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:20 pm

Check the Pro Shop's sales figures for the Fan's response...

3 points
3
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Johnblood27's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:07 am

I am soooo ready for the Jordan Love era to start.

I can watch my team lose with some hope for the future then.

If AR isn't interested in growing the young WR, just bench his ass and let the growing pains begin.

I feel better with JL throwing to Doubs and Watson than any other scenario right now.

Remember when Eli Manning was the backup in NY? Did he sulk? No, he helped the young guy to improve. What do you think AR would do? Exactly... we all know that answer.

Joe Barry should have this week to show he can place his men in positions to succeed or he should be shown the door. Scheme matters and his flat out sucks. The talent is there, the coaching scheme is absent. Get 'im good or get'im gone. The internships are over, the NFL is a production based league, Not For Long if the production isn't there. Players OR Coaches.

I have loved this team through decades of losing. Losing doesn't scare me. I always had pride in the franchise throughout the years, even when they couldn't win and even when the guys producing wins were not very loveable. This team with AR and MLF isn't very likeable and certainly not loveable. They are embarrassments to the franchise.

I was at Gators Dockside to watch the game and when the Packers came on the guys at the table next to me said "Oh shit, look at that arrogant smug asshole" meaning Rodgers. That's the perception of my favorite team by others now and I share it with them. How embarrassing it is to be a fan of this team and that player.

2 points
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9
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:53 am

No QB, Love or whoever, will play effectively behind an OL performance like the Packers had against the Vikings. It all starts there. Rodgers took a beating in that game and it can't continue during the season.
Despite the OL and lack of a cohesive receiving unit Rodgers was still 22/34. The big mistake IMO was not running the ball more often and/or getting the ball to Jones in space. With Adams gone Jones is our best player to have a mismatch against the defense.

As for defense Alexander made the point the the expected to be one on one against Jefferson and he wasn't for most of the game. I don't get it. However, our pass rush was not very effective either and give a decent QB time, even Cousins, and he is going to find open receivers.

As for other fans and their attitudes towards the Packers I can remember very well as a long distance fan when
local fans here in the NYC area felt the same way towards Lombardi and his players back in the 60s. Most of those fans besides the Pats would have traded every QB they have had since 2008 for Aaron Rodgers and they know it. Let them talk, they're wishing their team would just make the playoffs for one season, never mind every season.

I hear and feel your frustration JohnBlood but it will pass once the packers start winning their games. If not then you will get your wish for the Love era because Rodgers won't survive a season of pounding like he took on Sunday. Thanks, Since '61

9 points
9
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:23 am

As I've howled before, this team needs a Fullback. We are now on the fourth season of watching short yardage plays without a lead dog showing the way. Playing @ the Shipwreck or the Dome, the Pack realized success pounding the Purple with a power running scheme.

4 points
5
1
PeteK's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:08 am

Maybe, remember a fullback in goal line situations with little space brings an even more stacked defense. If Z is even slightly blocked Dillon scores. Dillon's power can overcome a stalemate on the line of scrimmage all day long.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:17 pm

Mudcat Smash left on two...Straight on attack, no counter over the guard, rip the edges off. Za would have been de-cleated by Henderson or Kuhn.

0 points
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1
LeotisHarris's picture

September 14, 2022 at 02:45 pm

God, I love that visual!

-1 points
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1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:35 am

As far as your point about the OL and QB play goes, that obvious. I think some other teams would have done much more damage than the Vikings managed.

That said, a near 40 QB is the worst match one can imagine with an OL playing that poorly. Love’s greater mobility and durability (hopefully, due to youth) might help. Honestly, I had the thought at one point that the best match might be Etling’s mobility. It was that bad apart from Nijman. The real irritant is that it looked pretty likely that they would be all preseason and yet we tried no alternative.

Of course, a run first approach would help deter the rush, especially against Z. How that got lost on LaFleur is a mystery. I would more use of Lewis. I think it’s alarming that not only was the OL performance very predictable but we planned and called as if oblivious to that throughout the game. At some point incompetence can’t hide. It wasn’t effort as LaFleur claimed, it was poor coaching choices before and during.

3 points
5
2
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:23 am

Coldworld I agree with you 100% on the coaching and the game planning. No question that the Packers should have run the ball more often especially early in the game. They were going to throw to Lewis on the 4th and goal from the Vikings one yard line in the 2nd quarter but the Vikings had it covered pre snap and Rodgers was left with no choice but to handoff to Dillon. What they should have had was an option to Dillon with Rodgers rolling left and either throwing or taking it into the end zone himself. Once Z collapsed on Dillon there was no one to stop Rodgers from taking it in. So much for the MLF offensive genius.

Many posters complain about not playing our starters in preseason but our starting OL did play in every preseason game and they plus our receivers were the least prepared for the game so go figure. Not to mention that the Vikings did not play their starters during the preseason.

MLF and his staff have consistently made questionable decisions both in pregame planning and during games that have resulted in bad outcomes during the regular season and the playoffs. Fortunately this was only the first game. Hopefully our season will begin in week 2 again. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
3
0
Fubared's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:47 pm

If you would have said this two weeks ago I'd say you mad but I'm tired of Rogers ego and him protecting at all costs his pass percentage ratio. That he wants to carry into the hall
I too am ready for anyone but diva boy.

-1 points
0
1
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:58 pm

I don't know how we're still laying the lack of rush attempts at the coach's feet. Have you guys been listening to MLF post game and pressers at all this week?

He's trying to tell us exactly what Mike McCarthy tried to tell us for his entire tenure: The QB checks out of runs too often.

There's a reason why the coaches will talk about running the ball and the QB talks about getting the RBs "touches".

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 10:14 am

He sounds increasingly like MM in the rut years. Some of the things he said were just as obviously trite. He just has his own versions of “pad level” but he may have copied some of the RB usage repertoire. Whether that’s a reflection on Rodgers actions or attitude I’m less certain. I think it’s more likely just being devious if ideas or plausible excuses.

He wanted Rodgers back in the worst way. He got him. If he’s that frustrated he should have been more a coach and less of a buddy when he has a chance.

0 points
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0
Oppy's picture

September 15, 2022 at 09:54 pm

Everyone is at fault for enabling the Rodgers monster.

Rodgers has no culpability for his own actions.

Got it.

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 15, 2022 at 05:35 am

I don't think there's a comment here I could agree with any more than this one by Since '61. The first paragraph is pure gold!

0 points
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Fubared's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:37 pm

I agree show him the door now. However, he is telling analyst he lacks players to play cover. Jairre is the only one he believes can cover, so the zone is his best case solution. Stokes has been a busts. He is too stupid to learn.

-3 points
0
3
RCPackerFan's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:21 am

Bleah -
The secondary looked lost. They didn't seem to have any communication. They just looked like they weren't prepared for what Minnesota was going to do.

Little Pressure -
I thought the defense got good pressure. But one of the problems was that as soon as they got pressure the secondary stopped doing what they were supposed to do and let mostly Jefferson run wild.

Stenovich and the OL -
I have no idea why they seem to think Hansen is the answer. He has been in the league for 3 years now. Sure he may have looked good to them in camp, but in the games he has looked like crap. The only reason why I think Hanson could be considered "better" then Tom was that he has been here longer. That is they only reason I can come up with to why they think he is 'better'.

Cousins > Rodgers? -
Sure he was better. He had his starting OL, he had his top 2 WR's and RB. Also he was at home and didn't haven't to deal with crowd noise. There were a few times it looked like if Rodgers had time to throw, he would have had guys open. But the OL did a horrible job. Hanson and Newman were overmatched.
But also, how much different does this game look if Watson doesn't drop the 75 yard TD. Not saying they win or anything. Just saying how much different this game looks and feels if that 1 play happens.

Special teams -
Overall the special teams was fine. But the Punt blocking needs to be way better. I was waiting for a punt to be blocked.

Against the Bears -
I mentioned to you Al on twitter that if they are without Bakhtiari, Jenkins and Runyan, my choice for OL is Yosh, Tom, Myers, Newman, Walker. And if they have Runyan, it would be Yosh, Runyan, Myers, Newman, Tom.

But to continue this, if they have Bakhtiari I would like to see, Bakhtiari, Tom, Myers, Newman, Yosh.
If they have Jenkins, I would like to see Yosh, Tom, Myers, Newman, Jenkins.

What I do NOT want to see is Hanson playing or Newman at OT.

I am expecting that DBak, Jenkins and Runyan do not play against the Bears. My move would be to start Rasheed Walker at RT with Newman and Tom at the guard spots. That would be their best lineup under those conditions.

Hurry (yawn) Up -
The 2 minute offense I think would be a lot faster. The part I wonder though with so many young players if he has to do this more. 2 Rookie WR's, 3 OL who are basically new. Of course it could be what you said and he wants to control it all.

Scoring drive -
The key to this offense is timing and rhythm. But this offense should be ran through the RB's. When they were efficient running the ball the offense was much better. When they went to their 2 best offensive weapons, the offense was better.

Oh, there was a defensive game plan? It sure as hell didn't seem like one.
To be fair, the defense played better in the 2nd half then it did in the first.

5 points
5
0
murf7777's picture

September 14, 2022 at 12:04 pm

RC, a lot of people think running the ball is the answer. We’ll I went back and watched the game again and it’s amazing how few of opportunities there logically available to run more, especially in the first half. Take a look and tell me if you feel differently. Unless, you still want to run on 3rd with 5-10 to go. In addition, on first downs, many times they could’ve run, but they did a quick out to the RB or WR and they worked.

A balanced attack is normally the best approach, but it doesn’t always lend itself to that when analyzing the game, play by play. I still remember when many complained all we do is run, run and pass, why don’t we pass more….LOL.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:16 pm

Balance is key. One wants to keep opponents preparing for either. The problem is that a run game often takes a while to build and to take some vigor out of defenders. We don’t do that consistently. We don’t establish the dual possibilities and we let teams focus on the pass. In fact, we averaged 6 yards per carry last week, no doubt a little bolstered by them not taking the run very seriously, but nevertheless a rate that one can win a game in till stopped.

1 points
1
0
egbertsouse's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:32 am

I watched part of the Denver game and noticed that Wilson had trouble getting the plays off on time. He never had that problem in Seattle or at Wisconsin. Who’s his coach? Nathaniel Hackett. Hmmmmm……

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:40 am

Hackett was a surprising choice for me given his background. That said, I’d expect a rough start as a result. MM had a similar debut if I recall, and he was a good coach for many years.

0 points
0
0
LLCHESTY's picture

September 14, 2022 at 04:14 pm

No you're wrong!! It's all Rodgers!!

-4 points
0
4
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:04 pm

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's Wilson's first year in a completely new offense with completely different verbiage... Hmmmmmm.....

..and Rodgers has drained the clock to zero on nearly every down for most of his career despite having had 6 OC's during his pro career.. Hmmmmm....

...and Rodgers actually spoke glowingly of Hackett and predicted he'd get a HC position in 2022...Hmmmmm....

...maybe it's not the OC making it difficult for the QB to get the plays in on time.. maybe the QB has a compulsive need to micro manage at the LOS... Hmmmmmm.....

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:34 am

This team came out and looked like my worst case scenario of during the spring, just with a better roster. Back then I was arguing that the problems were rooted in the coaching.

This regime had a trait of refusing to see the obvious flaws when they were obvious not only to us but other teams were openly discussing them. Drayton’s special teams being the most obvious one, Pettine’s D being another, but not the only examples. We saw shorter term but equally baffling decisions in the Championship games of the last two years and we’ve watched Hanson overmatched for a month and yet the team refusing to see it and adjust.

Then we had the obviously imbalanced relationship between Rodgers and LaFleur. We had watched our D take a step back as our system receded from the high point of LaFleur characteristics and success while the roster has continued on course. When LaFleur started asserted that 80% of our I went through Adams, he essentially admitted that this wasn’t his team. LaFleur was brought in to develop a system where RBs and other parts contribute to a diverse O. We had ended up with a system that was QB and Adams driven to an extreme extent. Adams and Rodgers are so good that the shock for me wasn’t the fact of that (though the scale was excessive), but how happy LaFleur was to lose again playing somebody else’s game.

Then we lost Adams. The reasons don’t really matter, he was gone. Then we went out and resigned Rodgers on a huge deal and loaded our future while building a roster of offensive skill players that has (thanks to the draft) great potential for the future. We invested on D and gave Rodgers a bunch of rookies. That seemed to me an exercise in trying to blend oil and water. The odd thing was that through this LaFleir was a great cheerleader for retaining Rodgers and thus not his system.

Come fall, we trot out and run an offense that could have been last year, except we don’t have Adams, we don’t have MVS. We showed that our plan really was to lean on Cobb and Watkins in the absence of Lazard. I don’t think many here would bank on Cobb, Watkins and Lazard being good enough to carry us to a championship. Many of us figured we’d lean in the run. However we didn’t lean on it we ignored it largely for a half despite the inability of the WRs targeted during the first half to get open. And then we saw that the approach to the rookies was the same as before. If they screw up we not only don’t target them but we don’t call plays that stress their speed and ability to stress Ds.

We went to Minnesota and played Rodgers ball, focusing on Cobb and Watkins and being run shy despite the fact that the talent now is Jones and Dillon and the rookie WRs, especially with Tonyan limited. The point is, there’s nothing inherently wrong with Rodgers ball except it’s not something LaFleur is a help with and it’s being done with a roster that’s diametrically wrong for it.

It’s not the result. It’s not the D. The D will play better and Barry has planned better at times. It’s the mindset of this regime. It’s the apparent failure to pay attention to the fact that the new Vikings were going to run Jefferson all over the field and we’re open about it. It’s the failure to see and adapt to the baffling inadequacy of Hanson in preseason. It’s the absence of a realization that this team can’t ignore rookie WRs this year. It’s the failure of the coaches and Rodgers to accept that they had to change or this season would be pointless.

Sunday to me indicated that we’ve learnt nothing and faced up to nothing. We appear to have had our heads in the sand and to have just continued as if the last two years were a success and we still had those rosters. It was not that we lost it, was the fact that LaFleur’s team did everything we knew they had to avoid. He and apparently Rodgers were living in a dream. It was not a good one. It’s not one that I have a lot of confidence that they can wake up from until those two are divorced.

10 points
12
2
croatpackfan's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:51 am

Coldworld, you know that I'm on your bandwagon regarding MLF and his way of handling AR.

Remember when AR was proclaiming he wanted to be coached. I believe that was the media statement just to get someone as HC who has no balls to put him on the bench if he will not follow HC (team!) offensive plan.

I doubt we will ever see what kind of offensive mind is MLF while AR leads Packers offense.

2 points
4
2
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:12 pm

It looks that way. That may be a good or bad thing as far as LaFleur goes. I do think it’s a bad thing for Rodgers too.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 03:06 pm

Croat we saw MLF's offensive mind play out on our TD scoring drive. With Tom inserted the OL they were more effective. The nagging question is where is the MLF offensive plan during the rest of the game? Where was it when we had first and goal on the Vikings 9 yard line in the second quarter? I don't remember seeing any jet sweeps or even that many 2 RB sets as we were told that we would see plenty of that. Why not give Rodgers the option to keep the ball when he sees Z. Smith crashing on the Dillon hand off on the goal line? A high school coach would figure that out. It all shows a lack of depth in the coach's planning and thinking which we have seen far too often during MLF's tenure as HC in Green Bay.

Now in MLF's defense the OL did not play well for much of the game. However, the Packers/MLF gave up on the run way too early in the game. Secondly our receiving corps does not have a legit NFL threat. Lazard will help when he returns but he is not a game breaking player. He is a solid possession and keep the chains moving player but he doesn't scare the opposing DC.

Regardless the packers need to fix the OL first. Then get the ball in Aaron Jones' hands often. Change pace with Dillon and then play action quick passes to Lazard, Winfree and Tonyan. That is the way our offense needs to play until Watson and/or Doubs can provide an effective deep threat.

BTW, Rodgers statement about wanting to be coached was made after MLF was hired when the media was postulating about how he would get along with MLF. Forget the media hype and speculation it means nothing. Pay attention to the actual game. Most importantly realize that no professional team in any sport is going to pay a player $50 million or more per season and sit that player on the bench unless that player is injured or asks to be taken out of the game. That's the reality not the speculation the media pushes to get ratings and clicks. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
1
1
croatpackfan's picture

September 15, 2022 at 08:24 am

Since some very good and valid arguments, but what Coldworld (I suppirt that speculation) said it is not MLF nor Brian Gutekunst who "gave" $50 mill to Saron Rodgers, but Mike Murphy, who gave the order to Personnel department to make that deal. I know that today it is hard to believe how Packers come to postseason with Jordan Love as Packers QB, but I can not see it at the moment with Aaron Rodgers either.

How would you feel if your direct boss tells you to do the thing on the way he eamts and to forget planned activities and trained way of doing things when you know that not listening your direct boss may cause to be pushed to the end of the row for any success. Tham produce confusion in young man heads/brains and the execution is what will be missed.

Also, I do not want to blame just one person for this loss vs Vikings. Every player and coach contributed in that loss.

For me, that kind of behavior produce confusion and does not help young players to play at the best they can.

For me that is the main problem in the Packers team. When D saw that behavior, they just lost their will to risk their health for confused team.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 15, 2022 at 07:05 pm

Croat I think that you have some good points concerning confusion on the team. And I agree that Murphy may be responsible for Rodgers current contract. We will probably never know which or how often Murphy is pulling the strings on player decisions.

However, I also believe that NFL fans tend to over react and over think their team's performance in the first week of the season. A loss is always a disappointment but it is one loss and only the first game of the season. I don't think that it is an indicator of how the season will play out. And least I hope that it isn't.

If in fact our players are not playing 100% that is on the coaches as is any resulting confusion and the Packers have huge problems. Based on the Vikings game I thought that the Packers defense played a strong second half except for allowing Jefferson to continue to run free and gain first downs which helped the Vikings to run out the clock.

Let's see how the team responds this week. If they have another lackluster performance it might be time to be concerned but not time to panic. It's a long season and we need to get some of our guys back like Lazard, Bak and Jenkins. Stay safe Croat. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:11 pm

"We went to Minnesota and played Rodgers ball, focusing on Cobb and Watkins" - I'm not sure that's an accurate depiction of how Rodgers dealt the ball last Sunday. Check out the "targets" section in the following link.

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-1-game-recap-minnesota-vikings-23-gree...

0 points
1
1
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:56 pm

Oppy this is an excellent example of Rodgers being accused of focusing on only one or 2 receivers. The pff chart shows that Rodgers targeted and completed passes to 10 different receivers. In fact there was an article during the offseason, after Adams left, in SI I believe, that over his career Rodgers has averaged completions to 8 different receivers per game. Adams may have been the focus of the passing game the last 2-3 seasons but Rodgers has certainly not ignored his other receivers. Thanks, Since '61

-1 points
0
1
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:08 pm

Rodgers did his best to ignore the other WRs in the last three Q's of the NFL Championship game last year. As in, he ignored all the other WRs in the last three Q's of the NFL Championship game.

2 points
2
0
Since'61's picture

September 15, 2022 at 08:32 am

Oppy - sorry to disagree but Rodgers targeted 8 receivers in the loss to the 49ers. He also completed 9 passes to A. Jones and 9 passes to Adams. Not trying to say that he played well or that he doesn't look to his favorite guys first but just trying to be fair/devil's advocate versus the narrative that he does not spread the ball around.
Thanks, Since '61

-1 points
0
1
Oppy's picture

September 15, 2022 at 09:12 pm

Since'61,

targeting 8 different players does not create balance when 21 of the 27 total targets went to two players... and one of those players was the RB.

Aaron Jones had 10 targets, all other targets not named Davante Adams were targeted 6 total times. No WR not named Davante Adams had Rodgers throw the ball their way more than ONCE. TE Dafney was blessed with two targets.

The only WRs not named Davante Adams to get a target were Randall Cobb (1) and Allen Lazard (1).

Sure, Rodgers targeted 8 different players that day... Zero context.

-1 points
0
1
Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 10:27 am

Oppy, the missing piece is when those targets occurred (and ignoring the passes to Deguara and Watson from Love. I was primarily addressing the first half. I stand just as resolutely behind that statement now as before.

0 points
0
0
Oppy's picture

September 15, 2022 at 08:54 pm

He truly focused on throwing the ball to the RBs.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:15 am

Al you bring up many solid points as usual. I don't understand the decisions being made on the OL. I can only assume/hope that the coaches are seeing something else in practice and game prep that is causing these player/position choices to be made. I do agree with your suggested OL starters for the Bears game. The problem is continuity. An OL needs to play together consistently to develop some continuity. Maybe that won't happen until EJ and Bak get back. We'll see.

Agree that the scoring drive was a nice example of how the MLF offense should work. Just run it more often. Also if we want to run an up tempo offense get to the LOS, run the play and snap the ball. See what happens. It can't be any worse than running the clock down and enabling the defense to adjust to Rodgers reading the defense. They all know what he is doing and they are figuring out his most likely audibles which is exactly what happened on the 4th and goal play from the Vikings one yard line in the 2nd quarter.

Defensive game plan??? simple play more aggressively and don't let their best player beat you. Why did we pay all that money to Alexander if he is not going to cover our opponents best receiver. Makes no sense to me. Anyone ask either Joe Barry or MLF that question? don't Joe Barry and ML discuss the defensive game plan before the game? If yes shouldn't MLF tell Barry that he wants Alexander on Jefferson? One of my biggest concerns with this coaching staff is that they seem to make the most obvious mistakes in their game planning. We've seen it in the playoffs and in regular season games. Why? And then even when it is obvious during the game they don't adjust or at least not until it's too late. Again, Why?

Well onto the Bears. Maybe, like last season, our season will begin in Week 2 again and we'll be off to another 13 win season. One week and one game at a time.
Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

4 points
5
1
HawkPacker's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:29 am

'One of my biggest concerns with this coaching staff is that they seem to make the most obvious mistakes in their game planning.'

Since '61, don't forget their inability to make in-game adjustments as well, as I noted below. It is one thing to plan one way but if that is not working, you have to make adjustments. This continues to be an issue for LaFleur.

2 points
2
0
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:25 am

Agree Hawkpacker. My post did include my comment about making in game adjustments too late or not at all.
Thanks, Since '61

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:37 am

Apparently, the guy only knows how to coach zone schemes and he even gets those sets wrong. If Stokes cannot go 1:1, then have him press the WR at the line and get the safety on top. Amos out of position way too much and Savage still not paying dividends as a One pick.

2 points
3
1
GBPDAN1's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:16 am

All perfectly said, Al. What we witnessed on Sunday was troubling and unacceptable. Hopefully our team as a whole learns by their mistakes. I except a much better performance against the bears

1 points
1
0
croatpackfan's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:30 am

Based on what?

-1 points
1
2
13TimeChamps's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:19 am

This isn't a pro-Barry or anti-Barry comment, just an observation.

When he was first hired the general consensus on here was pretty much negative, mostly based on his past experiences as a DC elsewhere. Then, throughout the season, the feelings towards him seemed to fluctuate somewhat until the playoff game against SF. Then, he and the defense, were viewed as well above average and heading in the right direction, pretty much based off that one game.

From that point on...all offseason and throughout training camp...all comments were how great this defense was going to be, considering it will be year 2 under Barry's tutelage. Now, after one game (once again), apparently he doesn't know what he's doing and the pitchforks are out once again.

I guess the "Not For Long" description of the NFL rings true. Such is the life of an NFL coach.

9 points
10
1
HawkPacker's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:32 am

Totally agree 13. Just not sure why they would not make in-game adjustments on defense such as blitzing periodically to create pressure or having our stud CB covering Jefferson exclusively.

3 points
3
0
PatrickGB's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:36 am

You are not alone on that. I saw and heard the same things.

0 points
0
0
murf7777's picture

September 14, 2022 at 12:15 pm

13…..that sums up the consensus pretty good. I for one didn’t mind the hire, of course I wanted Leonard, but after year one, I wasn’t that impressed either. There was a lot of good and some not so good similar to Pettine. His basic yardage and scoring allowed were somewhat similar to Pettine and he arguably has better players. Lastly, a probably more accurate assessment of how the D did last year is DVOA, which had them at 24th in the NFL. He’s got a lot to prove IMO.

The talent is there to be top 5 and if they stop thinking they are the best in the league and start playing like it, just maybe they will get there.

The reality is he and the players did great against SF and it’s just one game in, so, fingers crossed this team becomes Top 5 D.

2 points
2
0
LLCHESTY's picture

September 14, 2022 at 04:17 pm

Basing everything off the playoff game while ignoring the previous 5-6 games before that is typical fan behavior. They were terrible on defense that last part of the season against injured and scrub QBs.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 10:38 am

Barry is best when he and his D are aggressive. That wasn’t the case during that late season spell. That’s one thing I do agree with you on about him. Then again, I wonder … Pettine started aggressively and essentially got told by LaFleur not to be to avoid big plays and became super passive and increasingly ineffective. So much so it arguably cost us a super bowl appearance.

Is it Barry being cautious or LaFleur’s paradigm? If it’s not what the HC wants then he needs to make that very clear. Barry has shown that he can be aggressive. Let’s hope he returns to that. Perhaps his intent was to let them settle before unleashing?

0 points
0
0
HawkPacker's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:23 am

I thought we would lose this first game as we are slow starters to the season, which seems like every year. The team just is not ready at the start of the season. How do we get ahead of this? I believe that each preseason, we need to have the starters play two series in the last two preseason games. They need the in game experience to get ready for the season.

In game adjusting: I have harped on this in the past that LaFleur is terrible at making in game adjustments. Not only at half time but through out the game. I believe this is his greatest weakness to coaching.

Also, I do like RCPackerFan's starting offensive lines that he suggests above. I also agree with pretty much everyone that Hanson, at least at this point in time, is not the answer to start at right guard.

6 points
6
0
PatrickGB's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:39 am

I agree, Matt’s forte is NOT game adjustments. He has come up with some nice plays and he has the locker room support but he does not adjust on the fly.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:41 am

At this point, what is LaFleur’s forte?

4 points
5
1
LeotisHarris's picture

September 14, 2022 at 03:08 pm

That is a great question for the group, CW. Maybe we can put together bullet points for his updated resume. I'll start:

- World-class personal grooming habits.
- Enthusiastically answers "absolutely" to most questions from Larry McCarren.
- Excels at generating client-ready deliverables. (okay, so I made this one up)

2 points
3
1
HawkPacker's picture

September 14, 2022 at 07:05 pm

Pretty funny Leotis.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:05 pm

Leotis he also excels at flapping his arms to increase crowd noise rather than making adjustments or telling his DC to have our best defensive player (Alexander) cover our opponents best receiver. At this rate he should join the Packer cheerleaders and maybe let the cheerleaders do the coaching. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
3
0
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:52 am

We have to fix the OL and everything else will fall into place. With the only known capable receiver in the name of Lazard missing and Tonyan being not 100% yet these offensive struggles should be expected. Hopefully it gets fixed soon.

3 points
4
1
Leatherhead's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:11 am

That's going to be easier said than done, amigo. Given that Bakhtiari, Jenkins, and now Runyan are unavailable, we're starting a guy who was supposed to be the backup. We can try Walker or Mt. Caleb, and we can shuffle around people, and we can bring guys up from the practice squad, but the next injury is going put our projected #9 OL in the starting lineup.

In fantasyland theory, Jenkins returns and plays RT and Newman returns to RG. Nobody else gets hurt for the rest of the year. Bakhtiari comes back and plays like a Pro Bowler.

If it were me, I would have done some things differently in the offseason, but that's water under the bridge. For this Sunday, against Chicago, I'd start Nijman-Tom-Myers-Hanson-Newman and hope like hell nobody got hurt.

There's no magic wand at this point. We're not going to find the answer to our prayers on somebody's practice squad before Sunday. I'd circle the wagons and try to keep our QB alive.

2 points
2
0
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:47 am

Agreed that we have to live with it till we get our tackles back. Fingers crossed that this team is going to figure it out against da bears this Sunday.
One good thing is even with all moving parts we were still able to move the ball okish against the vikings on Sunday. So if Lazard is back we should be alright against the bears.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 10:53 am

I’m not sure that I agree that we have to live with it. We have to live with the injuries but we don’t have to live with this failed strategy to do so. If a thing wasn’t working in preseason and then blew up cataclysmically in game 1, it might be sensible to try plan C.

Rodgers could have been taken out in the last game: we got lucky. Trying something other than Hanson/Newman is unlikely to make that worse. In fact, using Newman as a guard improves the interior immediately and thus helps to slow down by closing off the fastest route. It’s also easier to help out at T. If the interior holds up ok at least. It’s very hard to do much when the middle is that porous.

Move Hanson back to G. Then put out one of the rookie tackles and use Lewis to help. Use the most ready of Jones and Walker. If we had a backup G other than Hanson or Rhyan, I’d actually start that player at LG if Runyon is out and play Tom as a TE. Walker/Jones can handle bull rushes and run block and Tom has the feet to screen off speed rushes at least outside. What would be unconscionable is trotting out Hanson again at either G or C with Rodgers or Love behind him.

0 points
0
0
kobebryant69's picture

September 14, 2022 at 09:55 am

We have seen this way too many times when Lafleur and the offense get down and completely avoid running the ball.
STICK TO THE RUN! Especially on early downs. These 3rd and longs are very difficult to complete when you don't have much time to throw and you don't have excellent receivers getting separation.
If we are going to win in January, we have to stick to the run. That is how this team is built and that is how this Green Bay Packer team will win games. We have a top 5 RB duo. Let's use them. It's not rocket science. Let's play hard-nose smash mouth football and be like the 2019 49ers or the 2008 New York Giants.

2 points
3
1
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:06 am

"We have a top 5 RB duo. Let's use them. It's not rocket science. Let's play hard-nose smash mouth football and be like the 2019 49ers or the 2008 New York Giants"
Our OL isn't getting any push to help our RB's. Till we have a settled Oline i am afraid that our running game is going to struggle too.

2 points
2
0
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:06 am

.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:44 am

Our ball carriers had about 6 ypc on Sunday despite the OL. Compared to our yards per catch, that makes it look even more Obvious that we should have started early and kept pounding.

When things are that bad on an OL, I think it’s easy to forget that running doesn’t just help open spaces for passers, but it helps to relieve the rushing pressure.

0 points
2
2
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:54 am

Yes our ball carriers got about 6ypc but that majority of those yards seems to have gotten in the second half after we got Tom if i am not wrong. And more over by that time we were already down by 17 or 20.
The first half we didn't move that well.

1 points
2
1
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:54 am

.

0 points
0
0
murf7777's picture

September 14, 2022 at 12:19 pm

Perfect example of how stats only tell 1/2 of the story!

2 points
3
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:24 pm

It had more to do with us actually running it than Tom. It’s also fair to add that the Vikings were by then playing the pass pretty much exclusively. Tom’s running game rating was not all that different from Runyon’s. Nijman’s was better than anyone else’s it’s true.

2 points
2
0
LLCHESTY's picture

September 14, 2022 at 04:40 pm

That's not true, they averaged 6.2 yards a carry but when you're down 20-0 you have to look for chunk plays

-1 points
0
1
Oppy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:06 pm

Aaron Jones averaged 9.8 YPC.

That's a pretty big chunk.

2 points
2
0
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:26 pm

Those big chunks came in the second half when we are already down 20. So it has to do with their defense playing mostly for a pass

-1 points
0
1
Oppy's picture

September 15, 2022 at 09:44 pm

Yes, Jones (2) carries in the 3rd Quarter (one at ~9 min mark, the other right before the 4th quarter started) accounted for 34 yards. His other three runs in the first half averaged 5 per carry.

I didn't know that running for between 5 and 9.8 YPC was a bad thing.

Crazy thought- just follow me out on a ledge here- but maybe, just maybe, handing the rock off to AJ and feeding dillon more might have:
1) kept the Vikings offense off the field and the Packers defense rested,
2) built some momentum
3) Who knows, maybe scored a few points,
4) Slowed down the vikings Pass rush and given the Packers under-staffed OL the chance to get off their heels and get up on the balls of their feet
5) created more opportunities for, I don't know, maybe our actual wide receiving corps to get out into space and find holes in the coverage because the LBs and Safeties might have to respect the LOS if the Packers are chewing up first downs and marching the ball down the field with the run.

Here's the truth, it's been on display for going on 8 years now- Aaron Rodgers checks out of run plays because he likes passing stats. Both the head coaches during the last 8 years have hinted to this fact. Rodgers uses his classic selective wording to give the impression he thinks we need to run more.. without actually lying. Coaches will say "We need to run the ball more." Rodgers will say, "We need to get the RBs more Touches. We need to get the RBs more involved." See the difference? He's been pulling this shit for years.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 10:31 am

If I recall, the only big passing chunk play was Love to Watson for 24 yards in garbage time. That’s why I pointed out that 6+ ypc compared favorably with the yards per catch (it exceeded it) and certainly per target.

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:06 am

This game was a glaring example of the incompetence of this coaching staff. Is there another DC in the league who would take a lockdown corner and relegate him to being just another jag in the zone? And is there another head coach who would allow it? Or allow an obviously poor lineman to remain in the lineup despite repeatedly being run over like road kill.

Barry is the new Dom Capers. He'll be around way longer than he should be. As with Capers, guys run free against his D, and opposing players set personal and league records. There is no attacking the offense, just everyone stay in their little zone box. LeRoy Butler wondered after the game why there was no jamming, no bump and run. The reason, as I said in a previous post, is that Barry is so soft he puts his players to sleep.

The Niners game last year where the defense was great may prove to have a lasting negative effect on the Packers. I believe it was a fluke, But it suddenly left everyone in the mindset that Barry was a defensive genius. He's not. He's Dom Capers, and if LaFleur continues to be a version of MM we'll have the same results as always. A lot of wins because there's a ton of talent, but no titles because this coaching staff has shown that in crucial games they are deer in headlights.

4 points
4
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Leatherhead's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:14 am

How does an incompetent coaching staff win 39 games and two playoff games in three seasons.?

And again....a good offensive team scores 23 points in their home opener and it's condemnation time? I don't agree with that.

2 points
3
1
Coldworld's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:49 am

A good roster, formerly (?) weak division and a great QB will get one a long way against most teams regardless of whether the Coach is a help or a hindrance. The players were good enough to win that many games, if you like.

4 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

September 14, 2022 at 01:05 pm

You're making the same argument that kept Capers around years after his expiration date. The Packers have had talent year in and year out. When Capers was DC the offense had great receivers, a Hall of Fame QB, great O-line so they overcame the defensive deficiencies until they couldn't in the playoffs. Look up what the defense did in all those crucial playoff games. They were destroyed and great performances by the offense were negated.

Ground Hog Day. Lousy DC, overmatched HC, win on talent, lose when it counts on coaching.

6 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 14, 2022 at 04:41 pm

Since every DC in the league runs more zone than man I'd say yes.

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 15, 2022 at 12:08 am

'A lot of wins because there's a ton of talent, but no titles because this coaching staff has shown that in crucial games they are deer in headlights."

Having been a fan since the early 60s and all the ups and downs since, I never ever thought I would hear that said about the Green Bay Packers!

Sad

1 points
1
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Swisch's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:07 am

I'm wondering if Rodgers is adept at looking for secondary receivers if his main focus is covered, or if he struggles in this aspect of the game -- not a minor one.

-4 points
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5
Leatherhead's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:20 am

I've watched this a couple of times Swisch.

When Rodgers had at least a minimum amount of time, he was pretty good. He only threw 12 incompletes during the entire game, starting with Watson.

He took too many sacks and hits, partly because we didn't protect him and partly because he was trying to make something happen by extending the play instead of just throwing it away and going back to the huddle.

They're going to have to give the ball to Jones and Dillon and play some Old School football until they get the line in better shape. Losing a low scoring game to Chicago is bad, but losing our QB for the season would be worse.

3 points
4
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Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 11:07 am

I don’t blame this mostly on Rodgers. He could have helped himself somewhat and the receiver use in the first half was questionable, but so were the play calls and the O line was flat out bad other than Nijman.

It’s unrealistic to expect Rodgers to overcome type and overcome adversity. Even great players aren’t going to beat that most of the time. We have to put him in better positions.

Part of that is accepting that Cobb and Watkins were extremely unimpressive and had no business getting 30 plus snaps. That’s on LaFleur. Was Watkins just bad or is that what he is now? If the latter, sit him. Cobb should be replaced by Doubs or Toure or even Winfree on all but some 3rd downs. Lazard will help, but Lazard, Doubs, Watson, Toure and Cobb looks a whole lot better to me than what we had out on Sunday (in order of snaps).

-1 points
0
1
PackAttack4155's picture

September 14, 2022 at 10:27 am

You'd think, with the players available to him, Joe Barry would be able to put together a solid defensive scheme despite his history of being a terrible defensive coordinator. Since his hiring, he has remained the weakest aspect of the defense. How he got the job over Jerry Gray, who knows? Yes, its one game in, but the problems with the defense started to show itself in the second half of last season.

That said, 23 points allowed isn't a monumental task for an offense to overcome. The offense didn't do their defensive counterparts any favors.

0 points
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2
Packers1985's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:43 am

With so many moving parts on offense and unsettled oline plus no true wr1's. The offense will have to ride off the defenses back for initial few weeks. Afterall all the offseason we were hearing how great this defense going to be after what we acquired this offseason.
The defense looked outof place on most of the drives that's what concerns most of us. Hopefully it's just a onetime thing and Barry and crew would fix it ASAP.

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:04 am

Rodgers on Sunday was just a mid level QB if that. He was more of a downer than a leader no doubt. Worry amore about football and who has the vaccine and who plays tennis where. Rules are rules and yet you seem to think {Rodgers} you are above them or use some more mind altering things they seem to be just fine working.

1 points
2
1
blondy45's picture

September 14, 2022 at 04:37 pm

With our O-line in flux, we need to use quick decisive plays whether it be run or pass. We do not need to take the clock down to 0 to 2 seconds each play. We do not need Aaron Rodgers to scan the field, readjust the play, & lock in on one guy early this year. Until the O-line gets coordinated, our young WR's need to know the play, not the audible, make the effort, and not be afraid of Rodgers scorn. Our strength on Offense is our RB's, use them!

Our defense is fine. We need to work together as a group in real combat. I stand by my preseason rant that preseason games are needed for the presumed starters too. Look at the injuries around the NFL week 1. Many teams that bubble wrap their players to protect them get hurt. Is it OK to have your starters protected so they can be a starter on opening day, only to have them get hurt first game? At least they played a few quarters, was it worth it? NO!

We need leaders to step up, not a Primadona which Rodgers is. We need MLF to step it up for the "team", and not pussyfoot around Rodger's ego. We need Barry turn the defense loose and pressure the QB. We need the Packers to wake up. The season has begun. A division loss to the Vikings with a blueprint for our opponents to see our weaknesses. Not good.

1 points
1
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Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Our OL starters played in every preseason game this year. How well did that work out against the Vikings?
Thanks, Since '61

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 15, 2022 at 10:55 am

Had we learnt what that preseason play should have taught us, it could have helped us do something less idiotic for the second genuine game in a row.

0 points
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BAMABADGER's picture

September 14, 2022 at 08:24 pm

The coaching staff need do nothing more than look in the mirror as to why we lost to Minnesota. Of bigger concern for the division, Minnesota has a great offense and a sound D. What makes them better is the Queens now have an excellent offensive mind as their HC. In his first game, he was well prepared and schooled MLF.

1 points
1
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Since'61's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:11 pm

Totally agree BamaBadger. No excuse for MLF and his staff being out prepared and out coached by a rookie HC and his staff. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 14, 2022 at 11:23 pm

Where do I sign your petition? Along with one for not abandoning the run game when It's working, ever again!

0 points
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