Cory's Corner: Embrace The Boring

The Packers need to understand that they are a running team first. 

I know I should be feeling happy because every win is a win. 

But after Sunday’s 27-24 overtime escape win over the Patriots, the Packers left a lot to be desired. You know it and I know it — the Packers cannot keep winning this way. 

The offense had a pair of three-and-outs, the fourth pick six in Aaron Rodgers’ career and were unable to put a team away that was playing with a third string quarterback. 

“This way of winning, I don’t think, is sustainable because it puts too much pressure on our defense,” said Rodgers who was 21-f0r-35 for 251 yards with two touchdowns, a pick and a quarterback rating of 89.1.

He’s not wrong. Rodgers and the offense continually put the defense in bad spots. The defense had to keep Green Bay in it after the offense handed New England a 10-7 lead at halftime after a 40-yard interception return. 

And the defense at times didn’t look very stout. Sure, Rashan Gary had three hurries and two sacks, but that unit had problems stopping the run. Bill Belichick wasn’t doing anything exotic, in fact, he had his team looking like East Boston High School. Mainly running off left and right tackle and only passing when he desperately had to with Brian Hoyer and Bailey Zappe. That was bad in two ways: 1. It kept Rodgers off the field and 2. It didn’t allow for mistakes from unproven quarterbacks. 

What’s frustrating is that New England was tipping its hand and showing off that it was a one dimensional offense — and the Packers still could not stop the Patriots. New England had four three-and-outs with a couple in the final three minutes of regulation. But it didn’t seem like that, especially because they kept the clock moving early on. In the first half, the Patriots owned the time of possession battle with a 19:11-10:49 edge.

But it’s not all gloom and doom. I like that the Packers were able to bounce back and lean on their running game. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon combined for 23 carries and 29 touches overall. Remember that my number for them is 30. Whenever the Packers feed both of those guys the ball at least 30 times, good things are going to happen. Jones was running hard and running through contact and Dillon looked surprisingly nimble on girthy thighs, by proving that he can get to the edge. 

I still like this offense, but it’s still not there yet. Romeo Doubs and Allen Lazard are easily the best pass catchers on the roster and Robert Tonyan is starting to look like a threat down the seam. But Rodgers is still fighting through bouts of being cantankerous and expecting a lot from a crew of youngsters. 

The good news is the Packers can realistically be 6-1 heading into the Week 8 Sunday night game at Buffalo. Then again, Green Bay could also be 4-3 after a weird London Game next week and a game against Zach Wilson, who earned his first win as a starter this season after the Jets beat the Steelers on Sunday. 

This team will get better, but Rodgers has to know who this team is. This team is a running oriented team that needs to move the chains and then mix things up with a play-action pass.

Sounds boring right?

Well, boring still wins in the NFL. 

 

 

 

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__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

__________________________

3 points
 

Comments (67)

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

October 04, 2022 at 06:37 am

"What’s frustrating is that New England was tipping its hand and showing off that it was a one dimensional offense — and the Packers still could not stop the Patriots."

Yup, there's the Pats lining up with 6 O-Linemen and Joe Barry has BOTH safeties playing back, 2 D-Linemen & 2 OLB up on the LOS with HUGE gaps for the Patriots to run through. I would love to know what the hell Joe Barry was thinking just then, especially as the Patriots continued on back-to-back scoring drives in the 2nd half to absolutely gash the Packer's run defense. I mean WTF Joe!!!???

I know I mentioned this yesterday but even as I speed-watched the 2nd half again last night, I just couldn't believe it. Not only does Joe Barry continue to watch it, but MLF does absolutely NOTHING either. Put a damn safety near the line, bring in some extra BEEF, and MAKE Zippy Zappe beat you! If I was MLF I would have been in Barry's ear...

I didn't like the MLF hire when he was first named HC. He quickly won me over with all the winning. But after last year, after the whole keeping Mo Drayton when it was obvious to EVERYONE he needed to go just (That's just one thing), LaFleur kept him and IMO it cost them their 14th Championship. We're seeing his lack of experience on display weekly, but the most glaring issue is HE DOESN'T EVER LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES!

Common Matt, it is time... It's time you learn from all these past mistakes and STOP repeating them.

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T7Steve's picture

October 04, 2022 at 07:30 am

Agree with you Nick AND Cory. You need the D-line to absorb the blocking so the line backers and backs can make the stop. Don't understand that big gap that allows the three inside O-lineman to roam up field to block.

As for "boring offense" we're back to the o-line. Get the best 5 in there and on 4th and short or goal line or any time you want really (like the Pats proved) put in the jumbo package (debos idea I think?) with Jones lined up next to either tackle. They block down the guard kicks out and dare anyone to try stop it. I see they're talking about it now. We've been talking about it since they started putting Hansen at guard.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/lafleur-packers-have-discussed-movi...

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LambeauPlain's picture

October 04, 2022 at 07:58 am

Nick, seeing the same tendency from Barry as we did with Pettine.

Pettine arrived with great promise after the confusing, constant jail break subbing of the stale, predictable Capers. But Mike P morphed into "defend the pass at all costs...the run game...meh!" Pettine was a huge disappointment.

BB dared Barry to stop the run. Like Pettine in '19 and '20, Barry didn't respond & was content to get flogged. The Pats got more effective and determined with their run blocking fits, especially in the 2nd half. They were routinely getting a hat on every Packer defender in their run lanes....when there were Packers in the way. Many times the hole gapping.

Will ML ignore this dysfunction as he did Drayton's STs last year?

4 points
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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:19 am

Good post Nick. I really don't understand what is going on with Barry and MLF. I have no idea why they didn't adjust to the Pats obvious run game. The only possibility is that they did not want to leave our DBs one on one with Alexander out!!! I don't know why this would be true but the defensive plan was seriously flawed against the run game.

The Packers should have shut the Pats down in the second half rather than allow their OL to take over the game.
Fortunately Rodgers got hot in the second half and produced the offense necessary to cary the day.

Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:58 am

"Common, Matt, it is time... It's time you learn from all these past mistakes and STOP repeating them."

One of two things are happening in GB.

1) MLF is trying to disprove Einsteins quote that a different result 'is possible' by doing the same thing over and over.

2) MLF doesn't rewatch the game film himself and believes his assistants will prove the above, eventually or never. Though it seems nobody is rewatching the game film.

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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:47 am

The third option is that LaFleur really doesn’t have solutions. He’s got a scheme he brought with him that we aren’t really using and a QB. If he sees the issues, he’s not capable of coming up with a responsive adaptation.

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Packers0808's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:30 pm

Gee wish I was a head couch coach?

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LeotisHarris's picture

October 04, 2022 at 05:45 pm

Dad?

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Packers0808's picture

October 05, 2022 at 07:51 am

Yes! 11 Times!

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 04, 2022 at 07:50 am

This offense is a work in progress. This is far from a finished product. They are building something here. They are just starting to figure out who can do what and how to use players. They are also getting players back and shaking off some rust.

What we know so far is Aaron Jones is the best offensive weapon we have. He is so damn explosive. He is special! The hard part with him is to not over use him and wear him down by the end of the season. Dillon will help with that and the duo is really good. Dillon will be the hammer when it gets colder. Kylin Hill is now eligible to come off the pup. We will have to see what they do there, but if he made a full recovery he would provide a very good 3rd option who could definitely fill in. I'm still a fan of Goodson on the PS. I think he is a guy they could also elevate later in the year and could add something.

In order to get this offense to where we want to see it at, it starts up front. Our OL just got back 2 of our studs, but they are coming off of missing a lot of time. They are working back. Bakhtiari has been very good since coming back. Jenkins has been more rusty. And I feel like he maybe playing out of position at RT. I don't know if its him out of position or if he is coming back from being rusty. Our interior OL overall has been pretty good. Myers and Runyan have been really good overall. I think Newman maybe weak link there, but he has the experience. If they would decide that Yosh should play RT, I would not be surprised if they moved Jenkins to RG. That maybe our best 5.

I believe that once our OL gels and solidifies, our offense will take off. Rodgers will have more faith and trust in what they are doing, and he will be able to focus more downfield. I feel like he has been anticipating more rush then there has been at times. It will also open up more for the run game.

Our receiving weapons are definitely a work in progress. First we have 2 rookies playing. They have brought some seriously explosiveness to the offense. Something we have lacked for a while. But they are rookies and it takes time. We also have Tonyan coming back from injury. We don't have another TE like him that can stretch the seam, just like he did against the Patriots for the TD. To me he doesn't look fully confident in his knee. I think that will come though.
Cobb is one of our ultimate 3rd down and redzone targets. He is a guy Rodgers knows where he'll be and can trust him to make the play when its needed. Lazard is our number 1. Watkins when he comes back may have lost a bit of playing time due to the rookies. Doubs in the 2 games since Watkins has went on IR has 13 catches 120 yards and 2 TD's. He also had that 50+ yard TD just slip out after hitting the ground. Expect him to quietly become our 1B as Rodgers gains more trust in him. After the OT, expect that to happen sooner then later. Watson's speed is unreal. He is open a lot.

As this season moves on, expect more big plays being made by our weapons on the outside. Expect Rodgers to start taking over games more.
The team is ran through the run game right now. And I don't expect that to change much. BUT, as our weapons become more dangerous, expect the offense as a whole to become more explosive. The more the outside guys open things up the more our running game will be effective.

This offense will be completely different at the end of the season as it is now. And I believe it will be that much better!

3 points
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dobber's picture

October 04, 2022 at 08:20 am

Cory's perspective is very short-sighted. This is a team in the process of transitioning away from an HOF QB. An offense that can impose its will on another team with its OL is a thing of beauty. Many of us who are Badgers fans have become very used to seeing and enjoying this over the years. The decline in quality of play by the UW OL is a reason why Paul Chryst is out of a job.

I said it yesterday: when you want to play defense and run the ball to win football games, you're going to live with a very narrow margin for error, and we tend to call it "winning ugly" because it's a league of big plays and scoring points. Today this article appeared on JSOnline. It's a frank and clear read, and it gets right to the point of what this Packers team is right now.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/10/04/packers-mus...

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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:21 am

Dobber, thanks for posting this article, it's pretty much spot on. Thanks, Since '61

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:37 am

Dammit Dobber now I have to sign up for a jsonline account cuz you peeked my interest lol

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:57 am

Does that one have a paywall? I thought it was on their general/non-subscriber list.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:06 am

It came up behind a paywall when I clicked on it.

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:59 pm

Sorry.

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LLCHESTY's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:52 am

If you have their app you can get a few free articles a month. It used to be 10 but it might be less now.

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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:02 am

The OL is part of it, but it’s not the determinative reason, for the Packers at least. Rodgers has had time enough to do more by far than he has. The reasons are simply magnifying the OL issues this far this year. We don’t have the Veteran quality and depth of trust guys and we aren’t using the talented youngsters in ways that are calculated to spread Ds and get things open. We are throwing most often into the same areas we run into and they are packed. Less openings, more holding on and more desperation. LaFleur has no plan for this roster and it’s glaringly obvious.

He’s being ultra conservative with his roster and it’s use of youth, not inventive. Great, but the result is as predictable as it was inevitable and will ultimately be fruitless if he doesn’t change. If Jones gets hurt, this impotence will get very much worse as things stand. LaFleur had months to develop a strategy. He’s got no ideas or answers. The time to be fooled has passed.

-2 points
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T7Steve's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:30 am

I was thinking that he was being conservative too. My only hope is that they actually HAVE learned and are trying to portray that they haven't so they can take it up a notch and surprise when the real season starts in the playoffs. The good teams try to beat you with vanilla and execution to save the rest for the playoffs. We just need to get better at execution.

That's all I can hope for at this point, otherwise we're wasting another year, and I can't give up yet.

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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 02:59 pm

CW, I’m sure they are keeping some of the play book back due to the rookies and new comers. But, he threw mutliple long passes in this game. I don’t think that is conservative. He threw 2 to Doubs, 1 to Watson and 1 each to Lazards and Cobb. Of course, Cobby caught his, Doubs played the wrong side of the Defender. Doubs couldn’t hold onto the ball when hit the ground in the end zone. Doubs did have a Jordy like back shoulder catch for a TD. (Love to see more of that, its so hard to defend). Watson couldn’t find the ball in the air and Lazards I’m not real sure what happened there could’ve been a wrong route or a bad pass by Rodgers. If you count Doubs back shoulder as long that counts for 6 long balls. If a couple more were completed this game would’ve been quite different outcome.

I know you think I don’t care for Rookies, but Doub isn’t playing like one and I really like his play. Just need him to make fewer mistakes. Keeping in mind, those mistakes can be the difference of winning or losing a game. Watson on the other hand, still has a lot to learn. Yes, he made a nice end around run, but my grandma could’ve gotten that one into the end zone….lol

2 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

October 05, 2022 at 12:43 am

I agree. The offense looked different this week. They gave up making Dillon run sideways on short yardage, putting Rodgers under center with Dillon direct behind him and even threw out of it which gave defenses something to think about. It took long enough but that's a very positive development.

Also the pass chart is going to look very different this week compared to last week. Last week all the long throws were between 20 -29 yards, this week there were 4 over 30 yards. Last week there were no intermediate throws between 15-20 yards, there were at least 2 on Sunday. After Dusty included the chart in his article I found three from last year, this week's will look a lot like last year's. Nice change.

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PackyCheese500's picture

October 04, 2022 at 08:35 am

I agree with you Cory. MLF and Barry, too, have to do a better job and be more adaptable

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PackyCheese500's picture

October 04, 2022 at 08:43 am

I think the Packers need to make a couple of free-agent moves sometime this season:

1. Sign veteran safety Anthony Harris from the Broncos' Practice Squad. Harris would have started at SS for the Eagles if they hadn't traded for CJGJ. He is the best option on the free agent market, and if Amos is going to miss some time, I highly recommend the Packers sign him. The Packers could also elevate Abernathy, too, but even with Amos they don't have much safety depth.

2. Sign veteran EDGE Benson Mayowa
Read Wendell Ferreira's article here: https://zonecoverage.com/2022/packers/lack-of-edge-depth-makes-the-packe...
The Packers cannot continue to over-load Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, because that will de-crease their efficiency and make them more prone to injury, something we absolutely CANNOT afford. This is because we don't have good depth; Enagbare is a project, and Garvin is a non-factor. We need to sign the best option available, Benson Mayowa. He had 13 sacks, 37 pressures, and 5 forced fumbles between 2019 and 2020 while playing 31% and 61% of snaps, respectively. Last year, he was mis-used in Seattle and played ILB, but his main specialty is rushing the passer, which he's shown he's very good at in a rotational role.

The Packers have the cap space to make these moves and I highly recommend that they do. Both players would be cheap, and there would be little to lose and much to gain.

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:11 am

Ford did pretty well as a replacement for Amos. I’m willing to see more of him before decreasing our minuscule cap.

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PackyCheese500's picture

October 04, 2022 at 05:57 pm

Interesting...If Amos only misses 1-2 weeks, I would agree with you there. Another option could be to elevate Abernathy from the PS, maybe? I really liked what I saw from him in the pre-season.

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gpt999's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:57 am

At this point, adding players may not be the solution. UNTIL MLF and Joe Barry do a better job with the personnel they have, getting better players is just a waste of money. The on field of this team is far above the level of its coaching.

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LLCHESTY's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:04 pm

"The Packers cannot continue to over-load Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, because that will de-crease their efficiency and make them more prone to injury"

This is wrong. They aren't getting overloaded at all. Leonard Floyd played 932 regular season snaps for the Rams last year or 54/game. Gary averaged 42/game last year and is averaging the same this year. Floyd weighs 240 lbs and Gary weighs 277. If he can't handle 45-50 snaps a game something is wrong.

The defense as a whole isn't playing a lot of snaps. They haven't been great by any measure but they are getting a lot of 3 and outs. If the defense was crap and they were both playing 55 snaps a game I'd be worried but they're not.

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

October 04, 2022 at 08:45 am

Also, what would you all think of signing OBJ? He's shown some interest in Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers.

-4 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:29 am

OBJ won't be ready until the last part of the season, if then. And he is going to demand a huge check.

The Packers would be renting him at the same time when Doubs, Watson and hopefully Torre are making the most of their snaps. If OBJ is available in late November (he may be) and the Pack have injuries at WR...perhaps look at him then. Certainly not now.

3 points
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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:29 am

I tend to agree with you on OBJ. He’s a high level WR and can make a difference. One of the top teams will sign him for the last part of the year and playoff run. Why not GB? The reason some might say is it will take time away from the rookies, doesn’t hold water for me. You play the best you have, whether that’s a rookie or a vet, especially when your clock is ticking like in GB. If you have a chance to win a SB then get the best and play the best. If they bring him in and he isn’t the best then just play him situationally.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:09 pm

I think it’s very possible that he’s not healed in time to play and not himself if he can get passed fit for the playoffs. Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s at the very optimistic end of an ACL timeline. As Jenkins and Tonyan are reminding us, that’s not an injury without a post return hangover.

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:09 pm

A veteran WR who just made a SB run would be a great addition IF he's healthy. That's a big if.

1 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

October 05, 2022 at 03:38 am

Didn't understand why he wasn't signed last year, the money wasn't that big and though we were strapped it could have been found. The Rams won because of that signing. Could have been the Packers.

Now we may have the same opportunity as last year and people are already arguing against the signing for the same reasons; He'll only be here at end of the season (You mean like the most important games?). He's probably lost a step or two because of injury (and will still be a top-level receiver because he begins with so much talent). Too expensive (that again).

Reminds me of the times we could have had Randy Moss or Marshawn Lynch for practically nothing and passed. So they carried other teams to the SB. Both wanted to play for the Pack, as OBJ does. You don't pass up a proven major talent when the cost is so cheap.

OBJ was brilliant down the stretch for the Rams last year and likely would have been the SB MVP if he hadn't gotten injured. If we don't sign him the Rams will. And it'll be deja vu all over again.

1 points
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Lphill's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:08 am

I hope MLF watched the Rams and 49 ers last night to see a variety of offensive plays and a fast attacking Defense by the 49ers with only a 4 man front.

-1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:42 am

Thats the kind of offense Lafleur wants to run but he has been forced to make major concessions (see the stupid rpo, which Lafleur never used anywhere else, for details) to appease Rodgers. We see glimpes of what the offejse can be but as soon as something goes wrong Rodgers goes right back to his own playbook. Happens every single game. Its like Lafleur is constantly having to prove himself to Rodgers which is ass backwards. The head coach, for better or for worse, shouldnt have to prove anything to any player.

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:20 am

LaFleur is the HC. The HC is responsible for what snd how the team plays. If LaFleur didn’t want Rodgers back then he should have Bering saying that not almost pleading for his extension. If LaFleur’ best plan is Rodgers even if that means ditching his core philosophies then one of them should not be here.

The time for making excuses for LaFleur is over. He got what he wanted and he’s responsible for it. If RPOs are the issue font call them and deal with it. If it makes us better maybe Rodgers comes around. If it doesn’t, maybe it’s not the reason.

-3 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 08:25 pm

Come on man. Rodgers started this power struggle before Lafleur even coached his 1st game in Green Bay. 3+ years and $150 million later, its clear who won the war.

-1 points
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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:30 am

Do you mean the Rams team who only scored 9 points, their variety didn’t work very well.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:32 am

I agree that the Packers are evolving into a more run heavy team and that's fine. But that was not the problem against the Patriots. The problem against the Patriots was that our defense did not adjust to what was obviously a run heavy offense by the Patriots. You cannot play the run effectively if you are playing with only 2 DLs. You need DLs to eat up blockers so that the LBs and Safeties can make stops. Barry's defensive plan against the Pats was ridiculous particularly after Hoyer went down. I don't get it and this is adding to my concern about our coaching staff.

As for the offense, if we are going to transition to. a run heavy offense we need to put our best 5 OL on the field. For me that means, left to right;
Bak, Jenkins, Myers, Runyon and Nijman. This OL would only be better for the ground game but more than likely provide better protection for AR in the passing game.

With the Giants coming up in London, MLF and Barry better come up with a better plan for stopping Saquon Barkley than 2 DLs. If not Barkley will be running all over the Packers. As for the offense keep getting the ball to Jones and Dillon and keep Barkley off the field. Our STs coverage units need to pull themselves back together as well. GPG! Thanks, Since '61

4 points
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T7Steve's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:34 am

Have to give you a thumbs up for saying what I said above in a more understandable way. Thanks.

1 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:51 am

The offense had its problems too. Still got overly pass happy on some drives. Happens every single game. Notice how the Patriots nearly won this game with a scrub qb. Thats cuz they stuck with the run. Not on some drives or most of the drives but every drive. Ive lost count of the times the Packers will look dominant on a td drive where they pound the run right down the field and then the next drive go 3 and out after 3 straight passes. It has to stop. I dont care who is responsible whether it be Rodgers or Lafleur or both, but it has to stop. Quit fixing what isnt broke.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:25 am

Yes, the O was the problem! It was the primary problem. I don’t disagree that the D needs adjustment, but the O needs to be at least adequate. That O was saved by Jones (no disrespect to Lazard) despite a D giving up only 17 points despite being in the field a lot. It doesn’t matter that should have been less. Our O, playing a so so D was essentially visibly incompetent and incoherent for a half. It was not great in the second either, just barely adequate.

-3 points
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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2022 at 07:30 pm

CW, so you’re saying that if the Packers win their next 13 games and 3 playoff games, including the SB, exactly as they did against the Pats, that would be inadequate?

Enjoy the wins any way they come and have patience with this team. They will improve as the season goes on. The defense is allowing an average of 15 points per game through the first 4 games. If they maintain that level of play the Packers will win most of their games. One game at a time.
Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:32 am

From my understanding and we play more DL in this game than any other this year. I have to watch all 22 to see if it was execution or scheme to give you a real good opinion.

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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Grudgingly, I have to say that some if it was how Bellicheck used his line and TEs. I hope we take note of such ideas.

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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 02:34 pm

After watching the all-22 tape. Mapped out every defensive play.

It was very evident that they didn’t play light box unless it was an obvious passing situation where you should play coverage. I’ve seen responses they play to soft and don’t bring the safety up. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, they played Cover 1, quite a few times and unfortunately it bit them in the ass. Two of Pats long passes in the 2nd half, one for a TD the other to set up a TD came from us playing 8 in the box with a safety. I can only think of 2 plays where I thought they should have 3DL on the field and the weird thing is both plays worked out good for the Packers.

Too many blame coaching right away, when most of the time it’s the players and/or the other team just executing at a high level.

Unfortunately, people come to quick responses, based on what they hear by commentators or another posters and take it for fact.

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

October 05, 2022 at 12:47 am

Way too many runs to the outside where the edge didn't get set. Outside the tackles isn't usually where you find DTs, although they have lined Clark out there a few times. OMG, look at Kenny!

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LLCHESTY's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:23 pm

Lots of teams can play run defense out of 2-4 or 4-2. It's all about discipline and manning your gaps. Preston and Rashan had bad days setting the edge and their backups were worse.

https://twitter.com/JuMosq/status/1577145935184171008?t=Wc7VXJYnxN_UOpmy...

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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 02:47 pm

IF you read my response above, after watching the all-22 they had 3DL out on every play that wasn’t obvious passing except for 2 times. Those couple of plays actually worked well for the Packers. Where they got burned is when playing cover 1 and bringing the safety into the box.

Regarding holding the edge…….Sometimes that is also the ILB responsibility to get to the edge, depending on the scheme for that play. Certainly, I agree there was some fault on the OLB as well. Gary is a bit like Matthews in that manner. I’ll take the aggressiveness thou over a passive OLB just holding the edge. I will say the patriots are a very disciplined team , and their OL block very good and good at tugging a bit on shirts to hold the OLB from keeping the edge. The old saying, if you don’t get caught, no harm-no foul. That’s where coaching has to get on the refs, not sure if Mlf was or not.

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zerotolerance's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:45 pm

Spot on, as always.

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HarryHodag's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:40 am

Beginning with Brett Favre and moving to Aaron Rodgers the Packers have done a disservice to their fans. With two HOF QB's leading the way, the Packers became an 'offense first' attack that threw the ball a lot and ran the ball only when they had to. Packers fans grew to love the 'gunslinger' approach to winning. Defense, and especially special teams, took a back seat. The Packers could outscore almost any team.

Well, fans, that is over, at least for now. Instead of whining about 'pedestrian' numbers put up by Rodgers, why not cheer the fact the team has become more balanced and can stop some of the more potent offenses? Why not cheer the fact they can WIN 14-12 instead of wanting to fire everyone in the Packers organization when things aren't 50-45?(Stay tuned for the Lions game coming up if you want that).

Get used to long, tough, close games with Jones and Dillon leading the way. Defensively, look for this team to get better as the weeks go by(hopefully with few injuries).

If you haven't seen the improvement in special teams you were obviously in the bathroom during punts and kicks.

This is the new Green Bay Packers, closer to what built the Packers legend: tough teams who ran the ball well and played defense. Passing will never leave the game plan but it no longer is pass first, run second. It will be close to 50-50.

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PackyCheese500's picture

October 04, 2022 at 09:49 am

Yes

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:53 am

Harry, please inject this comment straight into my jugular. That is all.

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dobber's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:56 am

"Well, fans, that is over, at least for now. Instead of whining about 'pedestrian' numbers put up by Rodgers,..."

You make a good point in that Rodgers might have pedestrian numbers by his standards (and by fan expectations), but the Packers offense currently ranks 6th in yards per game (16th passing, 7th running). This is for a team that is going to run a ball control offense and limit possessions. The problem is that they're not scoring points (21st in points scored) at a rate that goes with the yardage numbers. Turnovers, red-zone failures, etc., are limiting the offense's scoring. If this team can be more efficient and effective in the red zone, they're going to "look" much better.

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Since'61's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:38 am

Good points Dobber! The other key stat is that the Packers defense has allowed 62 points in the first 4 games. They are currently tied for 3rd in points allowed with Dallas. If our defense continues to play at the current level we should most if not all of our games, especially as our receivers improve.

Be patient, take these wins, hope for no serious injuries and we should be OK. I would still prefer to see our coaches wake up and make some in game adjustments. Thanks, Since ‘61

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:26 am

While it hasn't been the norm in Green Bay since the days of Lombardi, there's nothing boring about watching a team physically dominate its opponent through sheer will and attitude. Its the purest form of football. And teams who do it consistently are incredibly tough to beat. As you said in the article, when these rbs get to 30 touches, good things happen. You absolutely knocked it out of the park when you said "This team will get better, but Rodgers has to know who this team is." He has to ask himself what is more important: winning another super bowl or putting up enough stats for another mvp award cuz hes not going to have both.

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Lphill's picture

October 04, 2022 at 10:27 am

I disagree with the article from the Milwaukie Journal, where it says the Packers don't have the receivers, they certainly do ,they will be just fine some growing pains but improvements from game to game .

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:02 am

They have the talent sure. But I think the heart of what they were trying to say is they dont have the refined veteran receivers to play the way Rodgers wants to play. For the offense to reach its peak and get the most out of these receivers, Rodgers has to play like a glorified game manager relying on schemed up pass plays with predefined reads that make it easier for the young receivers to think less and play faster. He cant keep running complex audibles at the line of scrimmage expecting rookies to play like prime Jordy or Davante. For the receivers to play their best, the passing scheme must be simplified for them. This is the conflict because Rodgers has stated publicly multiple times how he doesnt want to play like a game manager and how hes going to play how he has always played. He's going to have to embrace the change for this team to take the next step.

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Coldworld's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:31 am

We don’t have veteran talent. We knew for 6 months that we didn’t. We do have far more raw talent than we should have by rights from one draft. We are not using it and not using it wisely if we do. There’s no strategic acceptance of reality, rather we are trying to pretend it’s essentially the same landscape with more emphasis on running. Just a total absence of reality and coaching acumen.

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splitpea1's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:12 am

A potent running game isn't boring at all. The sweep TD by Watson was a thing of beauty with a nice block by Doubs to clear the way. And the fourth-and-one pitch to Jones was fun to watch as well.

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LLCHESTY's picture

October 04, 2022 at 12:27 pm

You had to love how excited Doubs got for him when he scored. He was jumping around like he had just scored an 80 yarder, not made a big block for someone else.

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gpt999's picture

October 04, 2022 at 11:53 am

There is nothing wrong with a run oriented approach to winning IF you have a defense that can keep the scoring low from each opponent. The Lombardi / Big Tuna approach. The problem here is that we have a conservative/passive DC who is not adaptable. Frankly, he does not rise to the level of his players. It was RIDICULOUS to see the GB defense so badly utilized against a 3rd string QB at home! And this from fan comments, not just pro analysts. I am sure teams around the league must be snickering at this glaring weakness at the top of GBs coaching staff and thankful that Passive Joe brings GB down a level or two!

But where does MLFs accountability start and end? He himself has not tended to be a good coach in preparing his team or making fast adjustments (although at least he makes them at halftime). Can he not demand that Barry make faster, meaningful adjustments? Or any at all? If MLF cannot insist that Barry make faster game decisions, then what kind of head coach is he?

Did u see SF against the Rams? SF had a 10 MAN FRONT on some plays with 1 safety back. SF won convincingly. Yes, you might get torched every once in a while. But its better to have that happen occasionally than DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS. The 49s have a REAL defensive coach. The Packers have a wanna be Swiss banker as theirs...

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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2022 at 03:08 pm

Maybe you should watch the game tape and tell me where Barry should’ve played differently. It’s easy to make uneducated statements and blame a coach. He didn’t play passive against NE.

Also, SF didn’t play 10 man front. WR’s have to have a DB on them. They might have been playing press on the DB, but that player doesn’t count as he is on the front of the LOS. Barry, played Cover 1 quite a few times in the NE game. Guess what it bit him in the ass with two of NE’s biggest passing plays. Barry had them play 8 man front many times in the game.

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LLCHESTY's picture

October 05, 2022 at 12:51 am

The 49ers blitzed Stafford a lot which is usually a bad thing to do but their OL is so bad it worked well for them. 7 sacks last night. Bosa might be the early favorite for DPOY. Obviously Parsons is right up there but Bosa is tearing it up right now.

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LLCHESTY's picture

October 04, 2022 at 01:25 pm

I'd like to see some boring 28-10 or 31-14 games the next couple of weeks.

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Rebecca's picture

October 04, 2022 at 01:51 pm

LaFleur won’t change, Rodgers won’t either. This going to be a rough ride because we all know that more injuries will come, key players like Alexander will lose playing time, and except for Teams Unit the coaching has not been Trophy ready. On top of that the NFL has achieved a competitive parity that has made most of the games I’ve watched very entertaining. So far, our team has been emotionally draining.

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Slim11's picture

October 04, 2022 at 07:13 pm

During McCarthy’s tenure, we were angry because MM refused to make adjustments on offense. He did a horrible job running the ball and would not adapt his offense to take advantage of players on the roster such as Aaron Jones.

Now, DC Joe Barry is the doing the same on defense. He has the DL bodies to play a basic 3-4 alignment and the ILBs to make the tackles. Does he use them effectively? If the Patriots game is any indicator, the answer is no and he is unlikely to change. Someone said the
Packers should have loaded the box and forced NE to throw the ball earlier to force errors on the part of a third string rookie QB. That’s not illogical.

If Barry isn’t capable of making such adjustments, he’s the wrong person for the job. Didn’t we say the same thing about McCarthy?

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