Cory's Corner: Offensive Line On Red Alert

The Packers had a tough pill to swallow last week by opening up the season on national television against one of the best defenses in the league.

This week, that challenge appears to have gotten stiffer. The Vikings may have gotten their defensive swagger back after they completely de-feathered the Falcons on Sunday to the tune of 28-12.

Minnesota made Atlanta a one-dimensional team in the second quarter and the defensive line just ate the Falcons up. Remember Everson Griffen? He had very erratic and life threatening behavior last year, only started in 10 games and had his lowest sack total since 2013. Now it looks like Griffen has done an about-face as the 31-year-old tallied a sack and was a key cog in Minnesota's defensive engine.

"I thought Everson played really, really well," said Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. "Violent, aggressive, ran to the ball well." He went so far as to say that Griffen reminded him of 2017. "He looked a lot like when he was in the Pro Bowl."

The Packers offensive line cannot exactly like this. That group allowed seven quarterback hurries and five sacks. However, only two of those hurries were from the defensive line. That will change on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

This is Danielle Hunter's fifth NFL season. He started at left end vs. Atlanta, but the Vikings want to devour mismatches and if there's any way that Hunter, who had a career high 14 1/2 sacks last year, can get matched up vs. Bryan Bulaga or Lane Taylor, Zimmer is going to do it.

There were a few times on Thursday where Aaron Rodgers held on to the ball for too long, but was still able to complete the pass. He is really playing with fire when he does that. I understand that he would rather get Typhoid fever than throw an interception, but he needs to be confident in his abilities and his wideouts'.

As far as Minnesota goes, I still don't truly believe in Kirk Cousins, simply because he hasn't proven that he can win on the highest stage. But in Sunday's win, Cousins only threw 10 passes. That's utterly ridiuclous. And the reason that happned was because the defense suffocated Matt Ryan and forced Atlanta to throw it 46 times.

Even if Taylor is struggling mightily to gain leverage, keep his feet moving or if he's having difficulty keeping a physical presence, Matt LaFleur cannot wait. He needs to go to the bullpen and insert Elgton Jenkins. He has the most upside at center, but he is the Swiss Army Knife on the line and has proven that he can play anywhere. The Packers cannot afford to have Rodgers get hit that much and not pay for it. The amount of hits add up and Rodgers was looking where the rush was coming from on Thursday. If Minnesota can get home by just rushing four, Rodgers is in deep trouble if he doesn't get the ball out in 2.5 seconds. Anything more than that, and injuries are bound to happen.

The scary thing is, I could see the Minnesota front four beating Green Bay. Marcedes Lewis may have to play more snaps than usual just to make sure that the right side of the line isn't losing a firm foundation.
Minnesota was supposed to be this offensive juggernaut this year, but instead, it looks like the same old and ugly Vikings team. It's a team that will keep coming, and keep coming and keep coming.

If you were taking antacids from Thursday's game, you're going to need a whole bottle of Pepto-Bismol to get through this one.

 

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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

__________________________

1 points
 

Comments (97)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Pack88's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:23 am

Corey, Minnesota D looked dominant (at home) but mostly rode the two turnovers to the squashing of Atlanta. They may truly be the second coming of Eller, Page and Marshall or maybe opening day at home against a Falcon team with an immobile QB and two rookie starters on the Oline!!

10 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:29 am

For one I have to believe the Packers offense will be better in week two than week one. The "Mini Bye" between Chicago and Minnesota was EXACTLY what this offense needed. The offense WILL get better week to week. Rodgers, Adams, and Jones will get much much better too.

If Packers fans need a whole bottle of Pepto-Bismol to get through week 2, Vikings fans will need a whole CASE. IMO the Bears have a better O-Line than the Vikings. Clearly, PFF thought so too ranking the Vikings O-Line 25th before the 2019 season.

Yes, the Vikings have Hunter, Griffith, and Joseph BUT the Packers have Clark, Za'Darius, and Preston Smith.

#We Have a Defense!!!

20 points
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ShanghaiKid's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:14 am

I love the enthusiasm Nick. But as long as Rodgers is snapping the ball with .01 second on the clock, and holding the ball taking bad sacks on third down, the offense is going to continue to sputter.

9 points
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NickPerry's picture

September 11, 2019 at 04:42 am

I totally agree with that Kid...Some of those snaps the offense got the benefit of the doubt...They could have just as easily been called for delay of game more than once it seemed...Drives me NUTS!

0 points
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murf7777's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:17 am

NP...I would add Martinez, I think our fan base undervalue him. Last year he had better or comparable numbers then either AFC pro bowl players at ILB. He’s not just a great tackler, but also makes impact plays like his sack in game one. Get him signed sooner then later please.

4 points
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flackcatcher's picture

September 10, 2019 at 01:34 pm

Seems Jersey Al, Corry and Aaron need the 'old' pepto more than us right now. (smiles) Relax guys, otherwise you will all a wreck by game time......-:)

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:34 pm

NP,
While the Packs offense and OL will be stressed by the Vikings D I too think the Packers offense will be more battled tested and ready in game 2 following Chicago. I DO NOT believe Taylor should be replaced by a rookie against the Vikes. Maybe later in season but not now as it would be a mistake.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:56 pm

Play the better player.

0 points
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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:16 pm

I agree

0 points
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arthurl's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:34 am

To begin with in my opinion, there is no defensive front seven better than the Bears. Second thing is game is in GB so that will help. I feel Packers will have more success running on the Vikings. I'm watching to see if Taylor can play better, he got manhandled by the Bears. If that continues he could find myself on the sidelines with Jenkins taking his spot.

6 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:38 am

C-H-I-L-L

8 points
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stockholder's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:50 am

Be serious. Green Bay does have the leverage over the Horny dicks. Jenkins should start. You give their defense to much credit. I believe Rodgers can pick them apart. Their weak in the middle. The bears aren't. Their offense has a rookie center. Clark will eat him up. The Packers must stop Cook's running outside. So that has to be pettine's game plan. Stop Cook. You will stop their offense!

9 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:34 am

While I disagree with messing with the O line because I believe that doing so in camp contributed significantly to the performance on Thursday, I agree on your second point. In comparison to the Bears the Vikings do not seem to have the same talent to shut down the middle or short areas.

I would say that my major question is how we will set the edge. We are a lot better than last year at that with P Smith, but Fackrell is not good at all at that. Could we see Z focused less on rushing? If so, one or more of Gary/Keke/Adams will need to step up in the rush department (and be active in Keke’s case).

0 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:19 am

"Fackrell is not good at all at that"

He should only be playing on 2nd or 3rd and long.

2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:03 am

The Packers OL has to play better. No question.

Something to remember though is that the Vikings won't be playing at home. The Vikings have a homefield advantage with crowd noise making it harder for opposing offensive lines.

The Packers have had a little extra time to revaluate themselves also. They essentially had a mini bye. I wouldn't be surprised if they came out looking better in this game.

This will be a tough game. Probably will end up being another close game. I do think the Packers win if the offense gets on track.

14 points
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J_brooks's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:29 am

On point RC. But you forgot the quotation marks around “crowd noise.”

8 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

September 10, 2019 at 08:37 am

lol, so true.

2 points
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Packer Dave's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:13 am

I'd like to see a lot more use of Lewis, Big Bob and a Vitale for this one. This should be the biggest difference to the MM era. The O could too easily be reduced to one dimension under him. We've got to get the short game going right off the bat.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:35 am

Possibly we also see the running backs used in the passing game with Davis to spread them horizontally.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:59 pm

I could see more 3 to 4 Wides this game with LaFleur spreading them out for the 1:1 against Waynes or the nickel CB. Hughes is still sidelined , I believe.

0 points
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pacman's picture

September 10, 2019 at 08:39 am

Option 1. Put Boyle in for the first half until their D is a little tired.

Option 2. Stick Jenkins and Taylor in the same uniform. Maybe nobody will notice a 4 ft wide guard.

Option 3. Demand AR get the ball out quickly.

The only person who might not vote for option 3 is AR.

After seeing the Bears game, Minn will be coming at AR with everything they have.

-2 points
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Kubyskins12's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:24 am

I agree the Offensive line does need to block better but Rogers needs to get the ball out quicker and help out his offensive line a little especially when playing teams like the Bears in the Vikings that have a good pass rush. Also we need to run the ball way better than we did against the Bears. If We can run the ball we can slow down there pass rush and we can buy more time and get some play action passes going.

2 points
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Samson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 08:55 am

The NFL is a week to week sport.... Teams & units can vary wildly from week to week... Even more important, the caliber of your opponent is critical. --- The Viking "D" is not da Bear "D". --- MLF & staff have more than enough time to create an approach that will push the Pack to 2-0 & the top of the North.......... Book it!!

6 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:22 am

If the Vikings were worrying at all about a new offense coming for them this season from GB, that worry was put to bed last week, as the Vikings watched GB shit the bed offensively and showing nothing new and seemed like All-22 tape of years past offensively.

The new offense better show something this week otherwise it's going to feeling like oil and water trying to stay blended...old habits(oil) of Rodgers and LaFleur's fluidity(watery) scheme.

At this moment,I expect a loss @ home because of the offense...10 pts won't get it done and the defense isn't holding the Vikings to 3 pts either.

-15 points
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Charvid's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:31 am

Wow!! You’re normally so positive... why the negativity? Vikings will be a different team on both sides of the ball away from their home turf. We will run the ball against the Vikes much better than Chicago.

5 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:44 am

Why do so many find it impossible to see the difference between negativity and reality?
What I said is reality and those seeing it as negative also believe the Packers will win every game by saying I'm negative.
I said the Packers will win 9 games this season at the least...is that negative? i guess so because I'm not picking them to win every week like some fools do here weekly.
Based on last weeks offensive play and with nearly all here saying the Bears offense sucks, how can you than say the defense will be as good against a much better offense in Minn?
How does anyone here based on what was implied with the offense and supported by no preseason snaps with Rodgers, then the utter failure of the offense against the Bears, will perform significantly better against a Viking defense?
Can the Packers win..sure...Can they lose...sure...based on what has been witnessed so far...the pick is on the Vikings at this point in the season.
Everyone can write hear how the Packers will win every week...it just isn't real to accept that...I don't...9 wins this season and any more will be predicated on the offense becoming more of what was to be ' new ' than what has remained ' old ' so far.

-7 points
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Samson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:53 am

Your reality is negative .... but only in your head.

One game into the season (a win much less) & you're already jumping ship and flowing with the negativism that has made you famous.... You need to give it a rest & watch the season unfold. --- Try the 1/2 way mark of the season & then draw solid supported conclusions. --- It's way too early now.

5 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:28 am

This isn't jumping ship..this is seeing where one of the likely 7 losses comes from this season.
You pick them to win every week doesn't make you great fan but a blind optimistic fan that denies what is and falls for what isn't...foolish.
I hope they win all 16 but that's very unlikely so who lives in reality and who dwells in false positives.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:31 am

" Try the 1/2 way mark of the season & then draw solid supported conclusions. "

The NFL is a week to week league. The half way mark simply begins to separate the good and bad...those who are likely and those who aren't.

-2 points
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murf7777's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:06 pm

Tar...I thought if we are 1-1 after two games that’s a positive, so let’s hope for a good showing and maybe a win, but I agree their will be some losses and this is a likely one on the list. That said I really feel we have a better chance to win this one over da Bears.

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 03:02 pm

A win is possible/plausible and I don't dismiss it. Based on what I seen, it looks more unlikely that the offense figures out in 9 days what they didn't figure out all camp. It's a home game but home field isn't a Packer strength anymore. I hope they win and would love it but until it happens, I don't see it this week.

1 points
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dobber's picture

September 10, 2019 at 03:22 pm

I think the perspective changes when they go on the road and win a game many had chalked up as an L. THIS game, the Vikings game, is the one that some people were angling for: protect home field, get that important divisional win.

I would argue now that losing to the Vikings at home squanders that "bonus" road win against Chicago. The win last week was huge, but this game is just as big, too.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:03 pm

Division games are to be treated like playoff games. No lapses.

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 11, 2019 at 12:02 pm

Just when I think you turned the corner in recent weeks. Did you not want us to win in Chicago?

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

September 11, 2019 at 10:59 pm

Deleted

0 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:20 am

"Wow!! You’re normally so positive."

I think your confusing Taryn for someone else...

4 points
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Johnblood27's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:06 pm

I gave you a like for using "shit the bed". LOL

0 points
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buddrow53's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:26 pm

The offense did shit the bed didn't run well didn't pass well didn't block well.
The special teams and the defense cleaned up the mess, thankfully.

So now if the offense improves quite a lot we can DEPEND(s) on no shit on the bed!!!!

Defense front 7 stop the run secondary stops the pass then we will all get along, NOT!!!

1 points
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mrtundra's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:20 am

I think the queens defense is overhyped and overrated. They were going downhill before the 38-7 thumping put on them by the Eagles in the NFCCG a couple years ago. The Bears defense is better than the queens' defense is, right now, and the Packer's defense outplayed the Bears defense, IMO. We will beat the queens. King, Savage, Clark, the Smiths and Martinez will all have spectacular outings at Lambeau on Sunday. GO PACK, GO!

3 points
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dobber's picture

September 10, 2019 at 12:59 pm

The key number from Thursday's game was no turnovers for the Packers. That's a Bears team that feasted on turnovers to help prop up their offense in 2018 and didn't show nearly as well when they weren't getting them.

If the Packers win the +/- battle on a weekly basis, and they tend to not turn the ball over much, I think they're going to win a lot of games. This is a defense that might be better equipped to generate TOs than the last couple seasons.

6 points
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Since'61's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:06 am

The Vikings are going to put pressure on the interior of the Packers OL. They are also going to double Adams and try to take him away from the passing game. They will also key on Aaron Jones to try to stop the Packers ground game. Adams is the only receiver the Packers have if they are going to run a quick passing game and with him double covered it likely won’t happen often. Lewis and Graham by definition are too slow and MVS is allegedly our deep threat. Our RB will be needed to support pass protection and won’t be available for check downs.

Expect this to be the formula for opposing DCs until the Packers interior OL begins to play better and another one of our WRs proves that they can do damage if they can get open.

To counter some of this MLF should put Adams in the slot and use MVS and T. Davis on the outside. By putting Adams in the slot we may get him in some favorable one on one matchups similar to how Cobb was used. Make no mistake AR misses Cobb. He was often Rodgers 3rd down guy. Another counter is to pound the Vikings with the running game and hopefully execute it better than we did against the Bears. If we can do that early we can utilize our play action much more effectively which we make our passing attack more successful.

As usual our OL must win the LOS. We go as far as our OL takes us.

On D stop Cook. Cousins is not very mobile so he should be a relatively easy target for our revitalized pass rush. Force a TO or two and watch the Queens crumble. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61

11 points
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PackfanNY's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:50 am

Good thoughts ‘61. I wonder if we might see the fullback Vitale used to pass protect a little and run block as well. If Taylor struggles at Guard I also think we might see a little more of Jenkins as they start the transition.

6 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:11 am

Good game plan. The Wrs have to take pressure off Adams, but scheme Adams open via motion and brush offs by using the WCO. You're spot on in your analysis of the short game. If Rodgers is deep in his own territory, no way will he deliver the check down to a guy who may drop or tip a ball into space for a DB to play the pick. Field position and let the D do it's job
is still in the works. As you noted, Randall Cobb is not there working the hook zone. MAybe Shepherd can play that role , but he is on the injured list.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:38 pm

Jones in the flat out of backfield! Tonyan more playing time!

A few wrinkles could make big difference!

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:07 pm

See a big game for Tonyan if Graham draws Smith to his coverage. Harris is no slouch as a FS. A big improvement over Zendejo.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 10, 2019 at 09:48 am

This is going to be a tough game, and anybody who doesn't think so is just deluding themselves.

The Vikings looked very well organized and very physical on both sides of the ball. We're going to have to do a better job on Cook than the Falcons did. We need to run better than we did against Chicago, and we need to get the ball out of Rodgers hands more quickly.

This is our most critical home game of the season until we play the Bears. The Packers are going to have to play better to win this one.

-2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:09 am

Said the same thing above but with a different eloquence. Mine it appears is less PC and therefore unacceptable. However written or spoken, truth is truth.

-5 points
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Samson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:01 am

Tough game.... Yes.
Viking's looked sorta good... Yes.
Better job on Cook... Yes.
GB needs to run better... Check.
Quicker AR release time... Check.

There is nothing new here.... Everyone knows your list... No one is deluding themselves or anyone else.... Please don't try & tell everyone how they are thinking.... You don't know.

1 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:25 am

My doubt on your list is AR release time.

Hopefully they can run the ball better at home and if AR starts dawdling in the pocket MLF can send a message by just running the ball more.

-1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:27 am

And Rodgers will just change the call in the huddle.

-6 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 10, 2019 at 12:47 pm

Please don't try to tell me what I should, or shouldn't, say.

-2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 12:58 pm

It's what they do best other than predicting a win every week.

-1 points
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Samson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 01:05 pm

OS, Tarynfor12 & Dash..... three peas in a pod.... LOL.

-2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:11 pm

Samson, a dog turd, and a sphinctre. Three more peas. Two can play at this game.

I don't understand why you have to make disagreements personal, but clearly you do.

-1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 03:08 pm

It's his version of positivity.

-1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:11 am

Well, the good news is that we did not show much of our offense for their film study.
On defense we need to stop the run. The preseason tackling was an issue and not much (if any) depth at MLB. Greene gets a lot of reps at the spot and my hope is that he can hold up.

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2019 at 11:26 am

" Well, the good news is that we did not show much of our offense for their film study."

Sure, but what they did show looked closer to dysfunctional....not all but close.

-3 points
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Johnblood27's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:12 pm

dysfunctional
bowel function
shit the bed

I agree

-2 points
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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:40 pm

True!

-1 points
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Freezn's picture

September 11, 2019 at 09:26 am

Lets not forget the bears averaged just over 2 yards a carry. Preston Smith will be talking to cook a lot and I dint think Mike will allow the Vikes to run the ball and unleash the pass rush on cousins

0 points
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Freezn's picture

September 11, 2019 at 09:27 am

And the bears I believe have a better offensive line than the vikes

0 points
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JHitTheB's picture

September 11, 2019 at 07:28 am

I watched the whole ATL/Minn game. Just a few quick thoughts:

A) ATL's OL is worse than GBs. Ryan got smacked around all last season. It continued in the preseason and then in week 1. Barr had an unblocked sack on the very 1st play from scrimmage. No one even touched the guy - free run to the QB.

B) Chi's DL and LBs are much, much better than Minn's.

C) ATL shot themselves in the foot literally minutes into the game. A blocked punt by Minn on the opening drive (just like on the Barr sack the guy who blocked it wasn't even touched - he came right up the middle on a free run to the punter), then Ryan threw a pick trying to force the ball to Julio in double coverage. They were down 14-0 pretty quick. Followed shortly after by a fumble lost. Ryan also threw another pick in the corner of the endzone when his WR gave up on his route. Harris made a nice play on the ball. Harris is also the one that got the pick Ryan tried forcing to Julio, and he recovered the fumble. I'm not saying Minn didn't play well, but I think ATL did more to hurt themselves than Minn did to beat them. I'm not as worried about the Vikes as I was the Bears.

D) Minn's CBs are banged up pretty good so we should be able to take advantage of that this week and hopefully develop a threat other than Davante. Their safeties are really good though.

E) Dalvin Cook looked really good. I think keeping him in check will be the key. Diggs is nursing a hammy - he didn't do much but Minn also only passed like 10 or 12 times.

F) I think our D is a lot better than ATL's. Especially DL and secondary. Same game plan as the Bears - stop the run, keep contain and make Kirk play QB - he's good for a stupid INT or a fumble or 2 in crunch time. I like our DBs vs their WRs. Their OL is also suspect so I think there will be lots of pressure on Cousins.

7 points
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ILPackerBacker's picture

September 10, 2019 at 12:15 pm

Don't confuse people with facts and intelligent observations

3 points
3
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Freezn's picture

September 11, 2019 at 09:33 am

The packers defense will have Cook stuffed like they did in Chicago. Kirk cousins will get well acquainted with our defensive line. Captain cook will want to be beamed up by Scotty

0 points
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ILPackerBacker's picture

September 10, 2019 at 12:14 pm

Confident in his wide outs.
Seriously? MVS was basically replaced in the second half. GMO could not have done less.
Be grateful and acknowledge the FACT that the TEs made up the difference.

-6 points
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The_Justicar's picture

September 10, 2019 at 03:04 pm

MVS Replaced in the 2nd half? He was the target of the 2nd down pass that Rodgers threw to try to ice the game in the 4th. No need to make up stuff.

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 11, 2019 at 01:31 am

The long pass to MVS was on the 3rd play of the second quarter. I do not know whether MVS played less in the second half.

Allison had no targets and no touches in 32 snaps. I don't remember him throwing a big block, though he may have done so. Allison didn't do much in game one.

1 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

September 10, 2019 at 01:14 pm

Packers 34 Vikings 12 no touchdowns allowed for second week in a row

2 points
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Lare's picture

September 10, 2019 at 01:47 pm

I'd say more along the lines of Packers 16- Vikings 12. I think it may be awhile before we see the Packers score 34 points.

2 points
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Charvid's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:47 pm

Defense scores twice!!

0 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 10, 2019 at 01:49 pm

Let's give the offense a pass for the first game. But since they're now home and have extra time to prepare, we'll hopefully see some evidence of this new philosophy we've been hearing about. It looks like it's going to be hard to break AR of his old habits, though. Hanging on to the ball forever and running forward without ample room to slide or get out of bounds is just asking for trouble. We can't afford it.

I think we're going to have to be patient and hope nothing bad happens (as usual) until the new offense finds its footing. At this time a weaker opponent would be nice, but we don't have that luxury.

2 points
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Rudedawg67's picture

September 10, 2019 at 01:50 pm

I think I would rather see Jenkins play. I could live with making a mistake one out of ten plays instead of getting man-handled five out of ten. You can learn from mistakes but if your just outmatched physically you are limited on how effective you are. Taylor is strong enough it’s his footwork. Jenkins is quicker and faster.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:45 pm

Rude,
I just dont think this week should be when you decide to replace a veteran OG if you do not nee to for a rookie. This game is far too important! Consequences are too great!

I am all for Jenkins if he is better now, but only anytime after the Vikings game.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2019 at 03:14 pm

If he is better ... why did he not win the competition? That isn’t to avoid the importance of experience but i think it has to be pointed out that Jenkins was far from perfect in preseason. Is he promising? Definitely, but new and shiny is not automatically an upgrade. If it was, he would have started in week 1 like Savage.

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:17 pm

He had the highest rating of any OL in the preseason.

NOt on GB.

In the league.

Play the man.

Taylor looks as though he has lost whatever he had 2 years ago.

Move on, it is a young mans game, a game of replacement.

It
Is
Time

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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2019 at 07:06 pm

Preseason ratings when most starters don’t play mean little.

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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:23 pm

Well, Taylor showed he is in regression mode since 2017. It will be interesting to see if LaFleur gives his linemen more power runs and inside zone to match the outside scheme. Sometimes you just hav e to bash the opposition to get some energy into their run game. Beside Hunter and Weatherby, the Viqueens front is not as fast as the Bears. Put a TE on Barr all game long. Just chip him and Griffen to death.

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:08 pm

Cory: "…if there's any way that Hunter, who had a career high 14 1/2 sacks last year, can get matched up vs. Bryan Bulaga or Lane Taylor, Zimmer is going to do it."

Of course the D can matchup Hunter against Bulaga or Taylor, but I'm not sure why you included Bulaga: He had a great game against Khalil Mack and the rest of the Bears defenders too. Matt Schneidman of The Athletic has Bulaga winning 10 of 13 pass plays against Mack - on the other three the ball came out quickly. He had Bulaga winning 2 of 3 running downs and losing none. The reviews I saw didn't have Bulaga surrendering a single pressure against that the Bears D.

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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2019 at 03:16 pm

I assumed he meant Turner. If not, absolutely agree. Bulaga has one of his best games on Thursday.

The key for this line is rekindling the understanding of prior years. Without that all lines underperform.

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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:36 pm

Bulaga didnt have a bad game, it was the timing due to not plating playing together in preseason and practice. My worries is lane taylor. He ma startou bad and start playing good, he may start out good and end up playing bad. Its his consistency. The new left gaurd its his timing. They will work it out.

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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:36 pm

Bulaga didnt have a bad game, it was the timing due to not plating playing together in preseason and practice. My worries is lane taylor. He ma startou bad and start playing good, he may start out good and end up playing bad. Its his consistency. The new left gaurd its his timing. They will work it out.

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Booner's picture

September 10, 2019 at 02:15 pm

Did McCarthy leave his playbook in MLF's office because I didn't see a big change? Letting play clock run down to 0 no throws to the backs or screens. Rodgers holding on to the football to long. They need to keep the Viking's defensive front in check on Sunday or it will be the same old story this week!

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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:37 pm

They did seem lost at times, but that was due to not getting game feeling reps.

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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:37 pm

They did seem lost at times, but that was due to not getting game feeling reps.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

September 10, 2019 at 05:18 pm

Maybe because Rodgers was the problem not MM. MM claimed that he and Philbin took a scrub brush to the old playbook but we didn't see a change in the 2018 offense. Game 1 makes it too early to tell.

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Leatherhead's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:20 pm

Jonathan Spader, that is EXACTLY what I was talking about when I said we're willing to smear crap on people to make Rodgers smell better. It was McCarthy's fault, Thompson's fault, Richard Rodgers' fault, the defense's fault, the offensive line's fault...…..

It's always something.

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Demon's picture

September 10, 2019 at 08:37 pm

Yup O.S. your right. And NONE of this would happen if we just put Boyle in at QB right? SMH

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Leatherhead's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:19 pm

We wouldn't be blaming other people for Boyles performance.

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packer4real's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:29 pm

The Vikings does not hava a front like the bears. The viiking scheme more. Also, the packers running backs Jones and Williams did not practice due to injuries during preseason, Rodgers had back problem that keep him out for two weeks plus several more starters on offense. The offense has not practiced as a whole an had no preseason reps. It all about the timing and that showed against the Bears Thursday. They will fix it and play better this week. Atlanta weakness has been the run since they went to the superbowl. If they dont double up on adams they will, and the rest is history. But, the oline will have to work together and maybe add a tighend and work him with chips and screen. Chicago defense is better than the vikings. After two sack kirk cousins will fold.

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TXCHEESE's picture

September 10, 2019 at 04:47 pm

I’ve been saying it since last year. DC’s have started pushing the middle of the line and clogging AR’s escape route there. That’s where he used to make hay extending plays. He needs to either get outside or move in the pocket. I don’t know if we have enough horses at guard to keep good defenses from collapsing the middle of the pocket.

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Leatherhead's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:22 pm

TXCheese…...I too have noticed that he gets caught trying to escape the pocket a lot more often than he used to. Last year, I chalked it up his injured leg. But your theory about defensive coordinators keeping him in the pocket and then waiting for him to bolt makes sense, too.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 11, 2019 at 01:41 am

GB had Sitton, Linsley and Lang playing the interior. No longer.

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JHitTheB's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:43 pm

Let's not forget this is the same Vikings team GB beat at home with AR on one leg with the same weapons and no practice reps. I know it was a "tie" in the standings but everyone knows the call on Clay was bs and cost GB the W. Aaron Jones didn't play. I expect him to have a nice game against weaker DL/LBs. I could definitely see MLF keeping Barr away from AR by making him play AJ out in coverage. I like our RBs/TEs vs their LBs. Also this is the same Minn team that was 8-7-1. Should have been 8-8. They really aren't that good, my opinion. Call me a homer but I expect a W at home.

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TXCHEESE's picture

September 10, 2019 at 08:22 pm

Good point on Jones. Besides the Fail Mary, I don’t know that I have ever been more pissed about a call. The Vikes are plenty good though. Hopefully the Pack can come out firing and get them in a hole. If they can force Cousins to throw, I like their chances. GPG!

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jannes bjornson's picture

September 10, 2019 at 10:34 pm

Crosby hit the FG, but the secret timeout by Zimmer to the side judge on the second attempt is pure bullshit. This is a subject the NFL rules committee should address. If todays' coaches would pull that stunt with Lombardi or Halas they would be sporting a halloween smile. To me it is unsportsmanlike conduct.

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PackfanNY's picture

September 10, 2019 at 06:56 pm

I would think it’s going to be a close, tight game all the way until the end of the game. Not sure why we should expect anything less and it is a good early test for the Packers. Great game to win because it will put both the Vikings and Bears in the same early hole.

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frankors's picture

September 12, 2019 at 10:31 am

First time poster, here goes. Nobody ,but nobody anticipated Scott's performance in gm.1.What superior punting ,coupled with a young, fast, talented, hungry defense can provide going forward is really special. Long , high, punts and the ability to directionally kick, as well, greatly enhance your defense's prospects. Interior pressure from the opposing d will stress our o-line as Since 61correctly pointed out. Cory Linsley moved like he was crossing a pasture in a wheelchair. At nearly 6'6" there is a lot to hit on Scott. Teams will be looking to take him out of the equation. Last week, who gacked up that hairball pass play on 2nd-5 inside 2 minutes? There'd have been hell to pay if the Pack had lost because of it.

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