Cowboys 30 Packers 16: Game Balls & Lame Calls

There are still 10:26 left in this game and I'm already writing this piece so thank you for the extra time with my family, Green Bay Packers.  As we speak they're getting worked on their home field by the Dallas Cowboys and the score is frankly not really as close as it shows.  The injuries are mounting and the Packers don't seem to have the depth to overcome them.  That and they were outplayed by a better Cowboys team for most of the day.

Let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to the good and bad from today's contest.

Game Balls

Morgan Burnett

Burnett was a rare bright spot today, coming up with an interception to keep Dallas off the board and another pass defended to go along with his many mop up's from blown coverages by a young secondary.  He's come on as an important veteran presence in the defensive backfield and is defending the pass much better this season.  It's rare to see players improve to this level this late into their career but lucky for the Packers Burnett is doing it.

Eddie Lacy

Lacy came into this game still nursing an ankle injury and with no James Starks, answered the call with 17 carries including a long of 25 yards.  Lacy has become the focal point of an offense that isn't getting any consistency from Aaron Rodgers.  The Cowboys had him bottled up quite a few times, but Lacy jumped defenders on at least two occasions and his toughness showed today.  For that, he gets a game ball on a day when there were already few to hand out.

Ty Montgomery

Ty Montgomery had the late fumble but this game was already long over by then.  That and I have never been a fan of him nor Cobb out of the backfield.  As a receiver, don't fret, Montgomery has been found and returned safely to the field.  It took the injury to Davante Adams, but Montgomery had 10 catches for almost 100 yards and led the team in receptions.  Once the Packers started taking advantage of Dallas leaving the short field open, Montgomery went to work.  He made a nice catch on a low throw from Rodgers and was able to get some good yards after the catch as well.  If this performance doesn't get Montgomery on the field more (along with the possible absence of Adams for awhile), I give up trying to understand how the Packers set their depth chart.

Lame Calls

Aaron Rodgers

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to regress into this abyss of inexplicable play and performance.  His stats from this game are actually an improvement from his norm this season.  He has nearly 300 yards passing and a quarterback rating over 90.  But he has already turned the ball over twice, one by interception (a really bad one) and another fumble near the goal line to thwart a potential scoring drive.  He finally threw a touchdown pass but should have had another when he missed a wide-open Randall Cobb in the end zone by about three feet over his head.  He missed another throw early in the game to a wide open Richard Rodgers that would have gone for long yardage or possibly a score.  OK, who am I kidding, Richie Rod can't outrun anyone, but I digress.  Aaron was personally responsible for two missed touchdowns.  He is shaken, he's is rattled and he is broken.  Call that hyperbole, but the version of Rodgers that once existed is gone.  The question now is, for how long?

The offensive line gave Rodgers good protection and he still wasn't able to find a receiver to throw to and lost the ball multiple times.  The big problem with that is that the replays showed guys who were open.  Rodgers isn't seeing things that he needed only sense in the past.  That laser-like precision and accuracy is gone and he looks like a man desperate to find his way.  That's not top-tier quarterbacking and it doesn't bode well for a Packers team that had big playoff aspirations this season.  But I guess we shouldn't worry, as Rodgers claims he would be spending the evening after with a glass of scotch watching the game film and critiquing his own performance.  Better make it a double, 12.

LaDarius Gunter & Demetri Goodson

As obvious as Gunter seems to belong here, I actually struggled with the idea of putting him on the list.  He was never intended to be a starter nor play these type of significant snaps.  Nonetheless, he was clearly overwhelmed on this day and the clincher was when he seemed to fall down shortly after a snap, leaving his man wide open for a big play.  Dallas didn't have Dez Bryant and the rest of their receivers aren't exactly what should be striking fear into opposing secondaries, yet when asked after the game why he struggled so much, he paused and then said "I don't know".  Was he coached to say that?  Or is it just true?  Either way, I'm not buying into Gunter as a regular corner for long.

Injuries at cornerback have really forced Green Bay's hand, as is evidenced by the number of snaps that Demetri Goodson also had to play.  Goodson was equally as inept but that's not as surprising as he was just activated off of his four game suspension.  He was not only his usual very pedestrian self at corner (I'm being generous) but he was also likely rusty.  If Goodson doesn't turn into a really good special teams player this season and once he's back in football shape, I put it squarely on general manager Ted Thompson for leaving the team with a player like Goodson as their best option at the bottom of the depth chart.  It may be time to, you know, find an actual cornerback instead of a really good college basketball player who they want to shape into a football player.  Goodson is no Quinten Rollins so his lack of football stature really stands out in games like this one.

Run Defense

Sure, it was Ezekiel Elliott, who has been running all over opponents this season, but the bigger problem was all of the missed tackles.  Way too many.  And they got steam rolled on their home turf.  Elliott had over 150 yards rushing to emphatically end the conversation about the Packers being the best run defense.  To be the best, you have to beat the best and the Packers were owned by Elliott and a very good Dallas offensive line.  This allowed Dallas to control the clock and keep the ball away from the Packers offense, although that might have been a good thing for the Packers as far as the scoreboard today.  

Ball Security

Another three lost fumbles and a bad interception.  No team is going to win much playing that brand of football.  And the turnovers keep piling up.  The Packers have not historically been on the negative side of the give/take equation and it appears as though they picked a really bad season to start.  Opposing teams are going to be looking to get after the ball now and the Packers have only themselves to blame for poor fundamentals.  Every team turns the ball over once in a while.  The Packers are doing a pathetic job of protecting the rock lately.

Cobb/Montgomery at Running Back

Mike McCarthy had his hand forced with the loss of James Starks and with no third back on the roster but this was destined to fail from the word "go".  End this insanity now.  Montgomery fumbled, so there's a negative play to point to and say "maybe this isn't a great idea".  Defenses aren't fooled and it's not effective enough on a regular basis.  The offense, even as good as the offensive line has been, can't get this concept going on the round.  The Packers can try and set up some passes from it later in games, but fans are confused and frustrated as to why Lacy is standing on the sideline in favor of this lame gimmick.

 

Others to note

Instead of adding bullet points, I'm just going to say that I'm not surprised that the Packers lost this game, but there was little for this team to hold their head up high about.  There is no good way to lose a game, but if there were, this game was definitely not it.  This team needs to do some soul searching and fast.  There were so many bad things that happened in this game and the inexperience of the younger players was paraded all over Lambeau Field.  It's going to be a long road until the starters can return and Rodgers can at least play well.  I still can't believe I'm saying that.

My funny of the day (I have to say that otherwise half of you will think I'm serious): And let's stop honoring Brett Favre, OK?  Twice in the last year he has been there at halftime to be honored by the team and twice the Packers have laid an egg at home.  Coincidence?  I'm not willing to risk it again, as much as I love the Gunslinger! 

Only three more days till a chance to bounce back against the 1-5 Chicago Bears.

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (91)

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:15 am

You can add to Rodgers misqueues throwing a slat high and nearly getting Adams killed. And maybe even throwing high to Nelson who also got popped and fumbled. And, fumbling himself and maybe getting Bulaga injured.

Rodgers is not just playing poorly he is a liability to the guys around him.

The thing that pisses me off the most about Rodgers and McCarthy are their glib responses to the media asking them what is wrong and how they are going to fix things. It hard to believe it's gotten to this point with the two of them. I used to figure they could fix this if they accepted reality and put their minds too it.

What will happen now is that they will play barely good enough to beat the Bears and try to act like it's all fixed. It's a sad, sad day for the Packers.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:42 am

I can see both sides on the Adams play. I thought the throw was fine there, but is a dangerous play.

The throw to Nelson is not on Rodgers. Nelson had the ball tucked away and got hit and fumbled it. That fumble is on Nelson and give credit to the defensive player for hitting him right where he needed to. Can't blame Rodgers for that.

Rodgers deserves a lot of blame for this game. But a few plays you simply can't blame him for.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:51 am

I suggest you look at the throw to Adams again if possible. If anyone is still wondering why the Packers don't feature the slant anymore they can just watch that play.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:59 am

I would have to watch it again. Off the top of my head I didn't think it was a bad throw.
That being said that was the 2nd play in which Sean Lee took out a player on the same type of play. He took out his own player on that play.

Are they telegraphing that play or something?

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:25 am

You just can't throw the ball high with a linebacker and/or safety in line 5-7 yards in behind a receiver. If the receiver is watching the ball and goes up for it they will be exposed to a huge hit.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:30 am

I thought the ball was thrown about chest high... i could be wrong, but off the top of my head I thought it was fine.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 04:59 pm

Well, if your going to throw that ball it needs to be thigh high. But, it probably shouldn't have been thrown at all.

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badaxed's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:03 pm

" But I guess we shouldn't worry, as Rodgers claims he would be spending the evening after with a glass of scotch watching the game film and critiquing his own performance.  Better make it a double, 12."

Not enough Scotch in green bay to drown this guys problems.

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KenEllis's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:08 am

Do we still need to pretend MM is an offensive genius?

In TT we still must always trust with 7 WRs on the roster, including a couple who hardly ever play, and just 1 semi-healthy RB?

Maybe those folks who said RELAX with ARod at QB the window is open for another 5-6 years were wrong and the Pack should have been more aggressive about acquiring veteran talent when they had a QB playing at an MVP level instead of the second coming of Randy Wright.

Think TT will swing a big trade like NE adding Martellus Bennett, the Seahawks adding Jimmie Graham, or the Vikes getting Bradford in order to jolt some life into this listless club?

Yeah, me neither.

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Savage57's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:23 am

"Mike McCarthy is one of the league's best play callers."

- Aikman, Simms, Gruden, Collinsworth, Gannon, et al

And they wonder why people don't take them seriously.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:16 am

I was fine with keeping 7 WR's. But they can not only keep 2 RB's. And when one gets hurt and is going to be out for 2-3 weeks, and your other RB is hurt, you HAVE to add another RB.

Just curious, why would the other teams make that trade? Why would NE trade Bennett and why would Seattle trade Graham?

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 12:40 pm

I may be wrong but I strongly believe that TT will retire after the season,the team is in decline,his super star QB is a star no more,a good time for Teddy to exit the stage and leave this mess for someone else to clean up

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badaxed's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:08 pm

We can only hope. Let us pray! WOLF Please. at least his dad will give him sage advice. the apple does not fall far from the tree, this means Mcfatty should have stayed a bartender .

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stockholder's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:19 pm

I made that prediction when the season started. But it wasn't because of the Rodgers. It was because of the players he just let go. Think about it. Farve coming back, Raji, Jones, Kuhn, Jennings, and to many misses in the draft. Let alone players suspended. And just flat out cut like Sitton.

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EdsLaces's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:04 am

Can't remember the last time I turned off a packers game before it was over.....2 yard line n u run AR....idiots. I told my wife pre snap qb draw. Too predictable. .....not enough talent......awful execution. 8-8 AT BEST. BOOK IT!!

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packerbackerjim's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:06 am

After the first possession in the second half, MM should have put Hundley in the game. Lombardi wouldn't have been reluctant. Rodgers can regain his powers but not with MM and Clements. Stubborn and rigid adherence to ineptitude should be cause for their dismissal.

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Gianich's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:13 am

Agreed. Just because of past success the QB shouldn't be off limits. THey need to send a message that if you don't do your job you don't play no matter the position. Sit him for a series or two and wake up that fire. This regime is over.

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William Dickson's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:12 am

mumm is the word......and the reason......diff QB SINCE

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Savage57's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:18 am

Why does this result mystify people?

When facing a quality offense, the Packers D has typically played small ball. If you'd have stated that the Packers "#1 Run D" was the result of playing trash prior to this game, you'd get lit up for it. But the verdict was rendered, and once again, the Packers couldn't deliver.

On to the offense. Bench Rodgers. I'm serious. I'm his coach, he's playing like this, I send him and all of his teammates a message with absolute clarity. Your position on this team is the result of your current state of play - not your contract, past results, perceptions, anything. Does anyone think that AR watching Brent Hundley take his snaps won't re-light the candle under his ass and get him back to work fixing what's probably died from neglect.

Oh, and ditch the woman. I know that sounds harsh, but sometimes you have to take one for the team. Ever since she's been on station, you've been a lesser QB.

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gbpackerowner's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:47 am

Ditch the women! Lmao. Wish I could give two thumbs up for that one.
Benching him for sure, but marshmallows Mike will never hold him accountable.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:52 am

If I am The Packers brass I sit Rodgers down and make it clear that the 20 million he is getting includes paying him to be physically and mentally prepared to play. He clearly is not, the obvious answer is that he's to busy playing TV star to put in the work. He's in his 30's now and and it isn't going to get any easier to maintain skills

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sheppercheeser's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:58 am

...couldn't POSSIBLY bench AR. That would hurt his feelings...
Yeah, and if it did, it would speak volumes of his TRUE competitive spirit. I truly believe that he thinks he is above negative comments. I don't believe for one minute that MM or any of his coaches make him accountable for Sunday's laughable performance. Even the TV commentators were perplexed at this unbelievable lack of performance. GB wasn't even competitive!

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:53 am

It might also affect this Tv Commercial docket...

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PortlandMark's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:56 pm

In a league with a salary cap Rodgers is taking up a lot of space. I had heard that Brady renegotiated his contract to allow NE to acquire more talent. If they weren't paying Rodgers so much they may have had the cap room to keep Heyward and House or pick up some other help. If any OL man gets hurt they will wish they still had Sitton. Since they released Callahan I don't imagine they are thinking about doing anything with Rodgers. But if this keeps up they may want to try trading him for a number 1 pick to Cleveland or Denver or...

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 18, 2016 at 02:49 am

Nah, even bad QBs are taking home $18M AAV or more. AR's contract is not really the problem. I suppose every million counts, but his cap hit is $19M this yr, $20M in 17, and $21M in 18.

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GoldenRetriever's picture

October 17, 2016 at 05:59 pm

Rodgers needs to make peace with his once tight-knit family in California. Once in an interview he said he spoke to his grandfather before every game. I don't know if that's the granddad of his who died earlier this year, but Rodgers didn't attend the funeral, reportedly because of friction between his family and Ms. Munn.

This sort of thing can mess with a person's head.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:47 am

This loss goes squarely on the shoulders of Rodgers, McCarthy and Thompson.

Yes the defense gave up more rushing yards then it has all year. Yes the defense didn't tackle. Yes the CB's gave up plays.
Bottom line is, the offense had way to many turnovers and mistakes. Can't win games when you lose 3 fumbles and have an Interception.

Off the field Thompson is responsible for setting up the 53 man roster. You can NOT expect to make it through a season with 2 RB's. And when you lose 1 RB and the other is not healthy you have to add a RB to the roster. You can't go into a game with 1 RB at 75%.
That changed the game. The way McCarthy had to call it.

McCarthy needs to do something with his offense. Rodgers has time to throw but there are so many times that it appears there is no one open. Other times there are people open and Rodgers doesn't see them. I would like to know how often are WR's getting open? If WR's are not getting open McCarthy has to scheme to get them open. Also, with some of the speed that we have why are we not seeing any type of misdirection type of stuff? A Jet sweep, could be a hell of a play. Get some motion to force defenses to have to move and react.

Rodgers was off, again. This is now a mental issue with him. Like a free throw shooter going through issues missing free throws..
Trying to find something good with him. The second to last drive with 10 minutes left in the game down
27-9 Rodgers went 7-7 for 73 yards and ended in a TD. He made some really good throws on that drive. Something that could possibly get him headed in the right direction moving forward.

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NickPerry's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:12 am

RC....Take a look at this. It's a interesting piece showing Packers receivers ARE OPEN...

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2016/9/20/12989912/a-picture-based-res...

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:30 am

That is interesting....

So if he has WR's open is he locking into 1-2 WR's and not looking past that?

I just know that during the game yesterday Aikman said that the WR's have struggled to get open consistently... They have a birds eye view which they can see the plays develop so they probably know more.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:16 am

So either Rodgers isn't going through his progressions, he can't make those throws anymore or both. Since he's done it before this all leads back to poor preparation.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:20 am

I agree on poor preparation.

So what do the Packers do about it?

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Bohj's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:53 pm

I know I'm too optimistic about everything....but I try to be objective too. Clearly MM and Rodgers game plan is rehearsed during practice. Their ideas about mixing up who gets the ball is more a function of rehearsal. It's not snap the ball and see who is open. It's snap the ball and go through the rehearsed reads. This is what is becoming so predictable. This is why Defenses are jumping routes, sitting in throwing lanes, and confusing the "looks" and "tendencies" that Rodgers is expecting. It's also why, RC as you have been saying, that 11 personell is driving us all insane. There are only so many concepts you can run from it. If the D can just predict how the route tree is going to go, then Rodgers is going to lose. I will jump on the time to move on from MM bandwagon if this result continues. I am going to reserve that decision for the end of season results however. December football is my litmus test.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 02:27 pm

I'm also a very optimistic person.. I will admit. I am finding it hard to be optimistic.

I really think a lot of the problem is the offense is way to predictable. When you see DB's jumping routes and things like it tells you that the defense has a really good idea to what is going on.

I'm not going to jump off the cliff yet. But they definitely have to make some changes.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 17, 2016 at 05:04 pm

Well he can start working on fundamentals like progressions, footwork, arm skills and reading defenses more or better than whatever he's doing now. However, IDK if it is possible for a 30+ year old to catch up with 20 year olds mid season. I suspect not but he's going to have try.

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badaxed's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:22 pm

Well it appears since they are open it is entirely their fault since they have not "earned" " his majesty Rogers" respect" and they who bow down to his likeness may get a look if he deems it.

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sheppercheeser's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:47 am

How on earth does GB go into a game with only ONE RB, and a hobbled one at that? And yes, they knew Starks was out and Eddy was hurting, so no excuses. I put this on MM and TT directly. No one on the PS or an unsigned veteran? Unbelievable.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:19 am

It changed what the offense could do.

The Packers had success running the ball. Lacy had a good game. If they had another RB they could have had more balance.

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Gianich's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:20 am

"It changed what the offense could do."

I bet Belichek would have schemed for this situation just fine. Mashed Potato Mike marches out the same plan for the last decade no matter the opponent or situation or personnel available. Now that Rodgers is slumping terribly McCarthy inability to adjust is magnified ten fold.

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 12:50 pm

Albert Einstein once said: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."perhaps if we all mail that quote to MM he'll get it through his thick skull but I doubt it

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badaxed's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:25 pm

Naaaa. He has not got to the first grade primer yet.
See lacey run. Run Run Run.
See spot pee on Mcfattys leg.
pee pee pee.

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Donster's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:02 am

I totally agree sheppercheeser. You can't go through a 16 game NFL season with just two RB's. TT overcompensated the pass offense issues last year by keeping 7 WR's, plus they had what, 11 in camp at one time?

But my opinion is that yesterday against Dallas, even one other healthy RB wouldn't have made a lot of difference. Not the way Rodgers played. It would have allowed for more options in play calling, but when you can't hit receivers, it won't matter. I can't remember the last time Packer RB's dominated a game, so the passing game didn't have to carry the team.

The offensive line played well. Gave Lacy room to run. Protected AR. But Dallas rushed only 4 down lineman much of the time. That shows how much defensive coordinators are no longer afraid of the Packer offense, run or especially passing.

TT has had success in drafts. Mostly he hasn't. Average players at best. Not including all the UFA's he has kept after training camp. But Rodgers has always been able to compensate for those players, and make them look better. Now we have the opposite. When you live by your "star QB" you also die by him. Dallas has done it for years with Romo. And we Packer fans have laughed at him and especially Jerry Jones. If Rodgers can't pull himself together, the shoe will be on the other foot.

Rodgers attitude now stinks. He acts on the field like a kid that isn't getting his way. His body language filters down to the team. He has to snap out of it. I for one, hope he does.

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:09 pm

The way I see it is how much of a threat is their running game when prior to this game their starting running back was averaging 13 carries a game when healthy and with Lacy on a gimpy ankle GB is one dimensional and the way AR and the offense in general has been playing Dallas DC had no real threat to worry about

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packrulz's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:55 am

This is why I don't like skipping the preseason.
1. Rogers footwork is terrible.
2. Eddie Lazy has probably gained weight. He has to be at least 250lbs.
3. Their conditioning is terrible. Montgomery was huffing and puffing like he ran wind sprints. Zeke Elliot barely broke a sweat.
McCarthy needs to quit babying them and whip them into shape.

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carusotrap's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:27 am

Not buying this. They've has six weeks to get into shape...longer than a pre-season. This is way more fundamental than "just have to get our timing down." This is an unmotivated QB running a stale system surrounded by people not suited to the roles they're being asked to fill. Start with personnel and place them into a system designed for 2016 rather than 2006, and I suspect our QB would find a renewed motivation.

But none of this changes until after the season, if it even does then. When Ted goes, a new GM will have the freedom to do what he wants with coaches. Until then, grab a Scotch, because it is what it is.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:37 am

I think there is a little truth to it. How much, I don't know...

But the offensive players were just starting to find themselves against the Lions. Then they had a bye, and following the bye week they played the Giants and Cowboys. In which time they have suffered a quite a few injuries.

Lacy's weight isn't an issue. His bad ankle is, and no other RB on the roster right now is a problem.

Montgomery probably was huffing and puffing. He hasn't played that much in over a year. I think last week he had like 4 snaps on offense.

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NickPerry's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:59 am

Games Balls: (Hard to come up with actually)

Crosby... He's been a bright spot all season. McCarthy should have tried a FG at the end of the first half, Mason would have crushed it.

Lacy... Eddie played a great game with a injured ankle. He did as much as he could possibly do with a gimpy leg and should be applauded for it.

Montgomery... Yes he fumbled, but he was also really the only real threat on Offense all game. Obviously several catches came when the Packers were well out of the game, but he still CAUGHT the ball well and you have to ask yourself, "Why did it take McCarthy 5 games before he started using him from that spot in the Offense"? Hell why did it take so long to USE him?? Period???

Lame Balls:

Ted Thompson... This roster with all it's issues is Thompson's creation. 2 running Backs plus a Fullback on a NFL Roster? Zero speed at the WR Position except for Janis who can't run a proper route to save his life. I got crushed for suggesting Hayward should have been kept a few weeks ago. I didn't think 5 Million a year was too much for a pretty damn good "Slot CB". I mentioned it as a concern before the game, Beasley being a problem and being open in the middle. Tell you what, I'd bet just about anything Hayward would have kept him in check. I'd also rather have Devon House over any Packers CB on the roster right now including Shields. I love Shields but his health has been an issue for a long time. Letting 2 proven CB's walk when your only source of talent is the draft.. HUGE mistake.

Mike McCarthy... I'm convinced McCarthy can no longer coach Rodgers. I understand he's not the QB coach, but he was given a lot of credit for Rodgers rise, and he should get a lot of the credit for Rodgers demise. I thought having "Any" receiving coach would help. I was wrong. Catching those bricks hasn't done a damn bit of good. Edgar Bennett is NOT a OC. This Offense has struggled since last year when Bennett was promoted. The Packers have WAY to may "Chiefs" at the top of the staff, not enough Indians.
The Packers haven't been able to defend the middle of the field for a long, long time. Capers, McCarthy, the whole bunch should have been gone after 2014. Hopefully Murphy takes a minute to take a hard look at who's running and coaching his team, instead of how he can make more money building "Titletown".

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:21 am

In 2014 the Packers got destroyed by the Saints. The lone positive that came from that game was they discovered they had a receiving threat with Lacy out of the backfield.

The lone positive I take from this game was they discovered a real threat with Montgomery as a WR out of the backfield. If McCarthy is smart he starts to use Montgomery as a WR out of the backfield more often.

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Tundraboy's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:23 am

Thought same thing in 2014 RC. But sadly MM refuses to improve the team and playbook in any way. . I have hoped and hoped but this year thus far proves it is a pipe dream. He has Lacy, Monty, Cobb, Janis, Davis and where are the screens, slants, reverses, sweeps????? Team is as boring as he is. On top of it all they are fumbling all over the place. Absolute disaster. And Rodgers play and attitude tells me he doesn't care anymore because of MM and also he now chokes when Farve is around. Last but not least, how do you play a game with one hurt RB. Oh right we cut Burk because he fumbled once.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 09:23 am

I have said the same thing. Where is the misdirection type of plays. Or doing things to get WR's the ball in space.

A Jet sweep or something to get defenses to have to focus on something else...

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NickPerry's picture

October 18, 2016 at 06:12 am

TB and RC.... To both your points it's like McCarthy will find out something works and then NEVER go back to it. Just like 2014 when Lacy was a receiving threat in the Saints game or Monty this game.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 18, 2016 at 06:51 am

In 2014 they did use Lacy as a receiver out of the backfield more after that game.

I agree though. He finds something that works and doesn't go back to it. Or keeps doing it till the defense stops it.

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Donster's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:19 am

I think Murphy is just a figure head. TT really runs things. Murphy and The Board of Directors are there to find ways to continue to make money. They BoD's need to grow a pair and vote to make the changes by firing TT and the entire coaching staff, if Murphy won't.

Bennett is not an OC, I agree. But is he just a figure head too? Given the job title to enable him to stay because he was once a great Packer player?

After the Lombardi era, the Pack front office kept hiring former great Packer players. Most of the time great players make lousy coaches.

One of the only good coaches on the team is Campen. He keeps that offensive line playing well.

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:25 pm

Murphy is nothing more than a"yes man" puppet leader President! He exercises little control over the operations at 1265 Lombardi Ave. This organization misses Bob Harlan,he was never afraid to do what was best for the Packer organization

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 18, 2016 at 03:07 am

Murphy is supposed to not get involved in football operations. The best thing Harlan and the Board of Directors ever did was getting out of the football side of things and leaving all football decisions in Ron Wolf's capable hands. Murphy's only football-related function is to decide whether to fire TT.

It is impossible for me to disagree more with Rdent's and Donster's comments.

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Lphill's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:55 am

Someone explain to me why McCarthy used the timeouts before halftime when the Cowboys were pinned inside the 5 ? Please

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holmesmd's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:11 am

Because GB expected a stop and to get the ball back to either get in FG range or god forbid score a TD before halftime!? They certainly didn't expect the defense to give up a 97 yd TD drive to a Dallas offense that had no TO's left!! SMH:((

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:42 pm

"They certainly didn't expect the defense to give up a 97 yd TD drive to a Dallas offense that had no TO's left!!" Exactly, no TO's but MM fixed that problem for them didn't he, the way his offense has been playing,you let the clock run out and get in the locker room,anyway you want to look at it,still a poor decision

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Razer's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:20 am

You are asking your defense to stuff them and force them to punt out of their end zone. We had plenty of time to at least get a field goal. The problem is that our defense wasn't stopping anyone (witness the TD on a 37 second, 96 yard drive).

It was the right call but the wrong team.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:28 am

The defense minus the first drive stopped the Cowboys. The defense played good enough up till that point in the first half minus the first and last drives.
The cowboys drives consisted of TD, Punt, Fumble, FG, Punt then TD. The defense did a good enough job.

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Donster's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:21 am

Plain stupidity explains it for me. Go in at halftime only down 4 points. Don't help Dallas have time to make plays against a secondary that is totally wounded.

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:45 pm

I couldn't agree more! Like I said earlier,still another poor decision by MM

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 18, 2016 at 03:10 am

Because it was a perfectly reasonable decision that didn't work out. This is a result-oriented argument.

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carusotrap's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:12 am

This is the new normal, so we'd all better strap in. Rodgers is not going to the bench, unless someone is able to fabricate some type of injury. Ted is not going to go all Ron Wolf on us and get some help. For God's sake, they went into a game with 75% of a running back and still wouldn't put their PS squad guy on the roster. MM isn't going to change anything because you can't tear up the playbook 1/3 of the way into the season, and besides, he really and truly seems to think it's execution rather than his ancient playbook that everyone in the league knows by heart.

My favorite play was actually by Dallas. That late play at the goal line when they bunched 4 WRs as a misdirection and then tried to go to an open guy in the middle. It didn't work because Dak missed the throw and the TE didn't get his hands on the ball, but at the time I remember thinking, cool....we used to do stuff like this.

I honestly do think it's the Ted-Mike-Aaron recipe. It was great once, and it's not anymore. Rodgers is here to stay and that's still good, but he needs a course change, and that's going to have to be a new coach and GM. Otherwise, as ESPN put it last week, all we have is Jay Cutler with a better record.

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Handsback's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:30 am

Frustration is ugly and that’s the feeling among the Packer’s fans today. I’ve seen this a lot this year, and its only going to get worst.
Randall and Shields are out for multiple weeks. Rollins is out now as well and the team is down to their 4th and 5th CB. Some teams don’t even have 5 CBs, so the defensive backfield will be weak for who knows how long. (When people say we should have kept House or Hayward, or etc. just know they wouldn’t have been the 4th and 5th CBs that Green Bay is playing now. Injuries have destroyed that position on the Packers and no GM/coach could foresee and plan for it.)
The run defense is going to be suspect as long as the CBs are either learning or being helped by the safeties. Again, just looking at the roster and the teams they need to play it’s going to get worst.
The offensive line is solid, but w/o a scat back/3rd down back you are only going to be able to hammer the ball on running plays. So if any daylight opens up…there’s no player to take advantage of the situation. That issue is the fault of the GM. You need to provide players that will compliment your offense. If MM made the decision not to have a speed option as RB…then it’s his fault. Starks isn’t the answer and he’s hurt anyway.
The passing game is poor. Nelson isn’t 100%, too many patterns where the players are close together, and no TE (injury issue again) to work the middle. Rodgers isn’t playing very good. In fact he’s playing very poorly. Makes me wonder if he had some sort of Lasik eye surgery and it went bad, or his leg injury keeps him from planting his back leg properly. Whatever the issue…he’s not playing good enough to keep the Packers winning with all of their issues. Too many open receivers not getting the ball.
So as a fan, I still follow the Pack and want them to win every game. What happened on Sunday, IMHO, will only get worst until some of the injured players get better.

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carusotrap's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:37 am

I think you pretty well pegged this. One comment... I think any other GM in the league looks at this roster, sees the problems we all see, and spends a few precious draft choices to do something about it. I think we all know that we'll see Crosby playing CB before we go get someone who is actually a CB.

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Jean Mitchell's picture

October 18, 2016 at 01:16 pm

I've wondered about Rodgers eyesight and/or maybe he has an inner ear issue or vertigo that is throwing him out of whack.

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Finwiz's picture

October 18, 2016 at 01:37 pm

Jean - it's interesting you should say this, I was thinking about the eyesight issue yesterday. There has to be a reason he isn't seeing the field the way he used to, and he has the appearance of being hesitant that goes along with not believing what he's seeing. There's something going on that's deeper than what we are being told.

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Razer's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:33 am

That game ruined my night and caused me endless hours of tossing and turning. To get dismantled by the Cowboys at home is embarrassing. To watch a Jerry Jones team make us look like a tier two club is doubly bad. To think that I might have watch the changing of the guard in the NFC and it is led by guys named Dak and Zeke is like a nightmare.

To add insult to injury we lost Joe Callahan to make room for Goodson. While we need a starting CB, we may need a starting QB sooner than we might admit. Tells you a lot when we are keeping special teams players and can't stock a backfield nor utilize a bench full of WRs. This team is in disarray and MM has his head buried in cliches and old plays.

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carusotrap's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:46 am

It's OK, Razer. You've got to allow yourself to be liberated by this dumpster fire! About midway through the 2nd half, I answered some email. Made a phone call. The game was on, but I knew the outcome, and it strangely allowed me to put it on simmer in the background. This loss was oddly less upsetting than even some of the wins in the last few weeks, if only because I think we all knew deep down this was coming.

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Razer's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:55 am

I just don't want to go back to the dark days and I definitely don't want to be staring at the Vikings or Cowboys tailpipes.

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 01:50 pm

Kurt Warner predicted 170 plus on the ground,he was wrong,more like 190 plus!

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jlc1's picture

October 17, 2016 at 07:56 am

If I remember correctly several of Montgomery's catches were him coming out of the backfield so I am not sure we should be so hasty in dismissing that set.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:04 am

exactly...

If I'm McCarthy I build off of that. They actually found a player that could be a weapon coming out of the backfield.

As the game wore on the more comfortable Montgomery was coming out of the backfield. Even one of his last runs he had 8 or 9 yards.

Montgomery could become our version of Theo Riddick.

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GVPacker's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:10 am

Something tells me Brett is having a hell of a time watching A Rod Implode!

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fthisJack's picture

October 17, 2016 at 08:50 am

this offense has never been the same since they lost Joe Philbin as the OC. why they haven't brought him back in that capacity is beyond me. its been a steady spiral into mediocrity since. i say F that Jack!

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Razer's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:11 am

I agree that losing Philbin was a big blow. I think that Edgar Bennett is a good RB coach and that's it. Tom Clement shouldn't be on this staff. He is a sour, arrogant, ex athlete who has added ego and attitude to a scenario full of egos. The QB coach is obviously doing a good job. And, last but not least, the play calling has been stellar. Squeezing the ball to Nelson/Cobb/Adams or pounding the ball between the tackles has them all fooled.

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GoldenRetriever's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:06 pm

If Edgar Bennett were fired as OC, the Packers would probably be accused of racism.

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Since'61's picture

October 17, 2016 at 09:09 am

CBs, RBs, poor tackling, all of these are factors but if Aaron Rodgers does not return to this team none of those factors will matter. This would be easier to accept if Rodgers was trying to play through an injury or if he was out of the game with an injury (which he might as well be). This offense may be stale but if Rodgers hits his open receivers the offense would still be working fine. The Packers left at least 14 points on the field yesterday. 4 when they ran that idiotic empty back field on first and goal and Rodgers fumbled. Eventually they made a FG following Burnett's pick. At least 3 more when A. Rodgers threw behind a wide open R. Rodgers. Then again when he missed Cobb wide open in the end zone. At least another 3 points were lost when Rodgers threw his pick on the opening drive in the second half. With the protection our OL is providing Rodgers should be picking defenses, any defense, apart. The idea of WRs not getting separation is ridiculous since he still made some tight throws yesterday to Adams and Jordy and he was perfect on the Packers one TD drive. A. Rodgers play is hurting the team, period. And it's up to MM to hold him accountable and get it corrected. Either with a shot in the head or a kick in the butt as I posted last week, or a benching or a shrink or whatever it takes but as bad as he's played there is plenty of football left in this season to get Rodgers and this team back on track. IMO its up to MM to fix Rodgers and its up to TT to bring in some reinforcements at RB and CB. Da' Bears will be hear soon. Thanks, Since '61

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 09:29 am

As bad as they played, they only lost by 14 points.... If they do anything mediocre, they have a real chance of winning.... Like you said, they left at least 14 points off the board.

That throw behind Richard Rodgers, was behind him, but how about Rodgers actually catching the ball that hits his hands. This is the 2nd week in a row that Rodgers drops a ball that hits his hands. That throw Rodgers has to make better, but still catch the damn ball.

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Since'61's picture

October 17, 2016 at 11:58 am

RC - I agree that R. Rodgers should make that catch but it's just another example of poor execution by AR with a wide open receiver. If he hits him in stride Rodgers probably makes the catch and picks up, at least 10 more yards if not a score. Very frustrating. Thanks, Since '61

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Lets not forget that was Richard Rodgers... He wasn't going to score...

For real though I completely agree.. He has to perform better. no question...
But I'm not going to give the receiver a pass for not catching it either. For the guy who is supposed to have the best hands on the team, he let 2 go through his hands in the last 2 weeks. Last week was a TD, and this week would have been a good gain. By dropping it, it eliminated a 1st down.

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croatpackfan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 09:21 am

I was sad yesterday after the game. Not so much because of the game, but because of the Aaron's press conference. I think, who he thinks fooling with his "I’m my biggest critic...". He will find all others are guilty for something, but not him.
I already stated that I think his mental state is ruining him. He, obviously feels as he is divine, so he can not be wrong and when he is obviously wrong he will pass over that, pretending that that never happened. Like "oh, well, you know, I just did not see safety so I throw pick, so what?"
That was the sadiest moment of the whole day. It shows us that Aaron is not capable to put the blame on himself. He will drink few glasses of Scotch and everything is OK. Unfortunately it is not OK...
THat is why I'm all for benching him. Show him that he is replaceable and he is not so divine as he think about himself...
For his sake, not for us...
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/mcginn/2016/10/15/mc...
Great analysis!

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DrealynWilliams's picture

October 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Does MM have the guts to do so?

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John Kelly's picture

October 17, 2016 at 09:38 am

I do not blame Rogers, he is allowed to have a bad game. Maybe he has a injury that we do not know about and this would not be the first time
The packers will bounce back, Dallas has a good team this year and we have a lot of injured players, we are fielding practice squad defensive players to compete with top NFL starters. We need to get those guys healthy, Rogers will come around.
Lacey was still playing injured, Starks was out our backs were against the wall to start.
That call in the beginning of the game in the end zone was crap, and Dallas was all over our receivers with no calls from the visually challenged refs.
This year so far has been the worse I have ever seen for bad calls across the NFL, the game changing missed or wrong calls are mounting and nothing is being done.
My opinion the fix is in for the NFL's wealthiest owners Dallas and Seattle

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 09:48 am

Speaking of bad calls. WTF was that when the Packers hurried up to the line to snap it quick because they had 12 men on defense. The ref wouldn't let them snap it even though they didn't substitute, then they snap it and they blow it dead.... How did they not let the play go on? It should have been a free play.
Also, on a drive they stopped the play cuz the Packers had 12 men on the field while a player was trying to get off.

Bad!!!

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Razer's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:23 am

Trying to catch the opponent with too many men on the field is the Packers best offensive play. It is weak, ticky tacky crap and we should be embarrassed that we rely on it for yards. The Cowboys got called for it later in the game and I swear you need 100 meter timing equipment to confirm the infraction. We are better than this ... or maybe not.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 17, 2016 at 12:30 pm

it maybe Belichek like stuff, but on that play I'm talking about the Packers went to go into a hurry up, and the refs would not allow them to snap the ball. Then they let them as a guy was running off the field, which they blew the play dead. That should have been a free play. Like it or not they should have been able to take advantage of the play, but the refs screwed up 2 times on that play.

Then later in the game the Packers defense tried running off the field and they stop the play and called 12 men on the defense which they were running a player off. Both series of plays cost the Packers.

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lou's picture

October 17, 2016 at 10:34 am

Allowed to have a bad game ? Please read Bob McGinn's detailed article in Sundays Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel on Rodgers last "16 games" and you tell me if that is not a Bad Season he has experienced, the detail is extreme and accurate.

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rdent's picture

October 17, 2016 at 02:01 pm

"Allowed to have a bad game"? Where have you been? Try 17 games and counting!

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DrealynWilliams's picture

October 17, 2016 at 12:20 pm

On a lighter note, they're killing me with these work e-mails. I'm marking every single Cowboy related e-mail as spam, lol.

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4thand1's picture

October 17, 2016 at 06:46 pm

The only thing we can hope for is that AR makes us all eat our words. If not we'll be getting that top ten draft pick many people want so bad. After 25 years, we're getting so so qb play. It can change, it better change.

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