Packers 8 Cardinals 38: Game Balls & Lame Calls
By jasonperone
I started writing this mid-way through the third quarter. That's how this day went for the Packers. It was a terrible showing by the Packers, worse than their loss to the Denver Broncos after the bye week. The Arizona Cardinals only reinforced what we already knew coming into this game: They are head and shoulders above the Packers. They might be the best team in the league right now. I didn't like the match up going into the game and the Cardinals proved me right in a big way.
While this wasn't fun nor pretty to watch, I think many expected a tough road against the Cardinals. This loss killed Green Bay's chances at a playoff bye week, but they're still playoff bound with a very realistic chance for a division title. It's a week-to-week league, the NFL is, so burn the tape from this game and move on to next week's season finale at Lambeau Field for the NFC North against the Minnesota Vikings!
On to the good, bad and worse from today.
Game Balls
James Jones
Jones has disappeared at times this season and much has been made about how he struggles to get open against better coverage. In this game, against a very good Cardinals secondary, Jones was Green Bay's most effective receiver. He would have had a long touchdown pass, after getting behind the coverage, had the Aaron Rodgers pass been on the money (and it usually is, but that's another story). Jones came to play and helped convert on a few third downs to keep drives alive. He did have a catch for the two-point try after the Packers' first score of the day in the third quarter.
Mike Daniels
Carson Palmer probably gets as much credit for a lame attempt at a screen pass, but Daniels hauled it in for an interception deep in Arizona's territory to give the Packers an early chance to make a game of it. Daniels is playing through a hamstring issue and made a big play on a day that featured very few by the Packers. Plays like this are why the Packers paid Daniels just two weeks ago.
Tim Masthay
Fake punt converted for a first down. Not much more needs to be said. At that point of the game, the Packers had a manageable deficit. Masthay actually showed good patience on the run, waiting for the block to be set up and he hung onto the ball (on this day, that needs to be mentioned as part of the goodness of the play).
Lame Calls
Offensive Line
This entire unit got beat the you-know-what up. Trucked. They didn't have a chance nor a clue against Arizona's defense. Left tackle David Bakhtiari didn't suit up because of an ankle injury. During the game, the Packers lost Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang and Bryan Bulaga to injuries. Lang returned. I may be too hard on these guys right now, but they fared very poorly and defenders were in the backfield and all over Aaron Rodgers most of the day. At first, it seemed as though Rodgers was holding onto the ball too long, but the reality is, the receivers weren't open down field and there was nowhere for Rodgers to go outside of the pocket, even to throw it away. The line got owned today and all day long. They looked like infants amongst men. Not many teams can win with their line performing as this one did against Arizona.
Injuries along the line have been the story for much of this season and it's not going to end. This is not a very durable bunch in 2015. Josh Sitton, Lang and Bulaga are only adding years to their careers so this is an area that is going to get a lot of play during the offseason.
James Starks
Every time he fumbles the ball, Starks will end up on this list. Fumbles lead to turnovers, which lead to bad things for the Packers. At a time when these guys should be peaking and turning in their best, Starks keeps putting the ball on the ground. As effective as Starks is, the Packers need to get some more looks to John Crockett, who ran hard on the few carries he got in garbage time.
Davante Adams
Adams failed to get a second foot down on a catch that would have kept an early drive alive. Not great footwork nor awareness there. Adams makes a big catch later on to convert a first down and then gets hit with a delay-of-game penalty because he spiked the ball afterwards. Davante, next time, just punch yourself in the stomach because your frustration should be directed squarely at yourself, not the ball or anything else. At the end of the third quarter, the Packers were near the goal line and we finally saw a jump ball try to Adams, which he was in perfect position to catch. What he did, however, was let the ball go right through his hands. Ole ain't the way, #17.
Many thought we would see more of Jared Abbrederis against the Cardinals with as poorly as Adams has played but the Packers appear stubbornly married to the idea that Adams is going to somehow break out. That ship has sailed, Mike McCarthy, Tom Clements, Edgar Bennett and whoever the heck else game plans the offense.
Aaron Rodgers
I debated putting Rodgers on this list a few times and decided that the fumble-six was the straw that broke the camel's back. Yes, Rodgers was under pressure most of the day. He had nowhere to go unless a play was a designed rollout. But three turnovers is unacceptable. Rodgers had three fumbles, two of which were lost and an interception as well. Rodgers has had his share of issues this season and it's something we're still not used to seeing. He can't do it alone and there are many issues with the offense this season, but Rodgers' play against the Cardinals was some of the worst we have seen from #12, ever.
Once again and several times, Rodgers appeared to be wanting his receivers to do something other than what they did. I am finding it hard to buy that most of these issues are on someone else. At some point, Rodgers has to bite the bullet and admit that his play has been awful at times. There was a Vine of Lang questioning Rodgers at one point and I have to wonder if some of these guys don't want more accountability from their field general than he's giving them? We don't know all that's happening behind closed doors, but things don't look too rosy on the field since mid-season and Rodgers seems to be at the crux of it.
Others to mention:
- I don't think the Packers did enough to prepare for this Cardinals team, but still, Arizona is on another planet and the Packers won't beat them unless they beat themselves. If Green Bay draws Arizona again in the postseason, replay the tape from this game. It won't be any different, even with having seen them already
- Way too many penalties, mostly on the offense. I'd rather the offensive line hold than get Rodgers killed, but way too many mistakes. There were many penalties in this game as a whole, and Arizona actually had more than did the Packers
- I saw more bad tackling today. The long run by David Johnson was a joke. Four defenders there and he escapes them all to add another 20 yards? Pathetic. Jake Ryan in space? Awful. Ryan will improve but he was made to look foolish a few times in this one
- Mike Pennel caused a fumble late and it was good to see someone still playing hard. Morgan Burnett scooped it up and Burnett also never stopped playing. In a game like this, it's little things like that that end up being some of the best moments
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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
Comments (62)
bears suck forever
December 28, 2015 at 07:23 am
That must have been one long flight back to Green Bay.
They better shake it off quick. Vikes are on fire.
Bearmeat
December 28, 2015 at 02:39 pm
The Vikes haven't played anyone since the Cards. And they lost that game too.
croatpackfan
December 28, 2015 at 07:28 am
First, Lame call to you Jasone for repeating one very common lie these days on this site - there was more than 70% situation when Packers WR was open, e. g. Cobb, Jared, Davante, James, RR and ball either did not coming from Aaron (no, he was not sacked yet, he just kept the ball!) or his throws was overthrowing, underthrowing, to far in front of open receiver or behind him. Underthrow example - INT. To far thrown ball example - first throw to Abby. Behind receiver throw - slant throw to RR. Overthrow - pick one of many! So, there is no excuse like "WR did not get open". They get open. OK, not at every moment and maybe not the first check receiver, but there was receivers who was open still on time to avoid sack, even hit.
Second, Mike Pennel becomes quietly one of the D line force. He was the guy with 3 tackles, one sack and 1 FF, and was the best lineman for the Packers in this game. It would be nice to recognize that and credit that, not just to mention it.
Third, if the Packers (I would prefer to say when, but that is another story!) will face Cardinals again, that would be another, completely another story. To remind you of the last season when Packers lost to Seahawks at the beginning of the season (it was embarrassment loss as well!), just to come to their field in NFCCG to almost win and embarrass them. I would say that we can expect different Packers if we come to that!
But, sad as many of you, I understand why you are putting salt to our wounds. Yes, Packers offense played terrible. ANd one of the reason was Mike McCarthy. His playcalling for this game was bad, by my opinion. I would say Packers needed to run the ball, run the ball and run the ball. And that was the idea of success. So, Mike McCarthy to the lame calls!
cpabandit
December 28, 2015 at 07:35 am
Rodgers has made every QB look better than him and better than they really are. Except for Palmer who actually is better than him.
Packer_Pete
December 28, 2015 at 07:58 am
Thank you croatpackafan, for calling out all the commentators and posters who still proclaim that receivers are not getting open. they are!
It is just that either game planning or Rodgers are too stubborn to take what the D gives them, and try to start hitting slants or short routes. Concept seems to be to have the WRs run 30 yards downfield and hope they get open beyond that. Insanity. But that is the sandbox play that #12 wants, so I guess that is what this O has to play, Worked with Jordy, doesn't work with Adams. Plain and simple.
And Rodgers is terribly inaccurate this season. Overthrowing an open receiver by 8 yards is terrible play. WR runs an out, is open, and ball sails 5 yards over his head. Jones is open on a long route close to the end zone, accurate throw actually means TD, and #12 overthrows him by 5 yards.
It's real easy to blame receivers all the time, but when they get open and #12 cannot find them or cannot accurately throw it is still the receivers fault? I know that is the general message coming out of 1265 Lombardi, but maybe Lang and others are finally fed up with that. I hope so. Someone needs to hold #12 accountable, and as I've stated before, I do not know what his troubles are this season and don't want to speculate, but he has to improve his play. Just reputation alone doesn't help. And I seriously doubt his game preparation is what it should be, and what I would expect from a pro and one of the highest paid players in the league. Just look at your daily news feed, and you'll see all kinds of extracurricular activities which have nothing to do with football, yet QB1 seems to be enamored with those.
Oh yeah, and my final rant: "they will show up when it matters for all of the marbles". Really Rodgers???? Maybe get your head back out of your a@@ and start acting and playing like a pro. All games matter in the NFL. If you don't think so, please retire and let someone who actually wants to play and takes it seriously take over. With this attitude, you are neither a pro nor should you rake in the dollars you are making. If you don't think games like yesterday matter, then please donate your game check to a worthy cause, and only collect if you feel like showing up and playing when it matters. thank you.
chugwater
December 28, 2015 at 08:45 am
'Dont want to speculate'...then immediately speculates. We have no idea how much prep time he's putting in relative to last year. Let's make that clear.
jasonperone
December 28, 2015 at 08:03 am
70%? You counted and calculated the percentage. Impressive
croatpackfan
December 28, 2015 at 08:31 am
No Jasone, I did not, that was my estimation. I already watched game twice. Later today I will watch the coaching films. Sorry if I said something inproper, by I'm tyred of that "WR can't get open" mantra. There was some throws that was dropped, but not even close the number Aaron is trying to sell. You can not drop the pass which is not catchable... That is plain simple. Sorry again. This is my point how I see the situation. My football knowledge is not large, but I remember Aaron from 3, 4, 5 years ago. He was throwing balls around directly to the arms of his WR through the ears of opponents DB. Do we still remember that game against Minnesota when ball literarly scratch the helmet of the DB and fall into the WR hands. Twice in one game! Where are those throws?
ray nichkee
December 28, 2015 at 08:51 am
Im going to give rodgers a pass on this game. He was running for his life and still getting creamed. If i were him my eyes would be on that airplane home.
croatpackfan
December 28, 2015 at 10:00 am
Ray I agree with that. There was a lot of hits. But for at least half of the sacks he is the guilty one. Also, when he runned down the field Packers offense starts to move. He take another DB from coverage. That may be the formula, too...
But OL was really, really terrible. I remember they sell to the Packers OL twice the same trick, just one after another. DT run behind LDE and Barclay and Josh was occupied with LDE while DT run behind them untouched to the Aaron.
DrealynWilliams
December 28, 2015 at 10:05 am
I'm agreeing with @Croat
I've been saying WRs are getting open. The problem is, the receiver Rodgers wants to hit might not be open. But it's his job to make the proper read, right?
Are some of you watching the game(s) more than once? Or are you just going off what you seen live and commentators?
This is not putting 100 percent blame on Rodgers, because we are seeing drops from EVERYONE. But this Offense moves with Rodgers.
Tundraboy
December 28, 2015 at 01:50 pm
Watched it twice. God bless you!
AZPack
December 28, 2015 at 10:43 am
When it looks like a receiver is open after the ball is thrown it means the CB has left him to help make a tackle if necessary. It doesn't mean the receiver was actually open to catch a pass.
Not sure if you realize that. Just wanted to mention it, so you can note it the next time you think you see a receiver thats open.
DrealynWilliams
December 28, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Not sure if you realize that those bad passes (majority are short hitch routes) are towards open receivers. The ball is either too high or the WR just doesn't catch it.
How about you stop assuming that you know what I'm referring to?
Note taken.
tjm65
December 28, 2015 at 01:17 pm
Totally agree cpf, there were receivers open. I watched the second string Rams QB effectively throw the ball to receivers that we're no more open than the Packers receivers were. Now the Rams receivers caught the ball, which helps. But receivers not being open is no longer a valid explanation in my opinion
KenEllis
December 28, 2015 at 07:30 am
Jason, apparently you didn't read the Cheesehead article last week about Packer fans needing to enjoy another glorious playoff run, because you are far, far too critical of this team.
Good: Pennell & Daniels.
Bad: Clay, Perry, Sitton, Abredaris, Cobb, ARod, Starks, R. Rogers, and offensive coaches.
Ugly: Josh Walker, Don Barclay, Jake Ryan, and Davante Adams.
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 07:32 pm
I actually thought that Perry did a decent job with the snaps he was given.
steven10825
December 28, 2015 at 07:34 am
Do you habe a link for the vine?
jasonperone
December 28, 2015 at 08:05 am
It was on Twitter after the game in the #Packers feed. Not sure if it's still up
RCPackerFan
December 28, 2015 at 08:25 am
Game balls - Lavato, Masthay, Daniels, Pennel.
Lame Calls - Adams, Rodgers, OL, Jake Ryan, McCarthy.
For me the biggest problem is and continues to be the way this team tries to attack other teams. They make no adjustments, do nothing to show different looks, do nothing to get the defense on their toes, do nothing to create mismatches.. This is all on McCarthy.
They started to do more of it, but the last 2 games have done none of it... This team is not good enough to line up and beat the other team straight up. They have to beat them schematically... It's time McCarthy understand this.
Since'61
December 28, 2015 at 08:28 am
Game Ball: Pennel, Daniels,
Lame Call: MM and or whoever game up with the game plan for this game. Entire offensive unit.
Barclay should be cut NOW! Probably Josh Walker as well.
Jason cannot agree with you on Rodgers fumbles. He was not only getting hit on every play he was often blind sided. Also he was being held up one DL and stripped of the ball by another. He had a bad game yes, but he literally had no OL in this game. The OL played slow and hurt, period. In this situation I don't know why we're not going with quick passes and slants. Also the running game was decent early on. Just a terrible game plan with miserable execution by the OL. Burn the tape and move on. Thanks, Since '61
ray nichkee
December 28, 2015 at 08:54 am
Yes, burn that tape. I dont want adumbs on the field again. Deport him to minnesota.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 29, 2015 at 01:38 am
Walker is a rookie UDFA drafted to play OG and now thrown to the wolves at RT. He should get a year to develop. GB has been making rookies start due to a dearth of talent at various positions who would have been better off getting eased in slowly or not at all until they showed proper preparation and work habits. Cases in point: RR at TE, Adams at outside WR, Ryan at ILB (though injury was a factor there). Randall and Rollins have held up pretty well and okay for rookies, allowing Gunter to have time to develop.
If you cut Barclay, a thought with which I have some sympathy, we are looking at promoting Vujnovich and/or Rotherham and inserting them at OT, or moving guys around, perhaps Lang or Tretter at LT with Walker or Rotherham at OG, or flipping Bulaga to LT and moving someone over to RT. Musical chairs. If the medical staff told me that sitting some of our OL starters would materially benefit their health for the playoffs, I'd sit a couple of them and take my reduced chances against MN.
joepacker
December 28, 2015 at 09:01 am
Theres a theory in business that one leader is best for initiating a company while another is better for maintaining it, and still another for bringing the company to its peak.
This organization have done well to establish the Packers as perennial winners. They've drafted and developed what has become a fine, well balanced and financially sound team.
They are NOT, however, the group that will take us home. At the start of the year, many felt this was the team imbued with "an embarrassment of riches" that would go the distance. This now seems unlikely.
So what went wrong?
I lived thru the 70s and 80s and, like many, remained faithful. But, the Sherman years were in some way worse. We were so close, so often. But, many of us knew Sherman was not a championship level coach. Yet, we were held hostage by his 12 - 4 records. How do you replace a winning coaching staff even when its clear they will never get you there?
We all know the story. At some point, you miss the window and the downward spiral sets in.
So, some of us will claim the many victories we've had under McCarthy as reason to stay the course. But those victories have frequently been against statistically mediocre opponents. Some claim our dominance over a bad division. Others will claim our impressive string play off appearances. But, we have been embarrassed mightily in those games.
We have proven year and year again that draft and develop can create a very good team, but without championship caliber leadership we well always be left at the gates of greatness.
I love this team. Always have. And this group should have been among the finest. But, this is NOT the coaching staff to take us to the next level. And, im not talking Super Bowl or bust. No. I'd be satisfied with a team that competes with the big boys and shows up for the games that matter. A team that is prepared to play in the big games. A team unafraid to replace inneffective leadership and effectively address poor play.
But, seats are full. And the merch is off the charts, so who's gonna rock this boat? Mike Murphy? He's gonna come down on Thompson? Thompson's gonna replace McCarthy? Maybe. But theres more likelihood that we do nothing but move the same pieces around.
So, now, held hostage by statistics and the stubbornness of an organization that took years to replace an industry bottom special teams coach, and will presumably take years to sit a defiantly inneffective Devante Adams, all we can do is strap in and await the inevitable decline. At that point, a change will happen, of course. Maybe when Aaron Rodgers has a year or so left to mentor our next quarterback. I wonder what the chances are we'll hit 3 MVPs in a row?
In the meantime, our embarrassment of riches has become simply an embarrassment to watch.
egbertsouse
December 28, 2015 at 09:20 am
Damn straight! TT is a good GM and MM is a good coach but they are not going to get you to the next level. Yeah, yeah you'll all tell me they did it in 2010 when all the stars were in alignment blah, blah. IMO both TT and MM are too rigid, they have their template and they won't vary, no matter what,. whereas Belichek will take a gamble on FA's to meet a critical need and come up with a crazy game plan when it's required. It doesn't always work but it least it gives them a chance.
AZPack
December 28, 2015 at 10:52 am
The next level? You mean like the SB they won in '10. I guess you missed that season, huh?
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 09:30 pm
If you are going to post on articles, or respond to posters, it would be nice if you at least had the common courtesy to read the material you are responding to in its entirety before doing so.
You clearly only read the first two sentences of his post before responding. I guess you missed his third sentence, huh?
AZPack
December 28, 2015 at 10:03 pm
No I read the 3rd sentence, I read the entire comment. Doesn't change a damn thing FWIW.
lou
December 28, 2015 at 12:15 pm
There will be changes in the coaching staff in the off season that is a given but to what extent is any ones guess. Remember, it took 7 years for them to fire an incompetent Special Teams Coach so don't expect miracles. Also, how does a team not only continue to start but also continue to make a WR that cannot catch the football it's "primary target", I could understand taking this approach with a kicker like Crosby with his prior results but keeping Adams on the field defies all sane logic.
bjkdad44
December 28, 2015 at 01:46 pm
@joe packer... That is the essence of this whole debate... You've hit the nail right on the head... And until it changes, the Packers will most likely never ascend to any great height again...
Tundraboy
December 28, 2015 at 09:00 pm
Afraid that is the cold honest truth. Sure I will have many disagree, but if you look at it from the perspective you have given, it is the most painful of realities because change will not come soon enough I'm afraid. Love the Pack and that is why I agree 100%
Thegreatreynoldo
December 29, 2015 at 01:55 am
Excellent post, Joe Packer. Your comment made the argument for regime change extremely well. In fact, Sherman won the division 3 years straight, and it would have been 4 years straight but Sherman's 2001 team went 12-4 while Chicago went 13-3. I believe Sherman got fired for his lack of GM skills rather than his coaching.
I personally haven't made the leap towards advocating replacing MM and/or TT. Not at all sure who would be better, but then that is not unusual. I was unfamiliar with MM when he was hired.
hybridauth_Facebook_100004084225446
December 28, 2015 at 09:23 am
ONE AND DONE ................
DrealynWilliams
December 28, 2015 at 10:10 am
Wait...
So, no more "Chillax"?
WinUSA
December 28, 2015 at 10:09 am
Lame Calls: The coach of the Cardinals: Bruce Arians...what an AZhole! I understand coaching up... but he deserved his unsportsman penalty with his team up by 30 points and the game in hand....one thing is for sure...every player on the Packers will remember this game for a long, long, long time. Not because they got a shellacking but because Arians didn't call off the dogs. I guarantee that payback will someday be quite the bitch and I hope this old man gets the chance to see it!
Lame Calls: Hey I have given Mathews a pass for 2 seasons now...his late hit out of bounds on Kapernick, his multitude of unsportsmanlike behavior.... but his offering a hand to Carson to help him pick him up off the turf and then pulling it away was a jerk like action...that personally doesn't sit right with me.
Game ball..... Aaron Rodgers...yeah yeah... I know 3 fumbles and an interception....but you know what...the guy sat there and took a beating that NO man should take.... add to the Lame calls..... FCKN McCarthy number one for letting the man get that beat down...when he knew the game was out of hand and the MASH unit for an offensive line was incapable of stopping the healthy D line from creaming Rodgers....the very least he could have done when it was obvious that we were outclassed this day was to call nothing but running plays so Rodgers wouldn't have to go through that horrible abuse.... Euthanize the team for the day...there is more football left in the season... 3 and out would have been merciful and the right thing to do!
Go Packers!!!!!!
Razer
December 28, 2015 at 10:37 am
The Clay Matthews hand-up move was classless. I like a competitor who plays hard to the whistle and beats you at the game - not this petty, bully crap.
WinUSA
December 28, 2015 at 10:51 am
Thanks Razer...I truly believe a great majority of loyal PACKER fans (yes the best fans in the world) agree with you 100 per cent! Play good football with snot bubble hits...that are within the scope of good sportsmanship!
ray nichkee
December 28, 2015 at 08:23 pm
Cow, you seem like you enjoyed kicking your little brothers ass. Take the first step. Admit it. Get the fuck out of here. Get some help. Now.
ray nichkee
December 28, 2015 at 08:28 pm
D'oh!
hybridauth_Facebook_539783066
December 28, 2015 at 11:19 am
Agree on the Arians thing. I said that somewhere else and got grilled for it.
DrealynWilliams
December 28, 2015 at 01:09 pm
I disagree on Arians calling off the dogs. It's similar to Defenses not liking Cam Newton's dancing in the end zone. If you don't like it -- stop it.
Or maybe he did call off the dogs, but the Offense's play was so bad that you couldn't tell the difference between the Card's Defense trying/Pack's Offense sucking and the Card's Defense NOT trying/Pack's Offense sucking?
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 07:48 pm
How exactly do you know that Mike McCarthy WASN'T calling running plays, or max protection pass plays.. and Rodgers wasn't checking out from run to pass, or from keeping a RB or TE in to help protect to sending them out on routes?
In the post game pressers, MM clearly states that he thinks they need to worry less about the play, and more about execution, which could be seen as criticizing Rodgers for effin with the play calls too much... While Rodgers stated he thinks they need to motion more guys and scheme to get players open better (even though two weeks ago he defiantly stated that it wasn't a matter of playcalling or scheme, but execution, that leads to the Packers seeing improved offense after MM took back playcalling duties.)
My personal take, from my gut feeling, nothing more, nothing less.. MM is calling in plays, Rodgers is over-tweaking the routes, motioning WRs, swapping run to pass, adjusting protections.. so much, that the players are getting confused at the LOS and that's why Rodgers is not finding WRs where they need to be so often, perhaps why the linemen are seemingly missing assignments more frequently, etc and so forth, which is culminating in MM trying to reign in Rodgers' ability to make those changes at the line. Rodgers is rebelling, because he is trying to put it all on his own shoulders, but he's making it more convoluted in the process.
My gut says MM sees the chaos, wants to dial it back to basics and get production.. While Rodgers is the one trying to overthink everything, fidgeting with the offense to such a degree that some players can't keep up, and looking for the big time play when sometimes the Packers just need to get 3 yards and move the chains.
DrealynWilliams
December 28, 2015 at 10:34 am
Boom! Here it is:
https://mobile.twitter.com/MrJurss/status/681263161350184960/video/1
Now that I see it. It's not much. I still like the message behind it. We know Lang cares. I wish he said it with more anger in his face. Ok, I'm joking. Kinda...
I can't find Rodgers' response though.
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 07:54 pm
It seems as though Lang mouthed, "Why did you throw..."
The question that needs to be answered to sate our curiosity and reveal the root of the frustration is, did Lang finish the sentence with, "Why did you throw.... (HIM) the ball", or did he simply say, "Why did you THROW THE BALL."
Two entirely different frustrations. And, unfortunately, the TV angle provided doesn't give us enough to take an educated guess at it.
hybridauth_Facebook_539783066
December 28, 2015 at 11:08 am
I went back and watched the games before the bye, expecting to see a significantly different team. I'm not pretending like I watched the tape or anything like that, I'm just watching DVR versions of the TV broadcast. Here's what I noticed: the same issues that are plaguing them now, with some big plays/luck sprinkled in. My interpretation is that this team is good but not great. Maybe they'll get lucky in the playoffs, but that seems unlikely.
KenEllis
December 28, 2015 at 12:00 pm
The Packers O struggled against the pitiful 49ers, a good Rams D, and even the bad Chargers the 3 weeks before the bye.
hybridauth_Facebook_539783066
December 28, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Precisely
RCPackerFan
December 28, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Until McCarthy realizes that the personnel he has on the team right now is now good enough to run the scheme he wants to run, this offense will continue to struggle. The players he has right now are not good enough to beat 1 on 1 consistently.
He can talk about players need to execute better all he wants, but if his players are not good enough to start with, how are they going to win those battles? Yes the players need to execute better. Way to many dropped passes. But they have to be realistic in realizing that the talent isn't the same as they have had in the past and need to adapt to the talent they have.
This team can still be good-very good. They just have to do more schematically wise to get their players in the best position to succeed. Their scheme is greatly based on each player winning their 1 on 1 battles. This has been written and written about, and has been brought up to McCarthy on several occasions.
The problem is McCarthy is being to stubborn to change.
There are simple things he could do to help this offense.
-First start rotating players more. Use multiple players and formations to create different looks. When the offense is running the same formation over and over again, its not difficult for defenses to know what they are doing.
They are so concerned about the hurry up, that they essentially show the same offense down after down. In McCarthy's younger days in the offense he used to run a different look on offense almost every play.
-Second, be more creative with the play calling. They started to do this more, with motioning Cobb into the backfield, faking handoffs to him, and running a lot of different looking screen passes. The last 2 games, none of that.
tjm65
December 28, 2015 at 03:13 pm
Great comment. Totally agree
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 08:02 pm
I would inject that one of the keys to the Packers' offensive success in past years has been that our # 3 or #4 WR is better than your #3 or #4 cover man.
Where as the Packers may not have had "elite" top WR talent, what they always have had was very good WRs that stretch down deep into the #3, #4, #5 slots. If a defense decides to take away our #1 with bracket coverage, and their #2 CB can effectively shut down our #2 WR without help, that's fine- because our #3 WR is better than your nickle and our #4 will outright smoke your dime back.
Despite what some will say about Jordy's loss killing the packers because of a loss the only deep threat, Jordy's loss hurt the Packers because it shifted all the match-ups. It would be okay if teams took out Cobb, so long as our depth was better that the D's, but Adams regression, Cobb's shoulder, Montgomery's injury has all compounded and given our WR corps very unfavorable matchups that this offensive system has never dealt with before. Add in Rodgers performing at below-his-standard levels, and we've got issues.
Rossonero
December 28, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Ted's strategy of using cheap, undrafted back up tackles exploded in his face last night. Time to spend a draft pick on at least one. I know they like Matt Rotherham, another undrafted guy who is on the practice squad, but he may end up being a better Guard than Tackle.
Journal-Sentinel reported that TJ Lang is playing through a shoulder injury that will require off season surgery. Sitton has a back injury that has been getting worse too.
Basically, the entire offensive line is banged up before a division title game where the Vikings are now healthy on defense.
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 09:32 pm
To be fair, there's not a lot of teams that can survive a game against an aggressive defensive front when they lose both starting tackles, a starting guard, and their starting center during the course of the game. Even if you don't count center because Linsley and Tretter have both played starter-quality ball for the Packers, that's an awfully tall order to fill.
Kyletgraham
December 28, 2015 at 12:19 pm
This has been as odd of a packers season as I have seen in my lifetime. I've been watching since 91 and for me this year reminds me of 1998. The packers that year were up and down offensively but had a better than average defense. I remember favre had a weird year that season. Not unlike Rodgers this year. Good numbers on paper but out of character play on the field. Might be a wild comparison and I hope it doesn't finish out like 98 did with the TO catch but yeah just can't stop thinking of that 98 team when I see this team play. Big hopes before the season but couldn't deliver. Lord I hope I'm wrong. Go pack go!
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 08:07 pm
Great post.
Rossonero
December 28, 2015 at 12:28 pm
There isn't one single thing to point the finger at, it's a combination of things:
1. Injuries / erratic offensive line
2. Inconsistent run game
3. Receivers either struggling to get open, or when they do get open, Rodgers is getting pressured
4. Receivers dropping passes
5. No deep threat
6. Poor blocking from TEs, little to no threat from TEs
7. Lack of FB usage to help run game despite carrying two on the roster
8. Rodgers' accuracy is worse
9. Poor ball security from Lacy and Starks, resulting in more fumbles than usual
10. Stubborn play calling from MM (I.e. No use of two TE sets despite Rodgers getting pummeled and facing 8 man fronts, not using quick slants to get ball out of Rodgers' hand quicker)
Ima fubar
December 28, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Rogers: His problem is simple, he is the best of the best passing into the zone to wide open receivers. Put those same guys in single coverage and he goes into a shell. Put those slower receivers with fast agile dbacks who are drapped all over them and he is not even average.
Pass Defense- do we really need to rush six and leave rookie receivers to cover guys who are breaking records, or are 6'5 230 and fast, or know how to cut quickly catch the ball and move up. Hey Ted let our experience go out the door to save a buck and drafted two guys who lack speed.
Linebackers: Mathews looks lost. I watched him attack the line and the running back ran right by him, he raced right buy the QB twice. He just doesn't seem to grasp or anticipate a run play versus a pass play. Ryan is horrible. NO HE WILL NOT GET BETTER. He was awful at Michigan. I watched him over and over get juked out of his jock. He is a terrible tackler and even worse in the open field. A poor poor draft choice.
O Line is too small and now too old and banged up. This ain't funny anymore. The obvious problem is these guys are getting a beating because they lack size and strength and are being over run by quicker stronger pass rushers.
Bottom line, get used to this kind of play, this is the GB packers and its only going to get worse
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 08:15 pm
Everything else aside, he was awful at Michigan?
He was a freshman all-american, a two-time first team all-big ten linebacker voted in by coaches, and made honorable mention for SI's college football all-american team... and a finalist for the Butkus award.
Maybe he wasn't without flaws, but awful?
Flow49
December 28, 2015 at 01:14 pm
I think we gave up on the run way too quickly. We weren't gashing the cardinals but they weren't exactly stuffing Lacy either. Those 3 yards runs by a "250 lbs" running back take their toll. Not saying we would have won but it could have been more competitive. Lacy looked like he was running with more effort yesterday.
Gianich
December 28, 2015 at 02:25 pm
THEY SUCK!
Lphill
December 28, 2015 at 03:46 pm
Too many inexperienced players on the field due to Ted Thompson not bringing in any Veterans to help level the playing field. Very simple.
Oppy
December 28, 2015 at 08:43 pm
The starters (and key players who generally split reps) on the field at the outset of Sunday's game, and their experience in the league in years:
Rodgers, 11 years
Barclay, 4
Sitton, 8
Linsley, 2
Lang, 7
Bulaga, 6
R. Rodgers, 2
Quarless, 6
Jones, 9
Cobb, 5
Adams, 2
Kuhn, 10
Lacy, 3
Starks, 6
That's 5.75 years experience average, which is longer than the average football career, and typically considered to be into a players "prime" years.
I understand that once Bulaga goes out, now we're inserting a completely green back up at tackle, but overall, I don't think it is accurate to characterize this offense as being "too inexperienced". This is a relatively veteran offense, more so when Jordy is healthy, too.
Handsback
December 28, 2015 at 08:32 pm
Maybe this Packer team is too young and not enough LOFT..... ( lack of freaking talent).