Packers 24 Cardinals 21: Game Balls and Lame Calls
Unlikely hero caps off unlikely victory.
By KenLass
One more play. Just one more play. That’s all the Packers needed. This undermanned, underdog team played so inspired for so long, and yet, the game was slipping away. The ending seemed inevitable. The story line was already written. The dynamic Kyler Murray would lead his team on an incredible 99 yard drive, winning the game with a touchdown in the final seconds. It was the stuff legends are made of. Press box reporters ready to anoint Murray as the game’s new preeminent superstar.
But then the unexpected happened. Fifteen seconds away from his coronation, Murray throws a pass in the end zone toward an unaware AJ Green. And a cornerback who was not even on Green Bay’s team 23 days ago, makes a spectacular interception. A player who.....get this....was signed off Arizona’s practice squad!
Stop the presses! You want a story angle? There’s your story angle.
I’m searching for an adjective to describe this Green Bay victory over Arizona. Gritty? Scrappy? Resilient? Fortunate? Optimistic? Miraculous? Go ahead. Pick one. None of them are sufficient. It’s hard to overstate the importance of this dramatic victory. It gives the Packers the best record in the NFC. It gives them the tiebreaker advantage over Arizona. It sends them successfully into a mini-bye where they will have some much needed time to heal the wounded.
This was the very definition of a team victory. There are enough players deserving of a game ball to fill up several articles. But let’s hit the most obvious.
GAME BALLS
Matt LaFleur and the Offensive Coaches
Talk about making the most out of what you are left with. They crafted a game plan that had to work without their top three receivers, and in the second half without their top tight end. The coaches threw everything out there. Two back sets, three wides, empty backfield, every formation they had learned since junior high. At one point, the three wide receivers were Malik Taylor, Juwann Winfree and Josiah Deguara. The way they mixed in creative running plays and effective short passes was a masterpiece. Yes, there were failures at the goal line. But the ability to dominate time of possession and keep Kyler Murray’s opportunities to a minimum gave them a chance.
Jerry Gray and the Defensive Coaches
The plan to rush the three down linemen straight forward, and keep Preston Smith and Rashan Gary in contain on the edges, was executed beautifully for two and a half quarters. The athletic Murray had nowhere to run. When the dam finally broke and the Cardinals reeled off two long touchdown drives in the second half, the coaches salvaged the game by calling a blitz on that final play, forcing Murray to make a quick decision, as he dumped the ball quickly to Green in the end zone, who clearly was not expecting it.
Aaron Jones – AJ Dillon
I’m giving it to them together because they complemented each other perfectly. Combined, they rushed for 137 yards. Especially impressive was the physical way they finished runs, converting critical third downs, bleeding the clock and allowing the offense to play keep away. A nod also to the offensive line, which snapped back from a shaky game against Washington, to blow holes in the Arizona defense all night. They didn’t have great success on the goal line but it’s hard to block when the other team has ten guys in the box.
Rasul Douglas
He will be remembered for his game winning pick, but the fifth year veteran also had nine tackles, all of them solo, and two passes defensed.
Dean Lowry
His elevated level of play has been a major key to the team’s seven game win streak. He finished with three solo tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss, leading that ever-improving defensive line.
So many honorable mentions. Guys like EQ, Juwann Winfree, Josiah Deguara, De’Vondre Campbell, Randall Cobb, all of whom made key plays when they were desperately needed. And, of course, the indomitable Aaron Rodgers, whose poise and skill are all too often taken for granted.
LAME CALLS
Abandoning the Run on the Goal Line
Too many passes on the one yard line. Yes, Arizona had loaded up the box, but you’ve got to at least try a few shots up the gut. All it takes is one lineman getting a little movement on his man.
Kylin Hill’s Disastrous Decision
The rookie running back made an inexplicable decision to run a kickoff out of the end zone from five yards deep. Not only did he not get past the nine yard line, but he took a terrible shot to his knee and had to be carted off the field. Here’s hoping it’s not as serious as it looked.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
Rasul Douglas: “That was probably the first time I won a game, and I was like ‘oh snap’.....once I got to the locker room everyone was waiting for me and jumping on me....we’re a family.”
Aaron Rodgers: “I love it when the odds are stacked against us. It really takes the pressure off. I think we just relaxed.....just a special ending at a place where we’ve had some tough endings.”
Adrian Amos (on coach Jerry Gray, who subbed for Joe Barry as defensive coordinator): “Coach Gray is a mentor to the whole team. When he speaks, everyone listens because he’s been there as a player and he’s coached it.”
Matt LaFleur: “These guys take on the mentality of ‘we’re never gonna flinch’....Just to see that celebration in the stands and on the sideline, it’s something I won’t ever forget.”
THREE AND OUT
• It was an up and down night for rookie first round pick Eric Stokes, who badly misplayed a forty yard bomb to Deandre Hopkins, and was beaten for several other completions. Still, he finished with six tackles and one pass defensed. With the emergence of Rasul Douglas, who sits down when Kevin King returns?
• With so many young and inexperienced players rotating in and out on offense, it’s understandable that there would be issues lining up properly, but the misalignments nearly cost Green Bay the game. They forced the Packers to burn all their timeouts with over five minutes left to play. That led directly to the team having to take a delay of game penalty when they were on the one yard line late in the fourth quarter. May not get bailed out next time.
• Aaron Rodgers to Kyler Murray after the game: “See you in the playoffs.” Does seem inevitable, doesn’t it?
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (122)
Philarod
October 29, 2021 at 07:41 am
I agree with almost everything. Thanks for this reminder: "And, of course, the indomitable Aaron Rodgers, whose poise and skill are all too often taken for granted."
Who will sit once King returns? How about King. Mostly, we need Jaire back, but kudos to Douglas and Stokes (hopefully, his ball skills will improve...just a rookie) for hanging in there.
Tingham
October 29, 2021 at 09:44 am
Agree that King sits. The main reason I was against the King signing wasn't his mediocre play. I was his availability and of course this year is no exception. He should be a dime player or break glass in case of emergency. There is no reason to take snaps away from others while waiting for him to break down again. Others need to start and practice with the first team.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:06 am
It's a nice problem to have.
barutanseijin
October 29, 2021 at 03:07 pm
Stokes sits. He’s a rookie and he may develop into a good corner. He’s not there yet.
MarkinMadison
October 29, 2021 at 07:41 am
"With the emergence of Rasul Douglas, who sits down when Kevin King returns?"
Kevin King sits down. Douglas is playing better than King did. Stokes makes mistakes but he is learning. Even Sullivan looked better last night, although with all of the pressure the Packers got on Murray that may have been a mirage. So Sullivan, maybe. King, probably. And I haven't been a King hater. Just looking at what is going on.
There should be a whole chapter of two-back set in this playbook. A chapter. This isn't 2014.
I was excited to see what Winfree would do. The reality was a little scary at times. I would not put Deguara in the game ball category. Deguara being lost moved it from 3rd and goal at the 1 to 3rd and goal at the 6. He should know what is up by now.
Too soon for word about Big Bob, but he needs to be talked about.
murf7777
October 29, 2021 at 08:59 am
MM, I agree that Douglas and Stokes are playing better than King in this scheme and I’m not a King hater, when Healthy he’s average to above. It’s a good problem to have. Yes, the Packers did a great job, especially in the first half in getting pressure onto Murray while playing disciplined ball. But, if the backfield didn’t cover for 3-4 seconds that pressure wouldn’t of mattered as much. So, some kudo’s goes out the the DB’s. AZ made good adjustments in the 2nd half doing quick 3 step drops and throw to reduce the pressure.
If Alexander and Z come back, this D is going to be in the top 5.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 03:12 pm
Good points Murf!
I think that the decision for JA is easier than for Z.
JA will resume his spot covering WR1's (pending real recovery status). I definitely agree though that King is now down the depth chart.
Z is a far better pure pass rusher than a contain man. This is going to have challenges with the style of play that Barry wants from his outside men and line.
MarkinMadison
October 29, 2021 at 06:38 pm
With you Murf.
Leatherhead
October 29, 2021 at 06:56 pm
I wish we were so deep and talented that we could afford to pay King $5 million to not play, but we aren’t. We have 9 regular season games left, plus playoffs, and we need a half dozen healthy DBs on every play. I’m happy with Stokes, Douglas, and Sullivan. I don’t know if/when Alexander returns. A healthy King is an asset.
jeremyjjbrown
October 29, 2021 at 10:19 am
Sullivan has been playing great for about three games now.
If Stokes doesn't have the rookie attention span blunder he has an excellent game too.
King is going to have to work his way back onto the field. That's great because he will have the time he needsto be healthy.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:07 am
I would argue Sullivan has been playing better because the DL has been playing better...
Packers1985
October 29, 2021 at 11:32 am
Couldn't agree more. Our Dline really stepped up their game this season.
Gee
October 29, 2021 at 06:27 pm
This can not be overstated enough, that Line was pushing all night. The opposite of what we have seen, love the aggression.
Doofapotamus
October 30, 2021 at 01:01 pm
Don't forget Stokes also carries the #1 receiver most weeks and he's a rookie. He's also top 5 in passes defended in the NFL. He's only going to get better.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 07:53 am
Game ball
Packers front 7. They set the tone by harrying Murray and frustrating him, and forced AZ to work for their yardage all night. Murray never looked comfortable until that last drive. With the exception of the Hopkins pass early and two longer throws late, AZ was largely pedestrian and not explosive on offense. In that second half, how many DL and LB did you see being dragged down and spun by OL?...virtually none of those were called.
Packers OL--they kept ARod upright and clean pretty much all night and created creases for the run game. Many of us said a win last night would have to start in the trenches, and the Packers won in the trenches last night.
DaVondre Campbell--he was everywhere last night. Playing behind the LOS and in coverage. He's been a revelation for this defense.
Lame Calls--
Coverage--how often, even when Hopkins was off the field, did we see outside coverage playing way off...again and again? Would like to see the Packers be more aggressive with those CBs.
Short yardage--if LaF is such a genius, why can't he figure out to pound the rock on the goal line with a lead?
Roughing the Passer--my hope is that Jordan Phillips gets a hefty fine on that roughing penalty. Not only did he hit Rodgers late, but he drove him into and through the ground. Lucky that didn't end up being a concussion or another collarbone.
Guam
October 29, 2021 at 08:07 am
Nailed it Dobber! The Packers won this game in the trenches. On both sides of the ball.
I'm not sure I would award MLF and offensive coaches a game ball. Unless Dillon was injured late in the game, for the love of God put your 250 running back into the game in short yardage (particularly on the goal line). Then we don't need Douglas's end of game heroics.
Great win by the Pack! GPG!!
Coldworld
October 29, 2021 at 09:42 am
While the calling on the goal line was an issue, the coaches produced an excellent game strategy for a team devoid of so many key players. They put the team in with a chance of winning. That’s why they get game balls for me, despite those issues.
greengold
October 29, 2021 at 10:38 am
Agree. Time of Possession: Green Bay 37:25 Arizona 22:25
THAT was what we all were hoping for, besides getting the W. Keeping that powerful Cardinals O sitting on their own sidelines.
I LOVED watching that clock spin with every run.
Would not be surprised to see Patrick Taylor called up from the PS. Losing Kylin was a supreme bummer to me. I love the kid. But, Taylor can provide some solid depth at RB the rest of the way, if Hill's injury keeps him out. Wishing him the best.
murf7777
October 29, 2021 at 09:05 am
Dobber, I would say it was more so the Front 6 was applying the pressure since they were in Nickel and/or Dime D the whole game. AZ was playing 3 wide all game. Not to say there wasn’t a safety up by the line occasionally, but mainly they played 5 back during the game. An impressive showing by this group of defenders. Great coaching as well, especially when considering a short week and traveling out west.
murf7777
October 29, 2021 at 10:10 am
Another comment regarding the rushing the passer. After watching the highlights, I noticed they almost always rushed 4 with Campbell prepared to rush and spy on Murray. Campbell routinely rushed as the 5th man. I hope we use this type of defense going forward and don't see 2 and 3 man rushes again. With most any QB, especially the great ones, they will pick you apart if the get 4 seconds to pass.
4thand10
October 29, 2021 at 10:22 am
This…..exactly my thoughts Dobbler
HawkPacker
October 29, 2021 at 01:05 pm
I agree with all you said dobber. I was shocked to see Phillips hit Rogers as hard as he did and would have liked to see him kicked out of the game as it looked flagrant to me and he will be fined.
Short yardage. Think about how this play would work. You have Rodgers in shotgun formation and AJ Dillon split out to the left in the TE position. You put him in motion and he stops behind the center, takes the hike and quarterback(half back) sneaks it into the end zone from one foot out. Touchdown Green Bay. I really believe they need to put this play in the playbook!!
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 03:32 pm
I would have liked to have seen Dillon in that play, even as a role option who wasn't meant to be used, for the following reason.
Scouting tape.
When the post-season rolls around (hopefully) and they are in the same situation in a must-score playoff scenario, and Dillon (and maybe Jones) are on the field, I want teams to be caught thinking "we don't know for sure what they are going to do".
That puts defenses in a "pick your poison" situation. Are you going to leave Adams and Cobb with 1-on-1's ... really? Do you think that you can stop Dillon (who's average yards after contact are better than the 1 yard required - behind a line that's able to create gaps) without a loaded box? What about Big Dawg leaking out to the back of the end zone - he's no longer fast, but he's still got good hands.
I think that the Packers play this scenario way better next time.
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 03:34 pm
Maybe the refs should be Fined.
stormin
October 29, 2021 at 03:14 pm
Yes, that was a horrible shot Rodgers took after he had released the ball, could have been very bad.
egbertsouse
October 29, 2021 at 07:53 am
Game ball: AJ Green. If he turns around, Packers lose.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:11 am
Someone whizzed in egbert's Cheerios...
marpag1
October 30, 2021 at 03:05 pm
It was that Vikings great, Onterrio Smith. He's the Original Whizzinator.
dredubbcms
October 29, 2021 at 11:38 am
If Packers score on 4th & Goal, AJ Green turning around doesn't matter. See how that works?
pack69go
October 30, 2021 at 12:18 pm
How do you know that Douglas doesn't make a good play on the ball if Green does try to catch it.
greengold
October 29, 2021 at 09:04 am
Remarkable. Still stunned. Happily.
Game Ball: Rasul Douglas. led the team with 9 Tackles, 1 INT and 2 PD. Game saving play.
Lame Call: Not using AJ Dillon, QUADZILLA, all four downs inside the Cardinals 5 yd. line... NO ONE in his draft class ran more, and successfully, against loaded boxes. RUN THE ROCK! If you need 1 yard, Dillon will get you two.
Honorable Mentions: Matt LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Rashan Gary and our entire Defensive Coaching Staff. How many times did we see Kyler Murray twiddling his thumbs sitting on the bench??? EXACTLY what we wanted!!!
I picked the Packers in my pool... have to pick one winner each week. Underdog wins add point spread to total. Most points end of year wins. WOW!!!
To be completely frank, I lost one of my dearest friends yesterday to cancer. I wouldn't have picked GB, but thought Kenny would help us get the W. Ken could light up any room, and warm any heart.
RIP, "young man!"
NitschkeFromTheGrave
October 29, 2021 at 08:41 am
Really? Stunned? Move over, I'll sit on that bench right next to you. Feels good.
greengold
October 29, 2021 at 08:48 am
No shit, Dude!!!! O M G !!!!!!!
This is one of the most significant regular season wins we've had in more than a decade. I didn't know if Aaron Rodgers would hand the ball off, enough... he barely did. 31 carries between Aaron Jones & QUADZILLA! I expected 40+ to secure the W. Rodgers is starting to get it... hopefully.
I wish Aaron Rodgers would understand that Michael Jordan didn't start winning Championships until he realized he didn't have to do everything. He had a great team around him. Giannis Antetokounmpo understood this last season, and they won it all.
murf7777
October 29, 2021 at 10:15 am
GG, good comment about running the ball.
I believe it was more about how the game had to be played out to win this game. Run the ball, quick throws and control the clock. We couldn't go into a shoot out with our depleted O and expect to win. That said, without the key TO's we lose this game.
There will be games where this O is full strength, with Bak back and others when they have to win shootouts and Aaron will have to air it out for this team to go all the way. Its game to game scheme IMO.
ApplesAndTons
November 02, 2021 at 02:58 pm
if that means more MVS playing, then you don't know football or you're hoping for the worst. MVS stinks!
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:11 am
"NO ONE in his draft class ran more, and successfully, against loaded boxes."
Go back and watch that game again and see how many loaded boxes the Packers dealt with last night. AZ played a lot of single high safety, and in many cases they had all 11 defenders within 7 yards of the LOS.
...and they were still productive running the ball.
greengold
October 29, 2021 at 10:55 am
Yeah, I don't need to go back... I noticed that too, dobs! Remarkable play by both Aaron Jones & AJ Dillon. QUADZILLA has some crazy moves to add yds. after contact. I love having him on this team, and I think we need to employ him more in the red zone.
According to the maxim by Gregg Easterbrook, from his famous Tuesday Morning Quarterback series, on 1st & Goal from the 10 yd line, you'll score a TD 75% of the time rushing all three downs. I'd like to see more of this. Give the kid the rock.
ApplesAndTons
November 02, 2021 at 03:01 pm
great point to have AJD focus on TDs in short yardage opps, and allow Jones to be that versatility back we know he is, and paid him to be
ApplesAndTons
November 02, 2021 at 03:01 pm
great point to have AJD focus on TDs in short yardage opps, and allow Jones to be that versatility back we know he is, and paid him to be
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 03:59 pm
Condolences and all the best GG. I hope that you tilted a glass to Ken last night....... thanks Ken!
greengold
October 30, 2021 at 07:42 am
Thank you kindly, Minniman! Pretty funny too, because he didn’t know shit about football, but, he really liked the Green Bay Packers. Just, hilarious, which was the true essence of the man.
Lphill
October 29, 2021 at 08:16 am
If the Packers used Dillion in goal line situations they may have put up 40 points on the cards , i just don’t get it .
Razer
October 29, 2021 at 08:57 am
I am with you. Without JJ Watt the Cards struggled to contain our backs. We have a good left side of the O-line, Mercedes Lewis and yet we don't even have a RB in the backfield. Burning timeouts trying to over think the situation is maddening.
Packerpasty
October 29, 2021 at 09:26 am
I don't see it as overthinking I see it as people not even knowing where to line up on plays...cant run a play when guys are on the wrong side of the center...that five yard penalty was not good but better than a play that was doomed and possibly a turnover....not using Dillon on the goal line is just dumb...try at least a couple of time with the big guy...
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:13 am
They were also short their #1 NT.
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 03:47 pm
Took the shot to Lewis,but he couldn't pull the feet in. That was a key play and the use of the TE is critical for red zone effectiveness. Cardinals defense is fast to the gap. The pack could have used more two-back or Pro formation with counters. Losing Hill may have affected the RB snap counts. Long season ahead.
greengold
October 30, 2021 at 07:59 am
Imagine burning timeouts when you can’t get your #5, 6 & 7 WRs lined up because they never play with the 1s… on a down and distance where you should be pounding the rock with a run play… GOALLINE!!! The stupidity here is off the charts…
Run Dillon all 4 downs inside the 5 and you will score a TD.
pacman
October 29, 2021 at 01:19 pm
Problem is that with this win, will MLF or AR really change anything? How many goal lines stands have we seen from MLF where we haven't just pounded the ball in. If Dillon isn't big enough, give it to Kenny Clark! :) How come we see many backs leaping/flying from the backfield over everybody but we can't do that?
And burning that 3rd timeout on first down (right?) was just not smart. Snap and throw it away rather than burn your last timeout.
But everyone's happy for that next 10 days so who cares.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 04:07 pm
On the upside. It's a nice problem to have when you enter the game the way that GB did and the only real criticism coming out of it is play-calling.
I'd have been far more concerned if Murray ran riot for yards and TD's and the Cards D terrorized Rodgers.
The Packers came out of this game as contenders - and they can only get stronger from here.
HarryHodag
October 29, 2021 at 08:25 am
" It was an up and down night for rookie first round pick Eric Stokes, who badly misplayed a forty yard bomb to Deandre Hopkins, and was beaten for several other completions. Still, he finished with six tackles and one pass defensed. With the emergence of Rasul Douglas, who sits down when Kevin King returns? "
----
King sits. Why does he deserve to return to the starting lineup?
I figured it would be a tight game but felt the Cards at home were good for at least three points on the Packers. It was the other way around. Yahoo!
Rodgers proved he doesn't have to be the show. The run game was outstanding. The offensive line--battered beyond belief-- stopped the Cards front seven for most of the game. The defense(especially Douglas and Campbell--both free agent pickups--) showed a lot of toughness against a really good offense.
Forgotten again, our punter,changed field position at least twice, forcing the Cards to go on full drives to score.
So what wins football games? Throwing 50 times? Not usually. It usually boils down to a solid run game, good defense and timely throws. That hasn't changed in 60 years.
Here's another thing to consider: who sits when the regulars return? The team has been winning with the "B' squad!
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 08:27 am
"Here's another thing to consider: who sits when the regulars return? The team has been winning with the "B' squad!"
Gives us some hope that the upcoming cap clearing will not utterly gut this team.
greengold
October 29, 2021 at 10:29 am
You're not kidding, Harry, calling out the "Bojo Blasts!" That first one pinning Rondale Moore on the sideline at the Arizona 13 yard line, from our own 29, was Ray Guyesque.
58 yards, coffin corner, from WAY deep, to a very dangerous returner. 3 punts for the game, and a 51.3 yd. average.
Also agree Kevin King sits when Jaire returns.
So much credit to our pass rush last night, as well as our secondary. Holding Kyler Murray, in his house, to a 67.0 passer rating, was remarkable. The Packers front seven kept him stymied and contained. the secondary was remarkable, given the loss of two starters at CB. Murray is a special talent, and could have feasted on this decimated D if not for great play there, and great coaching. Hats off to all of them.
Tex49
October 29, 2021 at 08:41 am
Packers fans should get a game ball as well. That stadium sounded like Lambeau at times. Savage honorary game ball for tracking Murray down before the int.
mrtundra
October 29, 2021 at 08:45 am
Game balls: The entire GBPacker team, coaches and staff get one. This team has a ton of heart! A mini bye, as well! Heal up, everyone! 7-1!!!
Lame calls: Injuries to Kylin Hill and Bobby Tonyan looked bad. Here's hoping they both can recover without complications. Refs took away a free play from Rodgers when AZ went offsides. It is significant because Rodgers usually makes something really good happen when he gets a free play. Review of the Jones TD overturned the TD call. There was not enough video evidence to overturn the call of TD, on the field, IMO.
packerbackerjim
October 29, 2021 at 08:50 am
Game: Cobb. AR lobbied to get him, has payed dividends but none bigger than last night.
Lame: AJ Greene. He looked gassed several plays before the final play by Arizona, looking to get a blow. And then didn’t think they were going to him but Rasul did. For what er reason, Greene didn’t bring his best game. Totally lame. Thank you, AJ.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:14 am
"For what er reason, Greene didn’t bring his best game."
Clearly he didn't wash off all that bad-Bengal mojo when he went to the desert.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 04:18 pm
I wonder if (despite the salary and cap situation anyway) that this might have been one of the reasons that the Packers took a pass on him. Makes the Cobb signing look good, doesn't it.
scullyitsme
October 29, 2021 at 09:01 am
Lame calls, drunk Nagler saying Rodgers was off last night when none of the receivers even knew where to line up half the time. Also lame call to everyone wanting the packers to run more at the goal line. We’re you watching a different game? They pounded it to no avail more then they ever have this game.. game ball to Rodgers for sticking with the plan, quick passes, dump offs, and running the ball. He really didn’t have any choice and he knew it.
croatpackfan
October 29, 2021 at 09:28 am
Fans here, and that is my opinion, too, wanted AJ Diloon to run the ball from 1 yard, not Aaron Jones, or Aaron Rodgers. What you did not understand in that request?
scullyitsme
October 29, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Dillon put the ball on the ground twice last week and once last night. My guess is that’s why Jones was in.
Packerpasty
October 29, 2021 at 09:29 am
your right about not getting much out of the run at the goal line but they weren't using the big guy..Jones is tough and shifty but Dillon proved he can push the pile for at least a yard or two..that series of three passes was strange, even though it looked like an interference or holding on one of them..
TXCHEESE
October 29, 2021 at 09:08 am
I'm not a blame the ref guy, but how in the world did they reverse Aaron's TD? - Give those folks a lame call!
All I can say is, Hell Yes! GPG!
murf7777
October 29, 2021 at 09:15 am
It looked to me he was short, but I agree, there wasn’t video evidence of that. The play should’ve stayed as called and might’ve been the reason if we lost the game. Lame is right on.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 12:14 pm
I agree...when you look at it from the referee's perspective you can see when his butt hit the ground, and it may have been short, but there's no way to really establish where the ball is or what forward progress was. No way it should've been overturned.
pacman
October 29, 2021 at 02:44 pm
Refs made mistakes but that was not one of them. From 1 view, his butt was down and he is sitting up. From the other view, ball didn't get near goal line until he flattened out. Ergo, when he was sitting up, ball did not break the plane.
Can't have it both ways. On the touched punt, you saw the finger move but not a clear shot of the ball touching the finger. But they inferred that too - that it wasn't a natural finger move.
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 03:59 pm
One beef was the Hold on P. Smith or was it Barnes blitzing on the 3rd and long completion from Murray to Greene on the Final drive. It was so obvious the ref had to look away as he palmed another K spot. That would have moved them deep to the goal line.
PeteK
October 29, 2021 at 01:48 pm
Not that easy to score on goal line-Tampa-65%, Rams-64, Chiefs-62, Pack-57. Dillon will have his chances on goal line, but Jones just sets up a better run pass scenario plus he maneuvers better in tight spaces. When there is no definite video proof( and there was none) call goes to on field call which was and should have been a TD. I had a feeling we could pull off a big upset, but thought it was just Packer love and wishful thinking. Team will need that extra time off to come down to earth and not have a mental let down in our next game vs Chiefs.
murf7777
October 29, 2021 at 09:12 am
Game ball to Dillon, he’s a beast. I was watching the game with a few people, one who wasn’t a GB fan. He stated that back always goes forward after he is hit. Of course, he was talking about Dillon. What a great 1 -2 punch with Jones and Dillon. You have to go back quite a bit in Packers history to equal this dynamic duo.
greengold
October 30, 2021 at 08:07 am
Yeah, murf! Haven’t had this level of pure talent at RB since Dorsey & Edgar.
ApplesAndTons
October 31, 2021 at 07:15 pm
i thought i heard somewhere that they planned on limiting dillon. maybe because of off the field issues? didn't seem like anything serious but there's something missing....dillon is way too good to not give enough touches to, esp with shifty Jones working in tandem. i suspect aaron will be calling the shots again, and i can't understand what gives him the authority!!!!! pisses me off to see this guy running the show in our city! where's Gute and Murphy when you need them most?!
hacksaw61
October 31, 2021 at 09:34 pm
Am I missing something? What off field issues?
RCPackerFan
October 29, 2021 at 09:17 am
Game Balls:
Gutey - Think about the moves he made and the impact they had on the game last night. Campbell, Douglas, Bojo Blast, Cobb. Those are all moves made this summer. Imagine not having those guys last night.
LaFleur - Who is more deserving then coach of the year? Because he should be at the top of the list after last nights game alone.
Jones/Dillon - They just kept making plays after plays.
Campbell - He just is a beast. What a hell of a pick up.
Defensive Front 7 - They did a tremendous job of creating pressure. They also helped contain Murray. They did a hell of a job! Clark is a beast. Lowry has been incredible the last few games. Gary is a Stud!
Douglas - What can we say. He won the game for us! What a hell of a find.
Lame Calls:
Clock management - Using 3 timeouts before 5 minutes left. And then having to take a 5 yard delay of game because we didn't have a timeout. They need to clean that up.
Refs - How do they reverse Jones' td when there was no clear view? How do they give Murray a first down when he was clearly down? How do they not throw a flag for DPI on Cobb in the endzone? Do they not call holding anymore on the OL?
Injuries - It is being reported that Kylin Hill is out for the year with a knee injury. I will say that it was a boneheaded move bringing the ball out. But, that was a freaking ugly injury.
Tonyan looks like he has a bad injury as well. i haven't heard this morning but it doesn't sound good.
Notes - There is not a more impressive win to this point in the season. GB without their top 3 WR's.. One of which is the best in the league. They are still without their all pro LT. Their starting OC. They are without 2 of their starting CB's. Though King I think would be our 4th or 5th best at this point. But the quality of players that we were without for this game was insane. Ohh and they were without their DC. Yet LaFleur, and the coaches did an amazing job of game planning this.
Now they get a mini bye. Hopefully get a few players back.
Great Win! Lets enjoy this one!
ApplesAndTons
October 31, 2021 at 07:12 pm
rasul and cobb were when aaron was playing GM.
gute? jaylon smith, kevin king....need I go on? i don't wanna get carpel tunnel
Packerpasty
October 29, 2021 at 09:31 am
what was Lowry's off season workout like...what ever it was he is a new man this year...pleasantly surprised at his play so far...no get Lancaster on the same juice.
Packerpasty
October 29, 2021 at 09:32 am
what was Lowry's off season workout like...what ever it was he is a new man this year...pleasantly surprised at his play so far...no get Lancaster on the same juice.
Coldworld
October 29, 2021 at 09:48 am
Could it be Barry using him and Clark slightly differently? Lowry never thrived under Pettine and nor did Clark really.
jhtobias
October 29, 2021 at 09:40 am
Lame Calls : people on this site crying about wasting our timeouts. You do realize we had third string tight ends playing wr on a short week . Really you miserable people are getting desperate on things to compalin about.
Game Balls : the whole team and organization aboit as gritty of a win i can remember. Dean lowrey who is thia guy myself and others oh him an apology sorry.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 04:26 pm
I'll agree with you that the gripes list is getting pernickety - what a great problem to have!
There's still half a season to go, so the football gods have plenty of time to intervene!
Doug_In_Sandpoint
October 29, 2021 at 09:45 am
Playoffs??? Playoffs???
Coldworld
October 29, 2021 at 09:52 am
I don’t think the Cards are going to thrive if they have to play out doors late in the year. This looks like a warm weather stadium team. They are going to get run on hard in every game with the risk of attrition that brings after this. Murray, if teams can contain him, looks easily flustered. He also looks like a player for whom running and injury may be too closely entwined in retrospect.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:17 am
If people go back to the SF game they won, and this game where they lost, a template for how to play the Cards is starting to appear--and it's starting to look a lot like the template teams have used to beat the Packers for years.
jurp
October 29, 2021 at 10:38 am
I was thinking along those same lines.
I don't remember what year it was that we started 6-0 and went to Denver (on a Monday night, I think) all cocky. And then got our collective ass handed to us by the Broncos, who had found a way to exploit a defensive weakness that hadn't been noticed by anyone else. We then dropped something like 4 of the next 6 games as other teams did the same thing to us. Being that this was under MM, we never did make the necessary adjustments.
Perhaps this will be in Arizona's future, too.
Grimm
October 29, 2021 at 09:55 am
Just a Thought.....
After Game 1 The Packers were in #32 place in the standings (w/tie breakers)
After Game 7 The Packers are #1 in the standings (w/tie breakers)
Interesting turn of events for sure. Got to love this team!
PeteK
October 29, 2021 at 01:19 pm
I just looked at Rasul the ghoul's stats ( or fangul to card fans). Hahaha He has been a solid CB for a few yrs with over 50 tkls in two seasons and almost double figure PDs in 3. Last season with Panthers, he had 62 tkls and 9 PDs. No wonder Gute snatched him up immediately.
dobber
October 29, 2021 at 10:20 am
Rasul the Nazgul...
Starting to wonder if the Packers try to find a way to fit him and Campbell under the 2022 cap. I think Campbell has made himself a boatload of money by his play this season, but Douglas may still come relatively inexpensively.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 04:33 pm
MLF cryptically intimated in a side remark in his post-game presser that Campbell's future needs to be looked at.
Agree reDouglas, he's just had his Malcolm Butler moment. He's looking like a keeper, but just how now is the question.
Stokes seems to be coming along, and JA will need a contract......... so we will live in hope!
4thand10
October 29, 2021 at 10:17 am
Stokes may have got turned around, but he is always step for step with whomever he is on covering….king is not. I’d actually trade king. Period. Chandon Sullivan covers better than king when he is in there too. JMHO. Douglas hits and tackles…talking for YEARs has been a GB problem and it’s very nice seeing that problem going away slowly. King has more than had his chances…between injuries and poor coverage it just shocks me why we didn’t keep Jamaal Williams and let king go instead.
jhtobias
October 29, 2021 at 10:26 am
I dont disagree with you biut i dont think we could get a flat tire for king in a trade
Coldworld
October 29, 2021 at 11:06 am
Nothing worth the benefit if not having to run the risk of having to field Yiadom or SJC (this year) on D. CB is a position where depth will be needed. If we are going for it King has value.
greengold
October 30, 2021 at 08:15 am
A lot like Lucas Patrick has value on O. Agree, Coldworld.
4thand10
October 29, 2021 at 10:31 am
Tackling
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 04:08 pm
Stokes will be a Star player. A blue chip selection from Gutedkunst.
greengold
October 30, 2021 at 08:18 am
Agree, jannes. Eric Stokes just needs the reps, the experience against top talents. It only comes with reps.
Spiker
October 29, 2021 at 10:17 am
If we had lost, I was going to blame erin for a total screw up on mismanagement of the time clock. all game. He wasted timeouts time and again. And he has done this for years. He is one lucky a-hole that we won. Can you tell I can't stand the guy?
Packers0808
October 29, 2021 at 10:34 am
Ask anyone if they care about your feelings on a football page? Geez!
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 04:13 pm
When the Fireball or meth wears off, you can check in with the workhouse staff.
hacksaw61
October 31, 2021 at 09:48 pm
Must suck to be a Viqueen fan. Gotta spend your time trying to troll the G.O.A.T. on a packers fan page.
Handsback
October 29, 2021 at 10:23 am
Taking away the refs which are always a mess, two issues. One-inability to win the game on offense during last drive, last possession, time running out, etc. Running the ball had been established, just need to execute. Second, first time in a long time the defense gets a stop to win the game. I like the second, even if it was lucky, hate to keep seeing the first issue.
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 04:16 pm
No luck, the red dog was called and the fastest guy left in the secondary put the pressure on Murray. He read it correctly, Greene didn't and Douglas made a very nice tip and stab for the Pick. Always bring heat with the game on the line. Bury the prevent.
Fubared
October 29, 2021 at 10:29 am
First anyone who didnt figure out before hand that the plan would be to run a lot to keep Murry and our crap defense off the field should have smoked more weed.
Second, short passing game would also be utilized since no one could stretch the d.
Overall executed very well. If any concern its that prevent D that hasnt worked all year. Two plays for 50 yards and Ariz is in almost scoring position. The dumb ass analyst "oh they will be in field goal range soon".
Hey How about Ariz was thinking TD and the win as their goal not some dumb field goal.
They did get it right "there is no one anywhere in the middle of the field to stop passes". They got that one correct and Ariz used it to their advantage.
gbslapshot
October 29, 2021 at 10:32 am
Game ball to the front office for being able to put together such a deep competitive team still with a quarterback with a 27m cap hit.
Packers0808
October 29, 2021 at 10:37 am
Wow what a game to watch.! True fun! My only question like many others why have Dillon as a power runner when you are out one yard from end zone? If you don't trust the guy and worry fumbling maybe should trade him or have kept Williams. Just thinking out loud!
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 04:20 pm
They didn't want to get Dafney banged up again as the Lead Draw, Fullback. I would scout for a true FB to solidify the red zone power plays before All Souls Day deadlines.
Since'61
October 29, 2021 at 11:19 am
Game Ball: MLF and the coaching staff. It all starts with coaching especially in a short week.
OL, without them the O and especially the ground game don’t go.
Aaron Rodgers for executing the game plan without his top WRs and yes for calling TOs to prevent turnovers, penalties and maybe injuries when the team could not line up correctly. Also for putting his head down and nearly scoring a TD against 2 defenders. He is all in and committed to this team.
Jones and Dillon, excellent, tough running all game.
Cobb, still there when we need him.
DL and Gary and P. Smith for keeping the pressure on Murray throughout the game.
Campbell as usual. Douglas for the game saving pick.
Lame calls: Hill running KO out of end zone.
Late play calling causing timeouts. Poor Red zone play calls.
Where’s Dillon on the line???
Despite the miscues this is a huge win for the Packers and well earned based on a great team effort. If we had our starting WRs this game would not have been close at all.
Go Pack Go! Rest up with the mini-bye and on to KC.
Thanks, Since ‘61
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 04:22 pm
'61, this game plan was probably designed over the past three weeks. They held back on the RBs usage in the WTF contest and it indeed showed foresight. Patrick and Newman pan caked a few big boys last evening.
greengold
October 30, 2021 at 08:59 am
Nice, Since ‘61. The game plan worked, barely. The Packers would have benefited immensely by running even MORE. MORE. MORE.
It was only 31 carries between Aaron Jones & AJ Dillon. Together, they should get at least that every game…
I cannot reconcile being unable to get lined up proper, with your 6, 7 & 8 WRs??? Who you NEVER USE??? In a situation you should never use them in…
I think the “loaded box” excuse is to appease Aaron Rodgers only. RUN THE ROCK!!!
8 downs inside the 5…
Oppy
October 30, 2021 at 12:48 pm
There's no way we should be praising Aaron Rodgers for wasting TOs in non-critical game situations. It's one thing if you are in a gotta-have-it drive, 3rd&3, threatening to enter the red zone or score, and a player's inability to get set before the play clock expires, or the defense shows a look you didn't expect makes burning the TO the correct option. It's a whole different thing when it's not a critical juncture. Sometimes taking the penalty or running the imperfect play is like the QB throwing the ball away when no one is open- you'd rather not do it, but sometimes it's the smartest decision.
It's a long term problem with Rodgers that needs to be addressed.
Cartwright
October 29, 2021 at 11:12 am
Can King, Rasul is a legend now. Play him every game every down till Jaire comes back. We get an ending where the defense wins the game, when was the last time that happened. Its always been the other way around where the defense blows it and was about to do it again. Caught a rush at the end that usually 12 provides but it was the defense that did it. This ending took care of some ghosts. GPG
LambeauPlain
October 29, 2021 at 11:28 am
Game went exactly as hoped...control the TOP with long scoring drives, run the ball to open up passing lanes, get 3 and outs on D and play competent STs.
Losing Hill for the season is a bummer. Jonathan Taylor will get his opportunities now. Doesn't look good for Tonyan. Dang! He was back in the groove and now this.
This was a gutty, team win. The mini bye comes at just the right time with a W to start it off!
jannesbjornson
October 29, 2021 at 04:27 pm
Yes, for Indy.
Rebecca
October 29, 2021 at 11:36 am
Dillon has had ball security issues in the last 2 games, but I don’t think that there was a trust issue in that scenario. I’ve noticed one thing about Dillon’s running style, he seems to have a slow and not very powerful when he’s first handed the ball. It seems that he needs 2-3 steps to get his quads pumping and that depends also on his foot speed. With a well designed blocking scheme he should be able to dial up the power and use that 250 lb frame to plow into the end zone. I hope they work on that.
mviott
October 29, 2021 at 11:52 am
What a game for the entire Packers team. And what a difference having a good punter makes. Bojorquez was amazing again. I like this trade more each week.
THESZOTMAN1
October 29, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Don't mess with Raz al Ghul!
The Szotman
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 02:15 pm
"the coaches salvaged the game by calling a blitz on that final play"
I won't be surprised if Murray ends up on the Injury report this week. He played that ill-fated final down on one leg (see how much worse he was limping at the end immediately after that play [like Tonyan was up the tunnel]).
I'll have to watch the pressers with Jerry Gray next to see if he picked that up and that's what influenced the blitz call. Nags, one for you to ask please.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 02:50 pm
Sorry Ken, I may be overly harsh with this statement but I'm not going there with you on giving Josiah Deguara and honorable mention.
A guy that was on IR last year should know the playbook better than that.
Like AJ Green's mental mistake later, when the game is on the line you've got to be present.
I'm not going to beat up on Deguara any more, but he's played his one "rookie hall pass" card. I hope that in his future career he gets out of bed and looks at a picture of himself on that play (flailing his arms and looking lost) and heads to the training facility thinking "how can I prepare today to NOT be that guy". Sure, some may argue that this is a negative reinforcement, but sometimes its easier to define who you are but zeroing in on who you are not (or don't want to be).
FWIW Rodgers even said in his presser that the defensive look on that play was favorable for someone being able to leak out undetected.
Minniman
October 29, 2021 at 09:18 pm
On re-watch, perhaps I was being harsh. Deguara did otherwise have a decent game, but a second year guy needs to be more aware of the playbook.
Caden819
October 29, 2021 at 02:51 pm
Lame Call: not running Dillon inside the 5 multiple times
PyschoDad3
October 29, 2021 at 04:42 pm
Watching that game last night,,, Nerve wracking for sure.
Going from the agony of defeat to the thrill of victory in the blink of an eye,,, Exhilarating. This high will last a while.
Watching those two Lame calls Buck and Aikman and the rest of the Fox sports minions have to suck it at the end of game after being denied their chance to gush over the new kid on the block and being beaten by 'old' Aaron Rodgers and the Packers,,,,,
Priceless.
TheBigCheeze
October 29, 2021 at 07:37 pm
Unacceptable to not blast Dillon up the gut at the goal line....
porupack
October 29, 2021 at 08:05 pm
you cant leave Cobb as an honorable mention. He defied all who considered him a has-been, and. used superior intel, and grit to be the trusted receiver on the 2 critical TDs.
And after all the pundits were roasting GB for yielding all red zone threats prior to WFT, the posterboard material must have awaken the inner beast. They have made a slew of goal line stances in these 2 games with last night being the most dramatic!
Coldworld
October 30, 2021 at 08:27 am
Cobb’s problem has been health not ability. He is obviously older, but he’s just not been durable consistently. The way they are using him is ideal. He’s not a majority down player, but he is a key down option. Something of a luxury in abstract, but it’s working very well with Rodgers being a raw rookie.
joejetson
October 30, 2021 at 07:14 am
I agree with a lot of the comments about using Dillon on the goal line. What about using BOTH Dillon and Jones in short yardage formation? The defense would have to keep people wide to guard against Jones getting outside so they couldn't load the.box to stop Dillon up the middle. They used to use Kuhn with another back in those situations, and it worked a lot. What they're doing now isn't working consistently.