Packers 27 Patriots 24: Game Balls & Lame Calls
Did it have to be this hard?
By KenLass
It was a weird game. The Green Bay Packers couldn’t seem to get their offense and defense playing well at the same time. The defense was excellent in the first half, but the offense was reprehensible. It might have been the worst first half Aaron Rodgers has ever played.
The script was flipped in the second half. The offense began to click, but the defense appeared to have gotten on the bus and left the building. They were gashed over and over again by the New England running game. A rookie fourth round draft pick quarterback with no experience was moving his team at will against them.
It was not until overtime that the two units finally synced up and complimented each other. The defense held the Pats to a three and out at midfield, preventing them from getting close enough to try a game winning field goal. Then the offense beautifully executed a twelve play, 77 yard drive, burning up the final six and a half minutes off the clock. The special teams were in sync as well. Center Jack Coco with a perfect snap to holder Pat O’Donnell who got the ball down laces back, and Mason Crosby drilled a 31 yard field goal.
The look of relief on Matt LaFleur’s face said it all. It was a very close call against a team Green Bay should have beaten more easily. The lack of consistency on both sides of the ball is truly disturbing. This is a team that will get better as the season wears on, but the repetitive lapses in their focus is going to cost them a game they should have won, a game such as this.
GAME BALLS
Aaron Jones
It’s not just how many big running plays he executes, it’s when. Every time the Packers seemed to need a shot in the arm, it was Jones ripping off a twelve or a ten yard run. On a day when Green Bay rushed for an impressive 199 total yards, Jones ran for 110 of them. He brought the lightning, which set up the thunder of AJ Dillon, who did much of the dirty work on the game winning drive, and finished with 73.
Allen Lazard
So you were ready to anoint rookie Romeo Doubs as the new number one receiver? Not so fast. It was Lazard who made the play that woke up Green Bay’s comatose offense on the first drive of the third quarter, with a diving catch for 30 yards, bailing the team out of a third and ten deep in their own territory. At Times he seemed unstoppable over the middle. He had a 20 yard crosser that set up a field goal, and was on the receiving end of a 22 yard throw that again got the team out of a hole in overtime. He also had key blocks on the Christian Watson touchdown run, and a 20 yard rush by Jones. His line score for the game reads 6 catches for 113 yards. Okay, Romeo, try that on for size.
Rashan Gary
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a single Green Bay defensive player dominate a first half the way Gary did. He had two sacks, the second one also causing a fumble which he recovered. He was all over the Patriots’ backfield all day. On one running play he showed an impressive burst of speed trailing the play to hold the gain to one yard. He had a tackle for loss and finished with seven stops overall. He has now had at least one sack in every game. He’s playing at an all pro level.
Jarran Reed
Playing in the shadow of Kenny Clark, Reed is quietly getting better every week. He tied for the team lead with eight tackles, had a sack and a tackle for loss. He is going to command more attention by future opponents, which should help the other defensive linemen all the more.
Honorable mentions go out to Romeo Doubs. Yes, he needs to hold on to that ball in the end zone, but his back shoulder TD catch was a beautiful adjustment to the ball, and he showed grit and toughness on the game winning overtime drive, taking short passes, putting his head down and gaining six, and then ten critical yards. Rookie Quay Walker had eight tackles, including an impressive tackle for loss on a pass in the flat to Rhamondre Stevenson. Pat O’Donnell’s fourth quarter punt was downed perfectly at the two yard line by Keisean Nixon. And the offensive line deserves kudos for paving the way for 199 yards rushing, and keeping Rodgers clean during that overtime drive when it mattered most.
LAME CALLS
Run Defense
It is alarming to see the defense suddenly become impotent against the run. Especially when the Packers knew the Pats would have to run the ball. They never seemed to adjust to that stretch play, and the holes between the tackles were gaping. The Pats finished with 167 rushing yards and dang near won the game without a serviceable quarterback.
Slow Starts
Why does this team continually start games so slowly? At the end of the first quarter, New England had run 18 plays to Green Bay’s 9, and Rodgers quarterback rating was 11.1. Even for a key game in front of the home crowd, the team struggles to get fired up. Do they need a better script for the first series? Are the players just too nonchalant coming out of the tunnel? Why do they make each contest harder on themselves by falling behind early?
Forcing the long ball
The Packers, and Aaron Rodgers in particular, need to recognize they are not a big play team this year. They are a ball control team. Run the ball on first down. It’s incredibly annoying to see QB12 force a long ball on the first play of a drive, when it isn’t there. That puts you in second and ten and you’re already behind schedule. Wouldn’t it be smarter to establish the run, and then throw long off play action?
THREE AND OUT
-- it’s hard to tell just watching the game on television, but the Lambeau crowd did not seem very loud at this game. In fact, it sounded like there was a considerable amount of New England fans present, and they were actually making more noise when the Packers had the ball. That never used to be true at Lambeau.
-- Timing is everything. The Packers had to play this game with half of their starting secondary out. Jaire Alexander was ruled out Saturday, and Adrian Amos left the game because of concussion protocol early on. It was fortunate Green Bay was playing a third string quarterback who could not take advantage.
-- The Patriots didn’t respect Green Bay’s kickoff coverage unit. Marcus Jones was running out kickoffs no matter how deep the kick. He had multiple returns over the thirty yard line. That was a bit of a regression from the unit’s performance last week against Tampa Bay.
On to London. A very intriguing game coming up against the 3-1 Giants.
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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 (98)
NickPerry
October 03, 2022 at 07:12 am
"This is a team that will get better as the season wears on, but the repetitive lapses in their focus is going to cost them a game they should have won, a game such as this."
Hmmm...This is what we keep telling ourselves but I'm not so sure. I walked away from yesterday's game saying THAT is not a very good football team, AND I'm growing tired of whatever excuses our HC will say in his presser. Remember, THIS is from one of the BIGGEST homers on this site!
BIG SIGH...
Guam
October 03, 2022 at 07:22 am
I agree NP. I don't think there are going to be any "easy" games for the Packers this year. They are not a consistent team on either side of the ball and usually manage to do just enough to win. This is going to be a roller coaster of a season for the team and its fans.
NickPerry
October 03, 2022 at 07:36 am
Agreed Guam...But you know what is going to be fun? Watching Romeo Doubs get better and better. I really think this kid is special. Rodgers was right to accept some responsibility on that Doubs fumble. That was a horrible pass. But the drop in the endzone? You HAVE to catch that young man.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 10:53 am
This offense has no direction. There’s no real strategy for a team with 3 rookies that need to be develop in season to get us to where we need to be, if that is indeed possible. Watson isn’t learning much, Toure nothing and Doubs is used inconsistently. The focus is on the run (logical) and on the veterans. The veterans are nice pieces, but they won’t carry us far enough to matter. The run is hugely dependent on Jones, which is a risk, and we don’t capitalize on it effectively.
We went into this season knowing that these challenges were inevitable. Sadly, like his planning for games, LaFleur seems not to have an effective strategy for this roster this season. We are essentially playing like last year, albeit with more running and hoping that Doubs assimilates as if he isn’t one eventually. In other words no plan structured to accelerate it or to incorporate his development and zero planning for Ture and Watson as receivers. LaFleur is just looking more and more like an empty vessel and dead weight. We would play much the same if we just left it to Rodgers.
LambeauPlain
October 03, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Is it just me, or do you not like the the job the Packers HC is doing?
Question: Do you think ML should be a HC like BB...coach the entire team from 20,000 ft and let the coordinators run the game day Strat Plans? Old Bill almost thumped the Packers with a 3rd string, 4th round, rookie QB. When he talked into his mic during the game I expect he was talking strategy with his coordinators when their respective units were on the sideline.
All three units had glaring issues yesterday. ML is mostly an OC. My sense is he does not get too Involved with the team beyond the struggling offense.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 03:01 pm
I’ve stated that I think LaFleur is an empty vessel who has never tilted a game in our favor. If that wasn’t clear, I apologize. I hoped LaFleur would learn, but he continues to make the same mistakes and to be overmatched by other coaches. As far as I’m concerned, a HC is just as responsible for all phases ultimately, though typically they are more closely involved with the active running of one. In this case offense and I think Rodgers really has and continues to drive that.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 08:26 am
When you want to win by running the ball and playing defense--especially in a league that tilts the field towar chunk plays and favors higher scoring teams--you're either going to play a lot of tight games with very little margin for error, or you're going to get bombed out of the building.
The Packers' margin was almost completely eaten up by the pick-six. This is a team that we're used to seeing NOT turn the ball over, but has been weak in recent history (with the exception of the 2020 season) at generating takeaways. So far this season, the Packers are currently -3 on turnovers...that's just 4 games into the season. They've got to turn that around.
jvole
October 03, 2022 at 07:13 am
I'm not sure it warrants a 'lame call' but does it seem like A.J. is missing holes? He did average a decent 4.3 ypc but often he seems to drop his head and batter into the inside when he could jump outside (like Aaron does so beautifully). I thought A.J. did that better last year. Also, others have said it but I don't think Elgton is ready for right tackle work. He was struggling to move laterally.
RCPackerFan
October 03, 2022 at 08:51 am
The other thing I have noticed with Dillon is he is going down on first contact a lot this year. He isn't breaking as many tackles.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 10:57 am
I’m not sure I buy that. I do think he’s been running in to more crowded boxes and I do agree with his seeming struggle with the changed blocking approach. He was much better in the 4th quarter than beforehand.
LambeauPlain
October 03, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Yeah, I agree. How many times did AJD run wide where the blocking was more effective? Never? How many times did AJ run inside the tackles? Rarely.
Given the constant D crowd inside, I think AJD did as well as one could expect.
PatrickGB
October 03, 2022 at 09:10 am
Maybe a bit too much is made over his size. Williams is smaller yet was just as tough. Now he plays for the Lions and is making plays for them. In fairness to Dillon he has been listed in the injury report with a knee issue and usually does his best when winter rolls around. Yet Jones is the back with the burst and speed and Dillon’s role is different.
jvole
October 03, 2022 at 09:49 am
If it is a knee, he might not feel comfortable pushing off on the cuts.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:07 am
Williams is good, but he’s so much better this year because teams are playing the pass against the Lions. Imagine what Jones could do with those Ds.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 11:40 am
That Detroit OL is really good.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 03:07 pm
Certainly helps, but do you really think that’s the whole reason? How would you approach defending the Lions? I would worry about the pass first.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 03:23 pm
I'd be hitting the A-gaps and either trying to disrupt the offense before it moves, or push Goff off his mark and make him play on the move. Take a page from Tampa.
murf7777
October 03, 2022 at 11:13 am
Patrick, I wonder the same thing about Dillon, he doesn’t seem as patient and have the same burst. I think he is dealing with some nagging injuries.
rstain99
October 03, 2022 at 11:46 am
Yeah doesn't seem like he is able to hit hole in time step late and hole closes, I think by end of game pats were little gassed and aJ was able to pound a bit. Aaron jones really carried squad today just a terrific back. Jenkins really not back from surgery Judon had his way with him.
GregC
October 03, 2022 at 07:25 am
It was good to see Christian Watson get his first NFL TD, but I'm wondering when he is going to become a legitimate threat as a receiver who catches passes beyond the line of scrimmage. I'm not criticizing him. He's just a rookie, and he missed all of training camp with an injury and has missed more time during the regular season. But I'm really starting to wonder if he can actually run routes and get open. I'm just not seeing it at all. It's especially obvious when you compare him to Romeo Doubs, who showed sparks right from the first day of training camp and has continued to develop as an all-purpose type of receiver. It would be such a boost for this offense if Watson could develop into a bigger part of the offense during the course of the season.
PackyCheese500
October 03, 2022 at 07:27 am
He can, as we saw vs. MIN, but it’s the hands that are the concern
NickPerry
October 03, 2022 at 07:39 am
I don't know if Watson will ever warrant dealing to two 2nd round picks to move up and draft him, but if he does it won't even start until next year.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:03 am
The order of readiness was Doubs, Toure, Watson. That shouldn’t surprise anyone who studied Watson. Then Watson missed all of camp.
I’m fine getting him out there to use his physical ability as a gadget type, but got goodness sake let him run some simpler intermediate routes. Love found him for 24 yards in the opener. It’s not impossible and it doesn’t have to be 50 yards. Not that Doubs has had many mid range shots either.
We should have Toure out there if they want a more ready option. Then again, we should have a plan. That should have started with them playing extensively with Rodgers in preseason (not that that applies to Watson after his surgery).
murf7777
October 03, 2022 at 04:01 pm
Nick, even thou I wasn’t in favor of drafting Watson that early, i think its quite a bit early to predict his future. He could very well have a Jordan Nelson type of career. If that happens he would be well worth the early pick.
GBPDAN1
October 03, 2022 at 07:26 am
I feel as though the whole entire team owes the Packers faithful an apology for their performance today. The game went to overtime playing against a 3rd string QB
PackyCheese500
October 03, 2022 at 07:27 am
They were playing more against Harris and Stevenson than Zappe, in all fairness.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 08:28 am
In all honesty, Mac Jones has been awful this season, so it really didn't matter if it was Zappe or Hoyer playing: it was never going to be about who was under center for the Pats.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:11 am
I hate to have to say this, but Bellicheck showed how to get the most out of very little. The way he helped his run game, the way he got just enough from his QB contrasted so bitterly clearly with LaFleur.
murf7777
October 03, 2022 at 11:20 am
Most are pale to Belichick. Mlf is climbing up the ladder to becoming a great HC. He’s still young and learning. He has many very good attributes as a HC and his record proves that.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:34 am
I wish I saw him improving. I don’t at all.
PatrickGB
October 03, 2022 at 09:06 am
Oh? Did we lose?
PatrickGB
October 03, 2022 at 09:17 am
GBP, I disagree. The teams don’t owe the fans a thing. They won the game. It’s one’s expectations were not met, it’s on you. Expectations are the seeds for disappointment.
dblbogey
October 03, 2022 at 09:57 am
Without the fans, there are no multimillionaire football players. I think the players owe the fans, their teammates and the organization their best effort every game.
PatrickGB
October 03, 2022 at 12:47 pm
DL, of course you are right about the teams needing the fans! But we have to admit that often our expectations are unreasonable. And when that happens then disappointing results are not far behind. I cringe when my fellow fans crap on a team that does not live up to expectations due to things (like refs and injuries) beyond their control. Reading here, one would think that we lost.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 03:06 pm
We didn’t stumble due to the refs or injuries. That’s laughable playing a team that aren’t great and played with a 3rd string QB debutant and missing their best WR.
LambeauPlain
October 03, 2022 at 12:52 pm
The fans of every team that lost yesterday would take the Packers win, sans apology.
PackyCheese500
October 03, 2022 at 07:26 am
The Packers don’t always start slow, just look at last week, which was the inverse of this week. It’s just a matter of inconsistency. Same with the run D. In the first half, later in Q4, and in OT, it was great, but otherwise it was not good. The defense, though, despite the inconsistencies, was able to step up and come in clutch when we needed it (late 4Q, OT). Also, we didn’t have any Jaire or Amos, so consider that (especially because Amos plays a larger role in run D. As a Rhamondre fantasy owner, though, it wasn’t all bad.
If Amos misses some time, the Packers have three options; elevate Abernathy to the roster, sign FA Jaquiski Tartt, or sign Anthony Harris from the Broncos’ PS. I would opt for the latter.
Remember, the Rams had their bad moments last year (at SF, at GB), but they were able to pull it together and play their best when it really counted. The Packers need to do that this year, too, if they want to get Rodgers a second ring (He’ll need to play an entire game, too).
T7Steve
October 03, 2022 at 11:13 am
I wish I knew why you're getting thumbs down? Nobody is replying to you about it.
After seeing how the Chiefs made the Bucs look last night, I'm worried we shouldn't think Tampa is as good as we thought, and should really be re-evaluating the Packers from that standpoint.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 11:45 am
There's no transitivity in football (if A beats B, and B beats C, then A will beat C). Some teams line up well against others and struggle against teams they shouldn't. Tampa's going to win double-digit games, and--having won in NO--they probably run the table in that division.
T7Steve
October 03, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Point taken and agreed. That's a part of the re-evaluation too.
NickPerry
October 03, 2022 at 07:27 am
Game Balls...Well shit Ken, you really took all the good ones!
Lame Calls...Thank you for leaving me this one Ken...
The REFS... OMG, what a clusterf**k of idiots! The Backjudge didn't know his one main job before the ball is snapped and call an OBVIOUS delay of game penalty. Then to come back after the commercial and show Laurel & Hardy discussing, gee, what went wrong didn't help. To top that off they didn't know who they were calling the penalties on more than once...IDIOTS!
THAT was NOT an NFL officiating crew, not even close. They should NEVER be allowed to call a game and the back judge should never be used as anything more than an emergency-only official. Holy shit!
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 08:30 am
I'm not convinced the defense didn't let up on that missed delay call--it was obvious enough that we could all call for the flag before the ball was actually snapped. Can't help but wonder how it impacted what was going on on-field. That's another 7 points that ate into the Packers' margin.
KW
October 03, 2022 at 08:35 am
I would have liked to have seen the entire line just stand up and look at the ref(s). The judge looked like he was totally clueless when they had their chat about his screw-up! How do ya get a job like that? Almost as bad as a 'weather guesser'! LOL
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:14 am
It looked like it live. Don’t forget that the players can see the clock and it was well past expiry. They should play to the whistle, but that was well out of the ordinary.
RCPackerFan
October 03, 2022 at 11:58 am
I felt the same way. i thought they let up on on that delay of game play.
I could be wrong but I thought I saw one of the guys pointing at the clock and was trying to get the refs attention.
NickPerry
October 03, 2022 at 01:20 pm
Hi dobber...Yup, I thought the same thing...
Also.. What in the HELL is the idea with Barry playing 2 safeties deep when the Pats are running the ball. They had a 3rd string ROOKIE QB in there. Stop the one thing you know they are good at and trust your CB's against THOSE wide receivers!!!!
Barry is another I'm losing faith in quickly!
RCPackerFan
October 03, 2022 at 07:32 am
This game isn't what we thought it would be. The score was way closer then most of use figured it would be.
However, they found a way to win the game. In 2 weeks no one will remember this game.
This is purely my game balls/lame calls.
Game Balls:
2nd half Rodgers - 1st half Rodgers was horrid. But as bad as 1st half Rodgers was, 2nd half Rodgers was equally as good.
Jones - He is so damn explosive. He finds a crease and goes. I think Jones is at the point he needs 20+ touches per game.
Gary - He is a game wreaker. He was so damn good yesterday.
Crosby - When he went to go kick the game winner, I felt really good about him making it. His kick have been perfectly straight this whole season and again his kick was dead straight.
Lame Calls:
1st half Rodgers - He just was not good. He missed a lot of throws. Throws he should make in his sleep. For the 4th time in his career he threw a pick six. Thats how bad of a first half he had.
Run Defense/Defensive game plan - I don't know what our DC was doing. They were down to their 3rd string QB. Stop playing 2 deep, and load the box to stop the run. Which clearly is what they were going to be doing. I just don't get the thought process.
Officials/Play clock - How the hell do they not call delay of game. The 40 clock reset even. Thats how bad that was. I think in the offseason they need to come up with something for the play clock. To often teams are going well after it hits 0 to snap the ball (Rodgers included). I think they need to add flashing lights or something to the clocks once it strikes 0.
Notes:
Doubs - I would have put him in the game balls, but his fumble and dropped game winning TD, means he didn't earn a game ball. But I love how he just makes plays when given a chance more often then not.
Watson - When he is in his speed is noticeable. Teams respect his speed. You can see how they react to his jet motion. And then his TD on it showed his speed.
Tonyan - We need more Tonyan. He is a player over the middle of the field can be a huge player for us. Rodgers needs to be looking his way more often.
Victory Monday! London is next. Should be a fun week.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 08:34 am
"This game isn't what we thought it would be. The score was way closer then most of use figured it would be."
Classic trap game coming off an emotional and physical win in TB with the Gold Package crowd and against an unfamiliar opponent with a really good coach and good lines. Not to toot my own horn, but this is what I posted on Friday (at least the Packer finally put some second-half points up).
""Green Bay could make Week 4 ugly for the Patriots, and I don't even think it's close. "
As Lee Corso would say, "NOT SO FAST!"
Yes, the Pats have not been a juggernaut this season. They ran up and down the field against what's looking like a really bad Baltimore defense, though, and the Packers have shown in the past that they'll allow mediocre QBs to look good at times. I don't expect a blowout this weekend. If the Packers would have been rolling out points, maybe, but they haven't.
The Pats will play to control the clock and shorten the game, and the Packers will need to be far more efficient in their drives and converting them into points than they have been. The Packers have been outscored 18-10 in the second half...let that sink in: in 6 quarters of second-half play, the Packers have held their opponents to 18 points (which is awesome!), but only scored 10 (which is woefully pathetic).
After the Bears game, I'm not sure this Packers team has found that next gear. Would love for it to happen, and soon! I think this will be a one-score game. GB 27-20."
RCPackerFan
October 03, 2022 at 09:20 am
Definitely a trap game. Coming off a big win over the Bucs, and heading to London next week it was very easy to overlook the Pats with their 2nd and then 3rd string QB.
I am not saying the Packers overlooked them, but I got the feeling that they felt it was going to be an easy win. They got punched in the trenches. Pats OL is very good.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 11:27 am
The Giants are going to try to push them around, too. The difference being that they don't protect the QB very well. It won't matter if Barkley has a career day, though.
RCPackerFan
October 03, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Yeah until GB stops the run game, teams will keep doing it. They need to get a little more stout along the DL.
murf7777
October 03, 2022 at 11:26 am
RC, regarding loading the box, I would have to watch again on all 22, but they played 2 ILB almost every snap and more DL than any other game i believe. I think it was execution on their OL vs our front 7. We also seemed to miss a lot of tackles.
RCPackerFan
October 03, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Yeah I am interesting when it comes out. But from watching on TV it seemed we played a lot of 2 deep safety's. I'm not sure how much nickel we played either.
Basically our main defense now is with 2 ILB's.
I just would have liked to have seen them use a safety down in the box more often.
Our DL did get pushed around a quite a bit which is less then ideal.
JereJ
October 03, 2022 at 07:37 am
Ken, I was at the game. Heard nothing when we had the ball. Crowd was loud at times, but as the defense gave up yards in the second half and Rodgers struggled on offense...the crowd was hard to get cranked up. Crowd got loud in OT though.
JereJ
October 03, 2022 at 07:37 am
Ken, I was at the game. Heard nothing when we had the ball. Crowd was loud at times, but as the defense gave up yards in the second half and Rodgers struggled on offense...the crowd was hard to get cranked up. Crowd got loud in OT though.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
October 03, 2022 at 08:04 am
About the crowd noise…1) it shouldn’t be loud when we’re on offense. 2) I was at the game and was actually irritated by MLF and the scoreboard pleading with the crowd to make some noise. The faithful would pump it up only to see the Pats gash us for 6-10 yards on first down. Then the announcer would say…”it’s second and 1, here’s where we need you! Make some noise.” Noise is a 2 way street…give us something to make noise about.
Very loud in OT. Crowd noise was a factor in the rook getting numerous delays (and a key non-call). There were lots of Pats fans though. Personal disclosure: I brought one. My kid already gave me a ton of grief but let the flogging begin.
Booner
October 03, 2022 at 08:17 am
Joe Barry is a joke! third string QB and just plays his vanilla D all day long! WTF man put some pressure on the rookie. We need better coaching and that includes MLF too. When we goes up against a well coached team he always get's schooled! Special teams not so special!
HarryHodag
October 03, 2022 at 09:23 am
Ya, Barry and MLF are poor. That's why MLF is 42-11 at Green Bay, a winning percentage higher than Vince Lombardi. Ya, he sucks(snicker).
I guess you yearn for the 'good old days' when Dom Capers led the Packers defense to #1!
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:41 am
Think about what you just said re the comparison with Lombardi. That alone ought to make you think whether you want to trust that as being down to LaFleur.
Aldo
October 03, 2022 at 08:48 am
Joe Barry's Keystone Cops defense has to get better, a lot better. Le Fleur needs to have a closed door meeting with Barry, and if things don't change, he's got to go. It's sad to watch the open receivers and gapping holes in the line week after week.
coolhand
October 03, 2022 at 09:10 am
The wide open receivers is what is really bugging me. You've got 7 guys in coverage but still leave receivers wide open, I don't get it. Maybe Barry is making it too complicated for the players to adjust on the fly. KISS!
HarryHodag
October 03, 2022 at 09:24 am
You can't fire everybody every week. Then you WILL be 0-17.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 11:38 am
Packers are currently 4th in the league in yards allowed per game: 3rd in passing yards allowed and 22nd in rushing allowed. They're 7th in points allowed. Jefferson did go off on this defense in week 1 (but nobody else in MIN did)--if they'd held him in check (60-70 yards), they'd be first in passing yards.
Barry's not going anywhere. They'll have to get their lunch handed to them on a regular basis for that to happen, and even then, it's not likely to happen until after it's wrapped up this offseason. LaF has shown with ST that he's unlikely to dismiss coaches midstream.
I get it: that feeling when a team is churning out about 5 ypc is dreadful, but chunk plays on the ground are a lot harder to come by than chunk plays through the air. At this stage, they're making it work. We'll see how they do when they line up against a really good offense--they haven't seen one yet.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 11:47 am
We’ve seen some very good RBs though. I think we've played to contain the pass and accept the run more than I’d like, but it’s worked I suppose. I’m still baffled why so many come away from yesterday most steamed about a D that gave up 17 points. We have bigger problems.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 12:04 pm
It wasn't aesthetically pleasing.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 01:53 pm
Agreed
LambeauPlain
October 03, 2022 at 01:50 pm
I wonder if Jim Leonard is having "non buyers" remorse?
Barry has never been a successful DC and I am hoping he finally achieves greatness in GB. He has 7 first rounders on his starting 11.
I was shocked how easily the front seven was blocked on run plays. I hope Barry does not morph into Pettine 2.0...defend the pass at all costs. The run defense...meh.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 03:16 pm
I doubt it. His big opportunity started yesterday
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 03:25 pm
Yup. This is clearly the job he wanted...maybe not under these circumstances, though.
bodei1newbie1
October 03, 2022 at 09:04 am
Joe Barry Defense needs more imagination I'm not a big fan on what he is doing now
Watson they need to get him in there to catch a few balls instead of that thing he's doing now and I hate to say this but Mr rodgers should have workout with his new group of receivers (I don't want to hear him throw them under the bus)
PatrickGB
October 03, 2022 at 09:04 am
Before the game I was remarking that it was going to be close and that would be ok. Now “Fans” are whooping and hollering and complaining like it was a loss. We have young receivers and a banged up line. We were out two key DB’s. Their offensive line had six linemen on the run plays. And we faced Belicheck. You guys may fuss all you want but it was a win and I will take it.
PeteK
October 03, 2022 at 09:52 am
BS excuses, we played terribly at home. Watching our D get run over when everyone watching knew a run play was coming felt hopeless. While I think we will improve, it better happen quickly.
madtowndan
October 03, 2022 at 09:11 am
I think a case could be made to award the officials a LAME ball. Having to correct themselves after calling announcing penalties on the wrong team was lame. Missing the delay of game in the third quarter, allowing the Patriots to score a TD on the play was beyond lame.
HarryHodag
October 03, 2022 at 09:20 am
Dear Packers faithful,
Last time I checked, the guy on the other sideline is perhaps the best head coach in the last 30 years, six Super Bowls, remember? They have a rock-solid defense. They were without their starting QB, and his backup. This is hardly a bad team. Yet you read the comments and you think the Packers are screw ups for not winning 50-0. The Packers are 3-1 roughly one-quarter of the way into the season. That works out to 12 or 13 wins. They bested a team that can, and will, beat many teams.
One more thing to note: The Packers are 3-1 WITHOUT Davante Adams while the Raiders are 1-3 WITH him.
The Packers are far from perfect, but they have enough talent to do some damage this season. If you can't see it, well, sorry for you.
dobber
October 03, 2022 at 03:28 pm
"One more thing to note: The Packers are 3-1 WITHOUT Davante Adams while the Raiders are 1-3 WITH him."
They're also 1-3 with a non-QB driven offense.
HarryHodag
October 03, 2022 at 05:27 pm
Go check David Carr's stats and then tell me how 'non-driven' they are.
jont
October 03, 2022 at 09:24 am
The good:
GB won and is now 3-1 after four games in which they never really looked particularly good.
The bad:
Pretty much all of it. This was not the NFL's best show.
GB's D couldn't stop the run.
Pats' D couldn't stop the run.
GB's O never found any rythm.
Pats' O never looked dangerous.
GB's special teams were average.
Pats' special teams were average.
The ugly:
Officiating was OK except when it was inexplicably and inexcusably awful. (That non-call on delay instantly reminded me of the Saints playoff game when interference wasn't called; the official whose sole job is to look straight at it was the only guy in the stadium who didn't see it.)
HarryHodag
October 03, 2022 at 05:28 pm
Gee, after reading this the Packers should call the front office and forfeit the win. Looks to me like they won, sorry that is upsetting to some.
jont
October 04, 2022 at 07:55 pm
FWIW, Harry, I appreciate your comment. Certainly it's good they won, and, as he said, winning isn't everything it's the only thing.
It doesn't change the fact it was not a great game. Some are just like that.
Packer_Fan
October 03, 2022 at 09:43 am
Here are my lame calls. Remember. Games come down to a few important plays.
Challenging the Doubs incompletion. That's on Lafleur. Would have got the ball back with 50 seconds left.
The block in the back on the last punt in regulation. Special team coach has to fix that. Could of had hail mary pass to end the game. Lost chance.
The Clark unsportsmanlike penalty. Had the sack and would have forced them to pass. Probably never had scored.
Doubs is a fumble machine. Lost one fumble. Couldn't hang on to the long touchdown pass. And then nearly fumbled on the OT winning drive. Saw this last week also. He better start using both arms when contact begins.
Play calling is an issue. I don't know how to express it, but they get into multiple series where nothing works.
And finally, they need another veteran receiver. Because every team will play man to man and challenge the offense.
Packers1985
October 03, 2022 at 09:47 am
Agreed that he at times seems to be having ball security issues but again that first fumble yesterday was really a bad throw by Aaron so we can pass on that. And more over the ball security can easily be taught.
jannesbjornson
October 04, 2022 at 03:27 pm
Five points of contact when holding the ball...
croatpackfan
October 03, 2022 at 04:44 pm
I believe you are the only fan who think that Romeo Doubs is bust. As I remember, in 3rd week match-up Aaron Jones fumbled on play that would be easy TD. So, what you say - A Jones is fumble machine?
Starrbrite
October 03, 2022 at 10:07 am
Well, we’ll take the win —right?!
Lambeau Field is a great stadium, but not especially loud. Yesterday watching on TV, it didn’t seem at all loud—not even at the end when things were dicey.
Like last week, an incompetent officiating crew, allowed the opponent to remain in the game—infuriating!
I see Bellycheat on the sidelines screaming at officials, throwing headsets and rallying for his team, and then watch LaFleur flapping his arms at the crowd like a TV Evangelist and not questioning the delay of game call.
Overseas games are stupid!!
Go Packers!!!
Since'61
October 03, 2022 at 11:04 am
Game Balls: Aaron Jones, Lazard, Cobb, Aaron Rodgers, Rashon Gary, Jaron Reed, and Crosby.
Lame Calls: Elgton Jenkins, he looked bad in pass pro, OK in run game. Doubs dropped TD pass. STs return coverage, looking very shaky again.
Officiating was awful. Kept NE in the game, allowed their clutching and grabbing all game. Missed a Delay of Game call. I don' think I have ever seen that in an NFL game before. Clark took a band and unnecessary penalty. Whoever our play is that kept throwing the NE punt coverage player on the ground from behind.
first half passing offense. Our receivers looked like they were lost out there.
I am beginning to think the the current set of Assistant coaches is not as good as some of our previous Assistants. We are consistently seeing sloppy play from the OL, DL, and poor tackling and receivers running poor routes. On Rodgers pick - 6 Lazard did not square off his route at all. I don't know if it would have mattered since the DB jumped the route but had Lazard squared off the route he may have at least been in position to break up the pass or make the tackle. It was a bad decision by Rodgers but Lazard's poor route running took himself out of the play.
In any case the Pats OL nearly carried their team to victory. Yet another example of how solid OL play can carry an offense regardless of their QB, RBs etc...
Ultimately the Packers got the W and that's what matters. On to London. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
murf7777
October 03, 2022 at 11:43 am
Good point about Doubs, he’s a talent but too many mistakes. He will hopefully get better at route running and hanging onto the ball because we need him to improve. Some want to see Toure and Watson get more playing time. I feel Watson is being weened in appropriately because he didn’t have much pre-season and an injury and has to learn the game. Toure is obvious, he’s a rookie 7th rounder for a reason.
Playing too many rookie WR’s at once will cause a major problem with consistency. It will cause too many stalled drives. Who made the most big plays to keep drives going? Our two Vets, Cobb and Lazards.
Coldworld
October 03, 2022 at 02:09 pm
Not playing these rookies isn’t a viable strategy, that’s more than obvious by this point. Cover your eyes if you like, but that doesn’t stop the onrush of reality.
As to Toure, it’s talent not draft position. We’ve seen what he can do in preseason and I don’t see a better available option. You used the same argument with Doubs. Now he’s not good enough. Without him we don’t score a TD and we don’t make that final drive. No other receiver we have brings what he does.
Rookies make mistakes but they also bring possibilities. You and LaFleur can fight that dichotomy all you like, but without what they bring we aren’t going anywhere. Without affirmatively nurturing it we aren’t getting much better. Where we are on O won’t cut it. Our choice is to ignore that or mine the only available resource of upside. A long shot, but one most knew was inherent in this roster.
Relying on Lazard with the odd play from Cobb, even on a goid day for both was patently not enough, even with a run game working. Next you will start leaning on the crutch that Watkins can return and make a difference? We could use a long shot, certainly, but that’s one we can’t control.
murf7777
October 03, 2022 at 03:56 pm
I haven’t used that position with Doubs. I said he is very talented but needs to improve his route running and taking care of the ball. I also said he and Lazard are the #1 WR’s on the team right now.
There’s been a lot of pre-season wonders at the WR over the years, that made minimal to no contributions on the regular season. They looked just as good and/or better than Toure. I’d argue Watson is being nurtured but we are at odds regarding playing Toure over the likes of Cobb, Lazards, Doubs, Watson or Watkins.
jannesbjornson
October 04, 2022 at 03:31 pm
The sideline route to Lazard on Rodger's pick should have gone to Watson. He dominated the sideline route in college with his elevation and his SPEED.
Fabio
October 03, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Hello 'From 61
First, as always, it's a pleasure to read your comments. I haven't blogged in a long time, but I still had to recover from the shock of last season. This year, before making any comments, I waited 4 games in order to have a clearer view of the situation.
I believe that, also for this season, the biggest problems are:
- Defend Rodgers and give him time in his pocket;
- defense of the race;
- The defense (not in the top 5) especially in the decisive drives;
- Mat La Fleur !!!!!
I'm curious to know what you think since I've always appreciated your comments and reflections
Greetings from Italy to you and AL
Since'61
October 04, 2022 at 08:54 am
Hello Fabio it's good to hear from you.
I believe that the Packers OL will improve in their pass protection for Rodgers as the season progresses. I would prefer to see an OL of Bak, Jenkins, Myers, Runyon, Nijman. I think these are the best 5 OL for the Packers.
Our defense has allowed 62 points in the first 4 games. That is a little more that 15 points per game. If we continue to hold teams to 15 points we will win most of our games.
I am becoming concerned about Matt LaFleur and our coaching staff but it is still early in the season to adequately evaluate their performance.
The Packers need to get the ball to Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon more consistently. After Rodgers they are our best offensive players, at least until our young receivers improve. ON defense Rashon Gary is becoming a game wrecker. As offenses adjust to stop him it will enable the rest four defense to improve. We also need to have Jaire Alexander return from his injury as soon as possible. The Packers defense is better when he is on the field.
Stay well and I hope that we continue to hear from you. Thanks, Since '61
Starrbrite
October 03, 2022 at 12:41 pm
I too was thinking the same thing about our assistant coaches—good points ‘61.
splitpea1
October 03, 2022 at 11:43 am
Take that honorable mention away from Doubs and give it to Cobb, who had two huge third down catches. Not only did Doubs fail to hang on to a TD pass, but he fumbled early in the game; that's two fumbles in two games, although this is the first one he's lost. He needs to work on tucking the ball away firmly.
Run defense: I don't like what we're seeing here at all, as this seems to be becoming a trend. Too many instances of either getting pushed backward or getting bunched in the middle to provide easy cutback lanes for the rusher.
Starrbrite
October 03, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Yes spiltpea—-and a defense that cannot stop the run is facing trouble.
wildbill
October 03, 2022 at 02:25 pm
Shoulda, coulda, woulda, really? So tired of LaF giving excuses after losses but now we are getting them after wins!? This is his fourth year and maybe he should spend more time working on his in game adjustments and less time on being a sideline cheerleader. Halas, Lambeau, Lombardi, Landry, Shula, Bilichick, etc we’re all to damn busy with the game to worry about pumping up the crowd! You know what really pumps up a crowd?, good football play!. Less time in front of the mirror and more time on the team preparations! Sorry for the rant but I do feel better now….
HarryHodag
October 03, 2022 at 05:30 pm
Matt LF has a higher win percentage than Vince Lombardi and Lombardi was playing fewer games than they do now.
I guess the Packers should hire Pee Wee Herman to coach.
Starrbrite
October 03, 2022 at 08:38 pm
Hmm—true HarryH.
I also remember Lombardi winning championship games.
wildbill
October 05, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Lombardi lost his first playoff game and NEVER LOST ANOTHER ONE!! I watched them all and to compare what Lombardi did vs LaF is a joke. Lombardi took over a one win team in shambles and LaF gets a HOF QB in a passing league. Maybe back off your meds a bit