Packers 28 Bears 19: Game Balls & LameCalls

Offense and defense finally come through in the clutch.

Rising to the occasion.  It’s something the Green Bay Packers have failed to do time and again during this dreadful season.  So often, either the offense will bring the team into a position to win a game, only to see the defense fail to hold the momentum, or vice versa.  Or maybe special teams lets them down.  It’s a major reason, maybe the only reason, the Pack had lost eight of their first twelve games.  Green Bay fans had to wonder if this team was capable of ever coming through in all phases at the same time. 

Ah, but then we are reminded that the Packers own the Bears.  They flashed the deed to the property at Soldier Field again Sunday.  This time, no need for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to verbally reaffirm his ownership to the Chicago fans.  This time his teammates did it for him.  The offensive line made the statement by allowing no sacks and paving the way for 175 yards rushing.  The running backs made the statement by rushing with power and speed and desire. 

And the defense.  At last, the defense.  They gave up plenty of yards.  They once again missed their fair share of tackles.  But this time, when the offense made its move, when Rodgers drove them 56 yards in seven minutes to give the Packers a one point lead late in the final quarter, when it was their turn to rise to the occasion, they played their best football.  The defense squelched the Bears’ final two drives with interceptions. 

Yes, the Packers are likely going nowhere this year.  But we still own the Bears.  And that still feels good.  It’s been a tough season for everybody.  Let’s savor this through the bye week. 

 

GAME BALLS 

AJ Dillon 

With Aaron Jones being mysteriously under used, the coaches decided this would be an AJ game.  He responded with 93 yards rushing, averaging better than five yards per carry.  I love the way he finished his 21 yard touchdown run, lowering his shoulders and powering the final three yards for the score.  He added three catches for 26.  The third year back has had a bit of a resurgence here in the middle of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.   

Christian Watson 

Okay.  It’s official.  He’s a star.  If you were thinking he was just a fluke, just a fast runner who surprised a few teams who hadn’t studied him very much, that’s over.  Opponents know about him.  They prepare for him.  You could see the Bears defense trying to account for him.  He still burned them by air and by land.  Three catches for  48 yards and a score, but his most impressive play was the 47 yard end around for the touchdown.  He almost looked like he was toying with the pursuit on that play, shifting into whatever gear he needed to take it to the house.  He’s a touchdown machine.  Wish I had him on my fantasy team. 

Allen Lazard 

He had been relatively quiet in recent games, but he came through with a few critical third down catches to keep drives alive.  He finished with a team high five catches for 67 yards.  Lazard is the prototypical possession receiver, provided Rodgers chooses to use him that way. 

Jaire Alexander 

An up and down game for sure for number 23.  It appeared he might be the goat after trying to jump the route on N’keal Harry in the fourth quarter, only to see Harry turn and run past him to catch a long bomb.  Jaire loves to jump routes.  You take the bad with the good.  And his pick after jumping in front of EQ Brown later in the game was that one play the Packers absolutely had to have, and he delivered.  He also had a TFL on Chase Claypool after a quick throw to the flat. 

Zach Tom 

I’m giving a game ball to the rookie who had to step in at left tackle after David Bakhtiari’s unexpected appendectomy.  I’ll have to go back and rewatch the game to make sure, but at first glance it appeared he held up pretty well.  Granted, the Bears’ defense was battered by injury, but Rodgers was not sacked and seemed to have plenty of time.  Credit to the entire O-line. 

How about a game ball, or at least a strong honorable mention, to Matt LaFleur, for his aggressive play calling and decision making.  When Green Bay got the ball at the 2:52 mark, leading precariously by one point, he chose not to play it conservatively, putting it back on his defense to win the game.  He immediately called a pass to Watson for 20 yards which changed everything.  Deciding to go for two to ice the game was a gutsy call.  Actually coaching to win.  I like it. 

 

LAME CALLS 

Still Forcing Deep Balls 

Too many hopeless hero balls from Rodgers.  I suppose that it should be encouraging that he wants to give Watson more chances to make a play downfield, but throwing bombs into double coverage is just a wasted play.  This is especially true on first down, which puts the team behind the chains and takes away the running game. 

Silly Penalties 

This time Green Bay was able to overcome them, but all too often it is not so.  There’s no reason for things like the fair catch interference penalty on Innis Gaines, or Yosh Nijman false starting to put the offense in a first and fifteen hole at a critical time.  The Packers have been bad about making the winning of a game harder than it already is. 

Terrible Call on Dillon 

The officials truly missed the call when they ruled AJ Dillon down by contact, short of the first down in the third quarter.  Replays clearly showed he was not touched by a defender until he had gotten back up and started to run again.  At the time, the call was costly, as the Packers went three and out on the possession, trailing 19-10. 

 

THREE AND OUT 

-- Did you notice the Bears won the opening coin toss, and then chose to receive?  They were licking their chops to get a crack at this Green Bay defense.  After driving at will down the field, they settled for a field goal on the opening drive. 

-- Okay Keisean Nixon, we know you are a huge improvement as our kick returner, but let’s stop bringing out kickoffs from nine yards deep in the end zone.  It would be nice to start a drive beyond our twenty yard line. 

-- Rodgers finished 18 of 31 for 182 yards and a score.  His rating was 85.7.  If the Packers had chosen to sit Rodgers and play Jordan Love in this game, would he have done better or worse?  Would the Packers have won the game?  It would have been intriguing to find out. 

 

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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.

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
11 points
 

Comments (80)

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

December 05, 2022 at 07:16 am

We had nothing to lose this game. I say Let Nixon run it out. Make something happen! Make the people block in front. = Every time!

5 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:13 am

I agree. For too long I was like most posters and wanted returners to take a knee in the end zone. Now I figure that Nixon and company can make something happen. And besides, it’s an attitude thing!

3 points
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mrtundra's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:18 am

I also agree. I think Bisaccia may be behind Nixon running it out of the end zone, to get something going. If Nixon gets a block, or two, he could bust out a big return and maybe put a dagger in the bad rep our STs has been getting, all season long, and earlier.

4 points
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Starrbrite's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:18 am

Yes—run it out. We no longer need to wring our hands on kickoff returns. Nixon has the talent to break it open.

5 points
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Razer's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:42 am

Glad the Packers won especially against da Bears. Way too close against a 'B' grade team but a realistic measure of this Packer squad. Thankful that we haven't given up and played with some heart.

10 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:59 am

Listen to "BearTalk" for the cherry on the top.

0 points
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GregC's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:43 am

I can think of a MUCH better time when A.J. Dillon could've had a resurgence: How about earlier in the season, when the Packers still had a realistic shot of making the playoffs? I don't know how much of Dillon's poor play was his fault anyway. Too many handoffs from the shotgun, which deprives him of the chance to gain forward momentum.

I have to give Matt LaFleur credit for going for it on 4th down near the end of the half. I thought they should've kicked the field goal, but they got the TD. On the other hand, I loved the call to go for 2 near the end and seal the game. I've always thought teams should do that more often in that situation.

Nice play by Alexander on the interception, but I wouldn't give him a game ball. Letting two below-average receivers catch deep balls was really bad. The Bears' patchwork secondary looked better than the Packers' experienced secondary all day long. It seemed like the Packers had to work a lot harder to get yards on passing plays.

7 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:09 am

In all fairness to Alexander, he IS a bit rusty because no one tests him much. 😉

-6 points
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murf7777's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:42 am

I would agree about Alexander, he thinks he’s all that and he’s not. It would be nice to see him play better with some humility. He hasn’t played up to his contract this year.

4 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:02 am

Agree on Alexander Who Was Once Great...then he became the highest paid CB in the NFL. To earn a game ball Mr. Money can't give up long pass plays to someone he calls a "scrub" (ESB) and another to a 2nd stringer. On the ESB reception it appeared he was watching the play and not engaged.

The INT was a great play, however.

1 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:47 am

Game: Lazard making key grabs.
Lame: Defense, in the air and on the ground. Fields had 80 % completion rate. Bears 150+ yards rushing. With the bye, this would be a perfect time to send Barry packing.

10 points
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Houndog's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:55 am

Good article Ken,
The Game balls section is accurate and good to see some of the names that you list. Lazard had a great game and showed his value in the clutch. Keep him around with these young guys and we might be set for a while, he looked the 'Quiet leader' part yesterday. Poor Cobbo, the usual Bear Killer, had few opportunities. Watson, a star in the making!
And Alexander, he needed the picks to redeem himself FGS, and yeah, he does like to jump the ball, just try to imagine what 6 months of Charles Woodson coaching could do for him!
The Lame calls I see as lacking a bit, yeah, Da Bears still suck, but so does our defense and mainly the scheme. How does Barry still have a job? The Bears rookie defenders looked far more organized, and played that way.
The terrible call on Dillon is not all on the Refs, they're looking at it in real time, each with a single view.
The view I'll remember the most on that play was the confused look on the Packers' coaches faces as they appeared to asking each other 'WHAT Happened' while they pissed away the clock. MLF in particular looked totally confused, WTF? Don't they have a guy 'upstairs' watching for that kinda' stuff, they should.

All in all it's another win, and I'll take it, especially against the Bears.
It's the heart attacks caused by the defense that are getting really hard to take.

7 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:06 am

About the Dillon slip and get up to run again. The quizzical look was because the staff was getting input from the box and staff to check if the play was reviewable. It was not.

3 points
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Houndog's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:54 am

So the announcers stating it was reviewable were wrong?
I've seen dozens (or hundreds) of plays reviewed to see if a player was down or touched while down. The former happens quite often on goal line stands.
Sorry Patrick, I respectfully disagree with you.
Either way, the confusion on the coaching staff was inexcusable, it is their job to KNOW!
If Not, throw the flag and let the Ref tell you its not reviewable.

8 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:09 am

Correct. Teams throw the red flag to "challenge the spot" all the time. That requires a review. That review would have the officials state "after further review the runner was not down by contact and could advance ball. First down Green Bay." I have also heard numerous times "upon further review, the runner was down by contact."

-1 points
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SanLobo's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:22 am

It was not reviewable because the Refs blew the whistle, killing the play, when he fell. Bad call by the Refs, but it makes the spot not reviewable.

5 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:31 am

I have seen many red flags thrown after the whistle and the play is killed, to challenge the spot. And the refs review the play and the spot. So I am not understanding your analysis.

-1 points
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mnbadger's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:37 pm

SanLobo is correct. Once the whistle is blown, all action after that point becomes mute.
The question to go back to is WHERE was AJD when the whistle was blown?
He still may have already been up and moving forward, which would have pushed the new LOS forward.
Not sure if he makes the first down, but I bet it would have been close.
GPG!

1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 11:58 am

Houndog, according to the coaches after the game, they reported that it was not reviewable. They were told by staff that it was not reviewable. It DOES seem crazy that it was not. Aaron was pissed as well. I would look confused too if I was told it was not reviewable. The announcers are not official’s. They also did not credit Lowery with the tipped FB.

0 points
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mnbadger's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:39 pm

I heard it on the radio - Wayne Laravee said "I think it might have been Lowery"
The booth spotter got it right, in real time.
Hats off to the radio crew!
GPG!

2 points
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Houndog's picture

December 05, 2022 at 02:44 pm

Patrick, I stand corrected!
I did not know about the whistle, that I would have understood (but still not liked any better).
And, being in CA I don't see the after-game interviews with coaches or players. So.....
Instead I got to see the 49ers look like gang-busters with the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant at QB after Jimmy G broke his foot. The kid looked good.
Unfortunately, I also got to hear Daryl (Moose) Johnson and his clown partner pronounce Tagovialoa as Tonga-vialoa about a thousand times. C'mon Man!

0 points
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coolhand's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:10 am

What I don't get is a spot or a catch can be reviewed after the whistle but not the missed call on Dillon?

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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:02 pm

Agree, I don’t get it either. But apparently it is not. That’s dumb!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:07 pm

I think the argument is that the play was blown dead. When that happens, nothing subsequent can count, even if the whistle was inappropriate. The answer to that type of error (false whistle) should be to redo the down in my opinion.

0 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:04 am

There was a reason that the team used Dillon more. Aaron Jones was injured. A shin injury limited him to just plays that called for two back formations.

7 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:08 pm

Dillon was also averaging more yards from the start. That’s reason enough in my opinion.

0 points
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dobber's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:04 am

"Okay Keisean Nixon, we know you are a huge improvement as our kick returner, ... It would be nice to start a drive beyond our twenty yard line. "

It's clear he has carte blanche on KOs. He had better returns against Philly last week...only a couple plus returns yesterday. Whatever the case, things tend to happen with him returning the ball. This is a better return unit than what we've seen in recent years, and the coverage units have been better, too. Tip of the hat to Rich Bisaccia, but when you finally start to invest in a unit (and have credible coaching) this SHOULD be the result.

" If the Packers had chosen to sit Rodgers and play Jordan Love in this game, would he have done better or worse? "

An interesting story on JSOnline where Tom Silverstein speculates that the Packers' actions show they're committed to Love being the long-term starter, regardless of 12's continuing to play this season out. Worth a read, but might be behind a paywall for most.

9 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:29 am

Can you, dobber, please, place a link? Thank you.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:09 am

I don't think the ST coverage teams are good. I guess I would agree they are better, but that bar is low. They allowed an 18-yard punt return (and a 15 yard penalty on Gaines) and a 42-yard kickoff return. Granted, not very many 60+ yard returns this year.

1 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:07 am

Christian Watson has 9 TDs in the 10 games he's played. After he dropped the long pass the first game of the season Rodgers, predictably, stopped throwing to him for several games after that. He's also missed 3 games by my count. This kid could very conceivably have 12 or 13 TDs by now with another 4 games to go. This kid is going to be special if he can stay healthy.

3 points
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mrtundra's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:22 am

I cannot wait for Watson and Doubs to be on the field, together, with Allen Lazard!

5 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

December 05, 2022 at 11:28 am

Two thumbs down for stating what a great player Watson is. Somebody got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:11 pm

Vikings do every day

1 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

December 05, 2022 at 01:04 pm

You're right. Probably a couple of Vikings fans. Probably pissed the draft pick we used to take Watson came from them.

1 points
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Rebecca's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:22 pm

Yes, and Jefferson is going to be telling the Vikes he wants Davante money after next season. Kaching!

2 points
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Guam's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:09 am

Game balls to AJ Dillon and Zach Tom. I thought Tom in particular had an excellent game given he was a late replacement for Bahk. If he can sustain that level of play for the rest of the season, the Packers will have found another fourth round gem. And maybe a long term replacement for Bahk.......

Lame call to Alexander for too many completions given up to "B" and "C" grade receivers. If you are a shutdown corner, then play like it. The local Madison newspaper had an article on Alexander this morning and quoted Alexander as saying a number of his teammates ripped him at half time for his poor play and he agreed with them. Hard to give a game ball for the interception when so much poor play preceded it.

Lame call to Ken Lass for mis-spelling Zach Tom's last name ("Thom") in a headline!

5 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:32 am

Maybe Ken was confused with Thor...

1 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:16 am

Game Balls:

Dillon - The last few weeks he has really started to come on. He was really running well in this game!

Watson - Star. He is a star. He isn't just a tall fast guy aka MVS. He is just different. He has fluidity to his game. The best part about getting Watson is knowing we traded for him using the Vikings draft pick for him.

OL - I thought the OL did a great job yesterday. They allowed very little penetration. Tom stepped in for Bakhtiari and did a tremendous job.

Alexander/Nixon - Both getting Int's in the 4th quarter set the game for us.

Lame Calls:

Deep throws - I don't know why the attempted so many deep throws. If it was the game plan to try and attack them deep, but they need to have a little more situational awareness. Understand that you can take what a defense gives you. You can methodically work your way down the field. Yes chunk plays are great. But take what is given.

Terrible call on Dillon - That was probably the worst call of year. No one was close to him to touch him down. He had the first down plus however many yards and they called him down. Pathetic call.

Three and out

Nixon - I give him full green light. He provides a spark!

Joe Barry - Love seeing the DB's playing 8-10 yards off.

Lazard - He was a 3rd down machine in this game. It was great seeing him more involved in the offense.

Onto the Bye week! Much needed. Hopefully guys get back and healthy. I can't wait to see Doubs and Watson together. Did anyone else notice Toure getting more playing time. I could be wrong but I thought he played more snaps then Watkins.

Finally note:

Bears Still Suck!
Victory Monday!
Go Pack Go!

5 points
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Packers2020's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:26 am

I find it interesting. You guys complain about us dinking and dunking and throwing passes behind the line of scrimmage too much. Then Watson comes in and finally can take the top off of the defense and you complain about us throwing the ball deep too often.

You cannot dink and dunk down the field without trying to go deep every so often. It keeps the defense honest and the Safeties back.

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:16 pm

There is life beyond 2 receivers targeted 95 percent of the time (excluding quasi run tosses) and true long balls or dink and dunk on most teams. Just poor, negative, O design.

1 points
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GP1's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:13 pm

Vikings are travelling well after their overhaul
Bears are rebuilding well after theirs.
We are going backwards with an aging former superstar and too many over paid players. One of whom looks a bit soft, to me, since returning from injury.

0 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:19 pm

Exactly; we need to follow the rebuild model the Bears and Bills have used by trading away our older and more expensive players for premium draft picks and having an organizational re-set if we want to authentically contend any time in the near future. It times out very well because the 2023 draft class is expected to be sensational.

0 points
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1962Packer's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:22 am

It was interesting that the Chicago announcers were talking about the great plays by AR, and all the GB pundits see is negative. By the way MLF claims the credit for the 3rd and one long ball call that didn't work. Does this writer actually believe that JL will start next year, with the contract AR has? I hope that JL is the long-term answer for GB; but so many GB writers and fans seem to want AR to crash and burn. By the way, if AR doesn't have a broken thumb and bad ribs, a shaky OL, and rookie WRs next season, might he possibly return to MVP standards?

Lame calls, you left out the CBs desperately holding onto Watson's shirt all game long and not being called.

5 points
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Packerpasty's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:01 am

I also find it strange that so many have turned on AR...he most likely will be back next year and will be the starter and if healthy should return to at least near MVP play making...the hate runs deep with some for AR...but only some, a vocal minority according to most of the Packer fans I know..

0 points
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5
wildbill's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:35 pm

You have to just ignore them. They are pathetic people with sad lives who must share their misery.

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:25 am

He was 18-31 for 181 yards against one of the worst defenses in football. He played far from stellar.

4 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:14 am

QBR of 51. The MVP got outplayed by Fields for a 10th of the price.

-2 points
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Packers2020's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:29 am

Yep. You're right. Fields outplayed AR when he had two picks and AR and none. The only thing Fields did well was run. Eventually, defenses will shut that down.

But you go ahead and believe Fields outplayed him.

3 points
4
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:22 pm

Actually I put a lot of the blame on the game called, but AR was not close on the longer balls (or Watson wasn’t). He blew one to Cobb and had some thrown short. He was decent not great.

Fields was Fields. There’s a reason that, despite little rush threat, he ended up about 50:50 on long passes to interceptions but still put up more passing yards than he has all season despite back up receivers.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 05, 2022 at 11:18 am

Who won the Game?

4 points
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Guam's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:59 am

How many quarterbacks aged 40 and older have won a league MVP? Zero,

How many quarterbacks aged 40 and older have played in the NFL? Fifteen

How many quarterbacks aged 40 and older have achieved significant success in their 40's? Two - Brady and P. Manning.

The odds of Rodgers playing at an MVP level next year and beyond are extremely low - possible, but not very damn likely. I appreciate all that Rodgers has done for the Packers over the last fifteen years, but Father Time is unbeaten. I think your green and gold tinted glasses are hampering your vision.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:28 pm

I think only one of those was over 40. Manning was 39 when he retired.

0 points
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Guam's picture

December 05, 2022 at 02:15 pm

Had to look that one up CW and you are correct. I thought Manning played until 40, but he retired at 39.

0 points
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cheezyone's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:25 am

When I saw Christian Watson leaping into the end zone, I just cringed. I was remembering Jake Kumerow getting injured doing something like that. I know Christian is very athletic, and he rolled with it. I sure would hate to see him get injured doing that.

11 points
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Tundraboy's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:35 am

Same here. None of our players should do that. Courting disaster.

2 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:19 am

It shows immaturity and MLF needs to demand he stop the self serving antics. Maybe he thinks it will increase his replay action on NFL scoreboard segments. For an oft injured rookie, it is actually rather stupid.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:32 pm

Yet people loved his back flip

2 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:37 am

For someone who has been oft-injured, he is taking unnecessary risks.

0 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:08 pm

In so many words, Watson himself said it was a dumb thing to do and it was a last moment decision when he could not think of anything else to do.

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:27 am

Thank you, guys (Ken, TGR and others) for filling me in on the game. Where I live, all I could see are the highlights without paying some extra money.

Really glad and want to hear more on how Tom did?

Sounds really weird how low Rodgers' rating was considering he wasn't sacked, or as the comments suggest he wasn't pressured much.

2 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

December 05, 2022 at 02:45 pm

I saw Rodgers pass up a couple easy check downs to throw to a covered Randal Cobb. He also had a couple of terrible passes (probably his thumb).

What really surprised me was duh bares secondary holding up with so many rookies and no pass rush to speak of.

It really was a weird kind of game for AR12.

1 points
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mrtundra's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:39 am

Game Balls: Christian Watson-2 more TDs!!!; AJ Dillon- the guy runs through defenders like they were made of paper; Zach Tombombadil- the rookie played well in Bakh's absence. He probably needs to add weight, in the gym, but he seems to be ready to play, when he is on the field, I like him at LT; Patrick Taylor- I like him as our 3rd RB. He always runs hard. Allen Lazard- He keeps making catches when we need him to- especially on 3rd downs.
Lame Calls: O'Donnell nearly getting his punts blocked, twice! Jaire Alexander getting beat deep, twice. He redeemed himself with the INT, late in the game, though. Throwing deep a lot. I can understand it, if Watson is the target. Watson should have his defender beat, deep down the field, every time.

-1 points
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Since'61's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:47 am

Finally watched the full game on tape this AM. It was a bit of a strange game especially with some of the long throws on offense. My first question is, if Rodgers has a broken thumb why are we trying to throw the ball deep so often???

I agree with all of the Game Balls above with the exception of Alexander. Yes he made a key interception in the 4th and he is currently one of my favorite Packers, but in terms of coverage I think he had one of his worst games as a Packers for the first 3 quarters of the game.
Game Ball to MLF or Rodgers or Steno or whoever called the end around to Watson for the game winner. It was the perfect call at the perfect time and it was brilliantly executed.

Lame Calls; Agree with this as well. I thought the officiating was brutal. Insane down with contact call on Dillon???!!! Why wasn't it challenged??? Watson was held on nearly every play. I have no idea what the officials are looking at. Maybe they just wanted to move the game along because it was between two also runs but it was as poor of a game by the officials as it was by both teams for most of the game.

Finally a long overdue bye week for this team. They will likely be eliminated when they return to the field and I hope that it will be time for Love to get the start. Unless they want Rodgers to get one more start at Lambeau before moving on to Love. Who knows? We'll see. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
3
1
TheKanataThrilla's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:00 am

Game ball not mentioned to Sammy Watkins. I have certainly bashed the guy for his route running and not appearing to know the playbook, but he certainly put in some effort this week to make a couple of key blocks on some runs. Kudos to the tv crew for catching the blocks and highlighting them. It is nice when these type of unrecognized activities get picked up for the casual viewer to appreciate.

Lame ball I hate to say it, but to Jaire for calling EQ a scrub. I get the trash talking that goes on, but for our DBs to be calling anyone scrubs just seems laughable as I have found the unit to be such a disappointment given how good they look on paper.

5 points
6
1
LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:28 am

After that catch, I hope ESB told Alexander "Hey Ja, how do you like being scrubbed?"

2 points
3
1
TarynsEyes's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:08 am

When Nixon is about to return a kickoff all I can think of is a part of the lyrics from Brooks and Dunne's Boot Scootin Boogie song.

“I fire up my pickup truck and let the horses run
I go flyin' down that highway to that hide-a-way
Stuck out in the woods to do the boot scootin' boogie”

A guy like Nixon should be allowed to run, down the field, to the elusive EZ, and dance. Hopefully, but he can't if he gets tied to his own EZ.

2 points
2
0
PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:11 pm

I, kinda, agree. But the coaches gave him the green light and wanted the energy. The risks, beyond the obvious, is that it could suck energy if he gets consistently tackled short.

1 points
1
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:58 pm

This team needs energy for next season, and the rest of this season is where it begins. Many want the young guys to get snaps to see where they are. How is keeping Nixon in the EZ helping the SPT players grow. It's a wasted snap and chance to grow their ability and confidence. Besides, the tape you acquire from actual action is better than seeing how they run to the sideline after a no-play play.

2 points
2
0
HarryHodag's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:09 am

I had commented several weeks back about the change in putting both Dillon and Jones in the backfield at the same time had backfired. Dillon, in essence, was the fullback and Jones isn't the load as a blocker that Dillon is.

So Sunday because of of injury Dillon was the featured back while Jones was on the sidelines. Look at the result. Last year Hackett used each of them individually and the results yesterday showed what happens when you have Dillon as the featured back. This is a nearly ideal arrangement. If Jones(or Dillon) doesn't mind sitting some plays out, the two of them could be a real force for years to come. It also will likely preserve Jones who plays through it but tends to get beaten up.

1 points
1
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:25 am

Having both back next year would require AJ to take a salary cut due to the cap Leviathan Murphy has created.

Many Packer "stars" will be playing in different uniforms next year.

3 points
3
0
T7Steve's picture

December 05, 2022 at 02:55 pm

They all get their money. It just gets converted and pushed to the future by this FO.

That's why I didn't understand them stripping Cobb. He was willing because he didn't want to move his kids again so soon.

-1 points
0
1
Johnha's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:22 am

I was hoping to see Jordan Love in this one, would have been a perfect opportunity against a lackluster Chicago team. It is time to move forward Jordan is our future. My take on the game AJ Dillon is a tough football player, he played hard. Christain Watson is a star, turned the corner on the jet sweep no one had a remote chance to catch him! The kid is electric. It's a good thing Jaire Alexander got that interception at the end, because I was thinking how much did we pay him after he got torched on a couple of bombs. Finally a win, this is team that still needs to find a way forward.

3 points
4
1
egbertsouse's picture

December 05, 2022 at 11:34 am

Jaire gets a game ball? Other than the pick, he sucked. Allowed 6 catches on 7 targets. All mouth.

4 points
4
0
PatrickGB's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:12 pm

He might be a tad rusty after not getting the ball thrown his way very much.

0 points
0
0
mnbadger's picture

December 05, 2022 at 12:41 pm

No game ball to MLF. You don't get credit for doing what should be done. You get paid for that.
We need to raise the bar on head coaching game balls. Remember, we were 4-8 at the time.
GPG!

3 points
4
1
HarryHodag's picture

December 05, 2022 at 05:34 pm

I guess it's quick to forget what MLF's record is after his first three seasons.

-1 points
0
1
Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:24 pm

It’s easy to see that the record is mostly in spite of him and his coaching, except for the repeat failures to overcome the same tactics and coaches.

1 points
1
0
mnbadger's picture

December 09, 2022 at 01:55 pm

Sorry Harry, but MLF has constantly been unable to perform during the game. He seems lost out there.
Best example is his poor record of when to - and when not to - challenge calls. He almost always gets it wrong.
His record is not an individual award. It reminds me of giving a starting pitcher the cy young when his era is in the 3.5o range.
I'd like to hear of examples where his in game decisions have led to wins or even to improved results.
I watch closely and can't find many. JMO
GPG!

2 points
2
0
jlc1's picture

December 07, 2022 at 11:12 am

A lot of people here jump all over Rodgers for playing hero ball. Alexander did that from his position against the Bears and paid the price more than once and only hit the jackpot on a short throw or maybe on a throw the Packer discard was supposed to come back to. So fair is fair, if AR is a diva hurting this team put the same brand on Alexander.

1 points
1
0