Packers 37 Vikings10: Game Balls & Lame Calls
There's no place like home for the playoffs.
By KenLass
There is no room for sympathy in the NFL. When you get the chance, you kick a team when it’s down. Especially when it's one of your arch-rivals, and the number one seed, and the first round bye that comes with it, are on the line.
The Minnesota Vikings got off the bus with half a team, and the Packers did to them what they were supposed to do. They dominated in all phases, put the game away early, and now get to play their reserves in week eighteen against the Lions while their starters heal up and rest up.
The only sympathy I have is for Mike Zimmer’s nose. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nose that red. I hope we’re not talking about some serious frostbite there.
Green Bay put the Vikings out of their misery by doing the two most important things: They kept Dalvin Cook under control (nine carries for thirteen yards), and they kept Justin Jefferson from making big plays (six catches for 58 yards). It didn’t hurt that fill-in quarterback Sean Mannion was a statue, offering no threat to run, and throwing mostly checkdowns that the rejuvenated Packer defense smothered immediately.
Meanwhile the offense followed a familiar pattern of starting slowly, putting only two field goals on the board in its first three trips inside the thirty yard line. But as the defense kept getting the ball back for them, Aaron Rodgers gradually heated up. QB 12 did nothing to hurt his MVP chances, throwing for 288 yards and two scores, finishing with a 114.8 rating. His usual game ball is a given. Who says you have to run the ball in the cold?
Certainly not Davante Adams, who broke his own single season record for receptions in a season after grabbing eleven throws for 136 yards and a score. He stands at 117 for the year. His game ball is also understood. Toss in 157 rushing yards by the running backs, and you have a complete performance. The performance of a team that is ready for a playoff run.
GAME BALLS
Offensive Line
No sacks and 174 rushing yards. This makeshift unit is getting better every week. So much so, that NBC commentator Cris Collinsworth legitimately raised the question, do you really want to break up the band if and when David Bakhtiari and Billy Turner are ready to come back? Of course you do, but dang, these replacements up front are getting the job done.
AJ Dillon
Aaron Jones (76 yards) actually outgained Dillon (63 yards), but it was quadzilla who hammered the Vikings into submission with his fourth quarter power runs, getting into the end zone twice. He also caught a pair of throws for twenty yards.
Aaron Jones
But you’ve got to acknowledge Jones as well. He not only led the team in rushing, but broke two big plays of 27 and 28 yards, and caught five passes for another thirty. I’m hard pressed to think of a better one-two punch in the league.
Allen Lazard
I am, of course, tempted to write that Lazard has emerged as the Packers’ true number two receiver. But as soon as you assume that, MVS will have a big game, or Cobb will come back and shine. What is safe to say, is that Lazard is reliable and steady, and getting better. His leaping, hands catch in the end zone was breathtaking. He’s clutch. Oh yeah, and he may be the best blocking receiver in the game.
De’Vondre Campbell
I want to be the president of his fan club. He is the surest tackler the Packers have had in recent memory. He twice stopped the explosive Jefferson short on third down plays. He sniffed out a screen to Cook and wrecked it. He made an excellent open field stop on Alexander Mattison. Campbell once again led the defense with eight tackles, including a TFL. Will we be able to afford to bring this guy back next year?
Honorable mentions to Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, who each had sacks, and did a much better job of containing the edges. And Kenny Clark, who eats up blockers and was largely responsible for Cook’s meek performance.
LAME CALLS
Still forcing it to Davante
The most blatant example came on fourth down at the Viking twelve in the first quarter. Lazard was open short for the conversion, but Rodgers was locked in on Adams in the end zone and missed him. There were a few other similar plays. Sure would like to see Aaron spread it around a little more when Davante is covered.
Rough night for Bojo
Punter Corey Bojorquez shanked one kick for 24 yards, averaged just 31 per punt on the night, and dropped a field goal snap on a kick saved by Mason Crosby.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
AJ Dillon: "We know how important it is to have teams come through Lambeau. I say it all the time. We've got the best fans in football. It's going to be tough sledding for anybody."
Rashan Gary (on the improvement against the run): We knew that they were going to come in and run the ball and try to run the same plays as Cleveland. We knew we had to go back to work and come out today and make corrections and that's what we did."
Matt LaFleur (on whether to rest players against Lions): "We'll kind of play it by ear. We'll have conversations tomorrow with our staff. We'll definitely have conversations with our players and we'll make the best decision for us, but if you ask me right now, I'd say my gut is these guys are gonna play at least a little bit next week."
THREE AND OUT
• Could it be? Could the Packers have actually found a kick returner? Newly acquired David Moore had punt returns of 10 and 22 yards, and fielded the ball cleanly all night. In fact, all of the special teams units were solid, except for the aforementioned Bojorquez kicks.
• Speaking of special teams, Crosby has quietly righted his season and has gotten red hot. He has now made six straight field goals and nine of his last ten. Just in time for the playoffs. Remember, he’s kicking in frigid weather. That ball must feel like a brick.
• I am loving the short yardage play where Dillon gets the handoff, and Yosh Nijman pulls from his tackle spot to go directly behind Dillon to push him downfield. Yosh ought to get credit in the box score for some of those yards.
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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 (133)
Rebecca
January 03, 2022 at 07:46 am
If you pay them, play them. I call bullshit on resting these overpriced millionaires! Ahead by w scores in the fourth quarter, rest Rodgers, Jones, Adams. January playing indoors against a crappy team should be a good time to see some contract year guys show some talent. There’ll be an emotional letdown next weekend with the number one playoff seed in the NFC. Every play, every game:PlayTo Win.
MarkinMadison
January 03, 2022 at 07:50 am
It's like a pre-season game at this point. It sounds great to say, "play your guys," until Adams blows an ACL on a meaningless play. Then everyone wants to fire the coaching staff.
HarryHodag
January 03, 2022 at 07:59 am
Amen to that. The millionaires will earn their money soon.
Rebecca
January 03, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Rodgers breaks his toe resting in California. Several players have injured themselves practicing this year. Injuries happen.
SanLobo
January 04, 2022 at 10:30 am
Yes they do, but to intentionally go out of your way to increase the risk of injury is generally considered to be bad form.
These guys are paid millions to get the team to the playoffs and then once in the playoffs to win a championship. So far, they have earned their money.
All that said, I trust LaFleur’s judgement on who to play when. So far, his performance over the last three years demonstrates he has earned that trust.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 08:17 am
Although I'm concerned about rust in our first playoff game in three weeks, I don't think our key players will gain all that much by playing part of a game against the Lions.
On the other hand, we've seen this season how easily guys can get injured.
Therefore, sit Rodgers, Adams, Jones, and maybe some others.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 06:30 pm
Give Patrick Taylor the carries and work on the TEs. All will bee good as long as Yiadom stays out of the starting lineup on defense.
Turophile
January 03, 2022 at 09:23 am
Following Rebecca logic, Kenny Clark should be out there every single snap - and if you believe that, you know less than nothing about football.
The overpriced millionaires include who exactly - Adams ? Clark ? Rodgers ? Amos ?, Turner ? Campbell ? Jones ? These guys are millionaires for a reason and they are also the reason the Packers are 13-3.
Two or three drives or defensive series against the Lions and then rest Rodgers, Adams, Jones, plus Bakhtiari, Myers and Turner (if they are back), not to mention Clark, Campbell and Alexander (if back).....PLUS ANY PLAYER the Packers staff knows is beat-up.
The "bullshit" call sounds like you are sour because you don't make that kind of money. The Packers earned their 'doesn't matter Lions week', on the field, AND their bye week after that. It's always a delicate dance between playing and resting at this time of year, but if I have to tilt over to one side of Occam's razor, I'll go for resting key players more than a half-game next week.
Johnblood27
January 03, 2022 at 08:58 am
might be hormonal... just sayin...
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 09:49 am
Ouch, low blow.
Johnblood27
January 03, 2022 at 09:57 am
I relish the thumbs down ...
Johnblood27
January 03, 2022 at 01:19 pm
Thank you sir, may I have another?
Johnblood27
January 03, 2022 at 09:52 pm
OK, thaTS ENOUGH...
DAMN CAPS KEY...
MarkinMadison
January 03, 2022 at 11:03 am
I think your recent comment about shirtless guys was actually a bit worse... :-)
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 02:29 pm
Come on, am I the only one on this site that didn't think of terrible T after seeing that. I thought those guys were hilarious, I wish I was there with them.
Rebecca
January 03, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Haha! Suck a used tampon, McNally!
Johnblood27
January 03, 2022 at 01:20 pm
Not again... vampire teabag as they say...
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 10:11 am
Also, how many players each year get injured and never play again. Tyler Ervin made 2 mill after deductions, now he's 28 and out of work in the NFL.
Rebecca
January 03, 2022 at 12:39 pm
How many players break a toe on vacation? At least one.
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 02:09 pm
Hahahaha, but he's still playing. Stop bullying us Rebecca. LOL
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 10:24 am
Established players earn their money when it counts. Next week does not.
I’m open to starting with most regulars just to get in rhythm given that it will be 2 weeks to the next game, but I really don’t want to see those key players by half time, or even the 2nd quarter if we have sustained a drive or two, if we can give others time.
If that means Gary, Smith, Douglas, Stokes and co are all on the bench for Yiadom, Galeai and special teamers and it doesn’t go well, who cares? Likewise, let Love throw to Winfree, Davis, Moore and whomever, just judge him accordingly. Let Taylor carry the load at RB.
Those players benefit from game time experience, learning and exposure. There is nothing else positive to get out of this dead rubber, after a little bit of rust prevention perhaps.
TheBigCheeze
January 03, 2022 at 10:39 am
It appears that rebecca does not know football 🏈....can she make a sandwich, perhaps??....🤔
Rebecca
January 03, 2022 at 12:29 pm
🥪 thanks for the fucking comment. Have a nice day. Asshole.
Crankbait
January 03, 2022 at 05:19 pm
Keep it classy Beck.....
BradHTX
January 04, 2022 at 09:04 am
What’s not classy right now is the sexist comments this person is getting for expressing opinions that other readers don’t like. She’s allowed to express opinions that are right, wrong, smart, stupid, whatever. Comments about hormones and making a sandwich in response are disrespectful and completely out of line. Honestly, this is sinking to a new low that I haven’t seen on this blog before. People need to grow the eff up and join the 21st century. The Packers are better today than they were in the 1970s; their fans should be too.
dobber
January 04, 2022 at 10:07 am
It certainly discourages others here who have a handle or identify willingly as non-male from posting. We're better than that.
BradHTX
January 04, 2022 at 10:25 am
Agreed, Dobber. Thanks.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2022 at 07:06 pm
Go cry your snowflake tears somewhere else brad.
everyone that makes a dumbass post gets made fun of regardless of gender, etc.
here is yours - humans are not all the same, some are male, some are female and they are DIFFERENT - we are NOT all the same and should not be treated as such nor should we try to be genderless automatons in all our actions and comments.
A sense of humor is a sign of intelligence, of which you obviously have none.
Hormonal fluxes are a part of the human condition, anytime you would like to argue that point I will willingly beat you to death with any sad arguments you care to make.
Humor versus meanness are pretty clear demarcations, I suggest you get some sensitivity training and perhaps begin to respect all opinions and not just your own ideas of what the entire rest of the world should hold as theirs.
Have at it...
Johnblood27
January 04, 2022 at 10:21 am
What, no bloody tampons for him?
I get all the breaks...
MarkinMadison
January 03, 2022 at 07:46 am
No disagreements from me.
Kelly needs to be replaced ASAP. And I really don't care how they do it. Royce Newman had an up-and-down year. Some who have no doubt studied the film more than me say he is better in recent weeks. I saw at least one blown assignment last night. I think he will be smarter and stronger next year. I just hope he doesn't cost them a playoff game. So I wouldn't mind seeing Myers return and Patrick getting bumped to RG either.
.
Jones and Dillon are both so good at what they do well that I'm just hope the Packers keep making defenses be honest.
I wonder if three weeks is enough time to do a toe surgery and recover?
Mr. Moore, welcome to Green Bay. We are so glad you are here. Please stay a while.
I don't know how they legitimately got Bojo off the COVID list, but it was clearly his worst outing.
Doofapotamus
January 03, 2022 at 08:10 am
Newman, for like 7 weeks straight, was letting guys run free at Rodgers 2-3 times a game. That is inexcusable. Runyan is the best guard on this team behind Jenkins, and the combination of Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Nijman/Turner should terrify other teams. We're literally missing every one of our starting lineman playing in their preferred positions.
mrtundra
January 03, 2022 at 08:20 am
And its been said that Jenkins' best position is Center. That's not his preferred position, but what a luxury to have plug and play guys on our O Line!
Turophile
January 03, 2022 at 02:17 pm
I never liked any of the O line drafted this year besides Myers. I am a Runyan fan and a long-time Patrick critic (though Patrick has been decent this year).
Whether the Packers go Guard again in the 2022 draft, depends largely in how they view Newman. He made plenty of mistakes this season, so their decision will be based largely on comparing the game film he put down this year, to what they think he will evolve into next year.
I want the Packers to keep Turner next year if they can possibly afford him, he's been very good at RT. Obviously, Nijman also looks like a keeper at this time - big athletic guys with the right attitude are not so easy to find, and especially hard late in the draft or as a UFA (as Nijman was).
MarkinMadison
January 03, 2022 at 11:09 am
I'm not a fan of Newan's this year, but I reserve the right to be a fan of his next year.
I wasn't a fan of Nijman's for two years but blossomed this year into a competent starter. I don't know about all this b.s. about not replacing him with Bakh if that is an option. But he has made progress, and that is what it is all about.
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 01:45 pm
To me, Newman has got noticeably better in the last 6 weeks. He seems to be learning what other teams will try. He’s a very good run blocker too.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 06:37 pm
he's a Rookie, getting better as he acquires experience and is putting the hurt on people in the run game. No Worries as they say. Riders on the Storm. They got us this far, they may have to carry it all the way.
Oppy
January 03, 2022 at 03:08 pm
I can't imagine Newman was projected to be much more than a backup/swing guard in 2021 or 2022 when the Packers picked him up.
He outright won the starting position due to a promising camp and a preseason where he outplayed the others.
In a normal season with a half-way healthy OL, I have to believe he would have been relegated to the bench by week 7 or 8, but the Packers health issues forced their hand and Newman was going to have to play and take all the bumps of learning the hard way. I was concerned that with the frequency of his struggles at one point he was going to regress mightily due to lost confidence, but he fought through it and looks like he came out the other end a better player at this point.
I don't know if Newman starts in 2022, but I have went from being very concerned about his performance mid-season to being impressed with his resiliency by week 17. I believe at very worst, the Packers have a great back up option at G in Newman, and perhaps he has a chance to be a long term starter if he grows over the offseason.
Ya_tittle
January 03, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Dennis Kelly went unsigned until July 29 after starting every game for the Titans in 2020. He didn't play an offensive snap for the Packers until Week 14. He has allowed two pressures in 144 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF, and none in the last two games (81 pass-blocking snaps).
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 01:46 pm
Just don’t let a premium speed rusher get at him. He’s a decent T now, but he’s not as agile as the others on our roster.
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 05:20 pm
Correct. NFL analysts always talk about the feet of Tackles. And the "feet" means agility, quickness and balance. Bakht has them. Jenks has them. So does Nijman. They just do not lose many battles on the edge or power moves in the middle. To a certain extent, so does Turner, but I think he's better playing with two wingmen vs on an island.
Kelly is a mountain and very strong. But he does not move all that well. Still, a great backup find by Gutey.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 06:43 pm
If Kelly with his bad knees gets beat on a step and go, he can use his reach to strangle the speed rusher if that's what it takes to protect Rodgers. When the defenses combo a DE /OLB with a safety blitz that is a situation Rodgers has to sniff it out and counter before the sack/turnover happen. Tampa will run it with Winfield.
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 07:51 am
-Adams as smooth as Al Green
-It moved after Dillion had 3 carries in a row for a TD. I lit a cigarette after the 2nd TD.
- A female commenter's face must have flushed with pleasure after the cameras showed 3 hefty fans taking their shirts off.
- One penalty and that came late in the game when it didn't matter.
-More game time experience for Love will make the next game interesting for me.
dobber
January 03, 2022 at 08:16 am
"One penalty and that came late int he game when it didn't matter"
Man, the Vikings fans were llvid after the refs picked up the flag on that PI call in the first half. They already have their tinfoil hats on when they play the Packers, and it only helped to fire them up a little more when the injured ref went into the Packers blue tent.
Turophile
January 03, 2022 at 09:21 am
Blaming the refs is always weak stuff (whichever team you support). If you lost on a ref call then your team should have made more plays. Do refs decisions matter, sure they do, because many games tilt on one or two game-changing things. But, because "To err is human", you just have to accept that zebras get it wrong sometimes, it happens.
As for "The 'Refs are conspiring against us", mantra - that is true tinfoil hat territory. I like to follow the way John Madden dealt with accusations. Another team accuses him of putting a rat in their changing room - "Sure, I did that" he'd say, even though he didn't have a clue about it. So, when fans of other teams accuse Green Bay of having refs in their pocket, I say "Sure we do, and we pay them well for doing it !"
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 09:42 am
Tinfoil hats, they should call Saul. hahahaha
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 10:33 am
Lol, if they thought that mattered either way, they are truly deluded. If that game was played in October with the same players the true disparity would be truly embarrassing. That’s not to ignore the fact that the Vikings were hamstrung by injuries and Covid loss if their QBS. It does expose their comparative lack of depth.
To me, the only surprise was that Cook was so completely ineffective in the first half when scores were still close, on a night seemingly made for him. That does raise some questions if he’s not still hampered by after effects of Covid. It was obvious throughout that only a massive implosion by the Packers was going to make that a game.
Leatherhead
January 03, 2022 at 02:18 pm
Everybody gets screwed by the refs. If you don’t like that, play checkers instead. The more time you spend thinking about the refs, the less time you’re thinking about how to win. In the end, there is no choice except to line up for the next snap.
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 02:52 pm
I’ve seen a few games that the officials plausibly changed the outcome of. The standard of NFL refereeing is a legitimate topic, but that is different from just whining. There is a difference between inconsistent and incomprehensible as opposed to consistent calling one doesn’t like or the odd (inevitable) missed or borderline call. They happen and always will, balance out over the season. Good teams create enough cushion that they don’t need them or overcome them anyway.
murf7777
January 03, 2022 at 08:01 am
I understand the thought about throwing too much to Adams and you used an example that ended up incomplete. I would argue that I saw at least three others where Adams wasn’t open and made a Hugh catch. If he didn’t throw those balls to Adams they might’ve stalled the drives.
Unfortunately, MVS just isn’t a guy you can trust on a consistent basis and that is one of the reasons for Rodgers having to do that. Losing Tonyan is another. DeGuara is no Tonyan as he showed when he missed the TD catch. Tonyan would have caught that 9 times out of 10 IMO.
stockholder
January 03, 2022 at 09:36 am
*DeGuara is no Tonyan as he showed when he missed the TD catch* . Absolutely! His Hands were out of position. He'll make the basket catch. But he'll have to use the one hand grab above his head. He needs work. Which is why Rodgers doesn't trust him yet. - I hope Rodgers keeps throwing at his Face.
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 05:08 pm
Tonyan was not Tonyan in his first two years either. Deguara caught a ton of passes in college and he will in the NFL too.
D. Adams dropped many passes into his mitts as a young player. You cannot judge a player's career after his sophomore season following a shredded knee.
Deguara will be fine.
murf7777
January 03, 2022 at 06:02 pm
I wasn’t judging I was using as a reason Adams gets targeted. But, you should check the stats before stating things. Tonyan has had an above average catch rate since the beginning. His first two years was 67% and last year was an unbelievable 88%, while this year it was about 63%.
Oppy
January 03, 2022 at 03:14 pm
DeGuara was never intended to be Tonyan.
He was drafted to play an H back roll in this offense, not to be a seam splitting deep threat receiving option at TE.
Did you see the Jones run to the left just a few offensive plays after the dropped TD? Watch it again.. That's what Deguara was picked up to be. A road grading lead block in the run game that can also catch a few short tosses to keep the defense guessing what the Packers' intentions are from a big formation.
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 05:46 pm
Good point. Some fans forget the role of blocking in the game of football. Deguara dropped a pass that was a sure TD, but he will learn from it.
What I enjoy is how willing he is to plow the road. He's good at it too. He wins most of his one on ones. And if the majority of the O is winning their one on ones, you usually win the game.
This is what I enjoy about Gutey and Matt...they want to hire productive O players...who also know how to block and like doing it.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 08:10 am
Possible lame call, but maybe not, don't want to make too big of a deal about it, but this could be irksome, at least to me:
After waking up this morning in the warm afterglow of a victory that clinched best record and home field, I see Aaron Rodgers on television saying he's going to play next week.
Now, maybe this is all well and good, but maybe not.
What I didn't hear Rodgers say was that he and his head coach would discuss the matter this week and come up with a mutual decision as to whether he would play. Maybe that had already happened, maybe not. Maybe Rodgers said it during the interview but it wasn't shown in this clip, maybe not.
So, was this a case of Rodgers playing the coach, again? Maybe, maybe not.
If so, then I find it really irksome, and a sign that Rodgers hasn't really reformed all that much.
***
By the way, this is the same Rodgers who said he doesn't need to play in the preseason to get ready for the regular season. He can hone the offense in practice.
Yet, now with a chance to rest his severely injured toe for three weeks until the first playoff game for the Packers, Rodgers wants to instead play a meaningless game against the Lions this week.
Why? For what possible reason is this in the best interest of the team?
More so, did Rodgers talk about this with Matt LaFleur beforehand or not? I would hope so.
***
I'm rooting for Rodgers. I like Rodgers. I'm always hoping for him to be his best as a player and a person.
However, if this is Rodgers trying to unduly influence his head coach in public (rather than behind the scenes), then I'm angry with him.
He's basically telling LaFleur what to do, because LaFleur would now have to overrule Rodgers in public to not play him against the Lions. That would be awkward for LaFleur going against his moody superstar.
***
If this all of this is pretty accurate on my part (and I would be glad to be wrong), then I'm ready to move on from Rodgers after this season. With his continuing magnificence at quarterback, and the possibility that he was becoming more coachable and manageable and agreeable, I was becoming open to trying to keep Rodgers, while perhaps even trading Jordan Love.
Now I'm thinking: Enough of his melodrama! Enough of him putting the coaches and the front office in tough positions by speaking inappropriately about matters that are definitely their decisions, not his.
I hope Rodgers leads the Packers to a glorious win in the Super Bowl. I hope he excels. I hope we all enjoy the wonderful ride. Then I hope Rodgers moves on.
Doofapotamus
January 03, 2022 at 08:13 am
Maybe Rodgers wants a piece of history, maybe he wants another chance to solidify his chances at MVP, maybe he wants to pull another win out for Lafleur and increase his record, maybe he wants to play because he's a competitior, maybe a bunch of things we don't know. I think you're overreacting a bit to this.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 09:07 am
None of those reasons seem all that compelling for Rodgers to play.
It's not my call, though, but that of head coach Matt LaFleur.
If Rodgers doesn't get that by now, then it is a big deal.
Again, I could be wrong -- but it's highly important to note signs of Rodgers possibly overstepping his bounds.
***
An immediate concern is really wanting to beat the Bucs in the playoffs in what would be a big rematch.
In such a game, I don't want Rodgers publicly pouting on the field if LaFleur decides not to go for it on fourth down; and if LaFleur wants to run Dillon at some key point in the game, I don't want Rodgers refusing him and trying to force the ball to Adams.
In the huge moments of monumental games, the quarterback has to defer to the coach -- or the likely outcome is disaster.
***
As noted above, I do hope Rodgers leads us to a Super Bowl trophy -- and then moves on. I would remember him for the most part with much fondness, and welcome him back for future remembrances of past glory.
However, please consider that the last three seasons have been almost perfect for the Packers, and yet Rodgers still has everyone on pins and needles most of the time trying not to offend him.
What happens next season if things start to go badly? Eventually, the Packers will face some adversity, and then how will Rodgers react?
I'm not wanting to find out. I'm tired of his enigmatic slyness. Let's move on.
10ve 💚
January 03, 2022 at 08:46 am
"If you ask me right now, my gut is these guys are going to play at least a little bit," LaFleur said.
(https://www.packers.com/news/game-recap-5-takeaways-from-packers-37-10-w...)
So, yes, it's not your call.
Bitternotsour
January 03, 2022 at 09:11 am
Rodgers will want to share that record that Davante is chasing. 28 yards. Look for three straight passes next week and then a celebration as they go sit on the bench together for the rest of the game.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 09:21 am
The key phrase being, "If you ask me right now..." -- which seems to be a really important reason for Rodgers not to say anything about whether he's going to play until he talks about it with LaFleur later on.
So, yes, it's not Rodgers' call.
Although I could be wrong, it seems to be like Rodgers saying publicly he doesn't like playing in the preseason. Now again, he seems to be trying to use his superstar status to pressure his head coach into doing what Rodgers wants to do.
Totally inappropriate, and bad for the team!
***
For a guy who hasn't won a Super Bowl in more than a decade, I would think Rodgers would be more humble.
Does he not get it by now that winning big games is more than pinpoint passes?
Rodgers has enough to do playing quarterback. He shouldn't try to be a backseat driver in terms of coaching.
If he is indeed displaying arrogance again, then it could undermine the Packers in the playoffs.
13TimeChamps
January 03, 2022 at 10:06 am
So, if he says he doesn't like playing in the preseason, he's a Superstar overriding his coach.
And, if he says he wants to play next week against Detroit, he's a Superstar overriding his coach.
Got it. Thanks for clearing that up for the rest of us.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 11:39 am
So, 13TimeChamps, you're not saying I'm wrong about Rodgers speaking out about playing next week before talking to his head coach, it's just that you think it's quite alright for him to intrude into coaching decisions.
As long as Rodgers and the Packers are doing well, it's okay for him to be a prima donna, is that it?
Well, maybe that's why Rodgers hasn't won a Super Bowl since his younger, and perhaps humbler, days. Perhaps that's why he's lost four straight NFC Championship Games.
Bart Starr may not have had the natural ability of Rodgers as a passer, but he was 9-1 in the playoffs, with five championships, and three of those in a row.
Starr was confident but coachable. I'm wondering if Rodgers is a spectacular but arrogant also-ran.
People who care about Rodgers would question him about these matters.
Mindless adulators would not.
We'll see if the people who make excuses for Rodgers falling short in the past will turn on him if he falls short again.
P.S. If anyone has anything to offer other than down votes and sarcasm and perhaps misinterpretations of my words, then I'm open to hearing it. As I wrote, I'm glad to admit I'm wrong, but snide and shallow remarks are not persuasive.
I believe that the fans here at CHTV are intelligent enough to make reasonable comments, but I guess some of them sometimes choose to be jerks instead.
13TimeChamps
January 03, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Comparing Rodgers to Starr is silly on a number of levels:
It's a completely different game now as opposed to the 60s. Back then it was primarily a running and defense league. Now it's a passing league.
Starr, who I'm a huge fan of btw, was surrounded by HOF players. His entire backfield and most of his OLinemen were HOFers. Not to mention all the HOFers on defense. Rodgers? To my knowledge he's played with ONE player who has made the HOF...Woodsen. And that was only for a few years early in his career. And then there's Lombardi...
The Packers have had to rely on Rodgers to carry them for years. That was never the case with Starr. He was just another, albeit important, cog in the machine.
Maybe you'll get your wish and AR will be gone next year. In the meantime, I suggest you enjoy the ride and stop manufacturing reasons to whine and complain.
Spiker
January 03, 2022 at 01:59 pm
Rodgers still lost 4 NFC Championship games, with the same players who got him there. I think he is a great regular season QB, but a lousy one in big games. He has a fixation with Davante that overrides everyone else. Just look at last years Championship game. # straight to Adams, even though he was double covered, with at least one other reciever wide open, possibly 2. Rodgers is a prima donna asshole, and I for one cannot wait to see him go. Great QB or not, GONE
Rebecca
January 03, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Nothing on here is worth any emotional investment. No one is obliged to read or comment. At least you think things through.
Doofapotamus
January 03, 2022 at 09:07 am
Do you have to type an essay every time you write a response? Get your point across and move on. Rodgers will do what Lafleur asks of him, because they are friends and because he is Rodgers mentor, boss and head coach. I can throw you a rope to pull you out of that rabbit hole, if you'd like.
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 09:19 am
Doofapotamus - I'm afraid there is not a rope long enough to pull him out of that hole. Thanks, Since '61
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 09:24 am
I sometimes write longer in order to be fair to all sides and to make my points carefully.
Of course, snide remarks from others only take a few shallow words.
croatpackfan
January 03, 2022 at 01:00 pm
Swisch, my experience with Aaron Rodgers supporters is that whatever mistake you'll find in his character, playing, play calling, statements, lying, "outsmarting" everybody, egoism, etc, they will find an answer. Some of them (like Since 61) was leader of the man, some were never. When I asked Since what would he do if his best employee would act like Aaron, not caring about organization, just about his feelings, I did not got the answer - eg - the organization hire person they (or he) see him/her as legitimate heir of his best employee, his best employee found himself offended and start to make problems. What would you do? Will you risk that selfsatifaction of your best employee overrule you and, basically start to run your company from behind, by his requests, or you'll talk to him and if he would not like to change his position, what then?
And do not forget, football is business! As Aaron Rodgers said by himself. Going publicly before talking with his HC (his first boss) means only one thing - he wants to put himself in position to make decisions which are not his!
Period. Also, he is very smart guy. If he talked with MLF before his statement, he might say (and he would) that MLF and he talked about and leave that issue open or decided that he may play. Do not think he made mistake!
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 03:44 pm
Greetings, croatpackfan. As you're indicating, at some point all of the negative drama manufactured by Rodgers outweighs his positive performance on the field.
I've been trying to give Rodgers an opportunity to tone down his antics as a diva, and I haven't written about his situation outside of the field for quite some time.
I'm still not giving up on him completely, but this apparent latest stunt of talking about his playing status against the Lions out of turn really is not only annoying, but troubling for the good of the team.
I'm good with Rodgers as a veteran talking with LaFleur behind the scenes and making requests, but he has to be truly willing to do what his head coach thinks is best for the entire team, not just Rodgers.
I just don't see how any team can reach its potential if the quarterback is undermining the coach.
Actually, such insubordination seems likely to cause a big letdown at some point in the season that leaves us as fans highly frustrated and wondering, "How could we get so close but not quite get over the top?"
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 10:36 pm
Croat - I'm very disappointed with you. You're wrong I did respond to you at that time. But I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you did not see it. As a reminder I told you that we (my business partner and I) empowered our best people to make decisions because we were often on opposite sides of the world and the situation could not wait for 12 - 18 hours for one of us to respond. I did not necessarily always agree with the decision but as long as they did not hurt the client or impact our commitment made to the client I would be fine with it. Our people were very well paid and we expected them to be able to make decisions and to be accountable for their decisions. That is how adults work and run their business.
I also told you that we had 3 very good young professionals who wanted to leave our firm and take "their" clients.
My business partner and I worked out a 5 year transition agreement and let them have "their" clients. The result was a win-win for everyone. They had a solid basis for their new business, we continued to be paid for 5 years on a declining scale and to this day both firms continue to partner on numerous projects. No one needs more competitors.
As for Rodgers and the Packers I have yet to see any facts, or evidence from a credible source that he has deliberately subverted his Head Coach (either MLF or MM) during any game which has cost the Packers a game.
I have made no secret that I am supporter of Aaron Rodgers. As a Packers fan for 60 seasons I can assure you that I would and will support whoever is playing QB for the Packers. (Well, except for maybe Jim Del Gaizo. Those of us who went through the 70s and 80s will probably agree with me).
Yours (and others) allegations that Rodgers has subverted his coach and the team are actually insults to the Packers Head Coaches and by extension their GMs. WHY? Because I don't know of any professional NFL head coach or GM who would allow any player (QB or other position) to deliberately subvert their decisions during a game. And if they did they should not be professional coaches or GMs or Executives at any level. I can state without question that I would not tolerate subversion of our business by any of our associates employed or contracted. I'm retired and I wouldn't allow it now because I still have an equity share in the company.
You want to tell me that Rodgers changes the plays? Duh!!! That's his job to read the defense and change the play at the LOS. In fact he's done it so well that he is one of the best QBs to ever play the position and he has the numbers to back it up.
Rodgers is the best QB I have ever seen play the position as well as he has for as long as he has. Just look at his Won-Loss record and his TD passes versus interceptions over his career. He has thrown 446 TDs versus 93 interceptions in 14 seasons as the starting QB for the Packers. That is literally unheard of!!! Why??? Because it has never happened before. Not even close. He has just completed his 3rd consecutive 13 win season!!! If you are going to blame him for the losses and accuse him of subverting his coach's decisions during a game then you should be fair give him credit for the wins. Complaining about Rodgers performance just proves that you have no clue about what you are watching and your total lack of appreciation for the level of play you are fortunate enough to observe.
Now, you have my answer, AGAIN! So let's see if you respond to me. Although I won't be holding my breath. Provide me any facts or evidence from a credible source that Rodgers has subverted his head coach during a game and in doing so Rodgers play cost the Packers a game. I don't want something that he said after a game or off the field. I don't want to hear about him not showing up for OTAs or that he didn't want to play for the Packers, because no one has proven that either. And I don't care about any of the off the field BS because it means nothing. Why??? Because the fact is that he has shown up to play for the Packers and in doing so has played his position at least as well as if not better than anyone who has ever played QB in the NFL. Which BTW is another point that I have made here numerous times including in responses to posts from you.
And you are correct that I don't want to hear about your speculation about his character or his "outsmarting" people or whatever other issues you have with Rodgers off the field. Why??? Because Aaron Rodgers is the QB of the Green Bay Packers and all I care about is how well he plays QB for the Packers. That is where my interest in Aaron Rodgers begins and ends. If he wants to fight with management during the off-season that's his business. If he doesn't want to show up for OTAs who cares? He didn't show up for OTAs this season and the Packers are 13-2 in the games he has started for them. He didn't have any preseason in 2020 and the Packers went 13-3. He hasn't practiced in a month and the Packers are 4-0 without Rodgers practicing. So why would I care what he does off the field or during the off-season. Now if he committed a crime that would be a different story. No tolerance or excuses for that. But Aaron Rodgers has not committed any crime that I am aware of.
I did post here that I did not like the way Rodgers handled his "I have been immunized" episode. I still believe that it was totally unnecessary on his part. However, I also posted that I will continue to enjoy watching him play QB for the Packers but I just won't believe anything he says. But I have always taken Rodgers comments or any other player with a grain of salt. Rodgers is not for the first player to behave like a chooch off the field. As I have mentioned many times here at CHTV, I went through the "Bronx Zoo" years with the NY Yankees. Anything Rodgers has said or done during his career in Green Bay would not have even made it to the media with those Yankee teams. You worry about Rodgers undermining his coach!!?? That's a joke!!! The Bronx Zoo Yankees were literally fighting and punching each other in the dugout. There were players who hated each other, players who hated the manager, the manager who hated some of his players and everyone hated the team's owner. And with all that they went to 3 consecutive World Series and won 2 of them. So who cares what they were doing with and to each other off the field. When they were between the white lines it was time to play ball and they played brilliantly. It's all that mattered then and it's all that matters now. The rest is window dressing, speculation and ratings for the media. More importantly it resolves nothing because in the end it gets resolved on the field. End of game and end of story.
The Packers have the number one seed in their conference, they just destroyed the Vikings, Rodgers played another excellent game and you and others are focused on Rodgers stating that he wants to play against the Lions. Seriously, that is what you are focused on!!!
Shouldn't we be focused on the upcoming playoffs?
Shouldn't we be focused on will we get some of our All-Pros back?
Shouldn't we be focused on what actually matters instead of creating an idiotic controversy over whether or not Rodgers is trying to undermine his coach?
Really is that what serious fans are worried about?
Why would Rodgers want to do that?
Why would Rodgers or even us as fans waste our time with this ridiculous idea?
I'll put it very simply. Serious fans don't take this nonsense seriously.
Finally Croat, again I state that after all these years of posting together here at CHTV and at Jersey Al's ALLGBP, that you would show me such disrespect with a false accusation which has greatly diminished my respect for you. I have always taken the time to be fair and respectful of you and your posts and I have always replied. If you read this you will know that I have replied this time as I always have.
In fact, as I think about it, don't even bother to respond to me, because I already know that you have zero proof or facts that Rodgers has deliberately subverted his team during a game. And at this point whatever you say to me will be meaningless to me. I have misjudged you but I will not make that mistake again.
My apologies to our other CHTV bloggers for the long post. But I think that most of you know that I will speak up for myself when I am called out and I will do so as fiercely as I have and will continue to support the Green Bay Packers. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 06:55 pm
What's your point?
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 08:59 pm
Deleted
Esquetoi
January 03, 2022 at 11:57 am
MVP? In a team game? On the only team owned by the public? Where history continues to evolve? MVP...should be mvp.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 06:58 pm
Tell Bill Russell.
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Cookie for jannes! Thanks, Since ‘61
dobber
January 03, 2022 at 08:24 am
I can understand the Packers not wanting to go out with a whimper and potentially with a loss--you want to win them all and keep the mo' building--but I wouldn't put 12 out there next week. That's two weeks of sitting for that bad foot, and then he hopefully practices in full for the divisional round game, very possibly against Dallas. If there's any game where QB1 would want to lay out a beating, it would likely be that one.
There are only so many active roster spots on a given week, and only so many players you can elevate from the PS, so a significant number of the regulars will have to play next week. Living in lower MI, I was planning to go to this one, but with the #1 seed wrapped up and a lot of players likely sitting, it's a tough call.
Rick5952
January 03, 2022 at 08:32 am
You're right. It is a lame call.
10ve 💚
January 03, 2022 at 08:36 am
Swisch, you are definitely over-reacting. ML had already mentioned that he would discuss with the player if any would sit out next week, and to me it seemed that all starters would start the game, and then rotate in some 2nd stringers based on how the game is going.
Additionally, it is not a good idea to rest too many starters. Why? Because you don't want the rest of the guys to be beat up on. Especially O-line, you need the starters to keep the QB safe. Plus finishing the regular season with a win keeps team spirits high.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 08:58 am
If LaFleur said he would talk to guys about whether or not to play, then was Rodgers speaking up before discussing it with LaFleur?
Why would Rodgers say what he's going to do before talking it over with LaFleur? If he did, that would be a serious usurpation of power.
***
I'd play the starting line against the Lions for at least the first half, especially if we're adding someone different like Bakh returning from injury.
***
I may be overreacting, and I may be wrong -- but in any case I appreciate good replies like yours, PewAuKeeFan.
13TimeChamps
January 03, 2022 at 10:15 am
It's just that you've been beating this dead horse all year long. It's tiresome.
They have the best record in the NFL. I doubt that would be the case if Rodgers was usurping LeFleur's power as often as you suggest. Or at all, for that matter. They seem to have a great relationship by all accounts.
We get it...you don't like Rodgers and want him gone. Try and enjoy the playoffs.
croatpackfan
January 03, 2022 at 01:04 pm
13TimeChamps, Swisch was one of hardest supporter of Aaron Rodgers. So, you are beating this dead horse all year long...
Jared
January 03, 2022 at 06:14 pm
Or maybe AR was reiterating what MLF told the team in the locker room after the game. I think it’s awesome that this is the biggest issue we have to talk about.
stockholder
January 03, 2022 at 09:52 am
Rodgers will play. Timing is everything.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 11:46 am
According to Rodgers in his own self-satisfied words (not to be questioned by the masses of us less exalted than him), he doesn't need games for timing. Practice is enough to hone the offense.
So, what possible team-oriented reason does he have for playing against the Lions?
After all, isn't it Rodgers who has been telling us how painful is his toe injury?
Philarod
January 04, 2022 at 03:49 am
Frankly, I think you've jumped multiple sharks here. Pardon the long reply. I simply don't see how Rodgers answering a question in the post game presser was tantamount to overstepping his role. I simply don't get your take here.
As for his toe injury, he seems to have answered the questions honestly every time. (Yes, his Covid take was puzzling and troubling to me, and took me aback because in his interviews, he's generally both candid and intelligent.)
As for MLF, he has consistently praised the coach for three years, and has also been very generous in his praise and admiration for his teammates and coaches on both/all sides of the ball.
You seem to be implying that Rodgers wants to play to pad his MVP case, as if another TD or two is needed. Barring Brady or Burrow throwing for 600 yards or Taylor running for 300, it has to be his, right? Rodgers, tonight with Eli and Peyton, asked a question of Peyton about these situations, and I inferred that AR prefers to keep team momentum, unlike the approach in the 2011 regular season.
Your other comments about his postseason performances were
puzzling. His passer rating in the postseason is about 10 points higher than Brady's, he puts up more ppg and throws fewer INTs to put his D in a bad position.
He's played thru postseason injuries, and has consistently dragged 7-9 type teams to SB contender status. No, he's not perfect - simply the best QB of the SB Era, in my opinion.
If you want to hold his NFCC losses against him, go ahead. Of the four, Seattle was the most crushing. His numbers were not good, but was playing on one leg, and it took a defensive and ST collapse to lose. The Falcons could have scored at will against our D, and the Niners could have run all day. Last year was rough, but Rodgers actually outplayed Brady.
Okay, this was too long...
dobber
January 04, 2022 at 10:15 am
" I simply don't see how Rodgers answering a question in the post game presser was tantamount to overstepping his role. "
He also offered a lot of guarded info about practice status and availability for several injured players--Cobb, Bakhtiari, etc.--that teams usually guard very closely and don't share except to create uncertainty in opponents. He's overstepping when he talks about those other guys...you say "I hope these guys are able to come back, but I really like the team we have right now." ...and leave it to management to handle that kind of PR/reporting stuff.
Crankbait
January 03, 2022 at 05:22 pm
Who says Rogers needs to reform?
HarryHodag
January 03, 2022 at 08:08 am
There really isn't much to complain about regarding the Vikings beat down. Cousins might have put more spark into their offense, but without Packer-killer Adam Thielen they really weren't ready for the challenge. What happened to Dalvin Cook?
This was a magnificent game in many ways which have been laid out elsewhere. But one thing that is painfully obvious is the Packers special teams coaches have only needed a few weeks to ruin Corey Bojorquez. He went from being a league leader to bad in just a few weeks. He also almost bungled the field goal snap. Lesson to all college punters: if Green Bay comes a'-callin, you start runnin'. If you noticed, the Vikings punter unloaded a 65 yarder, so the cold is no excuse. Poor guy.
Jordan Love missed on a couple of passes. If he does succeed Rodgers he will always be compared to a guy who is setting NFL marks for completion percentage and lack of interceptions. Tough to follow a legend.
dobber
January 03, 2022 at 08:28 am
"What happened to Dalvin Cook?"
The defense contained better, the Vikings OL is only average (at best), the Packers did nothing to respect the MIN passing game, and clearly their coaches thought they could catch the Packers napping by not sticking with what Cleveland did (and what the Vikings did last year) to the Packers.
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 05:44 pm
I think this was the best career game Lancaster ever played. He was chewing nails on the DL yesterday.
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 06:25 pm
When fully healthy, he’s been surprisingly effective this season. He is prodigiously strong and seems to be using that better.
Guam
January 03, 2022 at 08:19 am
Game Ball: Arizona Cardinals for knocking off Dallas and allowing the Packers to rest any starters they want to against Detroit.
Game Ball: To all of the Packer backups who have played so well all year long while filling in for injured starters.
Game Ball: David Moore for being a legitimate kick/punt returner. Finally!
Lame Ball: Deguara for the dropped TD catch. They aren't going to be much easier than that and he has to make that catch.
Grimm
January 03, 2022 at 09:13 am
I have a feeling Deguara is really kicking himself for that one. He will improve. From my memory of the play, it looked like he had both palms turned toward his body and was thinking he might body catch it. Reach out and hand catch it. It passed right through his hands.
I hope it was a lesson learned.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 07:02 pm
Yes, it was a technique deal, just crossed his mitts.
scullyitsme
January 03, 2022 at 08:23 am
Another article that can’t help itself but pick on our best two players..Aaron Rodgers throwing to davante adams is not our or a problem. I repeat, not a problem. Find something else to whine about.
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 10:47 am
We were playing fewer receivers in that game and did not really attempt anything long. Adams always was going to get a lot of targets, followed by Lazard last night, especially given the cb match ups both were getting. This didn’t seem like an MVS game going in, and he was mostly blocking and a decoy.
There are times where Rodgers can get over fixated on Adams, but here it was a logical part of the game plan and personnel choices I thought. I was pleased to see us use both RBs well and, occasionally, together and in the passing game. This was a short snd medium game plan and a very good one. It not only worked, but kept our D rested while tiring theirs. Particularly wise in frigid weather.
After the rocket to Deguara early, we also seemed to adjust passes to suit the conditions better. Rodgers is savvy in more ways than people think. LaFleur showed he was too, and that is encouraging.
10ve 💚
January 03, 2022 at 08:27 am
Did anyone else think that Mannion looked a bit like Ben Roethlisberger? Not in his football acumen, but in the sense that he was a big slow lumbering guy with spindly legs?
LeotisHarris
January 03, 2022 at 04:56 pm
Yes! And, his confused squint while on the bench reminded me of Bret Bielema. Same WTF just happened face where you can see rusty wheels slowly turning in his head.
dobber
January 03, 2022 at 08:30 am
Kenny Clark was a monster on run downs and disruptive all night. Is there a more important player to this defense than Clark?
Johnblood27
January 03, 2022 at 09:10 am
Campbell comes to mind...
I love Clark, I value his disruptiveness, but Campbell - if kept clean by a mediocre NT that can eat up OL - makes a world of difference on this defense. His sure tackling and assignment sureness are invaluable in the middle (both side to side and front to back) for this defense to be fully functional.
With Clark up front and Jaire on the back end coupled together by Campbell in the middle the GBP have a legit defense - FINALLY!
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 10:49 am
Campbell was excellent last night. I think both are the spine of this D with Amos.
Philarod
January 03, 2022 at 09:11 am
He probably is, followed closely by Campbell, Alexander and Gary.
Oppy
January 03, 2022 at 03:31 pm
If Kenny doesn't Kenny, runs don't get turned outside and become north-south instead of east-west, DE's and OLB's don't get one-on-ones or clean lanes to the QB in pass rush, ILB's don't stay clean and have to deal with guards blocking them instead of good looks at the ball carrier...
Everything is inside out. Clark is the middle, the lynch pin. He is the most important player to the defense.
Spock
January 03, 2022 at 08:32 am
That was the most complete game the Packers played all year -just in time for the playoffs. Some of the best and hard tackling we've seen by the defense as well. Game ball to MLF for having his team ready and a good game plan against a beat up opponent. Cook never got, well, cooking and that was because of some swarming defense. I'd give Kenny Clark a game ball not just an "honorable mention" as he was double teamed every play and still could not be stopped! Sure hope this new punt returner (Moore) will be as solid going forward through the playoffs and SB (heh). I actually thought the refs were better with one guy out this game, lol. Remember when some here questioned why Gute would resign Aaron Jones since we had Dillion? How's that decision looking now? :) Lame calls: the Vikings special teams hitting guys who were fair catching (that Viking guy was NOT pushed into the returner) and tackling the Packer WAY out of bounds (and in front of the entire Packers' bench to boot). Looking forward to some stress free football next week (except for injury watch of course). GPG!
Oppy
January 03, 2022 at 03:33 pm
Just for the record, Kenny Clark is double teamed almost every snap of the season. That's part of the job description. :)
mrtundra
January 03, 2022 at 08:41 am
Game Ball: To everyone on the team just for beating the vikings. It was the drubbing I was hoping it would be. Welcome to the Green Bay Packers, Mr Moore! Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. There is no better two RB tandem in the League. ARod's toe showed no sign of disrupting this beat down. Tampa Bay Bucs for keeping all the drama, in their organization, with Antonio Brown's strip show. Kenny Clark for being the best run stopper we have. Rashan Gary, Preston Smith for keeping Mansion pressured all game and for helping to limit Cooks run game to a mere 13 yards. Our Defensive Backs for not allowing anything to get past them. They limited Jefferson to something like 58 yards, receiving. It would not have mattered if Cousins had played. The game announcers would have just interchanged the names of the QB who was going to be sacked, hurried or pressured. We just ended Minnesota's season. They play the Bears, next, and they could lose that one, as well, and finish the season at 7-10. A thing of beauty! Meanwhile the Packers get Home Field Advantage throughout the playoffs. GO PACK, GO!!!
Lame calls: The TV crew for posting crap about how home field advantage hasn't meant much for the Packers, over the past few seasons. This is a different team than those teams. The TV crew must have been comprised of mostly viking fans and their butt hurt feelings. Also, the Vikings coaches taking Mond out of the game and inserting Mannion, for their final drive. The game was over, why not let the rookie play out the game and gain some needed experience?
mbpacker
January 03, 2022 at 08:49 am
Nice analysis! GPG!
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 09:25 am
Game Balls: Rodgers, Dillon. Adams, OL, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary and David Moore.
Lame Calls: Deguara's drop of a prefect TD pass. Going on 4th down in the 1st quarter when taking the FG was the right call.
Enjoy the ride and hopefully we get Bak and Alexander back in time for the playoffs. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
jlc1
January 03, 2022 at 09:25 am
Game Ball - TACKLING. This was the kind of tackling I admire in other teams like Tampa Bay last year. Keep it up Pack.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 07:08 pm
Dominate !
Qoojo
January 03, 2022 at 09:48 am
Game Ball: Campbell, Lazard, Defense tackling, Rodgers, Jones, Dillion
Lame Call: Refs, missed a couple obvious penalties on both teams, at least it evened out. Also, Covid. I really wish Cousins and the rest played to give the packers a decent test.
Why is Yiadom still on the team or at the very least, why is he active? He literally showed why he is a liability on every play.
Moore looked like he was injured.
This game was basically a scrimmage against 2nd stringers. I would have preferred a better test for the defense. As is, I wouldn't make any judgments about improvement by the defense, and next week is going to be closer to a preseason game.
RCPackerFan
January 03, 2022 at 09:50 am
Game Balls:
Rodgers - He is the MVP. Whether people want to try and take that away because of his vaccination status or whatever, it doesn't matter. He is the best player in the league.
Jones/Dillon - What a combo! Jones at one point had 6 carries for 69 yards. He finished with 8 for 76. (9.5 avg). Dillon finished with 14 for 63 (4.5 avg) and 2 TD's. Combined they had 22 carries for 139 yards (6.3 avg). They also added 7 catches for 50 yards. The playoffs in Lambeau will feature these 2 guys a lot!
Adams - Rodgers is the MVP. Adams should be the offensive player of the year. He is so damn good! Rodgers and Adams are on a level above what Rodgers and Nelson were on.
Clark - He is double teamed constantly and yet still makes plays. He is a beast in the middle!
Campbell - He IMO was the best FA pickup during the offseason. He just shuts stuff down.
Lame Calls:
Refs - They were terrible. No running into the return man because he was blocked into the guy? Really? They took away a DPI on Amos?
First Quarter Offense - It is what it is with this team. But they start slowly more then not. In the playoffs they need to start faster.
Notes:
David Moore - Could he be our returner moving forward? I felt he was smooth with his returns. He looked very steady. Could he give us the guy we need back there?
Crosby - He nailed every kick. Every one of them were straight. He has looked good the last several weeks.
Lazard had a really good game. He is a guy that needs to get the ball thrown his way more. And let him use his size to go up and get balls more often.
Amos - He is quietly one of the best safety's in the league. The hit he had on Conklin was awesome. But I have to admit, seeing their OC catching that and rumbling down, was cool even if it was against my team.
Packers are NFC North champs, they locked down the 1 seed meaning they get the only bye, they get all home games. This was a huge win!
Lets enjoy some Victory Monday! Especially one in which we knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs!
Leatherhead
January 03, 2022 at 09:58 am
39-9. This is a fantastic stretch for the Packers, the best in 50 years, and a Lombardi Trophy would make it complete.
It’s especially enjoyable to watch since it’s been accomplished with so many guys who alledged fans say aren’t good enough, like Lowry and Lazard, and wasted draft picks like Gary and Dillon.
This is a good team, LaFleur is a good coach, Guytekunst is a good GM. Our scouting and personnel people are good. Our position coaches are good. The future of the organization is good. Whining about little things during a stretch like this makes no sense to me.
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This is off topic, but did anybody watch Kentucky Saturday? They have a tiny WR who took a massive shot and hung on, then a little later made an exceptional run after catch to set up the winning TD. In general, I’m not a fan of tiny receivers, but this guy is a football player and he’ll be drafted on Day Two.
Guam
January 03, 2022 at 11:39 am
Wandale Robinson. Kid transferred from Nebraska to Kentucky and this is his first year in Kentucky. Likely still has eligibility left and won't come out until 2023. Alot like Tyreek Hill and Rondale Moore.
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 02:21 pm
They might warrant a preceding VERY.
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 11:30 pm
Good post Leatherhead! I completely agree.
Thanks, Since ‘61
Ferrari-Driver
January 03, 2022 at 10:11 am
I would like to put Gute in the game ball category.
The season additions of Campbell, Douglas, and now Moore along with all the other things this GM has done should be recognized by naming him the GM of the year. His team has won at 13 games for the last two years and could make 2021 a 14 game season when they play Detroit next week.
skyler
January 03, 2022 at 10:14 am
De’Vondre Campbell, what can I say... He has been a gift sent from heaven. In the 40 plus years of watching and studying the Packers, I cannot remember an ILB with his extraordinary skill sets. If we get to the SB, he will be one of the main reasons we are there. He is truly are MVP of the defense this year.
stockholder
January 03, 2022 at 10:27 am
Adams was zoned in. The guy was catching everything. Thats not Lame. MVS was slow tonight. Bojo had better. The cold effects?? My Thoughts- Campbell is what this team needed since Bishop left.
TheBigCheeze
January 03, 2022 at 10:35 am
Bojorquez is disappointing...he started out so well....☹️
PhantomII
January 03, 2022 at 01:04 pm
He just got off the list. He may not feel great yet. Every punt play I watch, there is someone who is unblocked who nearly blocks his punts. He's gonna continue to rush the punts as long as this continues...It's his job to make sure he gets the ball off. The problem is still poor effort up front which leads a rush punt...normally. ST is still poor in this area. Looks like the returner did ok. Crosby did good.
scullyitsme
January 03, 2022 at 11:04 am
Think I heard cousins cap hit is 45 million next year and most guaranteed. They aren’t even blinking and people here complain about that number for rodgers. Funny both ways.
Fubared
January 03, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Because they are an owned team they can do some things with salary and money the packers cant. I would not be shocked it they try and move from Cousins but who would take him with that pay unless the Vikes eat some of it.
They were lucky that three defensive backs came back for a home town discount to play for Zimmer thinking this was super bowl year. Ya that didnt work so well.
PeteK
January 03, 2022 at 02:25 pm
They don't have an Alexander and Adams to sign.
splitpea1
January 03, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Sympathy for the nose: Zimmer only gets honorable mention. The prize goes to Tom Coughlin in the 2007 NFCCG.
Offensive line: As well as the replacements have played, I think you want to bring the starters back if you can at the appropriate time. If they do struggle, then we know exactly who to plug in and where....
New return man: So far so good with Moore. And that flag shouldn't have been picked up when he was interfered with; the defender was not blocked into him by a Packer--got to watch where you're going.
Overlooked game ball: The Packers for staying healthy. Let's keep that way for everyone and whoever gets chosen to play vs. the Lions.
Starrbrite
January 03, 2022 at 11:40 am
Isn’t nice to finally have a punt returner who can catch and then advance the ball 5-10-15 yards—-.
Right Leatherhead?
Fubared
January 03, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Game balls to the entire team on offense and defense, this was an fn complete game and I always have something to bitch about.
The only lame call, I saw Rodgers force the ball to Adams and if he would have looked, I think Lazard was completely alone heading into the end zone. Oh, well.
Ya you gotta have loved this game.
Vike fans are really pissed now. They are ranting and raving about the refs, unfainess, how great their team is and that the Pack are just lucky. Boo Hoo. Gotta put my GB hat on and walk all around town, that should piss them off
PS: How about that O line, what a job they did under their circumstances.
Minniman
January 03, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Re Yosh Nijman pulling and driving the RB:
In Rugby parlance, that is called a "rolling maul" and is a very effective tactic employed by teams when in short yardage situations. As NFL teams only need to break the plane, and blocking is legal, I'm surprised that it's only just catching on now....... it'll also be more effective in sucking defenders into the box, A few wildcat direct snaps and the safeties won't be able to not be drawn in to stop it.
Same too for the lateral pass. Draw the defender in, and pass the ball laterally to the open man.
PhantomII
January 03, 2022 at 12:51 pm
The Packers and Rodgers need more practice completing 3rd downs and red zone plays. ML needs to devise new plays to accomplish these improvements and installs. The Packers always look like they never practice enough, when I see them play in a game. The Vikings could do nothing and the Packers did a good job on Defense. The offense still has not played their best ball yet. Looking forward to getting Cobb back. At this point getting Bak back or our Center may actually not improve our OL and the continuity. That needed to happen a couple games ago. Not sure JA will either. He has not played in months also. I would also feel better if he had returned a couple games ago. Z would be ok to rotate in the middle of the DL, but I like Gary and Preston on the edge better. They are both better at containment, which when not done correctly is where the wheels come off our D in big games.
jannesbjornson
January 03, 2022 at 07:19 pm
He has only opened one half of the playbook so far this season. Save the good stuff for last.
Stickfish
January 03, 2022 at 03:58 pm
Game Ball(s). - Front Office for putting the resources in place for a third 13 win regular season. Love them or hate them, or maybe a bit of both but they deserve games balls around for their contribution to the process.
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LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 05:01 pm
Ken, great observation about the AJD/Yosh short yardage play calls. It is like using bulldozer to keep an Abrams M1 tank charge through a brick wall.
Yosh Nijman is emerging as one of the best OL players on the Pack. He is not only blessed with great feet, his quickness and strength mirrors Jenks.
Those who cringe in worry over saying goodbye to Rodgers, have to explain how the Packers are better without Bakht, Jenks, Myers, Turner, Nijman in the trench with sublime depth behind them. There would not be a better OL room in the NFL.