Packers Stock Report: Offense Surprises in Pittsburgh
By ChrisWanless
The Green Bay Packers came up one play short of what would have been a shocking upset on Sunday night, dropping a 31-28 decision to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the positives and progress they’ll take from a contest in which they were two-touchdown underdogs, the loss dropped them to 5-6 on the season, meaning their remote playoff hopes now depend on winning five consecutive games and getting some help from other wild card contenders.
Here is this week’s stock report:
Rising
Brett Hundley: In a performance that was the polar opposite of what he put forth against Baltimore a week and change ago, Hundley played his best game as a Packer. He finished 17 of 26 for 245 yards and three touchdowns, and led a game-tying, pressure-packed drive late in the fourth quarter. While he did take four sacks, his pocket navigation did look improved as well. It’s worth pointing out that his three touchdowns came via a screen play and two wide open receivers, but he did show more willingness to look downfield against the Steelers. In all likelihood, Hundley’s potential probably falls somewhere in the middle of his last two performances, but if he can even come close to emulating what he did against Pittsburgh, the Packers should have a good shot at beating Tampa Bay and Cleveland.
Jamaal Williams: Green Bay’s rookie running backs just continue to step up. Williams rushed 21 times for 66 yards and added 69 yards receiving, scoring touchdowns both on the ground and through the air. His decisiveness looked vastly improved and he showed some open field speed on the 54-yard screen that went for a score. With Aaron Jones possibly returning to practice this week, Green Bay’s running game suddenly looks dynamic.
Blake Martinez: If you’re looking to name the Packers’ defensive MVP to this point, I don’t see how you could settle on anyone but Martinez. He once again led the team with 15 tackles against the Steelers while also picking up an interception and a fumble recovery. On a defense that has been consistently disappointing in 2017, Martinez has been consistently dependable.
Falling
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: As a safety in the NFL, there is really never an excuse to retreat when a ball carrier is coming your way. Yet, week after week, we continue to see Clinton-Dix passively attempt to get in the way of opposing players rather than attack the ball and be physical. Some of the disappointment in his season is due to the sky-high expectations that surrounded him entering the year, but the majority is simply due to subpar play.
Comments (20)
TarynsEyes
November 28, 2017 at 11:29 am
One falling...one...that's like saying Mr.Kotter's sweat hogs class were all grade A students.
dobber
November 28, 2017 at 12:37 pm
If falling means a drop in performance or in their stock, then I don't know how many could be falling after the Baltimore game.
TarynsEyes
November 28, 2017 at 01:14 pm
So Baltimore was the bottom of the abyss?
CJBauckham
November 28, 2017 at 07:07 pm
For the moment, yes
Razer
November 28, 2017 at 12:05 pm
How about them TE's. If you can't see them - did they really fall?
Let's hope that the offense continues to improve, particularly the run game. Let's carry something positive forward.
Razer
November 28, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Sorry - repeat post. The site is really lagging for me.
Gianich
November 28, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Three broken coverages by the Steelers.... other than the way Williams ran and the last drive to tie it I didn't think it was all that amazing. It was nice to see them take advantage of the opportunities that were there. Fun game to watch. Nice to be entertained rather than pissed off.
SpudRapids
November 28, 2017 at 02:12 pm
I would argue the Adams touchdown is excellent scheming by McCarthy and the Cobb touchdown was broken coverage.
The Adams touchdown wasn't broken coverage that was Adams running a stellar route that the commentators stated they had set up all game. That's Scheme and execution working.
The Cobb touchdown was a mistake by the corner. Go freeze the highlight below at 23 seconds and you can see at that point the corner should peel off of Jordy and take Cobb instead he stay with Nelson opening it up.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000883666/Brett-Hun...
rdent
November 28, 2017 at 01:58 pm
Rising.
Hundley and Williams rising, where else has the entire offense have to go but UP. With Kenny Clark out Blake Martinez was the only one who has continued to rise. Falling.
Clinton Dix has continued to fall with no end in site. Rarely if ever around the ball, whether it's in the air or in the opponents hands, just does not want to tackle or initiate contact. It must have been a off year for Safeties for him to have been voted to the Pro Bowl. Knowing TT, he will more than likely sign Dix to an extension.
egbertsouse
November 28, 2017 at 02:02 pm
I thought I saw HHCD running away from the play a couple of times but didn’t believe my eyes. This article verified it.
Handsback
November 28, 2017 at 02:20 pm
Perry wasn't in the falling stock report? I guess he did make a tackle.....
Doug Niemczynski
November 28, 2017 at 03:45 pm
Again score 50 points capers def. Gives up 55
Doug Niemczynski
November 28, 2017 at 03:46 pm
Team is awful..
Doug Niemczynski
November 28, 2017 at 03:46 pm
Just plain vanilla
Roadrunner23
November 28, 2017 at 04:24 pm
The Curious Case of Clinton Dix?
What is up with him?
Hmmmm
TKWorldWide
November 28, 2017 at 05:43 pm
Very good question.
Samson
November 28, 2017 at 09:10 pm
Hundley definitely is rising. - His decision making was much better and quicker. - He has the arm and quick feet. -- He stills needs to put two positive games back to back.
Dynamic running game?? -- Define dynamic. -- The opposition hasn't been afraid of GB's running game since Ahman Green or even further back and Dorsey Levens.
mrj007
November 28, 2017 at 09:03 pm
Defense against pass is falling and it's due to lack of pressure by virtually EVERY player employed to rush the passer. Tacking by anyone other than Matinez is failing. Davis is failing to reach the 20 on most of his returns. Martinez is rising as is Bahktiari who quietly put ip a solid effort. Play calling was better (I will even concede the long FG was at least aggressive). Tired of seeing opponents receivers WIDE open..
billybobton
November 29, 2017 at 01:33 pm
yes
we replace a running back who averaged 5.2 with a running back who averages 3.2 and all is great with the special kool-aid
TXCHEESE
November 29, 2017 at 04:57 pm
They didn't replace the back by choice. I do have to say though that Williams is getting some yards the quite possibly Jones would not get, just due to size and strength. Here's hoping Jones gets healthy and they have both at their disposal for the remainder of the year. December is here and it's time to run the ball! Ha Ha's pro bowl season last year was due to his interceptions, and many of those were over throws most any player should catch. His tackling has never really improved since he's been there. He's OK as a deep center fielder, but he's definitely not pro bowler material. I will say, if you watch Bell any at all, he can make most everyone look silly in the open field.