Situational Defense, Aaron Rodgers' Miscues Ultimately End Packers' Playoff Hopes
If you weren't sure what to expect from Green Bay Packers quarterback on Sunday in his first game back from a collarbone injury, it probably wasn't what reality had in store for you.
Rodgers, who was activated from injured reserve to the 53-man roster on Saturday, was expected to have some evident rust after not playing live-action football for eight weeks. However, the doctor never ordered three interceptions that Rodgers gifted the Carolina Panthers' defense in the form of an early Christmas present.
It was the first time that Rodgers had thrown three interceptions in a game since November of 2009 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- coincidentally, another NFC South foe.
"They were just uncharacteristic plays," Rodgers said after the 31-24 loss that ultimately may have stuck a dagger in the Packers' playoff aspirations. "I'm disappointed in my performance today. Obviously, I didn't play very well.
"I felt good all week in practice, just missed some throws. I hold myself to a high standard, and this comes in well below those standards."
While it'd be hard for any team missing their top two cornerbacks to compete against a team like the Panthers, Rodgers' shortcomings, third-down defense and straying from the running game didn't do the Packers any favors either.
Between Rodgers and rookie running backs Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, the Packers ran the ball just 19 times and amassed 120 yards. A large chunk of that is from Jones, who tallied just three carries. To many, that's unacceptable.
Rodgers said after the game that the Panthers' defensive front dictated how often the Packers ran the ball, which is certainly an attributing factor to the lack of commitment to both Jones and Williams.
Perhaps the biggest factor of all is the Panthers going 5-for-8 on third down in the first half after starting 4-for-4. Running back Christian McCaffrey also had 10 touches on the Panthers' opening drive, which helped set a tone early on against a defense that was already bruised and battered from the start.
Cam Newton torched the Packers' defense en route to four passing touchdowns and 58 rushing yards, ultimately - but not mathematically - ending the Packers' playoff hopes. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
It does nothing but fuel the narrative of just how poor the Packers' Dom Capers-coached defense has been on third down this season. Entering Sunday, they've allowed the third-highest third-down conversion percentage (44.4) in the league. It's no coincidence that two of the top teams in the NFC -- the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles -- are first and second respectively in the lowest opponent third-down conversion percentage.
This loss plummets the suddenly-minuscule chance that the Packers sneak into the playoffs. Even if they win their final two games, they have a five percent chance of playing in January according to the New York Times' Playoff Simulator.
But if the Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, the Packers are officially eliminated from contention.
"It's not the fairytale that we were hoping," Rodgers said. "As I lay in that surgery bed eight weeks ago thinking about this moment, obviously I saw it going a little different, but I'm proud of our guys the way they've played the last few weeks."
No matter what happens, Rodgers' status is up in the air, but he's available if the Packers choose not to sit him for the remainder of the season and ensure his throwing shoulder is kept on the shelf until further notice.
"I'm a competitor. So until they tell me otherwise, I'm expecting to play.
"We’re not out of it yet. We’ve had a great run around here, and as long as I’m here, I’m confident that we’ll be in the mix every single year.”
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (77)
Lphill
December 17, 2017 at 04:46 pm
Yes he made some bad throws but if our defense could get off the field more on 3 rd down and keep feeding Rodgers the ball it's a win . Seems our defensive backs are taught to let the receiver make a catch then tackle , plenty of Cams passes today could have been knocked down but weren't.
CAG123
December 17, 2017 at 04:55 pm
Are you serious? Rodgers gave the def the ball 3 times if the defense didn’t make stops on 2 of them this game would have been a blowout. I do agree on the coverage for some reason Capers has them playing zone and this is the results we’ve seen all year besides Randall none of our corners possess the short area quickness needed to play off coverage, these guys are more suited for press.
al bundy
December 17, 2017 at 08:37 pm
They play zone because none of them have coverage skills. Dix stood in the endzone and watched two touchdowns and never even tried to get into the mix. This guy watches more plays then he is in.
One can't blame it on injuries. House is now slow as molasses, Rollins and king are the injury prone brothers.
Funny how the Panthers were all over our receivers all day.
CAG123
December 17, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Don’t know how true that is since they’re always playing zone King played press in college and we’ve seen what Randall can do in that as well his rookie season he played mostly press and it was a pretty good season as far as rookies DBs go.
egbertsouse
December 17, 2017 at 04:54 pm
I just hope that we can stop talking about running the table and a deep playoff run and all the pipe dreams and talk about reloading for next year.
al bundy
December 17, 2017 at 08:42 pm
For the sake of the pack fans and having 40 years experience expecting the lions to reload, I hope for your sake the gb management doesn't think, wow we were so close, not much to fix here , wo is us for all those injuries
The very talented Vikes will love to hear that.
ollie418
December 17, 2017 at 04:56 pm
Please fire Capers! Their D has been awful for far too long!
Big_Mel_75
December 18, 2017 at 10:59 am
We can't let MM off the hook for a banding the run after it was working.. I know Rodgers is great but after seeing the rust should have ran the ball more...
CAG123
December 17, 2017 at 05:03 pm
I left a comment on another article about how I wasn’t excited about a potential playoff run because this team is just too banged up and just not good enough, some weirdo left an unnecessary comment on it but what I said still stands we’ve had cracks at almost every current team in the NFC playoff picture except LAR and we’re 2-6 and those 2 wins look less impressive now with SEA currently getting slapped around by the Rams. This team needs a restart defensively and a failed yet injury plagued season is what could finally get Capers out of the door.
TKWorldWide
December 17, 2017 at 09:50 pm
“Some weirdo”?
I resemble that remark!
CDC Dave Retired
December 17, 2017 at 05:10 pm
So: Hundley, with back ups Cobb and Nelson.
Under no circumstances will AR play in the
Last 2 games.
dobber
December 17, 2017 at 06:49 pm
What do you accomplish by not playing #12 from here on out?
stockholder
December 17, 2017 at 09:26 pm
Answering Questions: Hundley = Back -up or upgrade. Stay with the 3-4-4 or firing Capers and go to the 4-3-4. #1 Draft pick = ILB. 4-3-4 or DT/DE for 3-4-4. Draft a TE first or Wr second. Who are the OLBs Perry, Mathews. Biegel , Brooks. Keep Martinez, Ryan or Thomas for ILB or just keep Martinez for back-up. Dbs. Draft another CB #1. Resign House or Barnett. WRs. Nelson , Cobb , Adams,Davis or draft. TE Keep Rodgers and Hendrick or dump both. Rbs, Keep Monty at Rb , or let him go back to WR pushing Allison off the roster. Sign Lindsey, or keep Spriggs. Waive Balaga.
J0hn Denver's Gavel
December 18, 2017 at 03:05 am
In that nonsensical rant, my favorite element of it had to be, "or just keep Martinez for back-up."
stockholder
December 18, 2017 at 07:21 am
Martinez fits this defense. If Capers is let go. (Per everyone's suggestion) The 3-4-4 will be scraped. Martinez may not be fast enough. He only has one sack.
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 09:29 am
I think you'll find a lot of LBs, especially MLB/ILB, in the conversation of 'best in the league' who have only 1 or 2 sacks on the year. Take Luke Kuechly for example: he's only got 1.
It's hard to judge a player or player group based on a single statistic.
rdent
December 18, 2017 at 06:16 am
"What do you accomplish by not playing #12 from here on out?"
At this point the real question here is, what DO YOU ACCOMPLISH by playing #12 from here on out? If Atlanta wins on Monday Night that flat out eliminates GB. I am sure Rodgers wants to play but MM needs to pack it in and look at the long view. Playing Rodgers the last 2 games = all risk and no reward. The season is lost, let BH finish out the last two meaningless games and now would be a good time to give a player like WR Micheal Clark some game experience.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 08:44 am
"At this point the real question here is, what DO YOU ACCOMPLISH by playing #12 from here on out? "
I can't say I think there is a ton of good that can be accomplished. I would not mind the better draft choice, although I wonder why the crowd that wants TT gone thinks there is value in that.
But just to play Devil's Advocate a bit....
White flags are unbecoming, especially when they are waved to the Vikings. Like Herm Edwards said, you play to win the game. Aaron Rodgers gives the Packers a better chance at that than Brett Hundley does. It would be a nice message to send to the Vikings for 2018 to beat them the week after they clinched 2017 division.
Having said all that, I have zero issues with working some other younger players into the lineup. It is an excellent idea to see what a guy like Michael Clark can do in live action. I just see no value it watching Clark play with Hundley. IMO, if Hundley is even on the roster in 2018, it will be a failure of the offseason. So what good is there in seeing him?
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 09:35 am
I think you send a bad message to the team by sitting #12. You're actively sitting arguably the best player at his position for a guy you, as you accurately indicate, have seen about all you need to see on (Hundley).
If you're Kenny Clark, do you say: Hell, I came back early, too, and have played my ass off on a gimpy ankle. Shouldn't I get some rest, too? Aren't I important to this team and its future?
Bad precedent, establishing an environment where players are likely to play at about 50%. You're telling the rest of your roster that they aren't important enough, and that winning--you know, the goal of playing the games--isn't a priority.
NickPerry
December 17, 2017 at 05:14 pm
I'm trying to take this loss and missing the playoffs as positively as I possibly can. IMO what this season has shown us beyond any doubt is the Packers have a lot of work to do if they want to compete for a SB. For the last 3 seasons the Packers have gotten to the playoffs beating up on teams their "Supposed" to beat, but struggling or getting walloped by the better teams in the NFL.
The Packers DEPEND far to much on ONE player. I understand QB is the most important position but the Packers O-Line is considerably worse than it was 2 seasons ago. So is the WR Position and the TE position is EXACTLY the same. Do I even need to bring up the defense???
My hope is all of those players the Packers have drafted the last 3 or 4 drafts finally develop into solid NFL players. If not solid then at least not complete busts. If they don't then get used to this feeling because we all KNOW Thompson isn't going to make the wholesale changes some of us feel need to be done. He's not going to suddenly bring in some players of the caliber of a Charles Woodson, it's just not the way he's done things the last 12 seasons.
Lets hope and pray for a great draft and solid development this off season!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all my fellow Packers Fans!
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 05:41 pm
He did gamble quite a bit more this offseason. It just all blew up in his face. Hopefully, there's more of that. Or TT is pushed out the door and the new GM forces Mike to fire Dom.
al bundy
December 17, 2017 at 08:49 pm
I don't get the devolp crap sorry. The Vikes have five d backs who were all pro rookie season. These five have had minimal injuries over the years. Spielman looks at size strength and injury history in college
Ted pays no attention to injury record when drafting
King major shoulder tear freshman. Kind separated shoulder senior. King in an out lineup, out for season, shoulder injury. U got a team of these suckers
TKWorldWide
December 18, 2017 at 04:03 pm
Who are these “five d backs who were all pro rookie season”?
Hey we’re all frustrated here but that claim seems a bit generous.
stockholder
December 17, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Draft - you either fire TT or Fire Capers. My choice is Capers. Time to try the 9 Wide defense. And I'm sure they could do it.
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 04:38 pm
Probably not right away, but if it were something they wanted to do, they could build up to it.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-defense-w...
Note the description of significant man coverage and sure tacklers. That's not what we've seen a lot of recently.
lebowski
December 17, 2017 at 05:28 pm
I'm so f&@king tired of our defense. Good riddance, 2017.
jeremyjjbrown
December 17, 2017 at 08:53 pm
I'd like someone to point blank ask McCarthy,
"What exactly is the 'tone' you set for this defense?"
real some guy
December 17, 2017 at 05:35 pm
I want to know who in the media is gonna have the sack to ask Mike what it will take for a change to be made on the defensive side of the ball. and the safety, corner and linebacker coaches need to be held accountable. too much crappiness for far too long.
somebody ask mike the tough questions.
Apologies if someone already has asked - cause I haven't seen it.
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 05:41 pm
THIS.
Hopefully the reporter will come with the stats on our 3rd down, QB hit % and RZ defense %.
It's not defensible.
TarynsEyes
December 17, 2017 at 05:42 pm
The Packers media are as tough as our defense...,unafraid is not in the criteria.
dobber
December 17, 2017 at 06:47 pm
Why do we think a reporter asking questions in a presser is going to change anything?
Thegreatreynoldo
December 18, 2017 at 01:30 am
Good question, dobber. I would not mind finding out, though, if we could just find such a reporter. I mean a skeptical press that asks tough questions and holds people in authority up to scrutiny has no particular value in our society.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 08:55 am
It is not about lack of "sack' from the reporters at all. It is a fine line between tough and adversarial for a beat reporter. Their job depends on candid inside access. If the members of the organization think they are on the wrong side of the line, the access dries up and the reporter is not as effective.
Aside from that, there is something of an art form in phrasing questions that draw an answer that is something other than platitudes. "What will it take to finally do X?" is likely to put MM on the defensive and revert to babbling nonsense about "evaluations" and "process". And do we really need to hear that one again?
Coldworld
December 17, 2017 at 05:47 pm
I don’t see the hate for a D with a depleted secondary. We played a decent team, gave it away 4 times away from home and we’re still in with a shout
To me it speaks of what could have been this season. Now it’s time to sign Adams and concentrate on blooding the youth on the roster and not dilute our draft pick potential.
I am optimistic for the future.
Since'61
December 17, 2017 at 07:18 pm
Coldworld - you don't see the hate for D because you are fairly new here. Most of us have watched 7 seasons worth of games like we saw today. Poor tackling, no pass rush, wide open receivers, unable to get off the field on 3rd down, no red zone defense, no sense of urgency, lack of speed, pre-snap confusion and 10 men on the field. I will admit the level of pre-snap confusion has been even worse this season than past seasons. And I believe the Packers are going for a league record for playing with 10 men on the field this season.
These issues have gone on and on for 7 seasons and I for one have had enough of it. There is no excuse for the confusion, having only 10 men on the field and the poor tackling. Those should should be addressed during TC. Sense of urgency is either the result of poor coaching and/or poor quality of players who just can't make plays at the NFL level.
So the hate for D has existed and has been building for a long time. Yes, the offense had giveaways but I guess there is a new rule in the NFL that says the defense is never allowed to pick up their offensive unit after they make a mistake. They must automatically allow the opponent to score and give up 3 or more 75 yard TD drives that have nothing to do with the turnovers. Welcome to this era of the NFL and mamba-pamby defense. Thanks, Since '61
jeremyjjbrown
December 17, 2017 at 08:56 pm
"I will admit the level of pre-snap confusion has been even worse this season than past seasons."
It has been happening for a long long time.
Coldworld
December 17, 2017 at 09:05 pm
New commenter but I have watched all of that. I differ only in that the defensive players did not doom us today.
I agree that a better D might have saved us today. I think we have on, but it is hiding behind Capers. I do not, however, blame today on players or coordinator. Today other factors took us down. That does not represent an argument for bringing Capers back next year. A new broom is overdue.
daveinTX
December 17, 2017 at 11:00 pm
Cold...I agree with you on all of that. Ya, a couple defensive takeaways probably wins the game. And like you, I think it’s more the DC and lack of defensive coaching talent than player talent.
Looking forward, hopefully w/o Capers, on Defense I see just two areas that need big improvements. Those would be putting pressure on the QB and pathetic backend safety play. Dix is terrible back there. And Burnett might have a brighter future as a nickel/slot DB. Which could push Burnett’s value over what the Packers might want to pay him.
I think they have two younger safeties who probably are already playing as well or better than Dix. Losing Brice hurt. He covers more territory than Dix. And Jones has the physicality Dix lacks. With more experience he could out play Dix in his sleep. And I know, that isn’t saying much. Unfortunately, Dix isn’t going anywhere during the off-season. Next year he will be playing for a big contract, so maybe he will be more aggressive. This season he appears to be playing not to get himself hurt.
So, what to do? My guess is they lose Burnett and spend a 3rd or 4th on a developmental 4th safety. Jones takes over for Burnett as the starting FS. Dix plays starts one more season then leaves as a FA. Brice then takes his place. Hopefully Jones makes the improvements most safeties make in their 2nd and 3rd seasons.
pooch
December 17, 2017 at 11:19 pm
1st time in 7 years..go for it with your logic.They were beyond terrible 1st half
pooch
December 17, 2017 at 11:20 pm
2nd half they forgot offense has t.e. to cover,inexcusable
NickPerry
December 18, 2017 at 05:07 am
Watch HHCD on the "Ass Cheek TD" or probably 75% of the TD passes in the end zone this season. He's just standing there like he always seemed to be doing this year. Not even an effort to dislodge or knock away the ball.
I mean this in the MOST supportive way. I HOPE HHCD has an injury that is disclosed in a few days or weeks and THAT'S the reason for his HORRIBLE play all year. To have to draft yet another safety is just another piece I don't want to have to think about.
UGH!
Finwiz
December 18, 2017 at 04:10 pm
It's been like that for the last couple of years, but mostly obvious this year. The D-backs, particularly the safeties have a hard time reacting to middle throws that aren't arced, or have any "air" under them. Clevelands QB was awful and that INT was a gift. Any joker could have made that play, as the ball was in the air for 5 seconds it had so much arch. Any rope thrown over the middle down the seam nobody reacts, no matter how close they are to it. It just makes you want to shake your damn head and that lack of instinct.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 18, 2017 at 02:00 am
I suppose the secondary was depleted, but it wasn't all-world when healthy.
When healthy:
House aspires to mediocrity;
King has ups and downs, growing pains;
Randall is competent; (a team needs more than 3 CBs)
Rollins is awful;
Hawkins should be a #5 at present;
Pipkens should be a healthy scratch;
Brown should be a healthy scratch;
Dix is hot garbage;
Brice is bad;
Jones is super talented, but at present he's bad;
Whitehead - jury is out;
Marwin Evans - jury is out, but is deliberating;
Burnett is pretty good and is versatile.
Out of all our secondary players, the only ones I am comfortable seeing on the field are Burnett, Randall and King. 3 of 5, and they miss time too much. We almost always have 2 fairly bad players actually on the field in the secondary.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 09:05 am
With Capers, no amount of DB talent would make me comfortable that the secondary would do a good job in coverage.
I have a very hard time projecting what these guys could do in another system. Heck, pro scouts struggle with that.
Since'61
December 17, 2017 at 09:27 pm
7 seasons of Mamby-Pamby defense. Football is a team game and yet we depend on one player to outscore the opponent and our own defense. Of course, that is because that one player is the only player we have who actually belongs in the NFL. As I have posted before Rodgers is probably the only player on the Packers current roster who could have played for Coach Lombardi. The rest are mostly JAGS.
This is the result when the stadium is sold out forever and everyone goes to the games just to see the QB make plays that no one has seen before. meanwhile the money is rolling in and management is focused on building and opening PackerLand or whatever it's called.
Regardless, it's more revenue and it's year round. It's not about winning it's about entertaining the fans.
Since the season is over we need to focus on 2018. First fire Capers and the entire defensive staff. Then make TT an offer that he can't refuse to retire.
Then on the OL we need an OG and OT to rebuild the right side at the least. A backup C/G would be nice as well. Do we have a scout or anyone who can find an actual NFL TE?
RBs we're OK with Williams and Jones, although it would be nice if we actually let them carry the ball during a game. WRs, draft a game breaker and keep everyone else if we can afford it. If not move out Cobb and replace him with Monty.
Chuck everyone on the mamba-pamby defense except for Daniels, Clark, Lowry, M. Adams, Martinez, King and Clinton-Dix if we can find him. Maybe the guy who is looking for a TE can find some NFL pass rushers as well.
Or we can forget all of the above and keep everything as it is and watch the same things that we have been watching for the last 7 seasons.
Send in the Clowns, don't bother they're here. Thanks, Since '61
OrganLeroy
December 17, 2017 at 06:49 pm
The TE's are there, in the draft, and now in the NFL, making plays for other teams, Ted refuses to draft them. Ted Thompson & Dom Capers have to go!!!
Since'61
December 17, 2017 at 07:19 pm
Agree on all points. Thanks, Since '61
pooch
December 17, 2017 at 11:22 pm
61 hit the nail on the head
Thegreatreynoldo
December 18, 2017 at 02:07 am
Montravious Adams was a healthy scratch today. Not sure what is up with him. He had red flags as a headcase. 47 snaps so far, and I recall one game where he looked promising. [Just a comment: I'd keep M. Adams, too, since he's a talented 3rd round pick - just wondering what is going on with him.]
NickPerry
December 18, 2017 at 05:30 am
Excellent post Since'61, you and I share the same feelings from top to bottom. The only thing I'd add is we HAVE to keep Perry since Ted signed him to that ridiculous contract.
Since'61
December 18, 2017 at 03:14 pm
Thanks Nick - you and I mostly been on the same page or close to it for a long time. Agree that we're stuck with Perry for a while now thanks to TT.
Thanks, Since '61
Doug Niemczynski
December 17, 2017 at 06:18 pm
1.Aaron Rodgers wasn't that sharp today he was Rusty you could tell being two months off but we knew we had to play them in order to make it to the next two games with Minnesota and Detroit some of those throws Rogers would have easily made with his usual pinpoint accuracy but it just wasn't there today.
2. I thought we should have stuck to the Run game a little bit more
3 Josh Jones really blew that play whenGreg Olsen scored that touchdown number
4. That Byrd touchdown with Josh Hawkins and bird going to the ground i see HaHa Clinton-Dix just standing there instead of pushing them both out of bounds when the ball was flopping around in the air he just stands there and does nothing that would
Have been an incompletion. Just bad coaching with the Josh Jones incident in the Ha Ha Clinton-Dix just standing there these coaches don't know how to coach there in Perry must suck too and so does capers and what was with Clay Matthews slipping and tripping and sliding all over the place what was up with that
5 I still like Geronimo Allison shame he couldn't secure the ball that would have put us on the 25-yard line and first down.
I had it in the back of my mind Rodgers would have been a little rusty but I was really hoping he wasn't and evidently he was.
Doug Niemczynski
December 17, 2017 at 06:28 pm
Well we definitely need to sit Aaron Rodgers for the last two games there is no reason absolutely no reason that he should be playing the season's over so put Hundley back in there and just let it ride but Rogers you're done if McCarthy let's Rodgers play the next two games I will be sick to my stomach. The season is over Mike and now it's time to start looking for new defensive coordinators new defensive coaches we got to get a new general manager we got to make some changes we have to sign Davante Adams we have to do some things right now Randall Cobb's is going have to take a pay cut so it's Clay Matthews we have to make cut b. buluga he is just injured too much and we got to sign Morgan Burnett but I know the Packers they'll drag around with everything we won't get a deal done with Davante Adams he'll go somewhere else we won't get a deal done with Morgan Burnett we're going to keep Dom Capers we're going to keep Ted Thompson we're not going to negotiate salaries with Matthews and belaga and Randall Cobb we're not going to go get another tight end we're just going to fill stuff in with the draft same old same old coming we have to start thinking about what's going on here for next season since we blew this year and Dom Capers Nitro defense oh brother did that ever explode in our face but hey Dom Capers got to put millions of dollars back in his pocket how much money did you get to put in your pocket this year? Oh yeah we got that $1,200 refund check coming oh but wait it has to go to the Internet because I can't access certain websites unless I pay money and of course my medical insurance costs are still going up while the percentages it covers is going down but hey when you make millions of dollars like Dom Capers you sit high and pretty don't you Mr.Dom Millionaire.
cinpackback
December 17, 2017 at 09:58 pm
2017 really sucks. Let’s pray for a better 2018.
Doug Niemczynski
December 18, 2017 at 06:50 am
How in the world do i get 4 dislikes?
Ustabeayooper
December 17, 2017 at 06:46 pm
We will never make it to the Super Bowl with ARod. The simple reality is that we totally abondoned the running game with Rodgers in the game. Good teams try and balance run/ pass. Our team just passes. We didn't do any screens or check downs to Rb. This loss is totally on ARod and the offense. Sit Rodgers for the rest of the year. Meaningless victories don't help. Don't worry about the running game as it isn't important to this team.
Hertel
December 17, 2017 at 06:56 pm
Packer teams are evaluated from past teams. Drafting low has hurt us since 2010 and money spent on the wrong home grown players has hurt as well. Losing Heyward and Hyde as FA- losing Shields/Collins Inj. and not replacing them with similar or better players. Who would you keep? Off: Rogers if he signs an 8 year deal. , Jones/Williams, Montomery back to WR, Baktiari, Adams if team friendly deal, Taylor, Linsley if team friendly deal, Evans to one year deal, cut Nelson and Cobb if they do not re do contracts. Needs: 2 TE's, T, G, #1 WR.
Defense: Clark, Daniels, Martinez, Randall, Dix, sign Burnett, Clay/Perry would need to re do contracts or trade (Injured too often and not making enough plays for the price), Lowery, Dial, Adams. Needs: CB, MLB, 2OLB: Special Teams: Crosby, Vogel but I see why the Packers have tried to upgrade at returner and snapper. Age for snapper and Speed/Toughness.
Needs: LS, Returner depth. Something is missing: leadership, fire, attacking style defense. You need to run especially when you are averaging 6 yd's per carry. Coaching must see this. Try running 4 or 5 times in a row. There is no way to fix this team in one draft. Especially when half don't pan out and half need three years to shine. Rogers would be 36. You got to get some FA and re do some contracts. Sign some of our own FA but really evaluate them. You missed on Hyde and Heyward especially with Shield injury history. Now Adams has to be looked at that way. The entire organization needs to step up or more of the same for years to come.
cheesehead1
December 17, 2017 at 07:01 pm
I’ll “always” be a GB fan first and foremost, but first off, congratulations to the Vikings and what they’ve accomplished so far this year, they deserved it. I really hope Aaron sits the remaing games and for management to make some substantial moves this offseason re: the defense. Injuries are no excuse IMO, every team goes through it, some years worse than others.
packergal
December 17, 2017 at 07:03 pm
For those complaining about MM lack of a running game...anyone guess how many run plays ARod changed today? Also, our DC MUST be terminated ASAP and while Packer players bear their share of blame for poor "D" performance, the DC bears majority of the blame. Here's more than anecdotal data: Compare the RAMS 2016 "D" ranking of 23rd and RAMS 2017 "D" ranking of 12th. The biggest difference between both teams is Wade Phillips and his ability to scheme, teach, guide, motivate and produce. I am certain there's data from other teams to back this up. When oh when will McCarthy hire a reputable Defensive Coordinator to maximize talent and production? ARod deserves this and more.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 09:11 am
"For those complaining about MM lack of a running game...anyone guess how many run plays ARod changed today? "
The follow up question is: What about Williams 3.2 yard/rush suggests that running more would have helped?
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 07:37 pm
Doesn't look good at OLB in this draft. Good Lord this is depressing.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2018OLB3-4.php
Thegreatreynoldo
December 17, 2017 at 08:04 pm
Hi Bearmeat. Read your comments in Cat Scratch Reader. Don't know if you saw mine. Pretty prescient IIRC, and really polite!
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 09:24 pm
Thanks man. Yours were good too. I wish they'd have been as polite over at APC after the game. Oh well.
Onto 2018. :(
pooch
December 17, 2017 at 11:26 pm
T J Ewards play him outside,he will be a beast
Cartwright
December 17, 2017 at 08:25 pm
This just in... management in an effort to scapegoat someone for an abysmal season, put the blame on Zook and fire him!
pacman
December 17, 2017 at 08:36 pm
I had to miss most of the 2nd half today (of all games!) but the results were not unexpected. I called it when I said maybe turnovers will make the difference. But I meant it the other way!!!
AR was obviously not himself. But my additional takeway on top of the defense problems that almost everyone mentioned is that despite the pic's, he made throws Hundley wouldn't even think of trying. Hundley is not an NFL qb and MM believing he was gave the season away.
I doubt they do it but all management needs to be changed. Murphy for letting this go this long while he builds a playground, TT for letting too much talent walk, MM for not winning another SB with AR and DC for his performance the last 5 years.
GVPacker
December 17, 2017 at 08:48 pm
The Vikings could actually win the Super Bowl in their own stadium, good grief Bite My Tongue for even mentioning that!
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 09:19 pm
It won't happen. They ARE the Vikings. They'll find a way to Vikings-it-up.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 09:14 am
I'll believe Case Keenum is a SB winning QB when I see it.
Pack204
December 17, 2017 at 10:08 pm
I think overall you have to look at this team the past 7 years has struggled against any type of qb that is above average. It amazes me how a coordinator has been able to keep his job with this bad of a pass rush and the atrocities on third down.
Maybe its not all Capers fault or MM fault etc but there comes a point in time where sometimes you just need change in this business. A fresh voice at a minimum on the defensive side of the ball couldnt hurt. This team on D lacks killer instinct. They make it too easy always letting the opponent get that extra half yard instead of stoning them cold.
This organization exhibits the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. Status quo just wont get it done.
barutanseijin
December 17, 2017 at 11:14 pm
They just didn't have the horses this year. That's on Ted. The o-line moves were especially bad.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 09:18 am
Evans replacing Lang was not a very bad move at all. In terms of cap space/performance ratio, I think the Packers won that move. Maybe not quite as good play on the field but not exactly a huge drop, either.
It was a bad move to get Bakh and Bulaga hurt, for sure. And they compounded that bad move but making the move to get Murphy and Spriggs hurt. it was definitely a bad idea to need the 5th and 6th OTs so much. TT should not have made that move.
Doug Niemczynski
December 18, 2017 at 06:53 am
The rein of the Packers may be coming to an end...the vikings are becoming the top team...led by Case Keeenum...ha ha ha ha...And the Packers have Aaron Rogers.. wow...sad
lou
December 18, 2017 at 10:52 am
The one difference this year in reference to changing defensive co-ordinator is the fact that we did not make the playoffs and any reasonable person would expect that to red flag Caper's status and require McCarthy to either replace him or be pressed to explain in detail why he did not. Speaking of Situational Defense, here are the stats prior to the Panthers game, the are eye opening;
Situationally, Capers’ unit has been an unmitigated disaster and statistically speaking, there’s a clear case that it’s the worst situational defense in football.
Here’s the list of third-down defenses at the bottom of the league. Green Bay is in some pretty sorry company.
28. Oakland Raiders (43.8%)
29. Dallas Cowboys (43.9%)
30. Green Bay Packers (44.4%)
31. Indianapolis Colts (44.6%)
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (48.3%)
The Buccaneers and Raiders are the worst defenses in football by DVOA, and the Colts — who the Packers only barely edge out for second-worst in the league -- are a 3-10 disaster zone.
Green Bay is down there with the worst, most undisciplined defenses in the league.
Life isn’t any better in the red zone, where the Packers have been mucking it up in the cellar all season. Here’s the bottom of the league in points per red zone trip:
28. Washington Pro Team
29. Arizona Cardinals
30. Miami Dolphins
31. Cleveland Browns
32. Green Bay Packers
There’s only one common name on those two lists.
In other words, not only are the Packers the worst situational defense in the league, they’re easily the worst.
Doug Niemczynski
December 18, 2017 at 03:03 pm
Does Mike McCarthy still think past history shouldn't be based on the right decision in keeping Dom Capers?
Well because you kept Dom Capers MM you have just repeated insanity no difference no changes no different results so you get what you get! I'm so once again you reap what you sow and that's another losing season so we asked you once again Mike McCarthy are you keeping Don Capers for the 2018 season or do we have to get rid of you as well?
Finwiz
December 18, 2017 at 03:56 pm
I got news for ya Doug....MM isn't on CHTV looking for advice on what to do with Capers. You might as well be farting into the wind.
TKWorldWide
December 18, 2017 at 04:03 pm
Shades of Ron Wolf! Dilly dilly!