The Lass Word: Seriously, Can This Team Win a Super Bowl?

They'll have to do it with what they  have.   Help won't be coming for awhile.

The cavalry is not coming to the rescue.   B.J. Raji is not walking through that door.   Nor is Charles Woodson.   Or Nick Collins.   Jordy Nelson has hung up his spikes.   Tramon Williams plays for somebody else.   There is no secret weapon to unleash to push them over the top. 

Nope.   If the Green Bay Packers are going to make a run at the Super Bowl, they're going to have to do it with what they have.   Not just this year, but in 2021, and perhaps 2022 as well.   When the Packers made the decision to pay out elite money to Kenny Clark and David Bakhtiari, with one more costly deal likely still to come this season with Aaron Jones, they sent out a clear message:   We think we can win a Super Bowl with the players we have.

They're going to have to.   The trade deadline for this season has passed.   The only players left on the street are has-beens, injury prone, or attitude problems.

As for 2021, not only will there be no money to attract an impact free agent, but the team will have to either jettison or restructure several players to get under a reduced salary cap.   Yes, they will have a draft in the spring, but Green Bay will pick somewhere in the high 20's or low 30's (let's hope it's number 32).   It's hard to nail an immediate impact player that deep in the draft.   They are more likely to wind up with guys that will need time to develop, such as Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage.   They could try to trade high draft picks for an impact player.   The Buffalo Bills did that when they dealt a first rounder and three lower picks for receiver Stefon Diggs.   But that only creates a wider desert for the flow of new talent into the organization.   It would also go against Brian Gutekunst's DNA.   Gutey seems to favor drafting for future needs rather than immediate help.

So what you see is pretty much what you're going to get.   The nucleus of this team is going to stay the same for awhile.   So the question is begged:   Are the Packers, as currently constructed, good enough to win a Super Bowl?    There are arguments to be made both ways.   

 

Yes, They Are Good Enough To Win It All 

These Packers are 7-3 and in firm control of their division, despite a parade of injuries to key players.   They already have more than enough impact players.   They have a quarterback in the MVP conversation, a receiver and running back playing at an all pro level, a left tackle who already is all pro, and a cornerback who was recently ranked by si.com as the best in the league.  Elgton Jenkins seems destined for greatness.   Promising young players like MVS, Kamal Martin, Jace Sternberger and Robert Tonyan are getting better every game and could become key players by playoff time.

Of the remaining six games on their schedule, only one opponent currently has a winning record.   Four of those six games are at home.

This team has already shown it is capable of competing with, and beating other top teams in the league.   They whipped New Orleans in the Superdome, and should have beaten the Colts last Sunday had they not shot themselves in the foot with turnovers.     

As for next year,  you may not consider them impact players, but there is help coming.    Receiver Devin Funchess will return after opting out.   Promising H-back Josiah Deguara will have healed up from season-ending injury.   Running back A.J. Dillon will be ready to contribute.

The talent is here.   This team is close.   All that is needed is a little maturity and perhaps adjustment to defensive strategy.

 

No Way.   This Team Is Not Good Enough  

This team, as currently constructed, has weaknesses it cannot seem to correct.   Weaknesses that will be fatal in the playoffs.   Most noticeable is a general lack of physicality on defense.   In their three losses to Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Indianapolis, the Packers were manhandled in the trenches.   Trailing by 14 points at halftime last Sunday, the Colts came out and began the third quarter by running the ball down the Packers' throats eight times in a row.    The coaches have lost so much confidence in the O-line's ability to man up and block on short yardage, they have given up on running the ball on 3rd or 4th and 1.   

Kenny Clark is being paid elite money, yet the run defense is equally vulnerable with or without him.  It took him until the tenth game of the season to get his first sack.   The players around him are woefully lacking in their ability to get off blocks and plug up their gaps.   The secondary is often confused and doesn't seem to understand the strategy they are deploying.   

Aaron Rodgers' confidence and psyche are fragile.   He tends to force the ball to Davante Adams too often.   Special teams are a nightmare.   Opponents actually want the Packers to return kickoffs.   Short punts are causing them to lose the field position battle.

Having four of the last six at home doesn't matter because there are no fans, and, the Packers seem to play worse in adverse weather anyway.   Five of their last six against teams with non-winning records doesn't mean anything, because Green Bay plays to the level of its opposition, as witnessed by the letdowns against the Vikings and Jaguars. 

The talent is not here.   This team is only close because the division is weak..   And in salary cap hell it will only get worse next year.

 

So there you have it.   The cases for both ends of the debate.    Is this team good enough to win a Super Bowl?   Sure, it's possible.   The 2010 team was an unlikely prospect to go all the way, but they caught fire in the post season, winning three playoff games on the road..   Last year at this very point in the season Green Bay was annihilated by the 49ers 37-8, and everyone was calling them frauds and pretenders.   They went on to run the table in the last five games and advance to within one notch of the championship contest.   

Is it also possible for them to fail miserably?   Absolutely.   A loss to the Bears Sunday night throws the division back into contention.

So strap on your seat belt and enjoy the ride down the home stretch.   Knowing the Packers, it won't be for the faint of heart.

 

OUTTAKES

•  I loved the snapshot of Robert Tonyan doing shoulder bumps with Matt LaFleur after Tonyan's TD catch in the first quarter.   The players really seem to love this coach.

•  All you need to know about the Packers defensive line is that Colts QB Jacoby Brissett lined up under center on 3rd and 1 and gained 8 yards on a quarterback sneak.

•  I honestly think I am more confident with the Packers offense facing a third and five, than I am facing 3rd and 1.

•  It does make a difference whom the Bears start at quarterback Sunday night.   I hope they start Foles.   Trubisky can hurt you with his legs.   Foles not so much.

•  You can tell the league and the TV networks want to exploit the whole "Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field" legend.   Why else schedule the Carolina game as a night contest in the middle of December?   They want the snow, the foggy breath, the steam coming off bald heads.   Come to think of it, so do I.

•  On this Thanksgiving Day, one of the things I am thankful for is that we have football at all.   It was, and remains, touch and go.   Hope you and yours have a great holiday weekend, and that it ends with a Packers victory.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
9 points
 

Comments (71)

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

November 26, 2020 at 03:33 pm

Yes, it's possible, but not probable with this defense playing so soft. The offense is almost good enough to overcome this defense, but eventually the dice will roll requiring a defense at some point in the playoffs vs a quality opponent.

9 points
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stockholder's picture

November 26, 2020 at 03:58 pm

But who do you blame? B. GUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7 points
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blacke00's picture

November 27, 2020 at 05:43 am

Totally agree

3 points
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joejetson's picture

November 26, 2020 at 04:31 pm

The defense, as is the case every year, is this team's weak link. Inability to stop the run hurts them in two ways: 1. They wear down while giving up points on long drives 2. It keeps Rodgers and the offense from scoring , and whatever momentum the offense builds evaporates while they sit on the sidelines as the defense gives up long drives.

8 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 26, 2020 at 07:41 pm

So then let’s spend more money on defense than offense.

-3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 26, 2020 at 07:41 pm

So then let’s spend more money on defense than offense.

-2 points
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gkarl's picture

November 27, 2020 at 10:45 am

The defence gets its share of the $$$, Smith's and KC. They also have gotten most of the draft capital until this year. I don't think its total a personnel issue or a lack of spending on that side of the ball.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 27, 2020 at 02:00 pm

No. Rodgers, Adams, and Bakhtiari make more together than the entire defense combined.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 11:35 am

The writing was on the wall when Gutedkunst extended Lowry and signified a comfortable acceptance of mediocrity. Montravious has shown nothing in now his fourth year on the squad. Daniels was jettisoned with no replacement. Pettine needs a shrink with his obsession with big play prevent defense, forgetting they have a new and pricey defensive backfield in place. on and on, etc. etc.

2 points
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Lphill's picture

November 26, 2020 at 04:32 pm

Unfortunately no , not with this defense and special teams, I think its not a personnel issue i think its coaching, this offense yes absolutely.

8 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 26, 2020 at 04:54 pm

One playoff game and a BIG maybe 2! Defense is way, way to weak and a major catastrophe as of now!

6 points
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cheesehead1's picture

November 26, 2020 at 05:00 pm

With the play of our D up to this point, then no. Stranger things have happened but Pettines D doesn’t inspire much optimism. Sure hope I’m wrong.

7 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 27, 2020 at 02:03 pm

Over the las 15 years, the Super Bowl champion usually has a scoring defense in the top ten, but there have been exceptions. Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, and Drew Brees have all succeeded with defenses no better than the one we have now.

0 points
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Lare's picture

November 26, 2020 at 05:23 pm

Bad Special Teams and a defense that can't stop the run. That doesn't win Super Bowls.

Oh well, maybe next year.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 27, 2020 at 11:23 am

Actually, you should look at what KC did last year before you say that.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 11:47 am

They traded for Frank Clark, signed Honey Badger and Breeland as a free agents , picked up Pennel when they were getting gashed by the run game after B.G. let him walk out the door. They draft speed at their skilled positions and use a Fullback. Their D did enough to shut down the 49rs in the second half of the SB playing four man fronts and letting their LBs play downhill.

5 points
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dobber's picture

November 29, 2020 at 09:43 am

Mike Pennel walked a full year before BG became GM.

0 points
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Demon's picture

November 26, 2020 at 05:36 pm

I dont believe anyone who knows football can believe that this D is capable of winning a superbowl.

The offense could be good enough but the D and STs will once again break the heart of every Packers fan like they have pretty much every year since 2010.

Why would we expect anything to be different than last year? The same coaches, mostly the same players. Are we supposed to hope that the rest of the NFL got worse? That doesnt sound like a very good business plan.

I only hope that MLF doesnt have the same unexplainable love affair that MM had with his asst coaches. The DC and STs coach specifically need to go. Put me in the group who think Pettine shouldnt be allowed to finish the season.

16 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 27, 2020 at 11:27 am

KC won with the #25 rush defense last season. I guess Andy Reid doesn’t know football.

-1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 26, 2020 at 06:21 pm

It appears to me that GB is going to put out there a pretty good team and hope lightning strikes in 2020 and probably 2021. One never knows: the team could get a gem or two even late in the draft. I note that GB signed a 350 pound NT off of the Bears. He doesn't have to be Ngata after all.

9 points
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Demon's picture

November 26, 2020 at 06:41 pm

I saw that too TGR. Remember about 6 weeks ago when all Packerland was buzzing when Gute signed some big behemouth NT, only to release him before the next game?

Ill try to curb my enthusiasm until he plays in a game.

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

November 26, 2020 at 07:58 pm

Actually, things look too murky after this season to make any kind of predictions. What will the defensive and ST coaching staff look like, and what kind of rebuilding is in store? How will the defensive needs be prioritized the FO's mind? What will the RB situation look like, and if A. Jones isn't resigned, how will the entire offense make up for his absence? Since our most recent second and third round picks have played sparingly, who knows how effective and durable they will turn out to be? Like the author said, we pretty much know what we've got this season, but beyond that, much is yet to be determined.

3 points
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flackcatcher's picture

November 26, 2020 at 08:01 pm

Agree TGR. As we saw what happen today, covid stills effects league wide. As for the Packers in this season, it will depend on how healthy this team is as a whole, and as we see the return of both JK Scott and ErvIn to health in special teams and for MLF the offense. The lack of a healthy FB and or H-Back is crippling this offense. But surprisingly, not having ErvIn in the slot strips this scheme of a lot of its deception. And as Gute has done before, he quickly moves to fill a weakness when he finds a player who fits the Packers needs. Will it be enough, we'll just have to let the season play out and see.

5 points
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canadapacker's picture

November 26, 2020 at 06:43 pm

Yes they can - yes they can - But will they - only if a bunch of things fall into place - including KC getting beat early maybe by the Dallas/Phillie/ Washington under ,500 NFC winner. Only 1 team getting a bye and the Pack playing the Saints in the Conference final - the aints always find a way of losing or getting hosed.

2 points
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fastmoving's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:46 am

What did I miss.....how can KC get beat by an NFC team early??? Did the Wig change the playoff format by supreme court ruling, so his Cowboy Buddy can win the SB with an 4 to 12 regular season record....??

2 points
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canadapacker's picture

November 28, 2020 at 03:06 pm

Sorry my bad - makes me feel a little better- might have a better chance as- the Rams Shawks Tampa and NO - we can play with them all if the D shows up - hard to match up against KC or even Raiders

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 26, 2020 at 07:43 pm

Yes, but the offense has to play like a top offense. That’s where we’ve spent the money.

-5 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 26, 2020 at 09:10 pm

"Of the remaining six games on their schedule, only one opponent currently has a winning record."

Chicago and Tenn have winning records.

I wouldn't boast about that even if was true, because it doesn't bolster the resume record or instill the confidence you sought here.

The Packers season as you figure, means GB will have played 5 teams with winning records this season, and to date they are 1-2 and a loss Sunday to Chi (5-4) will make them 1-3,and another loss to Tenn (very possible) will make them 1-4. That doesn't bode well for any great vibes of winning one playoff game, unless they're lucky enough to get the wild card team that comes in under .500, though not likely as that goes to the top team.

Unless this team suddenly decides it CAN take a punch, there are too many teams that can punch them twice and that is too much to expect from GB, when enduring one appears far away and unlikely. Let's see how they handle Chicago's defense and how much GB's won't be against the 'who's the QB' offense. Remember, the Bears have a winning record and doesn't quite fit the GB need for a win.

2 points
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KenLass's picture

November 26, 2020 at 10:07 pm

Chicago is 5-5. Not a winning record.

2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 27, 2020 at 12:21 am

When GB played NO they were 1-1, so they didn't have a winning record either, therefore, GB hasn't beat any team with a winning record.

1 points
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Dzehren's picture

November 27, 2020 at 01:08 am

Troll.

-1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:29 am

How original. Am I expected to feel hurt. That crap is still the dumbest attempt at an insult ever, unless you're an 6 year old.

0 points
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Dzehren's picture

November 30, 2020 at 12:21 am

No, just simply think your a self loathing, narcissist, Packer hater, Araon Rodgers hating troll who would be better served on the Vikings message boards. Sad your so Jealous of AROD’s success.

That’s all. Go Pack Go.

-1 points
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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

November 27, 2020 at 03:27 am

Don't confuse Taryn by citing facts.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:32 am

.500 isn't a losing record. Fact.

-2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:00 am

I would have sworn you half-full glass types would consider a .500 team a winner. I'm accused of being negative and yet I'm the one seeing the positive. It must be a selective thing with many here.

-3 points
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TheVOR's picture

November 27, 2020 at 10:55 am

Remember 2011? Most prolific offense in the history of the NFL, and that horrific defense? This team's offense isn't as good. This teams exit from the playoffs, assuming they cripple in, will be faster than Walt Flanders Dog Yo!

It's difficult having been around this game for a lifetime, and knowing what a champion looks like, and knowing this team isn't it..

2 points
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Since'61's picture

November 26, 2020 at 11:35 pm

The defense is not good enough to win the SB or even good enough to get us there. First, the tackling needs to improve significantly. Secondly, they need some mental toughness, a leader on the field who they can rally around and they need to play much more aggressively. The soft play gives away first downs and score too easily. It’s frustrating because the Packers have used many of their top picks on defense over the last several seasons before 2020 and we don’t have much to show for it except Clark and Alexander.

Offense can score on anyone. They still need work on short yardage and goal line. I’m not sure why that is after 10 games. But the offense is very potent.

STs are a mess except for Mason Crosby. Our KO and punt return game is non-existent. Our coverage is inconsistent at best.

The team plays like Rodgers will find a way to win during the regular season and once we make the playoffs we’ll just flip a switch and play better in defense. That’s never worked.

As for the 2010 team, that team had a much better defense including Woodson, CM3 in his prime, BJ Raji, Nick Collins and Pickett. We don’t have 5 defenders like those on the current roster. The defense teases us with some nice plays on first or second down and then gives it all up on 3rd and long. Or allows a QB to gain 8 yards on a QB sneak.

Anything can happen. The defense can improve, but as of this time the Packers do not have a championship defense.
Thanks, Since ‘61

13 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:55 am

They also had Cullen Jenkins, Sam Shields and Desmond Bishop on that defense as well, if I recall.
We've never come close to fielding a defense like that since unfortunately.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

November 27, 2020 at 10:09 am

Excellent point about Jenkins 13Times. I should have included him as well. Also we had Shields and Tramon as our CBS. Just a better defense at every level.

We’re no where near that quality of defense now.

Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 11:58 am

Low-Balling Jenkins contributed to the 2011 malaise on the D.

3 points
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Since'61's picture

November 27, 2020 at 01:16 pm

Agree 100%. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 27, 2020 at 03:32 pm

I agree. I see people on here complaining all the time about letting Hyde and Heyward move on. To be honest, those moves made sense at the time. No one could have predicted Heyward would be a Pro Bowler after his last two years in GB. He had one good year here. And Hyde was a nice player here, but nothing special to be honest. You can't keep everyone.

The one that stills puzzles me though was Cullen Jenkins. He was a very good player for us and still had quite a few productive years left. Our defense has never been quite the same.

0 points
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splitpea1's picture

November 27, 2020 at 04:05 pm

Jenkins had a bit of an injury history when his contract came up again, but still, he was a screaming bargain and DEFINITELY should have been re-signed.

-1 points
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Since'61's picture

November 27, 2020 at 05:58 pm

We lost Jenkins, Bishop, Collins and Woodson during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Agree, the defense had never recovered.
Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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gkarl's picture

November 27, 2020 at 10:57 am

We also had AR on a bargain contract at the time and just coming into to own. Much easier to build a defence when your QB doesn't take such a large % of the cap space.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 06:01 pm

Walsh won Super Bowls with Rookie starters on two separate occasions. The Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson defensive backfield and picking Stubblefield and Bryant with the high picks to shore up his run defense after being gashed the previous year. What does Packertown do?

0 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 27, 2020 at 03:34 pm

The salary cap didn't start until 1994. Totally unfair comparison.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 06:05 pm

It's all relative. Montana and Rice commanded high salaries and the point being made was that rookies can contribute right away to winning. It doesn't take a three-year training program to produce results, just drafting good football players.

3 points
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Rebecca's picture

November 28, 2020 at 01:03 pm

You're right and finally someone is saying it:"It doesn't take a three-year training program to produce results, just drafting good football players. I still can't grasp why a guy like MV-S has trouble catching a football more than half of the time. Even rookie contracts are 6x more than a lot of us would ever dream of making yet he needs years to gain his confidence in a career he's been dreaming of and training for. Draft good players and they will become professionals.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 30, 2020 at 02:38 pm

Since 61....

As I’ve pointed out elsewhere, most of the time Super Bowl winners have a Top Ten scoring defense.

But not always. Joe Flacco, Eli Manning, and Drew Brees all won Super Bowls with scoring defenses no better than ours. So I don’t think your opening statement is true.

Similarly, I disagree with your assessment of our special teams as “a mess”.. As I’ve mentioned many times before, why would you pay $40 million for Rodgers and Adams just to allow a bunch of UDFA rookies a chance to mess it up? By my count, we’ve had two bad plays by special teams this year......the punt return and the fumbled kickoff (which contributed to a loss. Other than that, they’ve gotten the job done despite injuries to Scott and Crosby.

If the offense plays to their ability, we can hang with anyone.

As an aside, footballoutsiders.com thinks the only NFC team with a better chance of winning the Super Bowl is New Orleans......who we beat in their own home.

Pessimism doesn’t fit you well, Since 61. You’re usually a pretty balanced guy, IMO.

-1 points
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Starrbrite's picture

November 26, 2020 at 11:46 pm

Is it lip service, window dressing, or is Gutey making legitimate efforts to address critical team needs. I ‘m beginning to lose confidence after most attempts such as Harrison, Fuller, K. Mack, the D-Lineman from the Giants and perhaps others have left us wondering what might have been—seems like thanks for nothing . Reminds me of TT failing to sign Marshawn Lynch, Randy Moss, and a host of others. I’m losing faith Gutey....

3 points
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Dzehren's picture

November 27, 2020 at 07:29 pm

Understatement. Help won’t be coming from BG’s lackluster 2020 draft picks.

#1 Pick QB Love 3rd string QB.
#2 Pick RB Dillon 3rd string RB. apparently a 245 pound RB supposedly can’t block or pick up the blitz? Regulated to bench?? NFL standard for RB’s drafted in 1st, 2nd or 3rd round are immediate plug & play contributors day 1.
#3 Pick FB Deguara relegated to IR. Did BG really draft a FB in the 3rd rd? There were 4 WR’s & 3 NT’s/ DT on the board at this point.

Have to go all the way to the 4th round to get any impact whatsoever in ILB prospect Kumal Martin. He looks like a good selection. Jon Runyon as well.

Yes we need to wait 3 years to evaluate the draft.

Tell that to Aaron Rodgers.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

November 30, 2020 at 02:57 pm

Kamal Martin was the player most responsible for the long run early. He was unblocked and just vacated his gap.

And who in the NFC had a better first three rounds in the draft? Chicago? Minnesota? Detroit? Dallas? Seattle?

Who?

The draft is about the future, and in the near future Love, Dillon, and Deguara will be helping this team quite a bit. Maybe you’d like it better if we were a crappy team that needed rookies to make big contributions.

0 points
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PAPackerbacker's picture

November 27, 2020 at 12:42 am

Defense wins championships and the Packers have shown all season that they can't stop the run. The offense is capable of scoring anywhere at anytime. But the defense just can't keep the opponents from scoring. And there's no help with the special teams either. They are good enough to make the playoffs but without a strong defense they will not advance to a Super Bowl. It takes a total team effort on both sides of the ball and total commitment to play a full 60 minutes, not just for a quarter or a half. This is what championship teams do. The Packers need a lot of defensive help before they can advance to an elite team that is capable of winning a Super Bowl. Picking 3rd string players in the draft is not getting it done.

7 points
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bjkdad44's picture

November 27, 2020 at 10:14 am

Hey there! That's my name you use! lol... But... I do agree with you 100%!

1 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

November 27, 2020 at 06:35 am

You hit the nail on the head.
THIS DEFENSE IS SOFT.
We need some damn physicality. Always.

We did try to obtain Snacks Harrison.
I always thought it was weird Ted Thompson personality to blame for not being able to sell prospects on our team. We are always Super Bowl contenders with Rodgers so seems an easy sell (aside from the $ factor)

Perhaps the bruthaz just don't want to live up there in the predominantly white village. Don't scoff: Charles Woodson felt like that before our $$ got him to come in 2006.

We need some legitimate defensive linemen. We have one only. Kirkseys no thumper either. Kamal Martin maybe but A) he needs to stay healthy, B) he has a lot to learn, C) he could use 10-15 more pounds of muscle.
Also, Pettine has had enough time.....he used to get results. Now....Capers looks better somehow.
Bring in Mike Ditka & get some meanness on defense.

4 points
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fastmoving's picture

November 27, 2020 at 01:46 pm

The Bears still suck and Ditka with them big time.
Got lucky one time with a strong team. Thats about it......
No Packer People, at least in my mind

1 points
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Dragon5's picture

November 27, 2020 at 07:13 am

In 2017, Ray Lewis (cat) was looking into coaching. He fortunately did not pursue as 2017 was his enemy year (rooster).
Coaching experience be damned, let's face the fact that Pettine (horse) is having a real tuff go in his enemy year (rat) that likely gets him sh!tcanned. At minimum, the LB coach opening will be there and I'd take a chance on an influencer, that, like a tide, raises all boats over an established coaching resume. At coordinator level, defensive FAs would flock to GB for a chance to play for a leader of men. "Build it, and they will come." To address the zero coaching experience argument, I'd counter he has a 17 year HOF resume coaching a defense in real-time.

0 points
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dobber's picture

November 27, 2020 at 09:23 am

It all begins on Sunday with a Bears team coming off the bye and needing a win to stay in the hunt. Akiem Hicks and Nick Foles have logged two DNPs in practice this week. Hicks would be a huge blow for that defense...he makes a huge difference in a front 7 that can be had on the ground. Packers need to threaten the Bears with the run game. If Foles doesn't play, though, I think Trubisky will make an offense that lacks for dynamic pieces a little less predictable.

I'm a little encouraged by the Packers bringing in Anthony Rush. He's a huge dude who plays primarily NT, according to scouting reports. If they give him some snaps, it might allow them to get Clark some DE snaps and some rest. I suspect he's more of an attempt to get some inside info on the Bears and their game-planning. Supposedly the Packers have worked out Tavon Austin--he's another guy who fits the Tyler Ervin role (speed guy, more runner than receiver, good returner). If they bring him in, it likely means the end of Darius Shepherd on the 53.

I've said it before: the Packers are who they are at this point. Pettine needs to lean on a good secondary and get his front 7 playing more downhill and forcing the issue at the LOS--especially if Foles plays. We saw more of that in the first half against Indy, but they went away from it. Get pressure through the interior gaps and force Foles/Trubisky to make mental errors. Sure they might give up some big plays, but they're likely to generate some big plays from mistake-prone players, too. Packers need to find a way to start dictating play with their defense.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 27, 2020 at 10:55 am

You comment that Packers “are who they are at this point.” While that’s true in terms of the overall roster in large part, there are some tweaks that can make a big difference.

Trayvon Austin to provide a backup to Ervin is attractive primarily because he has worked with LaFleur in the offensive role. That makes us better on O since Ervin is proving to be susceptible to injury. I have doubts as to how far it helps on ST, because of the excitable blocking of late.

Signing a big man who can play helps but only if Pettine plays him and what evidence do we have that he will? He resists playing Winn already. I see they are having a couple more DTs in with Austin. If this signals a change of approach to the use of the front 7 then maybe we aren’t what we are.

At this point we are what we are coached to be. Without overlooking short down run issues on the offense, the area of focus is the D. We have suffered from a play off, bend but don’t break mentality that includes a light D line and light ILB group. To me that has lead to mid use of OLBs. Pettine refuses to play Gary anywhere close to as often as the Smiths, avoids Winn for Lowry and prefers 1 ILB nickel and our CBS playing with a cushion despite their competence in man. This, to me, is the epitome of defensive defense. That’s an attitude compounded by the lack of swarm, which I think is in part due to the reactive role of many in this D. The rest is attitude from the coaches.

Thus I think the statement would be better phrased as “we are who we are if we continue to use our players as we are.” This team can get better if we become more aggressive on D, if we change our mind set and if we trust our DBs. Doing so will allow more run appropriate personnel in the front 7. That in turn should help force more passes and fee up players to focus on the rush not a dual role. That takes us back to what Pettine claimed this D was designed to do: disrupt, pressure, throw off.

At this point LaFleur either has to tell Pettine very clearly that this is how we are going to play, that risks are acceptable if we can recover possession more frequently. If Pettine is unable to comply then he is better removed. In my view, only by making this type of change can the D as currently made up cease to be an Achilles heel.

So, really, it’s on LaFleur and Pettine whether this D can be a contributor sufficient to give our O a chance to win in the playoffs. Roster tweaks at the margins may help a little. ST performance would also help (no miracle cure there I fear). At present, our O can be stymied enough by better teams that our D has to get the ball back more often even when the other team has a half decent RB.

Outside of a vast amount of luck in matchups and opponents health, or just simple luck on game days, the difference between us now and us as a true contender lies starts with Pettine and LaFleur in my view. LaFleur is facing his first significant test of his ability to lead and perform as a HC in making his team better beyond Xs and Os. Can he do it? It’s clear Pettine can’t on his own.

Tough choices await, but this team can be real if LaFleur can take control and impose his will. More post game laments and more of the same on the field won’t cut it and should raise real questions about him as a coach. Hopefully, he has learned and the penny has dropped. Chicago should be a good test despite their poor O.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 12:09 pm

If Le Fleur wanted to impose his will, Pettine would have been gone day one after the NFCCH debacle in Santa Clara.

3 points
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Rebecca's picture

November 27, 2020 at 05:59 pm

Maybe I'm wrong but when the Pack is on defense and the tv shot is of Coach Pettine, I see a guy is still wondering what went wrong on the previous play. He has a concerned and bewildered look on his face that tells me he's playing fantasy football. The defense does not play as a unit very often if at all, and that is on the coaching. When I see the Bucs defense, and even the Bears most of the time, I see defenses that are serious and on point. I haven't seen much of that from a Packer defense for awhile. I hope Rodgers is happy and calm Sunday.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 27, 2020 at 06:35 pm

Those teams have better LBs and play 4 man fronts.

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dobber's picture

November 27, 2020 at 07:16 pm

Tampa plays a 4-3, but the Bears play a 3-4.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 27, 2020 at 07:19 pm

Perhaps adjustment to defensive strategy? lmao. That's about as mild a way to put it, but most of all, delusional

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flackcatcher's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:04 pm

Pettine has adjusted over the last 5 or so games. Going from a sub package of 2-5 to more 3-4 and his base package of 3-5. While there has been a bit more outcry among the CHTV folks here, Pettine's defense has done the job and kept the Packers in position to win. I would suggest that some here need to cast a bigger net in watching how defenses are playing league wide. Pettine's defense is well in the upper half of containing offensives. And to blunt, no defense in this league is good week in and out. It makes for high scores, but bad football overall. The Packers are going to be facing a real good defense in the Bears. Who are 5-5. With an offensive line who can't keep their QB clean or healthy. That's what happens when one puts their eggs all in one basket. I worry more about the Packers' offense at this point in the season. Can the MLF and Hackett break the creative drought they have been in, and can they get Rodgers to commit a little more to the run game in the second half. Well, we'll find out on Sunday night.

-1 points
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TXCHEESE's picture

November 27, 2020 at 08:23 pm

Run defense is 90% mentality. Tackling is 90% mentality. Until players are seriously called out in film sessions in front of their teammates nothing will change with this defense. Talent is not the issue. Desire to whip the bastard’s ass across from you is the issue. Don’t know how many watched the Washington/Dallas game, but there was a marked difference between the defenses regarding who wanted to tackle and who didn’t, and I don’t think it had ANYTHING to do with pad level. Wonder how much money it would take to entice Del Rio to come to GB to run the defense.

3 points
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flackcatcher's picture

November 27, 2020 at 11:53 pm

Dallas wasn't there mentally. Second time McCarthy has had to deal with a death in the family situation. No win for him no matter what he did. Play and move on to next week, that's about all MM could do.

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Maxswag's picture

January 28, 2021 at 09:22 pm

Its definitely a mental game!

http://www.landsurveypasadena.com

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kevintaylor78's picture

February 11, 2021 at 11:43 am

Super Bowl is awesome!!!

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