The Lass Word: Packers Could Start Hot
Early schedule may help young Pack.
By KenLass
Trying to gauge the difficulty of an NFL schedule will drive you nuts. There is so much change among teams in the NFL from year to year. Take the Packers 2022 schedule for example. Being defending champions of the NFC North, the Pack had to play a first place schedule, which called for games against the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys, and Tom Brady and the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Bucs.
Those looked like three very difficult games going in, but as it turned out, all three of those teams under achieved and the Packers went 3-0 against them. By contrast, the NFC East was also on the schedule. Besides Dallas, the Giants, Eagles and Commanders figured to be beatable. However, the East turned out to be arguably the best division in football, sending three of its four teams to the playoffs, including the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Nobody thought Green Bay was going to beat the Miami Dolphins in Miami. Nobody thought the Packers would lose to the lowly Jets at Lambeau Field. Yet both happened. Green Bay was a solid eight point favorite over the Giants in London. You know how that turned out.
So anytime you try to write a prediction article based on the schedule, you do so with much trepidation. Nevertheless, I can’t help looking at Green Bay’s 2023 docket and feeling excited about the first half of the season. After playing a division champion schedule the last three seasons, this year it will be a third place itinerary. The Packers first six opponents are the Bears, Falcons, Saints, Lions, Raiders and Broncos.
Not a single one of those teams made the playoffs last year. In fact, the only one of them finishing with a winning record was Detroit at 9-8. The combined record of those six opponents last year was 37-65. Every one of those teams would seem to be beatable. If this young Packers team jells early on, it’s not out of the realm of possibility they could start 6-0. Can you imagine that? They would be the talk of the league.
But let’s try to stay grounded here. The Bears could be improved with new weapons around quarterback Justin Fields. They will be opening the season at home against their archrivals. They will be incredibly pumped up, thinking the Pack, without Aaron Rodgers, is suddenly vulnerable.
The Falcons have added rookie all-world running back Bijan Robinson. Desmond Ridder has a year’s experience under his belt. The Saints have upgraded at quarterback with Derek Carr now under center. The Lions are the darlings of the offseason, picked by many to win the division. The Broncos feel new coach Sean Payton will have Russell Wilson playing back to his Hall of Fame standards again.
And it’s certainly not as though the Packers don’t have their own question marks as we plunge into Week One. In light of all these variables, venturing a prediction is a fool’s pursuit. But what the heck. We’re fans, right? We have the luxury and the pleasure of making bold prognostications. So here are mine:
I see Green Bay going 4-2 in those first six games. I think they beat the Bears on Sunday, then suffer a letdown and lose to the Falcons in week two. They get all pumped up for their home opener against the Saints and win that game, then lose to the Lions. They rebound to edge the Raiders and the Broncos.
After that, the schedule gets more difficult. Their next seven opponents are the Vikings, Rams, Steelers, Chargers, Lions, Chiefs and Giants. I see wins over the Rams and Steelers out of that stretch, but not much more. That would put them at 6-7 heading into a home stretch that will find them playing the Bucs, Panthers, Vikings and Bears. They will win three of those last four, likely losing in Minnesota.
That would give them a final regular season record of 9-8. Will that be good enough to be competitive for a wild card? In the wide open NFC, absolutely. Shoot, it may even be good enough to challenge for the division title.
Of course, the great unknown in any scenario is always injuries. Not only those to come, but recovery from those that have already happened. If Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs can’t shake their hamstring problems, the offense will have a very hard time moving the ball, with defenses ganging up to stop the run. Will Rashan Gary and Eric Stokes approach their peak form this season? Bakhtiari’s health is always a concern. How serious is De’Vondre Campbell’s situation? If the injury gods smile benevolently on all of these players, the Packers are going to be a handful for everyone on their schedule.
For the first time in recent memory, I go into a season with high hopes but low expectations. I freely admit I have no idea how this fascinating year will pan out. But if you want a prediction, I’m going with 9-8. Let’s just enjoy the ride.
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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 (85)
Leatherhead
September 07, 2023 at 03:07 pm
I've said all along that we could start 3-0 before we play the Lions on a short week. A win there gives us a two game lead over them with 13 to go (assuming they lose tonight to the Chiefs). A 4-0 start pretty much guarantees we'll make the playoffs. This could be over early.
The opportunity is there for this team. They can prove they can win without Rodgers. Love can prove he's a good starting QB. LaFleur can prove he didnt ride anybody's coattails. Gutekunst can prove that he knew what he was doing all along. All they have to do is win the division, and that's doable, starting with this very first game.
BearAttack
September 07, 2023 at 07:17 pm
Let's see if you get past week 1.
Oppy
September 07, 2023 at 08:49 pm
Don't let the downvotes bother you, brother! The truth they don't want to hear is IN THE TAPE! No denying the Justin Fields breakdown!
https://youtu.be/dUMKT-wakXY?si=Ow0bYWXw9SLg09vd
Leatherhead
September 08, 2023 at 12:30 am
I got more downvotes for saying we’d win than he did for saying we might not.
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 05:40 am
THere's bears fans like this guy- you expect that before a rivalry game- but then there's the so-called Packers fans who actively root for the Packers to struggle or fail. I'll never understand them.. but in the nature of rivalry, I'll always enjoy poking, prodding, and mocking them :)
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 08, 2023 at 12:26 pm
Not rooting for them to struggle or fail, but they are an extremely young offense. They may be starting WRs and TEs who have never played a snap in the league, and a QB who has started one game. Da' Bearz added a lot of talent to their team this offseason. Ryan Poles is no Ryan Pace in his years of mediocrity. They added talent in the draft and some key free agents on the o-line, defense and at WR. Just saying that GB may well struggle out of the gate. Our defensive line is all pretty untested other than Kenny Clark. At this point it is all potential. They may have looked good in practice and preseason, but we've seen that before when it didn't translate to the regular season. Just trying to be reasonable.
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 05:37 pm
I don't disagree with what you're saying, but I'd implore you to watch the video I posted above. Justin Fields is no kinda starting QB. He's a running back.
CheesePuff
September 08, 2023 at 09:33 am
Er, Detroit schooled the Chiefs last night. They looked damn good, and Campbell's looking like a solid coach. That's a fast start. Lets see if LaFluer's team can handle the mighty Bears Sunday. Concerned about the 'hammy' bug afflicting the Pack's receivers. But, hey, the Pack's undefeated so far, so anything is possible! GPG!!!!
coolhand
September 08, 2023 at 11:07 am
I thought Detroit did play good, but I thought they were beatable. If it weren't for the dropped passes by KC they should have won that game.
Leatherhead
September 08, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Jeese, Cheese.......this was a one point game that swung on one play.....the pick six.
How many points did the Lions put on the board? 21?. And that includes the 7 from the defense so the offense put 14 points on the board.
The Lions offense put 14 points on the board, but they didn't turn it over and on this day, that was good enough. I wouldn't say they looked damn good, but they didn't beat themselves. In fact, with 5:07 remaining, I reminded some people that the Lions still had over 5 minutes to find a way to lose this game, frequently in some hilarious manner, like a Hail Mary or a 63 yard FG . And the first thing they do is take a procedure penalty to start with first and 15. I've seen this story 100 times. Despite themselves, they managed to hang on. I give them credit, but I kept seeing KC with the ball and a chance and they couldn't do it, at home.
School will be in session in less than 3 weeks when Detroit visits for a Thursday game.
10ve 💚
September 07, 2023 at 03:48 pm
I'm going with 11-6
But I'll take 9-8 if that is what we get 😊
crayzpackfan
September 07, 2023 at 03:51 pm
Yes! Way too many variables. There are always the worst to first teams and the reverse of that. there are always injuries. There are stud rookies who don't make the year two jump. Does JB become a better DC. Yes! Way too many variables. With that said, I'm gonna do an if all things being equal prediction cuz I am not stupid enough or brave enough to consider the variables.
at Chicago Bears - Win
at Atlanta Falcons - Loss
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - Win
DETROIT LIONS - Win
at Las Vegas Raiders - Win
Oct. 15 BYE
at Denver Broncos - Upset Loss
MINNESOTA VIKINGS - Win
LOS ANGELES RAMS - Win
at Pittsburgh Steelers - Loss
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS _ Loss
at Detroit Lions 11:30 - Loss
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - Loss
at New York Giants - Win
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - Win
at Carolina Panthers - Win
at Minnesota Vikings - Loss
CHICAGO BEARS - Win
10-7
Hopefully I'm right and Hopefully I'm wrong, Ya know?
ImaPayne
September 07, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Wow what optimism. Dont ever give it up. Even when your dead wrong. at the end of the year admit you were wrong
LLCHESTY
September 08, 2023 at 11:29 am
And you keep wearing that Purple.
Johnblood27
September 07, 2023 at 03:54 pm
Do you really think that the Packers are going to get swept by the viqueens???
No freakin way man!
You dont think GB is better than the NY football Giants? GB handles them easily.
10 wins minimum.
You heard it here first, this GB team will surprise many - but not ME!
TarynsEyes
September 07, 2023 at 03:58 pm
Let's look at this schedule from the QB matchup in game order, and ask who is better.
1) Fields or Love?.
At the moment, Fields based on games played.
2) Ridder or Love?
A toss up, but Ridder is home.
3) Carr or Love?
Don't even suggest it.
4) Geoff or Love?
Repeat the above #3
5) Garoppolo or Love?
If he's healthy, Jimmy G.
6) The Bye or Love?
It may be a legit question after 5 games.
7) Wilson or Love?
Last year Wilson, maybe.
8) Cousins or Love?
Unless it's a prime time game.
9) Stafford or Love?
If the Rams suck.
10) Pickett or Love?
Lean Pickett,
11) Herbert or Love?
Again, don't even.
12) Geoff or Love?
Refer to previous.
13) Mahomes or Love?
LOL
14) Daniels or Love?
Lean Daniels.
15)Mayfield/Trask or Love?
Love, he better be.
16)Young or Love?
Should know more at game time.
17) Cousins or Love?
Same as before, unless things changed during the season.
18) Fields or Love?
Who won 1st game.
Based on the QB matchups 'ONLY', where in the heck does anyone see double-digit wins, less reaching 7-8?
Let's be honest with this, or as close to it as possible. Leave the homer-ism out.
jont
September 07, 2023 at 04:14 pm
It's a team game.
TarynsEyes
September 07, 2023 at 04:27 pm
Yes it is, but matchups are a very important part. You can do QB, HC, OC, DC, Offense, Defense, position, and each will give an advantage to a team. But it all starts with matchups.
I didn't say they can't win double-digit wins, I said based on the QB matchup, I don't see it. Of course, other matchups might make it more of a possibility, but even then, I can't give GB a win on many of those matchups.
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 08, 2023 at 02:28 pm
Not sure how you see Fields as better than Love, when Fields has gone 5-20 in his NFL career with a career completion percentage under 60%.
crayzpackfan
September 07, 2023 at 04:15 pm
I appreciate where you are going with this in terms of matching up QB vs QB. However, lets look at QB vs His opponents defense? That might be more useful. I don't see any of our opposition's QB's playing defense. Nor do I see Love playing DB.
TarynsEyes
September 07, 2023 at 04:29 pm
"I don't see any of our opposition's QB's playing defense. Nor do I see Love playing DB."
QBs do play Defense by proxy.
13TimeChamps
September 07, 2023 at 05:14 pm
Your first example basically disqualifies this argument. You're picking Chicago because Fields has more game experience and nothing else. Using that logic we should lose every game except Carolina, which will present the only scenario where Love will have more experience.
It's a beyond silly outlook on the season. And it's Goff, not Geoff.
TarynsEyes
September 07, 2023 at 05:53 pm
"Using that logic, we should lose every game except Carolina, which will present the only scenario where Love will have more experience."
I'm not using that logic, but you're implying such, I said I don't see double-digit wins based on the matchups, not a winless season.
CanPackFan
September 07, 2023 at 06:58 pm
Boy, while this a QB centric league now, I'd hate to think that each QB paper match up would heavily determine who wins? Home field advantage, injuries, rookie mistakes are all uncontrolled variables at this point. But I do agree that sometimes we GB fans can be "over hyped" at the start of the season.
Look at our game 1 - against Chicago coming up. We are away, Love's first test as the #1 QB, our top 2 receivers may be injured. We usually need to have our arses kicked in Game 1 before we wake up and play better. But it seems MLF has taken that into account this preseason so who knows - QB match up be damned.
As per a win/loss record, no predictions from me. Too many other variables...
White92
September 07, 2023 at 07:50 pm
I mostly agree. This season has a better chance of being a tire fire as it does a 10 win season. I really hope I'm wrong, but it's kool-aid I just can't drink now
joejetson
September 07, 2023 at 07:12 pm
Using the starting QB's to determine win/loss records is a flawed proposition. By that metric, GB should have won every game they played in Rodgers' MVP seasons. Pretty much every week you can find upsets over "superior" QB's. QB play is a big factor, but not a standalone metric for predicting outcomes. Factor in coaching, stout defense, home field, injuries, and intangibles along with QB play, and you'll start to be able to predict outcomes. That's why these preseason predictions are meaningless, it takes a few games before trends actually come into focus .
Johnblood27
September 07, 2023 at 08:53 pm
Elroy, Jane and Judy all agree...
Astro says... arf, arf...
jurp
September 08, 2023 at 08:34 am
To your point, we now know that the Lions outplayed a Chiefs team that looked terrible.
As you correctly noted: "QB play is a big factor, but not a standalone metric for predicting outcomes"
And how many times did Mahomes hit his receivers in the hands and have the ball dropped in the second half? I think I saw three passes in a row at one point.
White92
September 07, 2023 at 07:45 pm
How could anyone say the schedule is easy?? Most Packer fans are way too close to the team to look at it objectively. First year starting QB, mostly rookie WR, all rookie TE is a 10 win team? They should be happy to win 8.
jurp
September 08, 2023 at 08:36 am
I think one of the points of the article is not that the schedule is easy, but that's it is easier than last years' because it's based on our third-place finish rather than the 2021 first-place finish. Ken also noted that a schedule that may appear to be favorable may actually be UNfavorable (see his point about the NFC East last year).
barutanseijin
September 07, 2023 at 08:42 pm
By this logic, the Packers should have gone to the super bowl multiple times in the Rodgers years. We all know how that worked out.
This kind of analysis doesn’t work.
Oppy
September 07, 2023 at 08:51 pm
11-6 GPG.
Tundraboy
September 07, 2023 at 10:36 pm
Can't we just enjoy the Rodgers-less ride we are about to take!
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 08, 2023 at 02:30 pm
Sure, it really has been tough on us to have a QB record of 150-79-1. So unwatchable.
packerfanroy
September 09, 2023 at 02:13 am
Oh my god its been horrible...between the MVP seasons, winning the Super Bowl and watching 12 kill the Bears over and over and over again to the point most Bears fans can't tell the difference between their franchise and the Browns (and then telling them , to their face, in Soldier Field, that the Bears suck). I'm so glad to be done with all of that, thankfully MM pulled the plug early....
Tundraboy
September 09, 2023 at 05:19 pm
I'm talking about the fresh start after the last 3 or 4 years and if you love the last three or four years then I don't know what to say.
CheesePuff
September 08, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Coaching (team preparation, mental & physical) is a huge factor, not much considered in week to week game predictions. MLF is a huge ?. Rodgers carried him for 3 seasons. Couldn't do it for 4 without Adams. Now its all on LaFluer. Let's see how he does.
mbpacker
September 07, 2023 at 04:15 pm
One game at a time for me. I don't see us winning @ Chicago. I hope I am totally wrong of course. Home crowd, it will be loud and I am sure we are going to get Fields best game- he has a lot to prove. GPG!
croatpackfan
September 08, 2023 at 05:44 am
You forgot one very important factor. I agree that experience is positive trait for one who has it, but there is one important thing you pointed out and calculate as positive, while I think it will be negative for the one -"... we are going to get Fields best game- he has a lot to prove."
People more often has problem with "must to" (especially when there is the doubt in them), than have incentive to do well.
Adrenaline is useful when you are running for your life, but it is terrible when you have to do something correctly.
My take on this is that Jordan Love is more calm person that is Fields. And that is one important trait that almost always help you to do your "work" properly.
In this Sunday game I believe there will be more important other factors than QB play.
GPG!
jurp
September 08, 2023 at 08:38 am
One thing I really like about Love is that he experienced a terrible senior season in college. He's experienced adversity and risen above it. Someone like Fields, who experienced pretty much only success at Ohio State, can be rattled by falling behind in a game. Of course, Fields should be used to adversity and LOSING by this point, but perhaps not.
Lphill
September 07, 2023 at 04:23 pm
No way they lose to the Falcons and Lions .
Packerpasty
September 08, 2023 at 10:22 am
you seem to have forgotten about the two Lions games last year...Lions head coach got them believing again...I wouldnt pass them off...
Johnblood27
September 09, 2023 at 06:23 am
The bares are worse than either the falcons or the lolions.
So you are saying that GB will be 3-0 to start?
I like that!
I could see them dropping then game in the A-T-L. The falcons are a bad match up run game wise and home dome counts for something.
GB better take care of business Sunday vs duh bares and then ATL is a toss up, then they better protect the house vs NO in wk 3.
Let's get there and then see about week 4.
jhtobias
September 07, 2023 at 05:27 pm
Only expectation that needs to be met is a top 10 defense by all metrics . Wins loses etc are an after thought.
jont
September 08, 2023 at 05:45 pm
You know, this take makes sense.
We all want wins and a shot at the playoffs, but realistically GB has a top 10 D (easily, I'd say), a whole lot of unproven on O, and rookies all over the place on special teams. So you're right; the D must perform, and the rest... will be a good, interesting season for serious fans.
Johnblood27
September 09, 2023 at 06:26 am
Wins matter.
Perhaps one should NOT EXPECT them, but never lose sight of the FACT that W-L is the reason they play the games!
Realistically I do not see an undefeated season this year, BUT, OTOH I cannot look at the schedule on paper and see any game that the GBP could NOT win.
Expectations are the mother of disappointment.
Deepsky
September 07, 2023 at 08:13 pm
I'm sorry guys, but this team reminds me of the 1986 Packers. I remember pre Favre Packers. Dickey no longer started, Randy Wright, who had looked decent in previous games and performed great in the preseason, took over. Fans were excited. Wright could move and he had a decent arm. Forrest Greg decided to help out Wright by focusing on a power run game. Then reality hit. Teams game planned for the new young QB and running game. The defense, like today, was very weak (we have an abysmal safety group). The Packers young team was near the tops in the league in fumbles and penalties Playing from behind nearly every game, Wright started the season throwing 7 INTS and 1 TD. Love is not Favre or Rodgers. Am I the only one seeing he's inaccurate over 10-15 yards?
Wright had better accuracy and still threw twice as many interceptions as TDs in his first season as the guy. I honestly think the Packers are going to have an awful season, and Packer fans under 50 are just spoiled and expect they'll just win because they're the Packers.
barutanseijin
September 07, 2023 at 08:48 pm
Who thought Randy Wright looked decent? Nobody i knew thought that.
We had seen Randy Wright with the Badgers and we all thought he sucked. Which he did.
SicSemperTyrannis
September 07, 2023 at 08:50 pm
Deepsky,
"Am I the only one seeing he's inaccurate over 10-15 yards?"
Yes. JL10 has thrown many absolute dimes, deep. His misses are usually less than 15 yards away. Kinda like our kicker.
Tonight's first two punts went 67 yards, and 5.4 seconds of hang time. Our young guys with big legs aren't really there.
We do have some weaknesses; we'll see how that shakes out..
13TimeChamps
September 07, 2023 at 08:57 pm
"Wright had better accuracy".
He had better accuracy where exactly?
Wright's pro career: 53.8% 31TDs/57INTs
Wright's college career: 53.7% 34TDs/32INTs
Please explain how Wright had better accuracy.
Deepsky
September 07, 2023 at 10:01 pm
I went back and watched a bunch of games from 1986 on YouTube. With my own eyes I saw Wright had better accuracy than Love. Gregg got rid of Paul Coffman and John Jefferson leaving Wright with tiny untested receivers and new tight ends, just like the situation the Packers have today. Walter Stanley, Phil Epps, rookie Ed West, they dropped balls right in their hands over and over, greatly affecting Wrights completion percentages. This is the same situation the Packers have today. These young receivers are going to make a LOT of mistakes. Love will be forcing long throws at the end of games and his long pass accuracy is not good at all. Preseason means nothing when teams are bringing 5, 6 guys and the Packers are 3 scores down.
13TimeChamps
September 07, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Randy Wright was inaccurate in the NFL...he was inaccurate in college. He was a 6th round pick that lasted 4 years in the NFL.
Love's college stats: 61.2%/60TDs/29INTs.
But believe what you want, my friend.
Since'61
September 07, 2023 at 08:23 pm
I believe that the roster moves are over for now. Based on the current roster I have evaluated the Packers on a scale of 1-10 for the coaches and each position group as follows:
Coaching staff - I have at 7.0. This is primarily because of Bisaccia and Clemens. If they were not on the staff I would have this staff at 5.0 or 5,5 based on their previous performance especially in big games and in game decision making. Hopefully they do a better job this season.
QB - I put the QB room at 6.5. Which is probably too high for a QB room that has only one NFL start between the 3 of them. If Rodgers were still here this QB room would 9.0 or 9.5 with Love and Clifford.
RB - 8.5 Love and Dillon provide the Packers with an excellent RB duo. Actually if we had a more experienced #3 RB than Wilson I'd probably have the RB room at 9.0
WR - 7.0. Watson and Doubs have talent but haven't played a full season yet. The rest are rookies. Inexperience hurts this group but they could be very good by the end of the season.
TEs - Probably the weakest group on the offense. I'm giving them a 5.0
OL - The left side of the OL is elite. But we don't know the level of the Center or the right side. I give them a 7.0 because of Bak, Jenkins and Tom wherever he ends up starting.
DL - 6.5 because the only proven player on the DL is Clark. There is plenty of promise in the second year and rookie DLs but that doesn't add up to much until results are actually achieved.
OLB - 8.5 one of the best units on the team. Our pash rush with Gary healthy and Preston Smith should put plenty of heat on opposing QBs. Enagbere and Van Ness will add their contirbutions as the seasons go on.
ILB - should be a solid unit if Campbell returns to his 2021 form and Walker makes a second year leap. 7.5 at this point.
CBs - another very strong unit but only 4 CBs makes it a very vulnerable unit. 8.5 but would probably be a 9 or9.5 with 5 or 6 CBs.
SAfety - 4.5 and that is probably being generous since the safety position group does not include one legit NFL player. It's possible that none of them will be with the team following the season. Could cost the team a few games over the season.
STs - 6.0 This is a tough call. We have no idea how well our kicker or punter will perform especially at key moments in games. Our return game should be improved over recent seasons with Reed and Nixon. The coverage units should also improve with their second season under Bisaccia.
What does all of this mean? It could mean an 8 or 9 win season for the Packers if everything breaks correctly. But given the youth and inexperience, especially on the offense, I'm thinking 6-7 win season is more likely unless the defense carries the team early and the offense comes on strong later inn the season. Then I could see 8-9 wins. Possibly even double digit wins if everything breaks correctly over the course of the season. Unfortunately it's already looking like our # 1 and 2 WRs will miss the opening game. On the plus side the NFC North and the entire NFC is wide open and anything can happen. We'll see. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
SicSemperTyrannis
September 07, 2023 at 08:56 pm
61,
we have 5 CBs. Stokes will be back..He looked good over a month ago.
Since'61
September 07, 2023 at 09:20 pm
Stokes is on PUP. When he returns we'll have 5 CBs. Hopefully Stokes will return to his rookie season form. He did not look during 2022 prior to his injury. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
September 07, 2023 at 10:43 pm
They can slot Savage, if need be. He's better there.
Packerpasty
September 08, 2023 at 10:23 am
I'm with ya...I say 6 wins max...this site will be very interesting if they crap the bed Sunday...
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 05:41 pm
Can't go 11-6 without losing 6 games.
KKB
September 07, 2023 at 08:27 pm
Lions uniforms are ugly. Not really gray nor blue. Looks like someone left a new pair of jeans in the same load of laundry as their road whites
SicSemperTyrannis
September 07, 2023 at 08:58 pm
Ken,
of course it sucks if #9 & 86 both miss week 1. We have serious depth at WR and can still move the ball without them.
LLCHESTY
September 07, 2023 at 11:52 pm
86?86? You put some respect on Doubs name!
Oppy
September 07, 2023 at 09:13 pm
All I know is, I'm betting Jordan Love performs better than the last guy's last -two- season openers.
Packers season opener starting QB combined stat line for 2021 and 2022:
37 of 62, 328 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INT
I know it's completely unfair to expect a first-time starter to perform at the same level as a 1st ballot HoFer,
but when it comes to the first game of the season, I'm willing to put it on the line for Love.
BAMABADGER
September 07, 2023 at 10:23 pm
Well we learned the Lions are legit tonight. Lions 21- Chiefs 20.
Coldworld
September 08, 2023 at 07:46 am
The Chiefs shot themselves in the foot repeatedly. It should remind us all that it takes 4 games or so in the NFL to get an idea of what any team really is this year, which is why I agree that strength of schedule is a terrible guide in a league designed to bring parity and with huge changes in personnel year-to-year.
LambeauPlain
September 08, 2023 at 09:44 am
Yep. Any given NFL game in a league focused on parity can see the favorite go down.
Mahomes INT to the house was a mistake that parity built. Having one of the best O weapons and best pass rushers in the NFL missing in action greatly evened the field as Chiefs receivers dropped passes and Goff had clean pockets.
I do have to say the Lions OL is very impressive. Getting that first down to end the game was a "you won't stop us" play.
jurp
September 08, 2023 at 08:55 am
I watched only the second half. The Lions looked better than they have in years, but I'd like $100 for every Mahomes pass dropped by his receivers. Mahomes, I thought, was also doing his best impression of AR's first game from the 21 and 22 seasons.
The Lions didn't do as much to win that game as the Chiefs did to lose it.
ImaPayne
September 07, 2023 at 10:35 pm
I havent even looked at their non conference schedule. Plus none of us on any board know just what kind of team this is. Pre season didnt show much. Never does. I personally in todays game dont beleive in the run as your base. To me basing your game plan on the run first pass second will not get you anywhere. Its a passing game and run to mix it up. That may be the issue for the Pack going forward.
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 05:51 am
I know this team is more of a TEAM than it has been in years, and that's an important factor in success in this league.
As to your take on run/pass, that just tells me that while you're watching football you approach it like a game of checkers and you're not seeing the chess match that is taking place on the field. Offense is as much about set up as it is about imposing your will. You call plays to force your opponent to make personnel decisions that give you an advantage elsewhere, you condition your opponent to expect one thing and hit them with another.
dark41
September 08, 2023 at 06:53 am
I don't have a clue on how our season will go. But I think Detroit's complex run game makes them favorites in our division. That win over the Chiefs was impressive on both sides of the ball. And it could have been by more had they not fumbled in the red zone. Having said that, I'll always believe in the Packers. Go Pack go! :)
LLCHESTY
September 08, 2023 at 11:34 am
Their OL was impressive at times, especially up the middle. Clark, Slaton and company will have to put their big boy pants on for that one.
egbertsouse
September 08, 2023 at 07:28 am
The Bears are a total clown show and I have no expectations they will do anything smart but when the Packers start playing real teams I would think they would stack the box and try to take away the running game. If they can force Love have to beat them I would think they will dial up some creative rush packages to force Love to process faster than is comfortable. He doesn’t appear to be Brady- like in his processing at this point. The performance of the OL is going to be the key to the season. If they can run block and protect Love the Packers will be competitive.
WD
September 08, 2023 at 07:42 am
Inconvenient truth: Lions beat the Chiefs. Dominate on both offense and defense. They now set their sights on the Superbowl.
Coldworld
September 08, 2023 at 07:50 am
If the Chiefs catch and play like that all year I will be very surprised. If they do we might see us challenging them for the better record and still not make the post season.
jurp
September 08, 2023 at 08:57 am
We must've watched two different games. If a team dominates on both lines of scrimmage that team wins by a helluva lot more than ONE point. The Chiefs looked awful in the second half.
LambeauPlain
September 08, 2023 at 09:51 am
It seems the Chiefs got overconfident with the 14-7 lead and took their foot off the gas. One thing about the Lions under this HC. He will not let them quit. If a players does quit he won't play them.
Packerpasty
September 08, 2023 at 10:27 am
Mahomes slide two feet short of first down was a major mistake...two plays later they punt...also if the fake punt by the Lions didnt work Campbell looks foolish...and then theres Toney...ugh..
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 05:59 pm
Detroit played tough and I take nothing away from their victory on the road against the SB champion KC Chiefs..I actually was pulling for Detroit. That fan base deserves it.
but dominated both offense and defense? It was a 21-20 victory.
Ferrari-Driver
September 08, 2023 at 12:04 pm
It's hard to predict whether we will win or lose these games.
However, regardless of the outcome, what I do want to see is a team that comes out with energy, a defense that is swarming to the ball and tackling well. I want to see 60 minutes of effort that impresses and is relentless in trying to win the game. I would also like to see a defense play that isn't trying not to lose the game, but rather plays to win it.
Johnblood27
September 09, 2023 at 06:35 am
Are we talking about an NFL game here?
The professional sports league where 'business decisions' are made on the field on every play?
You are describing a good college football game.
IMO there are more 'good' games in college each week than there are in the NFL. Close scores (as dictated by the commissioners office and implemented through the league officials) don't make for 'good' football games.
I actually participated in and watched football games BEFORE 'fantasy leagues' brought 'fans' to the NFL. My expectations are far different than most fans of todays basketball on grass (turf) called the NFL.
Ferrari-Driver
September 09, 2023 at 11:08 am
Hey Blood
Times have changed regarding hard nosed football. I grew up in a relatively poor community in Wisconsin and we played tackle football in grammar school with no uniforms or head gear. At the end of the game if you didn't have "blood" on you somewhere, you shouldn't have been on the team. We would have loved to have played with the full protection of a football uniform, but those didn't show up until we got into high school. I went to college at Madison and would loved to have been behind center playing for the Badgers, but I lacked the talent. College football is a great sport and I try to watch the Badgers play every game. Out here in California we get plenty of Pac 10 games. I do subscribe to the Big 10 Network so I do watch and record those games which do include Wisconsin. By the way Old Johnny Blood is one of my all time favorites among Packer players...Love that moniker.
PatrickGB
September 08, 2023 at 02:31 pm
The Bears have improved in many areas. They are relatively healthy. Fields can break your heart. Love is not (yet) as good as Rodgers. We are down our best WR. Bears are favored for a reason.
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 05:43 pm
Because it attracts betting
the odds are all about playing off gamblers' perception, not about predicting outcomes
Johnblood27
September 09, 2023 at 06:39 am
B-I-N-G-O!!!!!
Oh, wait for it...
This just in...
...duh bares STILL S-U-C-K!!!
...duh bares STILL S-U-C-K!!!
...duh bares STILL S-U-C-K!!!
...duh bares STILL S-U-C-K!!!
They really, really, really, really, really, really suck,
yeah, duh bares still suck!!!
Oppy
September 08, 2023 at 06:01 pm
...and, technically, because it is generally considered that "home field advantage grants 3 points", the fact the Packers are -1.5 going into the game actually infers that on neutral ground, they'd be favored.. for those who insist on believing the point spread is about predicting the winner.
packerfanroy
September 09, 2023 at 02:43 am
Question marks at safety in a game now built around passing.
Rookie QB,K,P
Going from a QB who was historic in not turning the ball over to an inexperienced QB/WR/TE group.
Unless Joe Barry gets better results from a unit with less proven talent than before, its easy to see this team taking a step back in terms of wins and losses.
It doesnt look promising but we watch the games because you never know for sure. Plus, there are some signs of hope from the Defense and a lot of the question marks on Offense do have potential.