The Packers Need to Show They Can Dominate

The Patriots offer the Packers an important opportunity, if they'll take it.

The Patriots’ visit to Lambeau on Sunday is a meeting between two teams moving in opposite directions. (It’s not often that a cliché also defies the laws of geography, but here we are.)
 
Slowly, the Packers are getting healthier. The Patriots have lost their QB1. The Packers’ defense has been improving overall since the mess in Minnesota, allowing a total of 45 points in three games. The Pats have allowed 71, including 37 to Baltimore last week. And although both teams have negative turnover ratios, the Packers are -2 while New England is -4.
 
The numbers are much closer on offense. Based on their first two drives last week in Tampa, Green Bay looked to be getting untracked with a diversified attack that featured intelligent play design to use the middle of the field and maximize the skill sets of Romeo Doubs, Aaron Jones and Randall Cobb in particular.
 
But then Todd Bowles adjusted, and Green Bay didn’t respond in kind, managing to eke out a win only because of improved special teams play, stingy defense and Tom Brady having to throw to Russell Gage and a couple of jamokes. This is troubling, because no one is better than Bill Belichick at in-game adjustments, something the Green Bay coaching staff needs to improve.
 
New England’s offense has been the subject of much scrutiny since the off-season, with the bizarre move to sorta kinda replace Josh McDaniels with Matt Patricia, a defensive coordinator by trade and a failed head coach. In a classic Belichikian move, Patricia doesn’t even carry the title of offensive coordinator, so that the Lions still have to pay a bunch of his salary.
 
The reality is that the team is running a modified, stripped down version of the McDaniels scheme, one that was unrivaled in making things easy for its playmakers. Despite the hole McDaniels left, the Pats are on par with Green Bay in most offensive categories, despite a less talented roster.
 
Brian Hoyer, who will step in for Mac Jones, is capable of solid performances, with a career passer rating of 82.9 while playing at various times for eight different teams. He’s also deeply familiar with the Pats’ system, having left and returned to New England so often, his nickname should be Boomerang.
 
This should be a game Green Bay wins with authority, playing at home with a superior pass rush and a singular advantage in the run game, which the Patriots have struggled to contain. It could also be one of those maddening nail-biters the Pack is prone to providing, with Belichick pulling out crazy things that keep his team hanging around and the Packers off balance.
 
So we will renew our call for Matt LaFleur and the Packers to return the favor. Mr. Belichick will target Green Bay’s ground game, so show him a couple of things he hasn’t seen before. The Pats’ linebacker corps also offers an opportunity for a heavy dose of Robert Tonyan, and for stressing the defense with throwing to running backs. And how about we see the Packers get to positive turnover territory.
 
It would be reassuring to see a dominant performance as we enter the second quarter of the season, which starts with a disruptive trip to London next week.
 

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__________________________
Jonathan Krim grew up in New York but got hooked on the Packers — and on hating the Cowboys — watching the Ice Bowl as a young child.  He blames bouts of unhappiness in his late teens on Dan Devine. A journalist for several decades who now lives in California, he enjoys trafficking in obscure cultural references, lame dad jokes and occasionally preposterous takes. Jonathan is a Packers shareholder, and insists on kraut with his brats. You can follow Jonathan on twitter at @Jkrim.

__________________________

10 points
 

Comments (41)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
murf7777's picture

September 30, 2022 at 07:30 am

Tonyan had a lot of action against Tampa, hoping that continues with him reaching the TD once or twice this week. Belichick, the defensive genius will be a tough test for this offense. If the Packers can get 24+ points against them progress will be heading in the right direction. They will need to make adjustments as Belichick does during the game. It will be a bit of a chess match.

Assuming he plays, It would be important to see Watson get going as well in this game. HIs speed will bring a different element to the offense and make Belichick’s adjustments harder.

We have a 4 game stretch that is very winnable and it comes at a good time allowing our OL to gel together and be ready the second half of the year. This could become an awesome team if our key players stay healthy, especially for the last 4 games. Looking forward to a special year!

5 points
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dobber's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:04 am

It's been noted many times that BB schemes to take away what you do best, and win with periphery guys. It sounds funny, but I think BB schemes to take away AJones and make the Packers beat them with Dillon and through the air. It's not often I've thought that.

6 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:08 am

Big Bob isn't back yet. He looks slow and tentative after the catch. He is just going to get better every game and they need to keep him in the game plan until he is full go and fully confident.

I agree Watson can be the "MVS missile" to stretch and preoccupy the D. I believe ML has seen enough from Doubs to make him the feature WR in game planning. This may actually help free up Lazard's targets. He is the Rodney Dangerfield of NFL WRs. All he does is catch passes and block like an Abrams Tank.

2-1 with Dave, Jenks, Big Bob still rounding into shape and Watson not yet a staple in the pass game, bodes well as the season progresses.

7 points
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PatrickGB's picture

September 30, 2022 at 07:30 am

I don’t care if we win by one point. Of course I would love a dominant performance but a W is a W.

And my other hope is for no injuries.

10 points
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dobber's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:04 am

I think your perspectives are right on!

2 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:24 am

I don't care if we get to 3-1 by Crosby catching his blocked FG attempt then runs it in for a game winning score!

6 points
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dobber's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:53 am

One of my favorite game-winners ever: Chester Marcol beats the Bears!

Good times!

In Edit: I'll share the joy for those who haven't seen the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA2fHoUkG2g
I think Marcol said later that he was heavily into cocaine at the time, but stil...

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 30, 2022 at 12:56 pm

Crosby might take a while to get there these days.

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 30, 2022 at 10:26 pm

Much better result than the 2nd Bears game that year. That was my first year watching the Packers and still the craziest ass whipping I've seen in the NFL.

1 points
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murf7777's picture

September 30, 2022 at 11:27 am

Patrick I agree to an extent a win is a win, but its time this teams starts to dominate and show their strength to the rest of the teams. This team needs to start meeting expectations. Meaning, if they are a 10 point fav against an inferior team at home then beat their brains out by winning by double digits. Only than will we see another SB. The teams that make the SB normally are in the top 5 point differential.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 30, 2022 at 01:00 pm

It’s not about points in any particular game, it’s about showing the mindset to go out and consistently overpower an opponent without letting up and the ability/tactical acumen to do so. That is an apt topic this week because Bellicheck has been perhaps the most determined exponent of that over his time with the Pats.

2 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 30, 2022 at 10:34 pm

I don't know about that, they only won one SB by more than 6 points. Not the team I think of when I think of dominant victories.

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Coldworld's picture

October 01, 2022 at 08:36 am

Bellicheck never lets up when he’s up. They may not win big more often than others, but there is no doubt BB will never take his foot if the gas if he can, which is what I was referring to.

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PatrickGB's picture

September 30, 2022 at 07:21 pm

Murf, Cold, I would absolutely LOVE a dominant performance. I strongly agree. And the author thinks so too. It encourages players when they do well. It can be a good mentality. Yet often it’s unrealistic and creates expectations that are hard to follow up on. Posters end up bitching about anything less if the team can’t do it week to week. Just because we want a dominant performance does not mean it’s easily attainable (the other guys get paid too). Often, players learn more from struggles than with easy success.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 01, 2022 at 08:39 am

A dominant performance would suggest consistency in all phases throughout a game—something that we’ve not had a lot of—and that we can adjust to any tactical changes. I think we all would like to see more evidence of that.

Personally, I’d like to see us come out and use our weapons aggressively on O and D throughout a game, not start with a conservative active list and an ultra safe game plan. I accept that’s partly my philosophy, but it’s also looking at this as get your highest upside players as many opportunities as you can so they are as good as they can be and we are used to using them most effectively when it comes to win or due football.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

October 01, 2022 at 09:19 am

I agree Patrick….I just would love to see a blow out against Belichick!!!

0 points
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Savage57's picture

September 30, 2022 at 07:38 am

Is this the weekend Packers fans get to see a fully functional team across all three aspects of the game stack one of those, "That's right, we bad!" kind of wins?

I'd like to see them hang a 50-burger on someone. It's been a minute.

5 points
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murf7777's picture

September 30, 2022 at 07:50 am

Savage, they were heading that way in the Bears game till it wasn’t. They are close and now with Jenkins and Bak back I think we will see a blow out or two over the next 4 games. These 4 very winnable games gives them an opportunity to gel and be ready for the final run.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 30, 2022 at 01:02 pm

The Bears are bad. It’s what you do against good teams that really speaks to anything worthwhile.

0 points
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dobber's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:05 am

It's a marathon, not a sprint. Get better every week--which I think they've done so far. Stay/get healthy--which it looks like they're doing. Peak in Dec-Jan-Feb, not in October.

8 points
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egbertsouse's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:11 am

Jamokes? Is that anything like a jabroni?

1 points
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dobber's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:23 am

You mean that thing they use to resurface the ice at hockey games?

4 points
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egbertsouse's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:53 pm

You definitely are not from Minnesota. And are not a fan of The Rock.

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

October 01, 2022 at 01:30 am

It doesn't matter what your name is!!!

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:26 am

I am pretty sure it isn't a term of endearment.

2 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:20 am

Really want ML & Rodgers to be dedicated to working in the young guys Doubs, Watson, and Toure. Please do not bring in another big name, aging WR like OBJ. He would only take snaps from the young talent needing live action...and his ACL won't let him play until midseason...and he likely won't be the same threat until next season.

Focus on the young guys. Doubs may be the Padawan to replace Jedi Adams.

Adams is getting a little testy in LV, isn't he? His lack of performance had him calling out Packer fans unprovoked implying we are saying "nah, nah, we told you so". I hadn't heard that previously. But Adams will probably get his wish now! His current QB, the future HOFer, is enduring a "Heap of Futility" right now.

1 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

September 30, 2022 at 09:23 am

Currently:

Adams is 17/34 - 50%-189yds
Dobbs is 14/16 - 88% - 137yds

It'll be fun to watch this play out! The 30 million dollar man vs. the 4th round rookie.

1 points
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holmesmd's picture

September 30, 2022 at 10:22 am

David Carr is not a future HOF’r IMO. Stafford will get in much more likely than Carr will🤷🏽‍♂️ Tae wanted to go back to Cali. All of this other shade is just petty.🙄

-2 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

September 30, 2022 at 10:35 am

If that was directed at me, I wasn't throwing any "shade" at Adams. I had/have no problem with him wanting to play closer to home. He earned that right.

I just thought it will be interesting to follow their respective careers. And David Carr hasn't been in the league since 2012.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

September 30, 2022 at 10:54 am

“ aging WR like OBJ. He would only take snaps from the young talent needing live action ”

As long as the staff feels he is healthy, I would argue for bringing in OBJ. First off, he isn’t old, only 29. Many come back from ACL’s now and play at similar levels as before. He proved what a smart move it was for LA to bring him in last year. They might not of won the SB without him. Before his injury he was playing at a very high level, higher than any of our rookies at this stage of their careers. This is SB or bust year, so who cares if he takes snaps from our rookies. Play the best people you have, if that is the rookies than play them and OBJ. We’re not talking about an average WR, but a major play maker in the league. He had a couple of wasted years with Cleveland and that is because they didn’t know how to use him. LA showed how to do it and were paid back in diamonds.

-3 points
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Since'61's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:44 am

I'd like to see the Packers dominate the LOS in this game. I'd run the ball until/if they stop it. Build a lead and keep their offense off the field. Blitz Hoyer on every passing down. He has experience but he hasn't played consistently in a long time.

As long as the Packers don't beat themselves they should take this game reasonably easily. No excuses. Thanks, Since '61

5 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 30, 2022 at 09:03 am

I do expect Packers win, but, again I'm warning all - do not underestimate Cheatriots.

First, they will get zebras help, for sure. Not that big as Tom Brady had, but still some calls will go in their direction. Also, Packers have problems with lesser QB, what "Bumerang" can use to have productive game. I was watching partially some Patriots games this year. Nothing special, more basic schemes, but they execute. Also, Packers OL should be prepared for opponent DL, as Bill Belichik DL always plays well even without stars. Patriots have decent DB that are not elite, but above average.

I can see how Packers will use Lazard on snap count because of his ankle injury, so we might se more Doubs, Watson and Cobb. Lazard will be used more in red zone and 2nd/3rd long situations.

Everything is pointing to "easy" win. And that scares me...

3 points
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HawkPacker's picture

September 30, 2022 at 05:28 pm

I would be shocked to see an 'easy' win for us with the coach that they have.

0 points
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Handsback's picture

September 30, 2022 at 09:32 am

We all have opinions on what makes the Packers offense tick. This game will tell us what the coaches in the NFL think makes the Packers offense go by what BB tries to take away. Will he take away the short passing game and make Rodgers beat him by going deep? Or will he stop the running game and make him throw 60 plus passes?
I think, no expert here, that BB will cover those short routes and close down the run game and dare the Packers to throw deep to beat them.
I guess we shall see.....

5 points
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jont's picture

September 30, 2022 at 09:34 am

We'd all love this game to be over by half time, but we all see the reality of what this team is now. GB is simply not equipped to run up and down the field; they are simply very limited in receivers that can get over the safeties deep or get open consistently on the intermediate routes. At this stage, the offense cannot grab big chunks, or threaten too, with any regularity.

This is a solid offense, true, but it produces the wins announcers like to call "workmanlike"-- not flashy, not filling the highlight reel. Let's see hows this evolves in the coming weeks.

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 30, 2022 at 10:28 am

Interesting piece from Kris Burke. I strongly advise to read it...

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/9/29/23376124/brett-favre-tarnis...

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 30, 2022 at 01:09 pm

Something of a leap to conclusions based upon hearsay, rumors and partisan information. I’m not one to defend Favre as a person off the football field (now or back then), but I don’t encourage people who whip up lynch mobs based solely on supposition and third party information either. In my opinion there is a lot more reprehensible in that piece than Favre’s behavior.

-1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

September 30, 2022 at 02:29 pm

OK. But I think it is interesating to hear from author who was contributing partial on thos page in the past (as I remember).

0 points
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splitpea1's picture

September 30, 2022 at 12:48 pm

The defense needs to key on stopping the run again, because the only way the Pats should have a chance is if we let our guard down up front--and Belichick is probably going to stick with it.

Don't want to see another "tale of two halves" performance from the offense....They'll have to make sure they pick up blitzes and are able to beat man coverage, because the Pats serve them both up a lot.

We've avoided major flubs on ST so far this season, so let's keep it that way.

Unrelated side note: Did anyone see the Bengals new unis last night? I know you're supposed to be thinking white tigers, but the first thing that comes to mind is "zebra." Well, they're cool anyway.

1 points
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BAMABADGER's picture

September 30, 2022 at 05:51 pm

Pack will not dominate until MLF learns how to make impactful offensive adjustments. We have yet to see it during his tenure.

2 points
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Ritzy's picture

September 30, 2022 at 08:57 pm

The story is absolutely right. The Packers should dominate the Patriots, forced to go with backup QB Brian Hoyer. I live in Massachusetts, so I get to hear plenty of Boston sports talk radio, and all this week they were knocking Aaron Rodgers as a "choke artist." Thus I'd love to see Rodgers fire about 3 TD passes, and for Dillon and Jones to combine for 250-300 yards of total offense. That would make for a sweet time at Lambeau.

3 points
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