Confessions of a Polluted Mindset 2020 - Packers Subdue the Saints
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Turnovers: After three games, the Packers have ZERO turnovers. Zero. Nada. None. You say it's only three games? OK, but they stand alone in that department. They are the ONLY team without a single turnover. While we've come to expect few turnovers from Rodgers, this is a heck of a testament to the team's running backs, and ball catchers, whose sure-handedness has become equally impressive. The defense, however, hasn't quite created as many turnovers as you would like (2 INTs and 1 fumble). Hopefully they will add to those numbers against the Falcons.
The #Packers are the first team in @NFL history with 35+ points & zero turnovers in each of their first three games of a season.
It is also the first time in franchise history that Green Bay did not commit a turnover in the first three games.#GoPackGo | via @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/0S8A4AZI5r
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 28, 2020
Penalties: After three games, the Packers have been penalized only 16 times. Even more impressive, only once on special teams, something we would have considered unthinkable not too long ago. For comparison, the Saints and the Cowboys (under you know who's leadership), have both committed 24 turnovers so far. The disciplined culture this coaching regime has implemented is something we've all craved for a decade or more.
Receivers: As many of us surmised, in LaFleur's offense, tight ends are the new black. It's the reason they only kept five true wide receivers on the roster and Sunday night, without Davante Adams in the lineup, what happened? Tight Ends were targeted 10 times and caught nine, including 2 touchdowns. I felt this coming before the game, so I decided to place a prop bet on one of the Packers' TEs to catch a touchdown pass. Unfortunately, I picked Jace Sternberger, but that's ok - I did fine taking the Packers with the money line. In general, I have to say, it's been awhile since I felt confident enough about this team to bet on them to beat the Saints.
Billy Turner: Honestly, I have not been in the Billy Turner at right tackle camp. I cringed a bit when I heard he was starting there over Rick Wagner. I cringed some more when Turner had a few rough snaps on the first series. However, Turner settled down and did a fine job against the likes of Cam Jordan. He will never be a dominant player, and he's more about walling off and tying up defenders than moving them, but that's ok, especially with the faster tempo the Packers' offense is operating at.
Mason Crosby: When Crosby trots onto the field to do his job, does the thought that he might miss even cross your mind? I can honestly say it doesn't for me. His transformation from underachiever in his early career to "Mr. Automatic" in his 14th season is simply astounding.
Defensive Adjustments: This is something I've been wondering about for awhile, and was reminded of it by our own Aaron Nagler, who talked about this in his Packers Daily video chat yesterday. As I watch opposing defenses, and I saw this a couple of times with the Saints, when Rodgers obviously changes the play at the LOS due to what he surmises the defense is about to do, the Saints then changed their defensive call at the last minute. Have you ever noticed the Packers defense do this? I can't say I have. Nagler wondered if they even have the leeway to do so. He hopes to be able to ask Pettine that question in a future press conference. I can't wait.
The offense: Personally, I'm just waiting for Aaron Rodgers to proclaim "We have an Offense."
#Packers Offense in 2020
Turnovers: 0 (1st)
Three & Outs: 1 (2nd)
Scoring Efficiency: 66.7% (1st)
TD Efficiency: 43.3% (1st)
Rushing YPG: 171.7 (2nd)
Deep Completions: 10 (1st)
3rd Down Conversions: 50% (5th)Not a bad formula cooking there...
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) September 29, 2020
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__________________________
"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
__________________________
Comments (74)
jh9
September 30, 2020 at 06:25 am
Yes, we have an offense this year and it looks great. But we have had an offense every year since Aaron Rodgers has been QB1. The problem since 2010 has been the defense.
This year it’s the DL and ILBs. If BG, MLF, and Pettine are serious about getting to the Super Bowl, they must stop the run. We have everything else.
With Aaron Rodgers, the Packers should have won at least two Lombardi Trophies by now. This is the year to get a second one. The opportunity shouldn’t be missed. Fix the defense!
Bearmeat
September 30, 2020 at 07:28 am
Incorrect. The problem was offense in the first half of 2012, the last half of 2013 and 2015, first half of 2016, last 2/3 of 2017, all of 2018 and all of 2019. My point is: It's been more defense than offense, but let's not pretend that Rodgers isn't a rhythm and timing passer more than, say, Big Ben or Cam Newton.
That said, we still should have won it all in 2011 and 2014...
flackcatcher
September 30, 2020 at 08:12 am
That said, we still should have won it all in 2011 and 2014... (Nods head vigorously...)
fansince1959
September 30, 2020 at 07:45 am
actually, you can go back to 2009 on the defense----i still remember the cardinal shoot out play off game
marpag1
October 01, 2020 at 10:12 am
That Cardinals game killed me almost as much as the Seattle debacle. Well no, not THAT much... but it was a lot.
(*quietly weeps*)
murf7777
September 30, 2020 at 08:26 am
I highly doubt there is any major fix of the rush D coming this year. We are built to stop the pass. We might get slightly better if our current guys get better and if Pettine makes game adjustments properly. He did that in the 2nd half of NO game.
The reality is KC won it last year with an awesome O and middling D. Since great D’s normally win championships and KC is an outliner and had to have a major comeback to win, I’m with you on getting more D and fixing the tackling and closing down the rush, but I think we will have to wait another year. I still have hope we will end up a top 10 D. Stating the obvious, but If we have a top 10 D and Top 5 O we have a great chance to win it all.
marpag1
October 01, 2020 at 10:40 am
Built to stop the pass? Schematically, I think you're definitely right, that's how Pettine's scheme is skewed - and honestly, I'm 100% OK with that. I don't believe the old clichés. First, in today's NFL, offense wins championships generally speaking. Second, in a passing league, what you need to do it 1) pass, and 2) stop the pass. My opinion.
When you look at what the Packers defense has done after 3 games, we're 14th is rushing yards allowed, 18th in passing yards allowed, and 21st in points allowed per game. No matter how we're 'built' it seems to me we're not doing anything well enough defensively.
Still pumped, though... cuz offense wins championships, you know. ;)
Razer
September 30, 2020 at 07:10 am
Lot of good things happening for this team. O-line is performing very well, run game is real, Lazard and we actually use tight ends. Needless to say, Rodgers has grasped and enhanced the new scheme.
Special teams are no longer a "hold your breath" liability. And, Mason Crosby is as solid as ever.
Defense?
The New Orleans game told me that we may be the best "finesse" team in the NFC.
dobber
September 30, 2020 at 07:23 am
"O-line is performing very well"
With a preferred starter out for the year (Taylor), and playing the first two games without a preferred starter (Turner), no less. Quick stat: ARod has been sacked a league best 2 times on the season (tied with KC) and has only been hit 6 times. For a guy who historically has gone out of his way to extend plays--and has taken a lot of hits because of it--this is phenomenal.
Leatherhead
September 30, 2020 at 08:12 am
We held New Orleans to 30 at home. That doesn’t happen very often.
JerseyAl
September 30, 2020 at 08:45 am
home / away means pretty much nothing this year.
Ferrari-Driver
September 30, 2020 at 09:39 am
Good morning Al,
Enjoyed your article as always. One of my favorite columns.
However, regarding no or little advantage I would say that other than crowd disruption for the opposing team, there is the advantage of familiarity for the home team. Generally the home team locker room is better and more comfortable for the home team. There is the advantage of not having to travel to airports and flying. Distraction of being away from home. As Forest Gump said..."That's about it".
dobber
September 30, 2020 at 10:30 am
Maybe a small advantage for teams built to play on turf vs. grass.
Ferrari-Driver
September 30, 2020 at 10:45 am
Good point "dob". In some cases that is a huge advantage.
jeremyjjbrown
September 30, 2020 at 01:48 pm
There is still travel, which in this COVID world is a total PITA. So while home means less it's not nothing.
PackEyedOptimist
September 30, 2020 at 07:23 am
Offense? Lost our Pro-Bowl ROT and starting RG and had our C and LG both recovering from injuries, against one of the toughest, most complex defenses in the league, AND had our ALL-Pro WR and our sparkly new swiss-army-knife TE out.
Defense? Had our Pro-Bowl NT, impressively surging edge rusher, and signal-calling ILB out.
Away Game. MVP opposing QB and Pro-Bowl RB.
It's hard not to be impressed.
dobber
September 30, 2020 at 07:25 am
Agreed! Two road wins against a preseason divisional contender and a preseason SB contender are nothing to sneeze at. Road wins are money...road wins in tough venues against good teams are gold.
Coldworld
September 30, 2020 at 08:51 am
Kirksey would be the one making adjustments in practice as well as in the game. I think one of the reasons Summers is his back up is that he is smart, but I’m sure inexperience will impact defensive adjustments if he has the mike at first.
Bearmeat
September 30, 2020 at 07:25 am
I expected to lose on SNF. The fact that we won comfortably against a top-tier opponent on the road says very good things. There are problems stopping the run, and I'm cringing thinking about Calvin Ridley and Julio roasting our safeties on MNF this week.
We need some help on the DL. Other than that, get the popcorn out. I am starting to believe we've got a shot to win it all this year...
dobber
September 30, 2020 at 07:30 am
I wouldn't call it a "comfortable" win...it was in doubt well into the 4th quarter, and until they got the Saints to give away the clock on the goal line, I wasn't wholly convinced they were going to pull it out.
ShooterMcGee
September 30, 2020 at 08:05 am
I have been hoping for a low key free agent signing to help our defense- ILB Todd Davis (now a Viking), DL Marcell Dareous, DL Domata Peko etc.... It seemed like Billy Winn was solid in limited action. There are plenty of guys out there that would be an upgrade over our JAGs.
I know it's not the Packers modus operandi but why not swing a trade for a d-lineman. Surely the Jets, Jags, Giants would love to get a draft pick next year for 1 of their starters. We should be getting 3 comp picks with the loss of Bulaga, Martinez, and Fackrell. We have the offense to win it all. Let's take our best shot by giving our defense some reinforcements.
Guam
September 30, 2020 at 08:42 am
Excellent point Shooter! Gute likes to spend 4th round draft choices to move up in the draft, why not spend one now to acquire some talent from a team that is going nowhere. The Packers will have several extra draft choices this year and need some help on the D-line if they truly want a shot at a championship this year.
Let's hope Gute agrees.
splitpea1
September 30, 2020 at 11:46 am
Maybe during the bye....we can always pray.
Minniman
September 30, 2020 at 04:22 pm
I wouldn't go to sleep on that thought.
Trade deadline date is 29 Oct - after the week 7 Texans game.
If they take down the Falcons, Buccs and Texans, and don't get hit worse by injuries (i.e. Rodgers) then assume that they are LEGIT contenders.
splitpea1
October 01, 2020 at 07:05 am
So if they beat the Falcons, they'd be 4-0 at the bye. Do they need to be 6-0 do be considered legitimate contenders? Why not be proactive and send a message to your team that you, in fact, do believe they are legitimate contenders instead of hoarding draft picks like Ebenezer Scrooge? As pointed out earlier, they have extra picks; and players can get injured after the trade deadline, anyway. I really don't think the trio of Adams, Lowry, and Lancaster is going to be enough to get us to the Super Bowl.
PeteK
September 30, 2020 at 11:49 am
Giants Williams for a third rounder, He's on a contract year and playing very well. It would give us a dominating tandem.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 01, 2020 at 01:49 am
Williams is playing on a franchise tag for $16.1M, all guaranteed base salary.
PeteK
October 01, 2020 at 02:05 pm
Does the new team have to pick up the contract, I thought it was negotiable.
murf7777
September 30, 2020 at 08:32 am
I wouldn’t say we won comfortably. If Peyton doesn’t bring in Hill, Brees and Co. may have taken the lead in the 4th quarter. He was moving the ball well against us. That turnover was a potential 10 point swing. But, your right after that great D play we scored 10 points and shut them down for a 3 and out to end the game.
It’s amazing how one play can change the ending scenario of a game.
PeteK
September 30, 2020 at 11:30 am
Going for it with a lead on the 50? ? That could have been the game, if Z didn't make play of the game.
murf7777
September 30, 2020 at 12:42 pm
I like his aggressive style, similar to Belichek. The odds say go for it.
Lphill
September 30, 2020 at 07:59 am
I watched the replay last night had the packers done a better job of containing Kamara on his two big runs it could have been a blowout, was it due to no Kenny Clark or having no play making inside linebacker ?
Coldworld
September 30, 2020 at 08:55 am
In my view you can’t separate the two. I also think you omit Hybrid, where Greene played 6 snaps. Hard to be a playmaker when problems in front and behind.
Nate-1980
September 30, 2020 at 04:35 pm
I’d say Mike P’s game plan to stop Kamara wasn’t smart at all, he’s their whole offense for the most part.. Why he didn’t stick a fast cb on him the whole game baffles me..
flackcatcher
September 30, 2020 at 08:02 am
Over the years there has been a lot of crying about TT/MM/DC. Comparing BG/MLF/MP to them this early is flat out unfair. Take this season for what it is, and enjoy. Just remember the virus lurks... Couple short comments: MLF's offense at it core is conservative by nature. Running the ball is first about protection and clock management. Pass plays are always short and design to limit mistakes. Which makes this system, in the hands of a gifted player like Aaron Rodgers, lethal when executed properly. And at this point in the season, the offensive are always ahead of the defensive. Mike Pettine: Better get use to it, he's not going anywhere. Fact is more NFL teams have gone light to counter the advantage the NFL pass rules have given offensives. Main defensive packages now feature 6DB as the norm. Both NOLA last week, and the Falcons this week run similar defensive formations. The main difference is we're seeing Pettine play matchup's across the entire defense, not just at the boundary. Pettine seems to not care what formation the offense shifts to. As long as he gets his desired matchup he thinks his players will win. And more often than not ("run of shame" expected) they have. Looking forward to the Falcons at Lambeau. They have with Ryan always given the Packers fits. Should be a fun game.
murf7777
September 30, 2020 at 08:55 am
Flack, were on the same page. Defenses must stop the pass first and run second. If you can do both you have the best D. Doesn’t mean you ignore rush D, but you will lose much faster if you can’t stop the pass. And, if you go down quickly in a game your O becomes one dimensional and normally ends up in a team loss.
I can’t wait for the SF game:)
flackcatcher
September 30, 2020 at 09:38 am
I'm an old 4-3 3-4 guy. I do get it. But at times this kind of football is hard to watch. Pettine has twice gone to a 1-4-6 in the second half twice in two weeks in the second half. It's not gadget football, it's the norm now. I fully expect Pettine has packages with no DL ready to go. I can see it now. 0-5-6, 0-4-7, 0-3-8. If he could get away with it, Pettine would line up with 11DB...
murf7777
September 30, 2020 at 08:11 am
Al, I thought Jace would go off as well.He was my pre game X-factor. Tonyan reached that status and had one hell of a game. I was so excited about Tonyan in the 2018 pre-season and lost that emotion about him over time. Now, it looks like he is that athletic TE we have been searching for since J. Cook. Add Deguara’s athleticism and you have quite a pair. Maybe our most complete TE thou is Jace. He posses both blocking and running routes at a good level. Now focus and catch the ball. Lewis is a blocking machine and a big reason we are one of the best rushing the ball. Our TE and HB positions looks solid now, and into the immediate future.
flackcatcher
September 30, 2020 at 08:23 am
Watching Rodgers run the play action is a thing of beauty. Teams must now respect the run game and that gives QB1 time. Like watching the old Rodgers of 2010-2011...
Coldworld
September 30, 2020 at 10:23 am
Starting to see the vision that Murphy bought into. Looking forward to seeing further dimensions with the return of Deguara to health, rookies settling in and changing weather.
SF is pretty much gutted at the moment, but one key for me will be LaFleur outcoaching his mentor.
RCPackerFan
September 30, 2020 at 08:14 am
Turnovers:
The more surprising part of this is that the ball carriers haven't coughed it up. Without preseason games to take some hits and get used to playing games again, its impressive they haven't fumbled.
Penalties:
It is really nice to lose yards due to constant penalties.
Receivers:
I like our weapons as a whole. When you factor in our top 3 WR's, our TE's and RB"s, we have more then enough weapons to do pretty much anything that we want. Especially with the way Rodgers is playing. The great part about LaFleur's offense is it doesn't require players to be top tier players. They don't have to consistently win one on ones to get open. The scheme helps players get open. Our offense just put up 37 points in a game where they were missing 2 of their top weapons. Adams and Deguara.
Billy Turner:
I thought overall Turner played well. Cam Jordan is one of the better players in the league and he didn't do anything.
Mason Crosby:
Its great having a reliable player like Crosby!
Defensive Adjustments:
I just wish Pettine would make adjustments more on the fly. The saints for example had 1 player that could do anything against us. Kamara. Couldn't he have told 1-2 players, you go where he goes. The Saints offense isn't that hard to figure out. Drop back, run everyone deep and check it down to Kamara underneath and let him gain everything possible.
I do question Pettine and some of his choices on players he uses. For example Will Redmond. Why is he playing over Greene? When teams come out in 2 TE sets why do we not have more then 2 DL?
The offense: We do have an offense. We just have to have Rodgers tell us that. He is showing us!
flackcatcher
September 30, 2020 at 08:49 am
Pettine did. It just Kamara is really special of that turf. Redmond was being subbed with Sullivan in the fourth. Looks like Greene is on a snap count. With his knee, I thought the Packers were trying to keep him off the turf. So far, Pettine seems to trying to force mismatches across the DL with the Smiths and Gary. Shifting Burks to OLB gives them another cover LB who can also rush. It's this weird combo of Capers NASCAR and Wisconsin's 2-5, but OL have a hard time ID the DL rushers. As aside, secondary played a quarter shell zone. Rare. But they did play some matchup on the boundary, but they were sliding in and out when they realized Brees couldn't get the ball downfield...
Guam
September 30, 2020 at 08:33 am
I thought Wagner played pretty well during the first two games when Turner was hurt and I believe PFF graded him as a bit above average, so I was surprised when Turner started the NOLA game at RT. I think Turner is a better guard than Patrick and I think Wagner is a better tackle then Turner, so clearly the coaches are seeing things I don't. I would love to see a CHTV blogger who knows offensive line play evaluate the Patrick/Turner versus Turner/Wagner situation and explain it to us laymen.
flackcatcher
September 30, 2020 at 09:07 am
Well, this coaching staff seems to go with the guy who has experience in this system first. Did that last year with Taylor over Jenkins. Playing Turner does have the advantage of allowing MLF to expand the playbook. Outside that, we don't know how bad Wagner's elbow injury is. If he has problems in his reach and punch, then he is limited. Same thing with Patrick alongside Turner. These guys played together at C and RG last year. Knowing the OL calls is pretty important with the no preseason. As we go further into the season I expect we will see Wagner at RT with Turner back at RG...
Coldworld
September 30, 2020 at 09:12 am
Wagner actually graded really well. I too was surprised. I surmise 2 things: Turner was brought in for his potential at tackle and is more highly thought of there and that is their preferred future plan. Secondly, Turner at guard wasn’t thought to be very successful last year. That explains the willingness to keep Taylor. Moreover, it explains the draft. Patrick is perhaps our next center with Hansen as a back up option and Runyan and the medical redshirt competing for right guard. Makes me wonder if they have real excitement about Nijman too: there may be a reason he is solely focused on LT.
Guam
September 30, 2020 at 09:59 am
I would agree that Runyan/Stepaniak (medical redshirt) are likely the Packer's starting RG and Patrick/Hansen the center next year. Do they keep both Turner and Wagner at RT? That is a lot of expense in a tight fiscal year in 2021. They clearly seem to prefer Turner despite PFF's grades unless Flackcatcher is right that Wagner is injured.
Nijman is the wildcard here. Can he play LT or might he be the backup at both LT and RT next year (assuming we either keep Bahk or use a high draft choice to replace him)? By keeping Nijman on the 53 and letting Light and others go this year, they believe he has potential.
Coldworld
September 30, 2020 at 10:31 am
Wagner played a lot of ST. It therefore seems unlikely that he was injured. As to Turner’s grades, one game doesn’t tell us much. I guess time will tell.
If Turner establishes himself they will keep him. If they do, I think Wagner is pretty cheap next year. TGR May correct me. If Wagner wins out, I think Turner is gone on cap grounds.
Guam
September 30, 2020 at 11:41 am
Given how tight next year's cap will be and the need to resign some young talent, I would guess that the guy who doesn't start will be gone next year assuming Nijman or Runyan can play backup RT. Even $1-2million in cap space might help.
Leatherhead
September 30, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Will one or two million help protect Aaron Rodgers? An experienced backup might be nice. And we’re looking at an O-line that might have to replace Bakhtiari, Linsley, and Taylor for next year
I’m thinking the Packers won’t make any more holes than they have to. Jones, Williams, Bakhtiari, Linsley, King, and Lewis will have to be resigned or replaced and we’re already tight against the cap. Knocking a guy off the roster to get money kind of seems like chasing your own tail.
Most of our defense is under contract for another year after this season, with the exception being King.
Guam
September 30, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Would you give up the experienced backup if it was just enough to allow you to sign King or Jones?
Leatherhead
September 30, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Wagner, Turner, Jenkins, Runyon, Nijman and Patrick are all under contract for next year. Bakhtiari, Linsley, and Taylor are not.
mnbadger
September 30, 2020 at 08:46 am
Jersey Al, spot on commentary, though I'm not a betting man.
Turner, check.
Crosby, check.
TE's, check.
Defensive adjustments, check.
Winning short handed, check.
This season is making it easy to forget about the NFC CG collapse.
Toot my own horn, I called it Pack 34-27, check.
GPG
Since'61
September 30, 2020 at 09:11 am
When Adams returns and with the approach we are using with our TEs this offense will be difficult to stop. Jones, Williams and Ervin are a 3 headed monster both rushing and receiving the football. Ervin was limited against the Saints but very effective with the touches he had. Beyond that Dillon will come on as the season goes on. If MVS can ever become consistent catching the ball it’s over for opposing defenses.
As I have posted before, take away Kamara’s 2 big plays and our defense looks very strong in this game. And that is playing without Clark, Gary and Kirksey. Also Kamara is a great player and he’s difficult to shut down for an entire game. In this era of the NFL it is difficult to completely shut down any competent offense. Having said that we still need to improve our defense against the run. We also need to generate more pressure up the middle on pass plays.
Jersey Al makes an excellent point about the Packers discipline through the first 3 games. Proves to me, again, that pre-season games are mostly a waste of time and an injury factory which diminishes the quality of regular season play.
Need to maintain our discipline and focus against the Falcons. Hopefully no letdown after our big win over the Saints. Go Pack Go!
Thanks, Since ‘61
Coldworld
September 30, 2020 at 09:16 am
On ST, could the discipline not be as much due to the coaching and particularly to the retention of many stalwarts from last year? My perception is that there is more focus on consistency in personnel than in the past.
PeteK
September 30, 2020 at 12:20 pm
I think Lafleur has that mixture of calm, serious ,respectability that is conducive to good communication and building team unity in today's sports teams. As a result ,when he does get angry it has a positive effect.
splitpea1
September 30, 2020 at 11:23 am
Preseason games are mostly waste of time for the established starters, but two would be nice for the rookies and bubble players. We definitely don't need to see our best players out there risking themselves in meaningless games.
PeteK
September 30, 2020 at 11:59 am
Fully agree. The development of our young players especially O linemen was delayed.
splitpea1
September 30, 2020 at 12:20 pm
And Dillon. The Packers' coaches said he needed more work on his receiving skills and pass protection. We should be seeing more of him as the season progresses.
Slim11
September 30, 2020 at 12:45 pm
I have one concern when Adams returns...will Rodgers start targeting Adams to a point where other WRs see fewer targets? It’s happened before. To keep this offense humming the way it is, Rodgers needs to continue spreading the ball around.
TarynsEyes
September 30, 2020 at 09:38 am
Penalties are down 60% league wide and it isn't because they're not being committed. When the Refs get the word to go back to normal laundry tossing, the game will change for all, and we can all go back to rubbing our eyes in that 'what a bs flag that is' and how it's hurting the Packers, possibly.
JohnnyLogan
September 30, 2020 at 12:41 pm
The NFL is taking a page from the NBA in limiting the influence of the refs, and it's good for the game. If a penalty is egregious, call it, but those calls far away from the ball that in no way impact a play that used to drive us nuts are no longer being called. Also limiting holding, which goes on in almost every play, has improved the game. Seeing a 60 yard TD wiped out because an Ol held on for a second too long helps determine the outcome of games and shouldn't be allowed. We're back to the early days of football when we all could recognize a foul or a penalty and that's good.
fordguy
September 30, 2020 at 01:50 pm
Did you get the question on here I sent you yesterday?
JerseyAl
September 30, 2020 at 02:20 pm
No, try again.
TarynsEyes
September 30, 2020 at 03:40 pm
If you're talking to me, no. What article was it under if for me.
fordguy
September 30, 2020 at 07:17 pm
On Mack the NT
TarynsEyes
September 30, 2020 at 07:45 pm
PackersWire deleted the forum and with it all ability to comment. No reason to log-in now and no reason for me to go there anymore.
PackfanNY
September 30, 2020 at 09:40 am
Limiting turnovers was a key last year and certainly has been a key in the early going this year. Aaron Rodgers has always been a low turnover QB but all the other guys have also done a fantastic job protecting the ball.
The other thing that is noteworthy is how comfortable Rodgers and the offense looks and feels in the 2nd year of this offense. Sure looks like everyone is buying into roles and the game plan. A lot more misdirection and design and putting guys in the best places to succeed. I like where the offense is heading.
PeteK
September 30, 2020 at 05:30 pm
What was that other title that Al had for this segment? Illusion of Complexity
Archie
September 30, 2020 at 10:29 am
re: offense - no complaints.
re: defense - just tackle better all the time.
Keke is making his jump. If one more DL does the same and KC comes back healthy, we will be in good shape on D. need Gary back too and Kirksey/Martin but we can't complain about Summers/Brynes/Burks right now - all of them produced this week.
JohnnyLogan
September 30, 2020 at 01:03 pm
Our offense is sensational. The defense is bad. It's partly personnel, Lowry and Lancaster are backups at best, King and Gary are overrated by most around here, our safeties are playing below average to date, Preston Smith has been invisible, and our ILBs are below average (although Barnes has impressed me greatly). We really have only three above-average players on D; Clark, Alexander, and Z. Smith. But it's not awful personnel and should be better than it has been as a whole. So I continue to believe that Pettine is the second coming of Capers and despite our grand new offense, will bring the same results as previous years. We won't be able to stop KC, but before that Seattle or even Dallas or San Fransisco in the playoffs, so it's deja vu all over again, as in years past when Rodgers had to put up 40 plus or go home. MLF has to be like Vince, demand more of the D, scream at them, at Pettine... "Grab, grab, grab!..." Every time I see P. Smith or Gary back up into coverage I think "how stupid is that!" Two stiffs at mid-field who can't do a thing if a back goes out there or a WR crosses? What the hell are they doing out there? Those great Packer teams had Hall of Famers all over the D but they also didn't drop Willie Davis into coverage. We need better players, and we need accountability, and I hope MLF doesn't go with Pettine/Capers for too long or he'll simply be McCarthy part 2.
Nate-1980
September 30, 2020 at 04:57 pm
Agreed Pettine is very Capers like, he just has better talent to use, that’s why the defense is ranked better..
stockholder
September 30, 2020 at 03:49 pm
Defensive. Adjustments. Ke Ke plays every third down. Lowrey doesn't.
BBlake
September 30, 2020 at 04:00 pm
In watching the Saints game the one thing I noticed was the difference in intensity between the Saints defense and the Packers defense. IMO the Saints defense looked like they were trying to make a hit, the Packers defense looked like it was avoiding making a hit.
Maybe it was just me but, I told my wife a few times that they were playing "soft".
croatpackfan
October 02, 2020 at 02:28 am
Interesting comments. When Aaron Jones run for 75 yards to score TD it is Aaron Jones brilliance. When Kamara run 55 yards to score TD it is awful Packers D.
As I remember, Packers are not the only team against Kamara has excelled in both running and catching the balls. One of the big reason why Saints are every year contender is the fact they have Kamara and Payton.
Also, no one give credit to Packers D. Tell me why Payton tried tricky play with Hill? Is there any chance he thought at that moment that he will have much better chances with tricky play than with regular play call? Something caused by Packers D?
Packers are the 3rd in the NFL by net points. So it looks like other teams defenses are not so good as well? Also, Packers beat Vikings, Lions (win over Cardinals last week) and Saints. Two of them "experts" were announcing serious SB candidates. Look against whom played SF (1st on the net points): Cardinals 2-1 (they lost), Jets 0-4 (win) and Giants 0-3 (sans Barkley) (win). Colts, 2nd in the net points played vs: Jaguars 1-2 (loss), Vikings 0-3 (win) and Jets 0-4 (win) - btw Jets has worst net points in the whole NFL.
My conclusion is that I will always respect opponents and their players, because they are also good to excellent players. Winning over tough competition is always better than run over/down the competition because they are weak. I will ask you, what victory you prefer? Win over powerless or powerful opponent?
You are always such cry babies! And always claims you know better than professionals!