The Lass Word: Packers Must Handle Adversity Better
Green Bay's poise under fire needs work.
By KenLass
This is the time of year when I crave Packers football so much that I rewatch most all the games of the previous season. I like to think it gives me some insight as to what to expect from this year’s team, but the big change at quarterback makes it difficult to know if anything from 2022 is relevant. The Packers of 2023 are likely to look quite different. Still, I came away with at least a couple of impressions from last season which I believe will carry over as issues.
One of them is the apparent fragility of this team’s chemistry and poise. During last year’s five game losing streak, and really in all nine losses, there is a perception that the team played miserable football throughout. But in reviewing the games, it was a bit surprising to see Green Bay actually played quite well for periods of time in virtually all of them. For a quarter, or a half, or even three quarters, the run game was solid, the pass protection strong, the quarterback was accurate, the defensive front was stopping the run and getting pressure on the passer, the secondary was covering well. This looked like a very good football team.
But whenever adversity struck, usually in the form of an offensive turnover, or the defense giving up a big play, you could feel the poise and confidence of the players and coaches evaporate. Immediately, the team’s execution would disappear. Instantly, opponents began to run over the front seven, the secondary was blowing assignments resulting in wide open receivers, the quarterback was making bad decisions and throwing inaccurately, the run game was stonewalled. Matt LaFleur and the rest of the coaching staff didn’t seem to have an answer or an adjustment.
Generally, in such a circumstance, you would look to your future Hall of Fame quarterback to calm the waters, settle everybody down, and execute a drive smoothly to slam the door on any comeback. But it was clear Aaron Rodgers was no longer capable of doing this. He often played his worst football in the fourth quarter.
Ditto for the defense. The week eighteen heartbreaker against the Lions was a good example. Green Bay’s defense actually played very well through the first half, holding Detroit to a pair of field goals. But midway through the third period, they gave up a 43 yard bomb from Jared Goff to Khalif Raymond. It was really the Lions’ first big offensive play of the game, and the adversity sent the Packers’ defense into an instant tailspin. The Lions went on to score and take a 13-9 lead, and even though Green Bay answered with a touchdown to reclaim the advantage, the defense then gave up a 13 play, 75 yard drive in the fourth quarter which put Detroit in front to stay.
The offense then joined the collapse as Rodgers forced a long ball intended for Christian Watson that was intercepted. The defense then allowed the Lions to run the final 3:27 off the clock with an eight-play drive that included a critical fourth down conversion.
The Packers should have won that game. They outplayed Detroit for two and a half quarters. They just couldn’t handle adversity once it struck.
The lack of poise also manifested itself as an inability to win the final two minutes of the first half. Green Bay’s defense was among the worst in the league in points given up under the two minute warning. In one stretch the Packers gave up two minute points to five consecutive opponents. Buffalo actually scored ten under two minutes against the Pack to essentially put the game out of reach.
That was last year. Will this year be any different? With so many young additions, one would think the ability to handle adversity will be even more of a challenge. One true test of Jordan Love’s viability as an NFL starting quarterback will be how he handles crunch time adversity. Can he make that crucial third down pass when the momentum has turned against him? Can he use his legs to escape the pocket and burn the defense with a dagger running conversion? Can he exude calm and confidence in the huddle to settle his young players down?
Can this defense regather itself after giving up a big play and retake control? Can they play their best football in the fourth quarter? Will the coaching staff be resourceful enough to call plays the team can execute properly when the heat is on?
Is it just a matter of being tougher? Mentally and physically? Of developing a more hard-nosed culture, one that lends itself to being able to take a punch in the mouth and get back up fighting? Call it the Dan Campbell effect. It wouldn’t be the first time Packer teams were accused of being soft. Rule changes and exorbitant salaries have changed the game from the black-and-blue street fights of the previous century. It’s more about focus and execution now.
If that boils down to coaching, then the coming season will be revealing. Poise and confidence start with LaFleur and his staff. Adversity on the field is coming. It always does. But a good team will not succumb to it.
The Packers have got the talent. Do they have the grit?
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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 (92)
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 06:19 am
Hats off to you, Ken, for being able to watch all of that. I couldn’t do it.
While this will look like a very different team with all the new players, different names to a lot of numbers, you’re right that it will all come down to coaching.
A lot of dynamic players with TOUGHNESS were added to this team, 24 via the draft alone in the last two years. That’s nearly half a team! Our coaching staff needs to harness that. Drive it as an asset to build success.
I can’t wait to see the Green Bay Packers bring it, more focused on a common goal. Winning football, and nothing else.
These new era Packers reestablishing HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE again in Lambeau would also be a big plus.
mrtundra
June 12, 2023 at 06:53 am
Totally agree on reestablishing HFA at Lambeau!! Playing at Lambeau Field should be an advantage for the GBP! Visiting teams should be fearful of playing us, in our home. GO PACK, GO!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 10:26 am
Call it culture. Team personality. Of all the verbiage, I'm hoping these new guys gel, and decide to take no shit. From anybody! That's largely on the defensive side of the ball, and our D really needs to star this season.
Great coaching in the off-season can be a big piece of that, and should start taking shape about now. Scheme, plays and assignments can be taught. I'm not sure you can teach grit, but it sure can be contagious! This is the sort of thing where leadership on the field can come into play; we tossed around some likely names. I'm not sure they'll really have much chance to emerge until regular season, and this is something an early bye might be an advantage with. Review, distinguish, and drill how to follow on field leaders at that time, and prepare for a long grueling stretch.
Fortunately such a young roster should be well suited to that. I'm hoping we have depth to keep our few veterans from getting fatigued to the point of losing effectiveness. Developing depth to be able to utilize the whole 53 man roster seems to me like good strategy for this season ...
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 11:39 am
Couldn't agree more, SST.
One thing that I've found encouraging from a coaching standpoint is player development. That seems to be far better under LaFleur & his staff than what we've seen in the last decade or so. Some of that appeared to fall off a bit under Mike McCarthy towards the last half of his tenure.
It's all happening before our eyes now, or not... but, early signs for this new era of team culture & chemistry being established in Green Bay are encouraging.
There's something hard to describe about this generation of players introduced since 2020. As a generation in their personal lives outside of football, they have their own bond. As if they're collectively fed up with entitled-ass boomers, understanding they are together here on this Packers team to make a difference, and carry the G.
There's a lot to be said for that in this context of team culture. The Packers have drafted 42 players since Jordan Love was taken with the 26th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. 36 players remain. This doesn't account for UDFAs. Wow. We'll see how it all shakes out in less than 3 months.
stockholder
June 12, 2023 at 06:41 am
I don’t see that much of a difference per stats.
( opponents vs. the Packers)
The forth down Conversions 12/31 vs 11/19
Tells me it’s not adversity, as much as execution.
Not to mention the breakdown of 21.8 Points per Game.
When 30 is usually required to ice the win.
The Packers just weren’t ready.
And the difference in the OL was the key.
The end result was better than the beginning.
Until the Lions Knocked them off.
But was Rodgers really the problem that game?
Or the fact this defense couldn’t get it done?
You do have it right; boiling down to the coaching.
NickPerry
June 12, 2023 at 07:15 am
Umm...YES, Rodgers was the problem in BOTH losses to the Lions last season. He was terrible in BOTH games SH...Terrible!!
Packers0808
June 12, 2023 at 07:47 am
Rodgers was a problem most of every game, just played to get the pay. His attitude was lets get this down and the hell out of here!
stockholder
June 12, 2023 at 09:42 am
Love your Team support.
It's more than the QB.
Management said he gives us;
are best chance to win.
Comparing him to Pete Rose
just is bonkers.
Packers0808
June 13, 2023 at 11:17 am
It is OUR Team and Rodgers had no team in him!
stockholder
June 12, 2023 at 09:53 am
If that was True.
Why the rebuild?
Wisma Packer
June 12, 2023 at 10:24 am
What rebuild?
Only Bakt seems to consider this year a "rebuild", and even he qualifies it.
NickPerry
June 12, 2023 at 06:52 am
"The Lions went on to score and take a 13-9 lead, and even though Green Bay answered with a touchdown to reclaim the advantage, the defense then gave up a 13 play, 75 yard drive in the fourth quarter which put Detroit in front to stay."
The Packers have been accused for a LONG time of being "Soft" as Ken also alluded to in his story. This is where the Detroit Lions punched the Packers right in the mouth. The Packers have been "Soft" IMO since the Colin Kaepernick Divisional Playoff loss in 2012. Something happened that night and it hasn't been good enough since.
"The offense then joined the collapse as Rodgers forced a long ball intended for Christian Watson that was intercepted. The defense then allowed the Lions to run the final 3:27 off the clock with an eight-play drive that included a critical fourth down conversion."
And this is where Rodgers failed once again in a HUGE moment, in a win or go home game. Rodgers had FAILED in those moments every season since 2010 at the end of the year. I KNOW it wasn't all on Rodgers and I think we could all agree the Packers wouldn't have been in those "Win or Else" moments without Aaron Rodgers in the first place in many of those seasons let alone games.
THIS is where Love can make a name for himself on his own. I DON'T CARE about Rodgers efficiency as a QB...I only care about wins and losses. Love can be a BETTER leader and let the OTHER 52 players on the roster help him win, and TRUST those guys...Something Rodgers had a difficult time with at times. THIS is what I want to start to see from Love.
Hopefully MLF can do the same thing. I've never seen a HC get SO LITTLE credit for going 39-10 through his first 3 seasons in the NFL. Obviously Rodgers winning two MVPs didn't help MLF. But does Rodgers even win those two MVPs without MLF? I say look to 2022 when Rodgers decided to trust no one and do it HIS WAY. I'd also point to 2017 and 2018 before LaFleur got here.
Hopefully this is the season we all find out MLF can REALLY win without AR12.
stockholder
June 12, 2023 at 09:51 am
Sorry Nick - But No way since 2010.
This was on the "Defense" to make a stop.
WHEN IT COUNTED! Even Capers Failed.
AND YOUR #1 PICK of VAN ESS SHOWS-
That management Knew this team
Needs more than GARY.
FOR ALL YOU people that wanted Offense
Finally Taken. Watch what is drafted.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 10:03 am
This team was soft in 2011 as well, when the Giants came in and beat the brakes off of them. Being overly reliant on passing and only really caring about pass defense has been the bane of this team's existance.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 10:34 am
They went 15-1 that year, right? Then one and done in the playoffs.
Coming through in big games hasn't been "the standard."' Hopefully we get back to winning ways.
GPG!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 10:56 am
Correct. They showed their chink in the armor vs the Chiefs and then repeated that dreadful performance in their home playoff loss to the Giants.
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 10:44 am
Nick, I keep coming back to this statement, and I think you're right on the MONEY:
"I only care about wins and losses. Love can be a BETTER leader and let the OTHER 52 players on the roster help him win, and TRUST those guys...Something Rodgers had a difficult time with at times. THIS is what I want to start to see from Love."
TRUST is the word that initially got me. But in reading the entirety of this, your point on Love possibly being a better leader coincides well here. I think you're right, Love could very well be the better leader on the field, as required of any QB1. He has exhibited a maturity beyond his years. I think that will come with losing your father at an early, formative stage in life, being raised by his mother. She encouraged his desires to play football, clearly, and he chose QB, a leadership position foremost, along with being a passer.
TRUST: Can you imagine being Aaron Jones & AJ Dillon all those years, knowing you could make plays that matter, can change the game in our team's favor? Only to be not given the opportunity? Time & time again?
Can you imagine being a WR known for having high quality contested catch abilities, only to not be given the opportunity, time & time again? Or, not seeing targets due to favoritism exhibited towards just one or two receivers on the team?
I think Jordan Love "can make a name for himself," and I believe he will by exhibiting the leadership his higher character will bring to the QB1 position. Hopefully, LaFleur encourages Love's spreading touches/targets around to the many talented players added here, trusting in all of their abilities to get the job done of winning football games. Building confidence throughout the season, which could really factor big in the post season.
I'm hoping Jordan Love is more of the mindset that HE is helping the other 52 players to win. T E A M .
Alberta_Packer
June 12, 2023 at 01:05 pm
"Leadership" - this may be the first category where Love surpasses Rodgers due to their differing leadership styles. First, Rodgers seemed to have a more hierarchical, top-down mode of communication. Somewhat 'I'll talk - you listen' method. Also culturally, Rodgers was a community unto himself. I never saw him as part of a peer group or "one of the gang."
In contrast is Love - who socially and culturally seems to have a greater connection with a larger number of players. Thus the potential for an esprit de corps. That being so, I expect that it will be more enjoyable for players to play with Love - without having the "trust" sword dangling over their heads. While wins may not be so numerous to begin Love's career - I expect to see a more enthusiastic and unified team this year - which should provide superior entertainment.
White92
June 12, 2023 at 07:39 pm
I hope you're right on MLF, I just don't think you are. A coach that kept starting a fumble machine while an all pro sat on the bench..that hired a D coordinator with a horrible track record and brought him back with many strong candidates are available..who goes for a 4th and 1 in the first quarter on his own 30, up 3 and calls an end around...whose defense couldn't keep their cool and got ejected in a win or go home game? There is much evidence that MLF is not a good coach or leader. Maybe you and others are right and the absence of 12 will magically make him better, but I doubt it.
Savage57
June 12, 2023 at 06:56 am
This team needs some dogs. If you go through the roster on the defensive side of the ball looking for some, who do you come up with? Jaire? Quay? That's about it.
On offense, I got bupkus. Does this offense really have a dog? A Sitton or a Lang who makes sure there's some names being taken and asses being kicked?
Someone needs to start putting ghost pepper sauce on these guys jocks.
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 07:38 am
Savage, I think Gutekunst added a good number of players to this defense with just that dawg mentality.
Tarvarius Moore is an assasin v. the run, and he brings ball skills.
Lukas Van Ness is a monster of the EDGE. Yeah, he needs work on expanding his repertoire, but he brings that DAWG mentality every snap.
Karl Brooks had 43 hurries, 5 QB hits and 12 sacks his Senior year. The guy was a wrecking crew, and that’s all he knows.
Carrington Valentine dropped in the draft mainly because of his off the charts aggressiveness.
Anthony Johnson Jr. is ALL DAWG!
Brenton Cox Jr. is the epitome of the word.
Add in a couple of players we hardly saw in 2022 or never saw for development purposes in Devonte Wyatt & the 6-6 338 lb. Jonathan Ford at NT…
I think we will be seeing a very different mentality & style of play on D in 2023.
Savage57
June 12, 2023 at 08:06 am
Let's hope so, because it's a target-rich environment.
croatpackfan
June 12, 2023 at 08:46 am
Greengold, you forget Jordan Love. Remember that game vs KC? How many times he was crushed by 250/320 defender, still deliver the ball, still try to achieve something for team. Many here was worried zhat he is not good, but OL did not help him much to establish himself in that game. Go, look number of hits and hurries he suffer in that game. Still Packer lose only by 6. Lazard TD was excellent throw over huge body running to him, to open Lazard with no fear of getting crushed. Kudos Lazard for scoring that TD, too.
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 09:15 am
croat, you're right in bringing that up.
LaFleur coached one of his worst games ever in Jordan Love's first NFL start at KC, one of the toughest stadiums to play in. KC was one of the NFL's worst run defenses, and LaFleur never thought to adjust away from his normal AR pass happy script.
Thankfully, that wasn't lost on LaFleur after the game:
"This one falls on me squarely."
"Certainly, for us to be 2 for 12 on 3rd down, obviously didn't have a good enough plan for some of the zero pressures that they brought on us."
"I thought Jordan, I was really proud of the way he played. He hung in there, he was taking hits and delivering the ball. I thought he did a really good job," LaFleur said. "But I think that, ultimately, I've got to be better, and this one falls squarely on me."
How LaFleur mailed that one in, being it was such an important game for Jordan Love and the Packers, was beyond me, but that's exactly what LaFleur did. How on Earth did he not force feed Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, against the worst run D in the NFL?
Shockingly stupid. So is anyone blaming that on Jordan Love. That pass rush was relentless. Ears pinned back 100%. One helluva welcome to the NFL.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 09:43 am
You'd think he'd plan to run regardless of who the QB was. Was scratching my head. The run was never out of the question because it was always close.
Don't remember if the COVID list the week prior had anything to do with it?
croatpackfan
June 12, 2023 at 11:39 am
"Don't remember if the COVID list the week prior had anything to do with it?"
As I remembered the positive test on ACR came late afternoon on Friday before the game, and his suspension till next 2 negative tests.
So, all practices were already in the book for KC game and there was non adjustment on Packers side despite they knew they needed to play inexperienced QB for his first start. Contrary to that KC defense adjusted to that fact.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 09:43 am
Just noticed my oops.
x24
June 12, 2023 at 09:50 am
I am hoping that the change from "rightful heir" to the Lombardi Trophy to underdog will bring more grit to this young team
For the past several years, as soon as the game strayed from the "script" written in the off-season, the team wilted. Almost- "but we were SUPPOSED to win..."
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 10:38 am
I put Bakh and Kenny Clarke into the category you're trying to describe. #33 too. Quadzilla had a down year, but no way is he past his prime. Was it O line or him?
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 11:09 am
Partly due to getting hand offs out of the shotgun. No running head start.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 11:09 am
Again?
PackEyedOptimist
June 12, 2023 at 07:09 am
100% agree Ken. I've been making this complaint for years, and I think it has been a combination of RAS-over-toughness and since MLF took over, a lack of sideline intensity.
As I commented just a few days ago, I've lamented the lack of leadership on the defense ever since Charles Woodson left. I think it really hurt that Clay Matthews lacked leadership qualities; you really want your defensive star to be a vocal, tough personality. That's why I really wanted Derwin James and was incredibly disappointed when the Packers traded out of the ability to take him.
I really believe toughness/backbone is usually established by the defense.
I don't know who on this current defense can be that guy. Maybe VanNess will, but it's going to have to grow from the ground up; there was/is noone to pass that aura down.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 10:09 am
Losing Nick Collins was the biggest gut punch of all.
Guam
June 12, 2023 at 07:23 am
Part of this is on the players, but another part is on the coaches. LaFleur strikes me as a nice guy and a cerebral coach, but he seems unlikely to kindle a fire in the belly of his players. He is not a tough, demanding coach. I think McCarthy was somewhat in the same mold too although not to the same degree as LaFleur. I suspect part of the lack of Packer toughness over the last decade has been a reflection of their head coaches.
Maybe Bisaccia can take a larger role in that regard in 2023 as he is more in the tough guy coaching mold. The Packers need somebody to step up and demand toughness.
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 07:50 am
Ha! Gotta give MLF that “All Gas No Fucking Brake,” we’re his words!
A lot of great points in here calling out sideline demeanor, but we should take into account the destructive qualities a narcissistic malcontent can bring to any team working towards what should be a collective goal.
That is a challenge for any leader or HC. I can’t help but think that was a known problem mandated upon LaFleur at the very least one year too long.
Few had a major gripe with LaFleur 3 years ago, and we all watched those very same problems creep to the forefront then.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 07:56 am
Always griped about in-game adjustments especially when he faced playoff caliber coaching.
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 08:36 am
That’s true, Steve. I think that came to the forefront in our 1st playoff loss to SF in 2019. Whoosh!
Good call.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 10:10 am
But what good are adjustments if the guy taking the snaps ignores them?
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 10:33 am
That's a whole new adjustment. I'll give you that.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 11:01 am
Maybe im off base here, but I cant help but feel as the games went on (especially in the Lafleur era) the offense would just kinda revert to the predictable and unimaginative. I have a real hard time putting that on Lafleur when we saw the same thing under Mccarthy too. And with the public rumblings from Rodgers about playcalling, schemes, audibles, etc. I think its pretty easy to assume who the culprit for that trend really was. The only question is how much did this cripple this team in the playoffs? I can only answer that question indirectly by saying it certainly didnt help.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 11:17 am
That would only answer the question of offensive adjustments. There's another side of the ball that hasn't done any better.
As CW says, this year should answer a lot of questions.
I had real problems with McCarthy's adjusting too. His 15 scripted plays then he was supposed to go with what worked out of those. Hummm. Maybe the Ds recognized those plays too?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 11:58 am
I make no excuses for Barry as I really dont like his passive approach as a whole. It works as far as limiting big plays, but its like a boxer covering his face and leaning into body blow after body blow. I will say this though, the defensive players need to be better too. Too many missed tackles and blown coverages. The Rams utilized nearly the same soft and passive defense in 2020 (when Barry was their LB coach) as the Packers do now and yet they had the #1 scoring defense, #1 overall defense, and #3 rush defense that year. So this scheme can work but the players have to play to their abilities and stop leaving so many plays on the field.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 12:08 pm
It's a defense designed to play with a lead which the Rams usually had. The Packers used to come out and score a TD on their opening drives. That slowly went away till it was horrible in 22.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 03:03 pm
Excellent point. A point I've often made myself. The best run defense is a good offense.
Guam
June 12, 2023 at 09:17 am
Not absolving the players or QB1 GG, but I have never seen LaFleur chew out a guy when he came to the sideline after making a bonehead play. I guess Lombardi made a big impression on me when I was a youngster because I remember him reaming guys when they came to the sideline after a bad play. My high school coaches came from the same coaching tree as Lombardi and you hated to go to the sideline after you screwed up. And that did light a fire under you to do better (or at least it did to me).
I would like to see a little more fire from our coaching staff.
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 09:45 am
Oh, I'm right with you, Guam. Not trying to absolve LaFleur, just trying to see the reality of the difficult situation he walked into and taking that into consideration.
LaFleur did himself no favors failing to lay down the law with AR.
Most who coach legendary QBs, especially those who enter the scene mid career, with big offensive mindsets are gobsmacked. Mike Sherman with Brett Favre comes to mind. I believe that's what we all saw. Not going to argue anyone, including yourself, Since'61, Coldworld and the like for holding his feet to the fire there.
Lombardi would have sent AR's ass packing 3 years ago. I firmly believe that. But, times are now different. AR was a money making cash machine for GB. LaFleur needed to do a better job of leading this team over AR himself, who truly took all the power he could get.
I agree. There's been a lot of screw ups. For sure. Hopeful with no distractions LaFleur takes better control of his team. 100%.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 10:12 am
Guam, he did it to Rodgers in 2019 when Rodgers held the ball as the receiver the play was designed for ran wide open. He went right over and got in Rodgers' face. He has it in him. Seems like he was restrained the last 2 years.
Guam
June 12, 2023 at 10:23 am
Good to know TBSH. Hopefully we see more of that in 2023.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Agreed.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 10:47 am
Guam, I'm really hoping Bisaccia was promoted to assistant HC for exactly this reason. MLF also giving up playcalling duties makes me hope he realizes his role is to be that cerebral aspect, and let others flash intensity and grit.
Moving MLF up into a booth for an overhead view might not be a bad idea?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 12:02 pm
MLF gave up playcalling? Thats news to me. I hope thats not the case. He's an excellent playcaller when he's allowed to do his job.
Duneslick
June 12, 2023 at 05:24 pm
How about that Jet sweep with Lazard on 4th and 2. Idiot 8 man line of course they get penetration
TxFred
June 12, 2023 at 07:28 am
IMO, lockerroom chemistry & on field leadership was lacking. AR lost it, too much hero, self-serving antics, teammates did pick up on it & effected play. This team has no age gap, lots of talent & energy. Leadership is forming now and will show itself on the field. Look for several leaders on all sides of the ball. Going to be fun to watch the development. Even with a loss. Leaders will lead & team will respond.
Coldworld
June 12, 2023 at 07:30 am
Team motivation and mindset starts with coaches. Players can individually help or hinder but in the end the coaches are there to create the foundation. This season will, more than anything, show if a LaFleur led coaching team can do that. Xs and Os are just part of that, as is playing talent. Coaches are there to take that and get the most out of it. Can ours?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Coaches do set the tone, but at some point, these guys have to be pros and learn to self motivate. Like Mccarthy used to say: "There comes a time in the season when you have to turn the team over to the players." They have to earn that.
Coldworld
June 12, 2023 at 03:13 pm
Particularly with a young team, the culture usually comes from the coaches. That’s part of what they are paid for. Yes, sometimes transcendent personalities on the team can do that spontaneously, but only a foolish coach plans for that. Coaching sets the tone of a team whenever the team is together, on field and off.
“Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.” Vince Lombardi
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 04:49 pm
Im agreeing with you. Just saying that at some point they have to grow up and take the motivational aspect upon themselves. Make the team their own, so-to-speak.
Vachio
June 12, 2023 at 07:34 am
It's an old problem for us, though. Going back to the NFC championship game against the Bucs. INT before the half, fumble right after and we pretty much closed up shop. Playoffs against the 49ers...we were in control of that game until Lewis fumbled, then we closed up shop. The big question, the answer to which I think we'll learn this year, is "Is the problem with LaFleur or Rodgers?" LaFleur doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who is going to jump back up swinging after he gets punched in the mouth. However, Rodgers' play seemed to take a nosedive very quickly after things went back in key games. Either way, it seemed to be a lack of nasty from the two main guys in charge of providing the leadership. I'm hopeful that the youth and hunger of this year's team will change that. We shall see.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 10:54 am
Maybe we should have a weekly contest and award here: who brought the nasty? Lol
Vachio
June 12, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Hahaha! I'm all for it!
beerandbrats
June 12, 2023 at 07:44 am
Great topic Ken! We definitely need some more toughness in Green Bay because finesse will only get you so far in the NFL and we have been soft for too long now. I would love to see an aggressive, dominating defense to handle any adversity and to set the tone for this team. Home losses, and in particular, home playoff losses should never happen in Green Bay. Losing at home in the playoffs should be a fire-able offense! It's time to change the narrative. When teams come to Green Bay, they should expect a dogfight, and they should get one!
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 07:54 am
"Matt LaFleur and the rest of the coaching staff didn’t seem to have an answer or an adjustment." Ken, should MLF have waived his arms at the crowd more? What more could he do? LOL.
Mean and nasty! It has to start at inside linebacker. Even the O doesn't want to look at those guys after they hang them out to dry.
Everyone was worried about Quay flying off the handle and how he has to "Grow Up". I say the coaches need to feed that fire and point it in the right direction. I'll show you "Grow Up"!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 10:14 am
Bingo, Steve. Dont subdue Quay's passion. Teach him to channel it. Controlled aggression. Exactly what this team needs.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 10:58 am
I loved seeing it! Grit. Hunger. I think the coaches have the right idea, keeping him busy between plays. A little maturity in the league, but feed that killer instinct. Make it contagious!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Theres a long list of all-time greats who came into the league as hot-heads who only took that next step mentally because of coaches who helped them mature. You can teach a wolf to stay within the lines but you cant turn a sheep into a wolf.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Baaaa. I resemble that remark!
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Bad day, I guess.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 12, 2023 at 03:05 pm
T7Sheep? Lol sorry I had to
Since'61
June 12, 2023 at 08:17 am
It's not just a matter of handling adversity. It's a matter of playing poor situational football. The end of half and end of game collapses are usually a matter of poor situational football. As Nick Perry pointed out going back to the loss to Kaepernick and he 49ers in 2012 the Packers have been a bad situational football team.
During the games key moments they look confused, unprepared and without a sense of urgency. Against the Lions in 2022s final game the defense failed to adjust and become more aggressive against the Lions offense. Rodgers failed to make a play when the offense needed it the most. MLFs playbook looks like a HS play book at the worst possible times. The collapse in the 2014 NFCCG. The 2015 loss to the Cardinals in over time putting a rookie CB on the Cardinals best WR. Leaving Kevin King without safety. help against the Bucs at the end of the first half in 2020.
These and numerous other situations if played correctly would mitigate the adversity and leave the Packers without such adversity to overcome. As stated above this is not just an MLF era issue this goes well back into the McCarthy/TT era as well. It starts with coaching and manifests on the field.
Get better at situational football and overcoming adversity becomes less of a factor. GPG. Thanks, Since '61
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 11:03 am
This is exactly why I'm hoping MLF's cerebral tendencies will be used to better effect this season with an assistant HC, offensive coordinator, and hopefully they're restructuring how they do things in games.
Us it true that MLF gave up playcalling duties?
Ferrari-Driver
June 12, 2023 at 08:34 am
I miss not having a guy like Ray Nitschke on defense. A guy who was ferocious and played like his hair was on fire (even though he was bald). He would take out his two front teeth and practically growl on the field . A good way for a running back to ruin his day was to run up the middle on the Packers and meet Ray Nitschke head on. He gave that defense "ATTITUDE".
croatpackfan
June 12, 2023 at 08:54 am
Did you ever thouht that he had no hair on his head because that fire burnt his hear completelly?
Ferrari-Driver
June 12, 2023 at 09:53 am
No, but now that you mention it...
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 08:56 am
One of my All-Time favorite Packers players. I have a signed football from him. Ray Nitschke HOF 1978. I've always wanted a Nitschke jersey, and a Woodson Jersey. One of these days... Love will be in there too!
You're not kidding though, Ferrari! Wow. Just lit people up time & time again. A career's worth of players laying on the field writhing in pain in his wide wake.
Looking forward to seeing that destroyer mentality emerge in more than a few players recently added. I think Gutekunst went after that DAWG mentality these last two drafts/FA & UDFA periods. For those who don't know Tarvarius Moore, wait till you see him in run stop. Ho. I think Cox Jr. might bring some of what you speak of here, judging from his highlight reel...
https://youtu.be/WfEfEx6nmCk
Since'61
June 12, 2023 at 09:32 am
GG while I agree with you completely about Nitschke, (he is my Avatar after all) I don't think that we will ever see the likes of him again. Rule changes have mitigated to a large extent the ability of the defense to play with the reckless abandon a player like Nitschke brought to the field. Many of his ferocious hits would be penalized in this era of "mamba-pamby" football as Dave Robinson referred to it.
As for the current Packers defense they need a huge infusion of nasty attitude and aggressiveness which they have not displayed with any consistency since the Reggie White era in Green Bay. Yes, they played great defense in 2010 but that has really been the only season of a championship level defense since the Holmgren era. Hoping I'm wrong about the 2023 defense. We'll see. Thanks, Since '61
Ferrari-Driver
June 12, 2023 at 11:24 am
Many years ago, there was a defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers named Joe Green and I really liked his nickname which was "Mean Joe Green". Too bad Ray never had a nickname befitting his level and style of play, but there aren't too many words that I can think of that rhyme with the name "Nitschke".
Since'61
June 12, 2023 at 04:32 pm
Ferrari Driver if you click on my avatar of Nitschke and see the enlarged version you will see that the photo includes the following phrase about Nitschke; "Didn't have a nickname, didn't need one."
For me that is the perfect description/definition of Nitschke. All you had to do was the say the name. The players and fans knew the rest. Thanks, Since '61
Ferrari-Driver
June 12, 2023 at 09:31 pm
Since '61, Thanks I did look. Here is a photo of Ray in his Packer's uniform with the look of someone you wouldn't want to mess with. Notice the pearly whites that are missing in the front.
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/07/article-0-188FF2B700000578-31...
greengold
June 12, 2023 at 11:59 am
Oh, we're on the same page there, Since'61. There will never be another Nitschke. He was a one-off! What a great man too. Lombardi helped Nitschke to become that throughout his career, helped Ray to be his very best version of himself, the one on the field, and off...
It's indeed a different game today as well. The stuff we saw in terms of how the game was played. HO! I'm reminded of Deacon Jones all of a sudden! wow. Much has changed, indeed!
There's much left to play out here on D, and like yourself, I'm hoping for the best.
Since'61
June 12, 2023 at 09:26 am
Ferrari-Driver my avatar is Nitschke for a reason. The leader of the great Lombardi defense. Ferocious tackler, great in pass coverage and a never give up player regardless of the score or game time situation.
Lombardi's Packers played in 10 post season games. The defense allowed an average of 9.7 PPG in the post season. They never ranked below 3rd in the league in points allowed during the regular season.
That pretty much sums it all up and Nitcschke's leadership was a big reason for those stats.
When Dave Robinson finally made it into the NFL HOF he said "One of the reasons that I'm here today is because of all those running backs who ran towards me because they were afraid to run anywhere near Nitschke."
To this day he remains my benchmark for how a middle linebacker or ILB should play their position. He was then and remains now the GOAT. Thanks, Since '61
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 09:49 am
Speaking of how the game is played now, could you imagine what Jim Brown or Walter Payton could do to todays Ds? I suppose they've adjusted, but just can't picture it.
Since'61
June 12, 2023 at 11:18 am
Players like Jim Brown, Jim Taylor, Gale Sayers, Walter Peyton would absolutely destroy today's fear of tackling defenders.
First off many of this era's defenders have poor tackling techniques and secondly many of them are just afraid to come up, square off and go head to head against an opposing RB. It's a sad state of affairs but it is where we are.
Thanks, Since '61
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Remember coach telling us to lead with our face? "HEADS UP, HAEDS UP, BULL YOUR NECK".
Don't remember too many head and neck injuries till they started making the tackle and block with their shoulders. Of course, they didn't count getting your bell rung then either. "WANT ME TO CALL YOUR MOTHER?"
Since'61
June 12, 2023 at 04:37 pm
T7 I remember it all too well. Sometimes I look back on it and I'm amazed that we made it through.
Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
June 12, 2023 at 04:55 pm
Philly almost racked up 400 yards on them last November. I am not optimistic.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 11:07 am
Nitschke hit like a Mack truck!
Would probably get ejected from today's league. There's a balance in there somewhere that will work ...
Wisma Packer
June 12, 2023 at 10:16 am
Great article Ken!
I like how you present your thoughts with points to bolster them! 👍
SicSemperTyrannis
June 12, 2023 at 11:11 am
Momentum.
I hate the concept. Things don't go your way? Boneheaded mistake? Gotta shake it off and make the next play.
100% effort on every play fixes all of this.
T7Steve
June 12, 2023 at 11:22 am
And if you aren't going 100%, you're an injury waiting to happen too.
ImaPayne2
June 12, 2023 at 12:09 pm
Lets take a look at the future packers of 2023.
1. Pass rush is suspect. If its average that sounds about right. There are not two gang bangers in this group to feed off each other.
2. Run game is solid and above average but its a passing game and thats where the points get put on the board.
3. O line should be fine. Lots of experience and yet youth. May get a break with mobile QB not a brick in the backfield.
4. Kicking game will lose some power. the reliable stud is gone now.
5. Passing game will depend on reading the defense and the receivers route running ability.
6. Pass D has never been a forte on this team and I dont see improvement this year. Nothing new.
All in all probably an 8-9 team would be in order based on talent and experience. Anything more is a plus.
LPPAKer
June 12, 2023 at 08:05 pm
Pass defense is above average, we need the the run D to be as good.
splitpea1
June 12, 2023 at 12:54 pm
You usually have to play well for at least three quarters to win, so any mention of playing well for a quarter, well, is pretty much useless.
The team chemistry is fine, but their personality under pressure or adversity, leaves something to be desired. Blame can be distributed equally among coaches and the players maybe, but I believe it's up to the coaching staff to forge a tougher team that's ready to respond to challenges.
Except for one half where the defense played pretty well, the supreme stinker of the season, in my mind at least, was the home loss against the Jets. To get out-physicaled like that was just embarrassing. It's a new season, but the coaches should not forget this game and make sure that an effort like this does not happen again.