Packers 30 Raiders 20: Game Balls & Lame Calls
By jasonperone
The Green Bay Packers got a big road win against the Oakland Raiders, their third victory in a row and have also secured a spot in the postseason for the seventh-straight season. By virtue of the New York Giants loss to the still-undefeated Carolina Panthers earlier in the day, the Packers' playoff spot was assured before they kicked off in Oakland. In some ways, the Packers played like a team that had nothing to gain by winning. It rained most of the day and each team had two turnovers. This was the fourth game this season in which the Packers dealt with rainy conditions and their first on the road.
After turning two Derek Carr interceptions into 14 early points, the Packers coasted through the rest of the first, second and third quarters before finally putting the victory away and securing their 10th win of the season. The Raiders were coming off of a big road win last week over the Denver Broncos and had a lot to play for in this game. They were still on the outside looking in for a wild card spot and were at home with a chance to get another statement win against a good Packers team. At one point, the Raiders overcame the early deficit and had a brief lead at 24-20 before the Packers answered right away, taking the lead back for good.
Next up, the Packers head to Arizona to take on the red-hot Cardinals, Green Bay's first trip to Arizona since their insane wild card playoff loss back in January of 2010. Green Bay still has an outside shot of overtaking the Cardinals for the #2 seed in the NFC if they can beat Arizona next week followed by a win in the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings and hope that the Seattle Seahawks can also beat the Cards in Arizona in week 17.
On to the game balls and lame calls from the win over the Raiders!
Game Balls
James Jones
As we say on "Pulse of the Pack" when he scores, "all James Jones does is. . . catch touchdowns". It's been a while since Jones has found the end zone and his touchdown grab came at a very opportune time. With the Packers having just given up a touchdown to give the Raiders the lead, the Packers marched down field and answered with a 30-yard strike from Aaron Rodgers to Jones to give Green Bay the lead back. Jones got behind the coverage and got into the end zone just as a streaking Charles Woodson arrived a few steps late.
Jones had to have been playing with a little extra motivation against a Raiders team that released him after just one season of a three year deal he had signed prior to the 2014 season. Jones was Oakland's best receiver last year and surely wanted to let them know they may have cut the chord a bit too early. In this game, Jones was Green Bay's best receiver, with a team-high six catches.
Julius Peppers
Peppers had 2.5 sacks and three hits on Carr. After the Packers pass rush was having trouble getting to Carr, Peppers got to him and brought him down on a second down early in the third quarter to set up a third and long that the Raiders couldn't convert. Peppers has had a decent season for the Packers this year, but he hasn't made many impact plays lately like he did against Oakland. This was the type of game the Packers hoped they'd see a lot of when they signed Peppers before last season. If Green Bay is going to continue to get good pressure on opposing passers, Peppers is going to have to be a contributor down the stretch.
Morgan Burnett
Burnett quitely turned in what may be his best game yet this season. A game-high eight tackles, including a nice open-field tackle for loss on Raiders running back Latavius Murray early in the game. Burnett also defended two passes and nearly had an interception. Burnett has become known for his abilities in run support but he was equally as sound in the passing game today. With the rainy conditions, the Packers left a few interceptions on the field due to a wet ball but Burnett still turned in a very nice day at the office.
Lame Calls
James Starks
With the Packers holding a 14-6 lead and driving at the end of the first half, Starks was hit by Woodson and lost control of the ball on his way down. The Raiders not only recovered the loose ball, but managed to go down field the other way and score before half to close the score to 14-13. The Packers had been in field goal range and would have added some cushion to their lead heading into the half. Starks has been well above average most of this season for the Packers, but putting the ball on the ground is unacceptable and in wet conditions, he has to do a better job of holding onto the rock.
Aaron Rodgers
This is a very rare appearance on this list for #12. With just under three minutes to play and on a second down inside the red zone, Rodgers play faked and rolled to his right. His throw was intended for Jeff Janis but Rodgers somehow missed two Raiders defenders who easily stepped in front of the pass for the pick. It was a terrible decision and throw by the usually-accurate Rodgers. Aaron joked after the game that he was trying to get the ball to Woodson but he underthew it. Glad he's got a sense of humor about the mistake and while Packers fans have been clamoring for Rodgers to take more chances in the passing game, this throw had zero chance of getting to the intended target.
I never have a problem putting the ball in Rodgers hands, even when running seems the safer way to run out clock. The interception in this game led me to question how and why he would give the Raiders the ball with enough time to potentially score and actually make a game of it.
Run Defense
For some reason, the Packers left this gaping hole in the middle of the defensive line and the Raiders exploited it for some big runs by Murray. Carr ran four times for over 10 yards per carry as well. The tackling wasn't especially sound. Jake Ryan had a few misses. Quinten Rollins continues to dive at the feet of the runner and he continues to miss tackles. Clay Matthews had zero tackles for the first time in over three seasons. Overall, it wasn't the best day for Green Bay in stopping the run. They'll have their hands full with Arizona's Andre Ellington and David Johnson next week and the damage will be many times worse than it was in Oakland if they don't play extremely sound against the run.
Others to mention:
- Damarious Randall had the nice pick-six and that alone kept him off the lame calls list. He had a few penalties in coverage and didn't fare as well against Amari Cooper as he did last week against Dez Bryant. Randall has been very good this season and has a bright future ahead of him. He will have games like this one and hopefully he can learn quickly from it. The Packers will have their hands extremely full with Arizona's receiving corps of Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown and will need a top performance from the entire secondary
- The offensive tackles did a decent job of keeping Raiders stud linebacker Khalil Mack off of Rodgers today. Mack had one sack early on but that was more on Rodgers than the protection. Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari turned in sold days. Bakhtiari left early with an apparent ankle injury and his status for next week is unknown
- Randall Cobb touched the ball nine times with five catches and four rushes. He had a big first down conversion after he escaped a tackle. It was quietly a nice day for Cobb, who continues to be the most reliable target for Aaron Rodgers
- Micah Hyde had a nice interception early on that led to the Packers first touchdown of the game a few plays later. Hyde continues to be solid on punt returns as well, which can't be over looked
- Mason Crosby had three field goals on the day but had a fourth try blocked. I put it as much on the protection as I do on Crosby and those types of plays obviously kill a scoring attempt and swing momentum to the other side of the ball. I said earlier in the week that special teams would be a factor in this game and while it didn't end up being costly, it was still a negative play for the good guys
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (84)
croatpackfan
December 21, 2015 at 07:10 am
Game ball - Mike Neal! He was force out there! He was very helpfull for all 2,5 sacks made by Julius! I do not know why you do not like Mike Neal?
NickPerry
December 21, 2015 at 07:31 am
Even though Rollins tackling needs LOTS of work, he did a nice Job on Crabtree, much better than I thought he would in weather that gives the WR the avantage.
Matthews isn't get close to the QB rushing from the edge. maybe Capers could go back to blitzing him more from inside.
HUGE lame call... Mike McCarthy continuing to play Adams and Janis ahead of Abby. HOW Adams caught over a 100 balls twice in a College season is absolutely amazing considering what's happened to him this year. IF Adams is on the field he should NEVER be thrown the ball, go deep young man! With Adams it has to be completely mental now, hope he recovers because we know Thompson won't cut him.
Lame, lame calls... The Officials! That last PI call on Jones was a JOKE!! The first wasn't really any better but I could live with that. The way the game is called nowadays makes it hard to play the game. I mean this IS Football right?
Just Lame... Ronde Barber!! OMG is Fox THAT hard up for Analyst?
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 08:17 am
'Matthews isn't get close to the QB rushing from the edge. maybe Capers could go back to blitzing him more from inside.'
'Lame, lame calls... The Officials!'
I will combine these.
Watch Mathews, and you will see about 3 out of every 4 plays he is being held. I don't get how the refs can't see he is being held almost every play.
That PI on Jones was terrible. If they are going to call that, how did they not call Cooper for his stiff arm on Randall on his TD catch?
croatpackfan
December 21, 2015 at 08:35 am
Try as stand up comedian. Maybe you'll successed...
PETER MAIZ
December 22, 2015 at 04:43 pm
In my opinion, Davante Adams is a "fancy pants".
TarynsEyes
December 21, 2015 at 07:39 am
How about the clutch return by Janis to set up the Jones touchdown to regain the lead? Could have been a totally different outcome since the offense was offering little in confidence for long successful drives.
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 08:18 am
That was the turning point in the game.
The offense was sputtering a bit at that time and the Raiders just went down and took the lead in the game. Next play Janis has a huge return. Changed the game IMO.
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 09:13 am
While we might argue whether or not this really is a good team, good teams do find a way to make these kinds of things happen.
zoellner25
December 21, 2015 at 07:52 am
Lame calls = playing Davante Adams. Bearmeat, you called me a troll? Look at the stats. 5 for 32 on 8 targets and one dropped TD. He's T51st in NFL with 82 targets. Has only 43 catches, 1 Td, and 101 YAC. that's 2.5 yards YAC per catch. Only 4 catches over 20 yards!!!
Read the pre-draft scouting report on him. He can jump. He can 360 dunk! That really helps in football. Not strong enough to break tackles. Not reliable. He's not a 1, not a 2, not a 3. He should not get 10 snaps a game, let alone 8 targets. He's terrible and we all know it. Look it up.
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 08:21 am
'He's T51st in NFL with 82 targets. '
Not making any excuses but on those 82 targets how many are actually catchable balls?
IMO, targets to me are one of the worst stats there are. If the QB throws the ball out of bounds over a WR's head, that is considered a target to that WR.
No question Adams has dropped to many passes, I just would be weary of how many of those targets were actually catchable.
zoellner25
December 21, 2015 at 08:56 am
Agreed, but how I see it is ARod is looking at him at least 7x per game, he's only played 11 games.
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 09:16 am
Targets are a stat for the FFL contingent: they help FFL people to find those players that QBs are locking onto, whether they show up in the box score or not. It's stat creep...and I blame baseball analytics for it.
I can't remember which player it was last week or the week before who had something like 16 targets, and 4 catches...those were legitimately the only catchable balls he was thrown.
paxbak
December 21, 2015 at 10:02 am
I get pissed every time they throw to Adams. All accounts are that he had a great camp. What a let down. I drafted him in many of my fantasy football drafts. One of the many reasons I missed the playoffs in all of them.
Abbredaris not Adams!!! Get him out of the lineup.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 22, 2015 at 01:04 am
I see nothing wrong with giving consideration to targets as a stat, especially if combined with a drops stat. Like all stats, one has to apply the eyeball test and also consider how a player is used.
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 08:11 am
Adding to the list...
Game Balls.
Rollins. The rookie CB's continue to make plays. That play he made in the end zone to break up the TD pass to Crabtree was a thing of beauty. He also didn't give up much else.
Kuhn. Him trucking over a Safety for a TD,
Cobb. If we don't have Cobb, how bad would our offense be? He seems to be the only player that can make plays consistently.
Abbrederis. When he plays he performs. I expect to see him becoming a bigger and bigger part of the offense as we move forward.
4th Quarter this year. This seams to be the 1 time in every game that our team finally gets everything going both offensively and defensively... They have outscored their opponents 110 - 48 in the 4th quarter. Since the bye week they have outscored their opponents, 72 - 24.
That is very impressive, and something heading into the playoffs for the 7th straight year can be a very, very good thing.
Lame Calls.
Offense. I just don't get it. Did Clements take over play calling? The offense was very vanilla and just didn't get much going. They did very little schematically and seemed to be running so slowly, and unmotivated. The bread and butter play for this offense over the last several games (screen pass) was ran I think 1 time?
They finally got the offense going once they went to the 4 WR set with Kuhn as the lone back.
Lacy. What happened to the guy we saw last week that was virtually unstoppable?
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 09:16 am
"Lacy. What happened to the guy we saw last week that was virtually unstoppable?"
He was stopped dead in his tracks...by MM.
sonomaca
December 21, 2015 at 09:17 am
I don't think you'll ever get 100% Lacy every game, but to be fair there wasn't much room to run. Hopefully, he'll come through in the big games to come.
I think you're right with Abbrederis. He got open and caught the ball with ease where Adams, Janis and Richard Rodgers couldn't get a handle in wet conditions.
As to Adams, I think the "#1 receiver" tag is more than he can handle at the moment. Too much pressure on a developing player.
As to the play calling, there's no way the Pack are going to flash everything right now. No doubt they're not going to show everything next week in Arizona or Minnesota, especially considering they may play both of those teams twice in the next month. Expect vanilla until the first playoff game.
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 01:18 pm
Adams isn't a #1 WR. He certainly is this year, nor do I think he'll ever be. At his best he's a nice complimentary WR a la Jones, this year he is at best a #4or #5 WR.
LASVEGAS-TOM
December 21, 2015 at 03:01 pm
DS, That sounds like a compliment for James Jones. I never thought I'd hear that from you, but as a fan of JJ, I'm glad to hear it it. No question JJ's legs need to be 5 years younger, but WHAT A PAIR OF HANDS!!
6 Catch's 86 yards & his 8th TD. Not too bad a game, You Agree? LVT
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 04:10 pm
I've always said Jones was a nice complimentary WR. What I didn't agree w/ was how good or important you thought he was. He was a role player and role players are quite replacable, which you didn't like.
LASVEGAS-TOM
December 24, 2015 at 02:12 pm
DS, It's Christmas, So have a Happy Christmas. While I was glad to see your compliment of James Jones, that's not quite how I remember it.
As I recall, the only thing you ever said about Jones was that he was REDUNDANT, because of Jarred Boykin of all people, who you wanted to keep in his place. Maybe next year when Jones is Thankfully out of football, as you put it, We can maybe find out what Boykin is doing, & get him back.
No, I'm not in Love with James jones. He does make my All Time Favorite GB Packers team, & anyone who doesn't think he helped GB this year is sadly mistaken. IMO he has the best hands on the team, & is probably being paid the least.
I honestly don't think his speed is causing the non separation. Cobb isn't getting the separation he should be getting either. That goes for everyone else as well. I don't know what the problem is, you'd know that more than I. It's more likely the coverage. Teams are doing something different, What it is, I don't know, but they better get it figured out pretty quick. In the mean time, have a Happy Christmas. LVT
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 08:22 am
So your saying we should just call it a loss and not play the game? Just forfeit the game?
SpudRapids
December 21, 2015 at 08:44 am
Once again you are an idiot, if that Pack wins out and Arizona loses to Seattle (which is very possible) the Packers would get the #2 seed
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 09:07 am
Wow. You actually think the Packers will score 13 points against a much better team on the road?
That sounds awfully optimistic. Come on Cow, you can do better then that. By your prediction that this roster needs to be blown up and tore apart and start over, I would think they would be lucky to score 3 points...
sonomaca
December 21, 2015 at 09:21 am
I agree. If the Packers beat Minnesota in the first playoff game, they'll likely be headed to Arizona. Might as well keep your players healthy and your full playbook under wraps.
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 01:01 pm
There's so much film out there now that I would argue this is pretty much immaterial, especially with regard to the Vikes who the Packers see twice per year.
sonomaca
December 21, 2015 at 03:44 pm
If Belichick can come up with new stuff in big games, why not McCarthy?
croatpackfan
December 21, 2015 at 08:38 am
I think that nobody will try you to stop doing what you suggested. Good day. See you in 2 weeks!
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 09:20 am
I actually think the Vikes lose to the Giants this week. A hobbled AP, inconsistent passing game, and beat up defense vs. an offense that can score in seconds and in bunches on a team that's playing for it's playoff lives? I take the Giants 31-17 next week.
Remember that this Vikings team went into AZ a couple weeks ago and gave AZ all they could handle. The possibility that a win over AZ could lock up the division and move the beat-up Packers one game closer to a bye is all the motivation they should need.
Icebowler
December 21, 2015 at 02:27 pm
Word is the Odell Beckham Jr. will be suspended for the Viking game. Viks luck out again.
sonomaca
December 21, 2015 at 03:46 pm
That probably changes the outcome in favor of the Queens. If GB loses in Arizona, the Minn-GB game whether the first playoff game is in GB or in Minnesota. I honestly don't think it matters to the Packers.
WKUPackFan
December 21, 2015 at 10:03 am
Considering that a loss to AZ is irrelevant to winning the division, what's your point?
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 08:33 am
You forgot some upgrades they need to make..
Backup QB,
CB,
S,
Punter
Kicker,
Long Snapper,
Coaches,
Cheerleaders,
Stadium Staff,
Lambeau Field,
Surrounding area of Lambeau Field,
Green Bay,
Wisconsin,
The United States,
North America,
Earth,
The Moon,
The Sun,
The Universe...
Damn, we have a lot of work to do...
ray nichkee
December 21, 2015 at 11:03 am
It would be nice to upgrade some of these troll posters into real posters.
SpudRapids
December 21, 2015 at 08:35 am
You are the dumbest person when it comes to sports I've ever come across. Do you really actually think that the Packers should part ways with Rodgers? From this point forward anything you say should negated and Nagler and company should just expunge you from this site.
WKUPackFan
December 21, 2015 at 10:11 am
Let's see how Schneider has fared thus far. #1 pick for Percy, that worked out well. Trading for Graham? Another brilliant move.
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 01:03 pm
I actually don't see the acquisition of Graham as being a bad move, from a GM's perspective. It's on Carroll and Bevell for failing to utilize him.
marpag1
December 21, 2015 at 10:47 am
If you are "beyond baffled" about the Packers winning percentage, consider that your opinions and presuppositions might be wrong.
4thand1
December 21, 2015 at 04:17 pm
You blind DF. Romo came back, threw 5 picks and they lost both games. The Cowboys suck almost as much as you.
croatpackfan
December 21, 2015 at 08:41 am
You noticed that Cousins outplayed Aaron? Sure! Washington Redskins 7-7, Packes 10-4!
Very good observation!
Gianich
December 21, 2015 at 09:03 am
Its troll mentality. You used to say the only reason they won cause of 12 and now you are saying they are winning in spite of 12. You just cherry pick your angle to remain an antagonistic troll. Flip flop all over the place just to keep it going. You even flip flop on your word to stop posting, should have known your word was garbage since your attitude has always been.
Gianich
December 21, 2015 at 10:18 am
and in the end your word is garbage.
WKUPackFan
December 21, 2015 at 10:13 am
Actually it's the idiot mentality. Before I do something I ask myself, would cow do this? If he would, I don't do that thing.
WKUPackFan
December 21, 2015 at 10:09 am
So says the guy who thought Kaepernick was the greatest thing since sliced bread.
SpudRapids
December 21, 2015 at 11:36 am
Says the guy that thinks the Packers should get rid of Rodgers... I'm with Duke, garbage...
murphy
December 21, 2015 at 01:12 pm
"He was put in the wrong system."
He was put in the wrong league, just like every athletic QB who can't develop pocket passing skills.
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 03:25 pm
If he goes to Philly? If he was in the right system? Blah, Blah, Blah.
He wouldn't be a star in Canada. He sucks passing the ball!
Since'61
December 21, 2015 at 04:08 pm
Yes and Washington's GM and every GM in the NFL with the possible exception of NE would trade their current QB for Rodgers faster than I can say Cow! If you're not going to stay away at least stop posting until you have actually watched an NFL game, then maybe you could make a contribution to the conversation. Thanks, Since '61
croatpackfan
December 21, 2015 at 09:14 am
Steeler has less chance that Redskins. You can carve that in stone. Not to mention Packers who will play in play off. Steelers are not sure yet!
zoellner25
December 21, 2015 at 09:18 am
You are blind if you don't think the Steelers are the best team in the AFC, right now. Maybe not overall record wise, but right now. They are beating everyone.
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 01:06 pm
Don't overlook the Chiefs at this point. They're not flashy, but they've quietly dominated over the last several weeks. They might be 2015s version of the early 2000s Baltimore Ravens.
Since'61
December 21, 2015 at 04:10 pm
Dobber - I agree with you about the Chiefs. Maybe with an SB1 rematch with the Pack and the Chiefs in SB 50. As for the Steelers their secondary may be the worst in the league right now. They can't defend anyone. Thanks, Since '61
Gianich
December 21, 2015 at 08:58 am
GAme BAll; Red Zone Defense.
Lame CAll; The entire offense continuing to be out of sync. Constant miscommunication from sideline to the huddle. Holding on to the ball way too long. Using timeouts when you should take the delay and punt. Not communicating to the officials to use timeouts when you should at the end of the half. WRs knocking other WR teammates off their routes. Calling a pass play up ten with 3 minutes to play and then forcing into double coverage for a pick. Choosing to kick a 50+ yard field goal up that gets blocked and could have been returned when your team is up ten with just over a minute to play instead of safely punting and playing defense.
McCarthy and Rodgers were freaking awful today!! If not for multiple defensive pass interference calls on the Raiders and the Packers REd Zone defense holding Oakland to field goals early in the game this would have been a disaster falling squarely on the shoulders of our fearless leaders MAshed Potato Mike and Arodge. This kind of unorganized shit show could ultimately end in a one and done.
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 09:04 am
'Calling a pass play up ten with 3 minutes to play and then forcing into double coverage for a pick.'
I was fine with the play call, but Rodgers can not throw that ball where he did. If he throws it to the back of the end zone where only Janis can catch it, there is a good chance at a TD.
Much like the Seahawks play off game last year. Rodgers threw the ball where Sherman could undercut it and intercept it. If he throws it, and allows his WR to adjust to the ball where only his WR can get it, its a TD.
Rodgers needs to do a better job at times of allowing his WR's a chance to adjust their route to the catch a pass that only they can catch.
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 11:24 am
Rodgers took a chance. He also gave Janis a chance to make a play. Instead Janis failed to even TRY to make a play. Did you see Janis standing behind the DBs? If Janis wants to get WR snaps, the least he could do is try to catch the ball or hell even Try to break up an INT. Instead he watched like fan in the stands. Add in the drop in the game, the plethora of drops in practice fdom what I hear, the poor routw running.
No doubt a bad decision by Rodgers but how bout some effort by the WR to bail his QB out?!
marpag1
December 21, 2015 at 11:51 am
I agree that Janis' lack of effort was abysmal, but then again I don't really think that there was anything humanly possible - short of an egregious offensive pass interference penalty - that any receiver could have done to redeem that awful throw/decision.
dobber
December 21, 2015 at 01:07 pm
True, but an egregious PI penalty likely means that the Packers at least burn more clock before giving it back to Oakland on a punt.
RCPackerFan
December 21, 2015 at 01:11 pm
Normally I would agree with you. But I saw nothing that Janis could have done to try and catch that pass... It was about 1-3 yards under thrown, with 2 defenders underneath of him. If Rodgers throws that to the back of the endzone, that is the only place that Janis can catch it.
This one is all on Rodgers throw.
Yeah, I would have liked to have seen Janis try and make some sort of attempt to break it up, but really there isn't much he was going to be able to do.
Good decision, just bad execution by Rodgers.
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 03:10 pm
Even trying would have earn Janis bonus pts w/ Rodgers. Doing nothing and not trying exacerbates the lack of trust issue Janis already suffers from.
croatpackfan
December 21, 2015 at 02:18 pm
I do not get it. Lot of fans here, same as you, very often use that small word "if". Like in sentence "If not for multiple defensive pass interference calls on the Raiders and the Packers REd Zone defense holding Oakland to field goals early in the game this would have been a disaster falling squarely on the shoulders of our fearless leaders MAshed Potato Mike and Arodge."
But you never said something like: "WHAT IF REFEREES CALLED ALL THOSE RAIDERS HOLDING ON THEIR OFFENSE, IT WOULD BE VERY VERY UGLY GAME FOR RAIDERS. RAIDERS MIGHT FINISH EVERY DRIVE ON 3 AND 20 FROM THEIR END ZONE!"
What if all you fans have some respect toward team you are "supporting" and what if you really support your team through ugly times? Especially if you already did that 20-25 years ago? What if every of you look in the mirror and ask yourself how long you where "playing" (DOING YOUR JOB) on the top level. What if... Really, what if?
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 03:15 pm
I don't subscribe to the losers mentality of complaining about referees and missed calls. I do expect players to do their part and play hard and try.
WinUSA
December 21, 2015 at 09:11 am
Boy.... I prefer the Good the Bad and the Ugly..because there was plenty to go around. But okay Game Balls and Lame Calls it is....
This team is really, really, in trouble...they are like the
Gomer the deer hunter who sees Bambi, takes aim, and then proceeds to shoot his own leg off !
Lame Calls.
How ridiculous can our guys get.? They should have won the game by at least 14 more points.
Rodgers did his best doppelganger imitation of Cutler to date. That interception was totally a Jay Play..unbelievable.
Let's talk Mathews....The guy obviously can be great and then on the other hand the guy can play like someone from Western Illinois (you know the team that beat the Badgers). Missed tackles galore...and let's not forget how many times the guy run himself out of a play by trying to anticipate a play... there were two plays he did this...last week for a gaping run up the middle for 35 yards and yesterday the run up the gut by Murray.
The announcers...the fricken worse...not including the butchering of Abby's name but for Pete's sake refering to Damarius Randall as just a "rookie" the guy didn't know anything about the Packers and certainly didn't do his home work.
Game Balls:
Jonesy was awesome... again the announcers talk about his "lack of speed".... Christ the guy could be behind a walker and still whip the hell out of 85% of the corner backs in this league...game ball his way all day!!!
The offensive line: Yeah, I know they couldn't get one yard on 4 occasions...but these guys are straight out of a MASH episode... the get an A plus for keeping Rodgers upright most of the game..and Oakland D Line are some beefy guys!
Okay..Abbey..the only thing this guy does is catch the fricken ball.... for all those haters out there who bitch about his injuries....he has been absolutely CREAMED on all those injuries...why..because he plays with his heart and will catch anything and give himself up! The guy is a winner.
One last game ball.... Janus... it wasn't too long ago that our Special Team play..specifically the returners was a league joke... I don't know what the situation is on why he doesn't get assigned routes that he can actually run...but there was some genius who figured out how to use his talents!
Okay I have emptied my fridge of brew... hoisting them every time I thought we had the game in the bag..ugh.
But a win is a win.... and against all those out there who think we don't have a chance against Arizona... one thing about this team...is that they can get up for the Big games.... Ciao until next week! GO PACK!
idgafkurt
December 21, 2015 at 09:42 am
I think Bakhtiari played one of his best games as a Packer and definitely deserves a game ball. Also, Quentin Rollins might have had his best game in green and gold.
How about literal Lame Call for the awful announcing team of Chris Meyers and Ronde Barber. That was some of the worst announcing I've heard in a while - mispronouncing names, getting players confused with one another, and just seemingly behind and clueless as to what was happening on the field.
WKUPackFan
December 21, 2015 at 10:07 am
Chris Meyers is usually an excellent announcer. Barber? Ugh. You should see the Fan Duels or Draft Kings show he and Tiki do. Brutal.
Gianich
December 21, 2015 at 10:19 am
Rollins is so athletic. Once he masters technique he'll be special!
WinUSA
December 22, 2015 at 10:35 am
I missed their names...thanks for letting me put it in my "turn off the TV and listen to the Dagger man" anytime they are calling a Packers game! Merry Christmas! :9)
FrozenTundra
December 21, 2015 at 09:48 am
I can see Cow is starting to get ready for the playoffs. He's peaking at the right time. He's been flying under the radar all season. Pretty soon the catch phrase here will be WWCD. What would Cow do.
egbertsouse
December 21, 2015 at 10:34 am
You realize this Cow guy just says crazy shit to stir everyone up and get pissed off reactions. It gives him the adrenaline rush that his job as Asst. Mgr. at Burger King and his blow-up girlfriend don't provide.
4thand1
December 21, 2015 at 04:22 pm
Heard his blow up girlfriend left because he sucks.
4thand1
December 21, 2015 at 04:22 pm
Heard his blow up girlfriend left because he sucks.
CallingIt
December 21, 2015 at 11:40 am
First post here. Been a fan for a while though.
I have one question for coach: Why on earth do you not run Kuhn up the gut when you have first and goal at the one? He' the only one yard stud back we have. You've tried everyone else, why not him?
Coach???
murphy
December 21, 2015 at 01:17 pm
I could have sworn they ran the "slyly hand off to Kuhn then fake like you have the ball" play near the goal line and got stuffed, but maybe it was a different short yardage attempt. My memory fades quickly.
CallingIt
December 22, 2015 at 04:19 pm
Kuhn had 3 carries, one for a five yard TD, two others for 3+ and the third for about 4. He's not going to break one for twenty or thirty yards but he can get the tough yard. Lacy dances for the hole too much at the goal line, you need to put your head down that close and just run somebody over.
CallingIt
December 22, 2015 at 04:46 pm
Kuhn's a good blocker and knows how to use leverage and move guys out of the way.
AZPack
December 21, 2015 at 01:27 pm
Your opinion of Kuhn differs greatly from most commenters who question why Kuhn is EVER given the ball in short yardage.
marpag1
December 21, 2015 at 11:59 am
I'm not nearly as down on the Pack as some seem to be, but I do fully agree with putting ARod in the "lame call" list. That interception was bizarre.
I was trying to remember if I have ever seen any single play from ARod that was that poorly done. I'm sure there must be one, but honestly I can't remember it just now.
I'm also starting to get REALLY annoyed that after almost every single play, there is Rodgers holding up his hands to the officials, making a "holding" sign, or hysterically gesturing or pointing with his hands in an apparent attempt to tell the whole world that it was the receiver's fault and not his. That's bush league and poor leadership, and it affects the team. MM needs to sit him down and tell him to knock it off.
Lphill
December 21, 2015 at 02:04 pm
If anyone believes this Ass Cow is a Packer fan then that person would be a dumb ass , this guy is clearly a Vikings fan all the way, just to imply Rodgers is done is insane , that is the hope of Viking fans to think that way , so he is having an off year , so what , he will lead the Packers to a Super Bowl again and Bridgewater never will .that is a fact. Book it!
LASVEGAS-TOM
December 21, 2015 at 03:24 pm
One thing that needs to be taken care of before this team goes any farther. I've stated, I believe GB will be in the NFCCG. I don't know what the problem is, but there CANNOT be anymore BLOCKED FIELD GOALS!!
Whatever the problem is there, it needs to be fixed NOW. We cannot go into the playoffs with our Field Goal team being anything but 100%. Field Goals will no doubt be the difference between Winning & Losing. It needs to STOP NOW!!LVT
TommyG
December 21, 2015 at 04:25 pm
Raiders never lead 24-20. They did briefly lead 20-17 before blowing a coverage and letting JJ waltz into the end zone. Other than that I liked this article.
Since'61
December 21, 2015 at 04:27 pm
Game Balls: Bulaga, J. Jones, Julius Peppers,
Lame Calls: Officiating, Starks fumble, Bloggers who are down on a playoff bound 10-4 team, during a 3 game winning streak and have won 4 out of last 5, with of the 4 wins on the road.
Defensive coaches for not teaching Q. Rollins how to make a tackle. Rollins is going to get destroyed if he keeps diving at the RBs feet trying to tackle them. It is not only ineffective it is not safe. He also doesn't need to be blocked when he does that, the least he could do is to give himself up and take out a blocker. I can't believe that we don't have a coach who can't take Rollins aside and get that corrected. MM, where are the fundamentals that you always speak of? Thanks, Since '61
4thand1
December 21, 2015 at 04:29 pm
Didn't see it mentioned . Game ball to the Packers organization for returning McKenzie's 1996 SB ring right before the game. It was recovered in a drug bust. Lame call to the fucking dopers that stole it.
WinUSA
December 22, 2015 at 10:53 am
It was a classy move and McKenzie was a fantastic front office personnel that sorely missed when he left the organization .... Gods speed to him...he deserved it for all the dedication and professionalism that he gave our organization...good call!
sheppercheeser
December 21, 2015 at 05:50 pm
I was so elated when they finally pulled Adams and put in Abby and he performed well! So what do they do? They pull Abby for Hands-of-Stone Adams. What gives?
packersbrewers
December 21, 2015 at 06:24 pm
Lame Calls
The Offense
This offense is just straight up tragic. They have no identity, no consistency, no rhythm, no chemistry.... Just when you think things are on the up swing they take 10 steps backwards. They had 3 opportunities late in the game from the Raiders (at minimum) 40 yard line and scored 3 points. Inexcusable. It's not as simple as bringing Jordy Nelson back or giving MM back his play calling. There is something systematically broken with this offensive unit and it's showing up on Sundays week after week and nothing is being done about it.
Aaron Rodgers is just....not good. I don't know what happened but he's lost "it". He bails out in record speed, doesn't trust his receivers, is missing open receivers, is making inaccurate poorly timed throws, his decision making is poor, is totally showing up his teammates on the field, his attitude is a mess...something is going on with him. What it is I don't know, but the last few years he's been an elite QB and one of if not THEE best players in the game. This year he's average at best. He's our top paid player and isn't playing anywhere close to what he's bringing home. I think this year is pretty much a wash on hoping things will drastically improve so he better get his head screwed on straight this off season and regain his 2010-2014 form.
Wide Receivers. Now Rodgers isn't doing much to help them but they aren't helping him out either. There are times when Rodgers throws them a perfectly placed ball and even some crappy but catchable balls. And it seems like 9 times out of 10 they fail to make a play. Case in point yesterday a ball thrown RIGHT AT Richard Rodgers and he drops it. Jeff Janis same thing. It's not hard to understand why Rodgers doesn't trust this unit because they are pretty pathetic. Randall Cobb is just not a number 1 receiver and cannot carry the work load. He can help compliment a number 1 but he cannot be a number 1. I'm so glad we didn't over pay him because he's another one that has been a big disappointment. When we need someone to step up and make a play he just hasn't and/or can't. Speaking of, Davante Adams is mentally not right. At this point he has to have zero confidence and seems to straight up lack ability but Rodgers targets him like 284 times a game. WHY????????? He couldn't catch a rain drop in a downpour. STOP forcing him the ball.
Losing the battle in both trenches. Our o-line and d-line were being man handled on a consistent basis all game long. No excuse for that what so ever.
Lack of quality personnel in some key positions. We need an ILB and TE so badly my teeth hurt.
Game Balls
If anyone stepped up in the second half for our offense it was James Jones. He's feast or famine pretty much but when we need someone to step up it has usually been him. And yesterday he had some great catches at some critical times.
Defense. They had some issues no doubt but overall they handed us the game. Our offense's ineptness nearly cost us a win but luckily the Raiders had their own issues and our offense did just enough game management to pull out a victory thanks to our bend but don't break defense.
Bulaga kept Mack at bay after the 1st quarter so props to him for buckling down.
Julius Peppers stepped up after a few quiet weeks.
Jared Abbrederis has been a bright spot on offense when he gets into a game. It may be time to sit Adams down and give him a mental break and open up the playbook for Abbrederis. He's earned a bigger role and certainly seems to be able to handle it. I know there are differences between what Adams does and where they are putting Abbrederis but at this point Adams can't do a dang thing right and Abbrederis seems to do alot right so what's the harm in trying?