Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - A Griddy Performance
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Jaire Alexander is the Bomb - that's all.
All Gas - It's been a while since we saw the "All Gas..." attitude on the playing field. Honestly, after the blocked punt, all the breaks went the Packers' way on the way to a big lead. I wonder if the historic comeback the Vikings put on tape a few weeks ago contributed to the Packers never feeling comfortable enough to allow for easing off the throttle.
My Players of the Game - Adrian Amos, TJ Slaton, Marcedes Lewis. Amos may have played his best game as a Packer, which comes as quite a shock based on how poor he has looked in the second half of this season. He evidently found the key to getting his "juice" back. TJ Slaton was dominant in the middle and was actually tied with Amos and Douglas for most passes defended - two. Marcedes Lewis was at his blocking best, leading the way on the outside runs Aaron Jones snapped off for nice gains.
Foo to the Vikings - Pretty funny. After Cousins' third interception, the Lambeau Field DJ in charge of musical interludes won the day. Nicely done, whoever you are.
they're playing The Pretender by the Foo Fighters at Lambeau Field right now and there is definitely a reason behind that
— Zach Halverson (@ZachHalverson) January 1, 2023
(What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays?
You're the pretender
What if I say I will never surrender?)
Tom the Bomb - Major shout out to Zach Tom, who has now played every OL position except for center with no significant issues at all. That's pretty rare, especially for a fourth-round rookie!
Blocked Punt - Second guessing is easy, but I'm not sure why you have a 5'10" 190 lb safety in the middle of your punt protection formation. I think using a tight end there who is used to blocking would make more sense. Having said that, if you have a guy barreling down at you, you can't just stand there and take the hit, you have to go on the offensive and neutralize some of his inertia/force. I know this from personal experience during my storied (major exaggeration) HS football career.
All Eyes on Cousins - Watching the game again, and the secondary in particular, one thing was screamingly obvious - there was no turning their backs on Cousins. Everyone was keeping their eyes on the quarterback as much as humanly possible. I believe the feeling was, Cousins will throw some up for grabs - if you're watching, you'll be able to make plays on the ball and intercept a few. Plan successful.
Inside Job - I've said this for a few seasons now - getting some pressure in Cousins' face is almost better than getting after him from the edges. A few behemoths coming right at him (like Clark, Slaton, Reed, Wyatt) is when the panic sets in and he'll make some questionable decisions. Too often in past games, the Packers have allowed him clean pockets and way too much time to sit back there and throw. That wasn't the case on Sunday.
Current View - I'll admit that starting four weeks ago, I had accepted defeat. I was prepared for the next loss that would end the Packers' chances. I even started assembling the 2023 CHTV Draft guide team. What the hell was I thinking? Can't wait for Sunday Night!
A very worthwhile two-minute listen. Provides some perspective:
"Players get five years of healthcare after you retire. After that, you're on your own. That, to me, is outrageous."
Today @Foxworth24 and I talked about Damar Hamlin, trauma, and the conversations we need to have around player health: https://t.co/25po4Tj9rF pic.twitter.com/uKaMkzfES1
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) January 3, 2023
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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 (107)
marpag1
January 04, 2023 at 06:41 am
To me, the story of the game is the Packers D-line winning in the trenches. The Viking O-line was never good to begin with, and after a bunch of injuries they suck even worse. Cousins can look like an all-pro as long as he has the cleanest of clean pockets, but as soon as there is a whiff of pressure - whether big game pressure or pass rush pressure - he's a complete disaster. That's why the Queens aren't going anywhere in the playoffs. In the playoffs, every game is a big game, their opponents will be able to pressure Cousins, and that will be a problem for Minny.
The Packers better not get too full of themselves after beating the Queens. The Lions might be the tougher team.
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 07:15 am
Almost every NFL QB will pick you apart with a clean pocket. For recent examples you only have to look at some of the 2nd and 3rd string QBs we lost to this year. You hit it when you said "pressure".
Build pressure up the middle of a very good Lions O-line.
These guys (young and old) know better than to overlook a play-in game.
croatpackfan
January 04, 2023 at 07:58 am
It is up to coaches, not just to players...
Leatherhead
January 04, 2023 at 01:15 pm
I agree with both Steve and Croat, because you can run a passing offense that works if it's well designed and executed, even if you don't have a HOF QB running it. Even against a pretty good defense, as long as you don't throw it 40 times.
He'll still have to be protected, just like the HOF QB would be, because offense doesn't work unless people get blocked.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As regards pressure, it's obvious that Gutekunst wanted edge pressure, when he brought in both Smiths and Gary in the first round, and we've had pretty good edge play ever since. There used to be a column in the Atlantic, called the Tuesday Morning Quarterback, and it was written by Greg Easterbrook, who was an entertaining guy and astute observationalist.
A regular staple of his column was the "Stop Me Before I Blitz Again", segment, where he'd review the many instances across the league over the weekend where the defense had given up a big play on a blitz versus the number of big plays the defense would make on a blitz. It was some funny stuff, but the underlining point is : Don't Blitz. If you absolutely must, bring six, never 5.
Lombardi thought blitzing was kind of gimmicky. I think that the goal on defense is to pressure with 4 and play defense with 7, and that if you sacrifice coverage to get pressure a good QB is going to hurt you.
"""""Almost every NFL QB will pick you apart""""
Quite a few will, for sure. And that's why more and more I'm thinking the solution is to "encourage" teams to run on us at 5.0/carry, instead of encouraging them to throw at 7 yards/attempt. I mean, 5<7.
The rules, and the accuracy of modern QBs, virtually guarantees 70% completions unless they can be pressured, and even then, teams are going to complete passes on you. The best you can do is tackle after the catch to limit the gash plays, and try to pressure the QB into a bad throw or decision.
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Very enlightening LH. Thanks. You and CW are teaching me all the time, and I thought I knew it all. LOL.
pantz_bURp
January 04, 2023 at 02:12 pm
T7S, this board is quite knowledgeable. I am very proud of my students LeatherH and ColdW. They were definitely paying attention in my class. 😁
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 02:22 pm
Raymond, Leroy Caffey and Dave Robinson could all bring the Red Dog when Phil dialed it up.
LeotisHarris
January 04, 2023 at 03:02 pm
LH, on the flipside of that take, Drew Magary used to have a segment in his Thursday Afternoon Dick Joke Jamboroo, "Greggggg Easterbrook is a Haughty Dipshit." It was hilarious!
HawkPacker
January 04, 2023 at 07:18 am
"The Packers better not get too full of themselves after beating the Queens. The Lions might be the tougher team."
I agree with you on that statement. They aren't the Lidowns of old and with the next draft, they will get even better.
I would hope that Lafleur would have let the guys celebrate the night of the victory and then remind them that 'we still have work to do'. And starting Monday, they get to work on the game plan for the Lions.
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 11:01 am
Rodgers gets a lot of flack, and I’m not saying some of it probably is deserved, but it seems to me that, if there’s a source of fire in this outfit, he is the kernel.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 04, 2023 at 01:23 pm
He's certainly stayed positive about their chances throughout every interview I've seen with him.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 04, 2023 at 01:25 pm
With a team at 8-8 scraping to get into the playoffs, I wouldn't imagine they'd be "full of themselves" in any way that would leave a negative impact. I'd love it if they were "full of themselves" in terms of their self confidence at imposing their will on defense, regardless of the opponent, as they did in shutting down Jefferson and managing Dalvin Cook.
HawkPacker
January 05, 2023 at 07:25 am
Self confidence is great but I am referring to them getting the feeling that the Lions game will be easy. It certainly will not be an easy game.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 02:23 pm
This is their Playoffs. Keep it rolling.
mrtundra
January 04, 2023 at 07:54 am
I'm betting that prospective NFC playoff teams will be lining up to get game tape/video of the viking-Packer game. vikings will be a one-and-done team after their playoff appearance. Then what will their fans say? Who cares? GO PACK, GO!!!
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 07:59 am
After the first game blowout in the playoffs the queen-heidi-hornblowers will look forward to game 1 of next season when they will hang an NFC North banner in their crappy dome.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 02:28 pm
The whine line has already been moving from the purple to the T Wolves and their birthright--Hockey.
packerbackerjim
January 04, 2023 at 08:26 am
Cousins is Cutler in purple.
marpag1
January 04, 2023 at 08:52 am
"YOU LIKE THAT! YOU LIKE THAT!!!!!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KaR2mmifk0
NickPerry
January 04, 2023 at 06:45 am
Alexander... I can't believe that CRAP I was reading on Twitter which I never use (I'm old) and then on Packers Podcasts when they were mentioning what Vikings fans were saying about Alexander. Whether it was safety help over the top, or my favorite watering down the field, it was absolutely some of the most entertaining sniveling I've heard in a long time. Those folks in Minnesota actually thought their football team was good...HAHAHA...
Zack Tom... I really like this kid. I mean he's played really well, especially in pass protection. I can't wait to see this kid next season after a year in the weight room. As much as I'd hate to see David Bakhtiari cut for Cap reasons, I'd feel a hell of a lot better know we have Zack Tom. Talk about some draft steals in the 2022 draft for the Packers. Tom, Doubs, & Kingsley Enagbare. This might be a draft class we point to in 3 years as a cornerstone for some great future Packers Teams.
TJ Slayton... I'm excited about this weeks game against the Lions and watching Slayton work against the Lions interior O-Line. Frank Ragnow is an All-Pro Center, not a 3rd string Center like the Vikings had out there. But with the way Slayton has been playing he'll be fine. Now if we can just get Wyatt a few more snaps...
Sunday Night... Like Al I can't wait for Sunday Night. I'm VERY curious to see how this defense plays against the Lions. Will it be more of the Defense we've seen the last 6 quarters, or the Defense we've seen pretty much the rest of the season. I'm not sold yet, I need more than 6 quarters of SOLID play from the Defense and I'd like to see Barry not revert to his death by 100 slices defense. I'll feel a whole lot better about this Packers team in the playoffs.
Please, just some consistency.
marpag1
January 04, 2023 at 07:52 am
Regarding Jaire, I actually laugh even harder at the "yeah, but he had safety help over the top" spiel... as if this were a penalty or something. LOL. "Hello! Welcome to the NFL, where safeties exist, and teams have been playing defense this way since the invention of the forward pass..."
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 04, 2023 at 12:04 pm
And not only that....the Vikings traded for Hockensen, and utilize Thielen to spread a defense to open the field up for JJ. Therefore, what is your point Viking fans? That is why football is a team sport!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 04, 2023 at 12:04 pm
And not only that....the Vikings traded for Hockensen, and utilize Thielen to spread a defense to open the field up for JJ. Therefore, what is your point Viking fans? That is why football is a team sport!
mrtundra
January 04, 2023 at 08:02 am
I'd get vikings fans posting replies to my posts, on FB, about how well Jaire covered Jefferson, all game long. They actually posted that Jaire got help from "those other two guys." WTH is that? They also said that the vikings would have won if Kark passed to open receivers. I'm still laughing at that one! Fricking vikings were given the drubbing they deserved. Their fans cannot fathom how much their team was exposed by the Packers. They want, so much, to be relevant, that it is funny and sad at the same time. GO PACK, GO!!!
PatrickGB
January 04, 2023 at 08:28 am
The logic on the Vikings fans excuse about us having a man over the top escapes me. Ja still has to make the play and he did regardless of possible safety help. He did not need help to disrupt the play anyway.
DoubleJ
January 04, 2023 at 10:17 am
I've said many times that the only fans dumber than Brady fans/apologists are Vikings fans.
mnbadger
January 04, 2023 at 12:11 pm
As a cheesehead located firmly in the land of queens, I can tell you that before the game, many purple penis eater fans were quite concerned that they were going to get their butts kicked, to the point that they wouldn't take the 3 points and bet me.
When we reconvened, there were only a few that thought the packers were the lesser team. Privately, a couple even told me they fear the Pack more so than the Cowboys in playoffs, saying the cowboy game was a fluke, but we kicked their butt!
Aaahhh!!! Take it in. Hopefully it lasts another 5 or 6 weeks!
GPG!
Leatherhead
January 04, 2023 at 01:26 pm
It is good that the Purple is running their mouths. Judgement cometh, and soon.
The overwatered field......back in the old days, baseball teams made an art out of doctoring the field. The Giants would water down the base between first and second to slow down Maury Wills. They'd bevel the field along the foul lines so that bunts would roll foul.
If we didn't overwater part of the field on purpose, maybe we should have, and worn the appropriate footwear. It's not our fault that the Vikings can't dress themselves.
Seriously, there's a pretty big difference between indoor turf and an outdoor field in January. Obviously, the Vikings didn't adjust very well, and hopefully we'll see how we adjust to their turf.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 02:34 pm
I believe Bhak stays with a refi. See how he fares this month. He is a proven player. I like Tom at the RT spot.
If they need interior beef they can look at Schmitz from the Gophers. Big Ten guys in the middle rounds.
croatpackfan
January 04, 2023 at 07:00 am
Another nice piece, Al. Goddess Luck visited Lambeau game and decipher already weak Viking OL by injuries, what was exactly what Packers needed.
I never doubted Packers D talent. The problem was that this team played all season disjointed and players were left on island to deal with opponents. This game was different. Almost every tackle was made by at least 2 players and some more around them - the best way to play D.
Regarding blocked punt - give the credit to Vikings they noticed disproportion in attacker and defender and use it for their benefit. I agree with you that no matter if you are on weaker side of weight and/or strenght push it forward and give that half second to punter to be able to punt the ball before it can be blocked. Also, kudos to Levitt who detected where is the ball, catch it and prevented TD.
Also, give the credit to Rich B, who turned the weakest Packers team phase to phase opponents has to think about.
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 07:31 am
Someone here on CHTV (help with who please?) noticed in preseason that the punter took at least one extra step before he kicked and said it was going to cost us. I never would have noticed it, but he was right and other teams did notice. Well, it has cost us with the punt blocked for a TD (or was that a FG attempt?) in an earlier game and now this one. This last one hurts only because it's on tape for teams to see and plan for. I sure hope the Packers make an adjustment. I know how fast they are at seeing and changing their problems. Look how fast they got Amari off the return team?
croatpackfan
January 04, 2023 at 08:05 am
I do not think that additional step is the problem. The problem is the middle of the line. Both blocked punts came from interior, as I remember well. I believe Al mention what was (is?) the main problem. Not well blocking at interior of the line.
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 11:04 am
Go back and watch the blocked fake and that blocked punt. The extra step wasn’t the issue. Both were just immediate inundation by an all out block rush. I think teams have spotted a weakness: expect more.
wildbill
January 04, 2023 at 11:57 am
Agreed. The extra step isn’t an issue if you start a step back, the release spot would stay the same. Our middle blocking has been an issue all year
PatrickGB
January 04, 2023 at 06:53 pm
Coco has been a weak link when it comes to pressure.
mrtundra
January 04, 2023 at 08:09 am
The vikings O Line was a disaster waiting to happen. Bradbury and his back up were nothing special at their positions. The viking Guards and Tackles couldn't stop our D Line. Where they 2nd stringers, too?
dobber
January 04, 2023 at 09:11 am
Actually, Darrisaw and O'Neill (their OTs) have rated well this season....but Darrisaw has missed a bunch of games and now O'Neill is done for the year. The IOL isn't anything special, as you note, and as we all know--the OL is only as good as its weakest players.
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 11:26 am
Their OL will likely end their season shortly. I believe they lost both the T and their back up C for the year. I don’t see that holding up. In amongst all the chatter, a potentially crippling blow.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 02:53 pm
A fate shared by the Pack the past couple of seasons.
Gman1976
January 04, 2023 at 03:46 pm
Agreed. Our achilles heel has been the loss of at least 2 offensive lineman the last 2 or 3 playoffs. It's really hard to have a good offense against superior playoff teams w/out quality linemen; and another consequence is putting the defense on the field again & again, & then they wear down. Hopefully, we will stay healthy enough with our starting 5 & our 1st OL off the bench (Tom). If we have 2 injuries on the line, the quality of play plummets.
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 04:18 pm
The last one needlessly self inflicted
HarlanHuckleby
January 04, 2023 at 07:19 am
The Lambeau PA music director is DJ Malcom of the iconic Milwaukee band Wild Kingdom, who went on to become the more popular (but less wild) Citizen King.
BradHTX
January 04, 2023 at 07:40 am
No kidding? By gosh, I remember them; late ‘80s-early ‘90s ska/funk band in Milwaukee. There’s actually a video clip on YouTube. Glad to hear he’s up to something really cool, working at Lambeau!
https://youtu.be/Je2nNi5bdIk
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 07:19 am
Jaire Alexander is the Bomb - that's all.
I love how Ben Leiber and others have been talking about how Jaire needed help over the top to do what he did. Ok great he had help over the top. Who cares. I call that smart defense. It allowed Jaire to do whatever the hell he wanted to do to the WRs. You know who else had a hell of a game. Douglas! He had a hell of a game!
All Gas -
This was possibly the best overall game we have seen from a LaFleur led team. This was just a dominating game. And it was led by the attitude that the defense had. It was aggressive and attacking! I loved the all gas all game!
My Players of the Game - Adrian Amos, TJ Slaton, Marcedes Lewis.
I agree with these 3. These 3 were really good all game long. I can't help but think that Slaton was very good, and maybe they should have been using him more then Lowry? Some other guys who deserve mentioning.
Lazard - he is possibly the mvp of the offense. With the things that he does to help others succeed it doesn't go unnoticed.
Crosby - nailing a 56 yard FG what? Sure he had a lucky bounce, but he absolutely drilled it! When I saw him out there I didn't think he had a chance. I was wrong.
OT's - Bakhtiari is the best LT in the league when he is on the field. Its been hard getting him on the field the last couple of years, but he is a true difference maker. Yosh has been very good since sliding over to RT. But there was absolutely no drop off when Tom went in and played a majority of the game at RT. They kept Rodgers clean for most of the game.
Foo to the Vikings -
I didn't know that. That is hilarious
Tom the Bomb -
One of the knocks on Tom is his size. Part of the reason why he dropped. He measured in at the Combine at 6'-4" 304 lbs with
33 1/4" arms and 10-3/8" hands. Very similar to another Packers 4th round pick. Bakhtiari measured 6'-4" 299 lbs with 34" arms and 9 1/2" hands. Tom actually measured in bigger then Bakhtiari. And he is not far off from another Packers OL. But he was a 2nd round pick. Elgton Jenkins measured 6'-4" 310 lbs with 34" arms and 10 1/4" hands.
Its amazing that Tom has been able to play every position on the OL. And not just play it, play it well. IMO, he is the steal of the draft! Another amazing 4th round find on the OL!
Blocked Punt -
Good wake up call for the punt team hopefully.
All Eyes on Cousins -
It was a really good defensive plan. I think they could do something similar against Goff.
Inside Job -
I wouldn't mind seeing a few more delayed blitzes with Campbell and Walker.
Current View -
Everyone is very reactionary. Most people wanted Love to be starting and Rodgers to be gone. I guess this is a reminder for everyone to stay calm and to try and not over react.
A very worthwhile two-minute listen. Provides some perspective:
Players need to fight harder for long term healthcare in their next negotiations.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 08:08 am
Rodgers has not done much to fuel this late season string of successes.
If Love had been inserted and ran the MLF offense, like a good QB should, the results probably would have been very similar except that we would all be singing the praises of Love as a steady game manager who stabilized the offense enough for the rest of the team to play complimentary football and win games.
Love's ability to sling it with velocity, take the check down when necessary and to break the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield to make the best pass-run decisions would give Packer backers confidence heading into next season as well as the same wild ride to playoff contention.
Down vote away Rodgers sycophants!
Truth.
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 08:59 am
What you're saying is what others (and maybe you too) here have been saying all year. Fix the O and D-lines and the rest will take care of itself. Having a game manager is all a good offense needs during the regular season. Having an MVP QB "MIGHT" help in the postseason (that includes this Lions game) but teams have gotten away without one (Giants, Ravens, Tampa and more) and won SBs.
Rodgers might have some of the intangibles and experience. Love may have surprises that haven't been put on tape in his favor.
Regardless, we have to play with what we're delt. Beat the Lions!
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 09:16 am
Your argument really doesn't hold up very well. You said that Rodgers didn't do much to fuel the success. Then the next paragraph you talk about if Love played he would have stabilized the offense enough so the rest of the team can play complimentary football. The problem with your argument is that this team has played complimentary football with Rodgers as QB. The Packers are 1 win from making the playoffs and that is with Rodgers as the QB.
Maybe we shouldn't be focused on the QB position to realize what has stabilized the team. The QB play has been relatively the same all year. What has changed has been the OL has stabilized itself. The decision to put Jenkins at LG, move Runyan to RG and Yosh to RT has been brilliant. The WR's have emerged and stabilized itself. Watson is a huge reason why. His emergence has been huge. Also Doubs, Cobb, Lazard have been really good! They have also been using more multiple TE sets and focusing more on the run game on the offense. The Defense since 2nd half of the Dolphins game has been lights out and has stabilized itself. Special Teams has really improved since Nixon became the returner. The team around the QB has improved!
A side note. Its truly amazing how much hate there is for Rodgers especially after last season. For the record I couldn't care less if people love, like, dislike, hate Rodgers. But it is funny to me that since his stance on covid/vaccine and whatnot became public there is just this hate towards him from a group of people.
PeteK
January 04, 2023 at 09:50 am
That's because most people don't like deception, complaints right before a season's camp, and missing part of camp with rookie WRs on the roster.
MainePackFan
January 04, 2023 at 11:52 am
"That's because most people don't like deception"
Pete, this is a legitimate point. I defend Rodgers in here a lot if I feel the point being made is one clouded by personal disdain and not actual fact, but I was extremely disappointed with Rodgers on the way he handled the question about his vaccine status. Not because he didn't take it, I couldn't care less. I didn't take it either, but that's not the point, nor does it need to be rehashed again.
Just man up like others did. Don't play the coy little "inoculated" word game hoping no one pushes him on it. The worst part for me was when he said "others have chosen not to, and he had no problem with their personal decisions" (paraphrased), which further implied that he was vaccinated. That was BS. Crazy times lead to crazy decisions and that was a bad one.
As far as the rest of your post, I don't think "most people" have a big issue with it. Some do, but not most.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 12:22 pm
I get the argument about not coming to the offseason workout stuff. But in reality how much difference is he going to make on the rookie WR's?
MainePackFan
January 04, 2023 at 12:39 pm
I agree RC. There is no way to know if AR attending while the rookies learned the playbook would have guaranteed chemistry in week 1 or 2.
Likewise, if the chemistry had been there in week 1 or 2, we could not quantify that it was because AR didn't attend.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 01:29 pm
What would have helped Watson in week 1 and 2, is if he didn't have to have surgery and miss most of camp, and all the preseason.
I would have loved to have seen where he'd be at now if he was there at the start of the season.
Leatherhead
January 04, 2023 at 01:44 pm
RC, I agree with everything you've said, but to me, the bottom line is that he's the leader, and this team is going to go as far as he can lead it. That's part of the money and the title.
I think he's been a really good QB for a really long time and I was happy he got drafted, happy he got to play, and happy that he usually played well enough for us to win .
If the plan was that nobody was going to get hurt, then that was a bad plan. If the plan is that our QB could make the difference when things go wrong.....that hasn't worked out real well this year. We're not dead yet.
In the playoffs, either Rodgers will play well, the team he leads will play well, and we'll win, or he won't, the team won't, and we won't.
This could be his last home game at Lambeau. Enjoy. It is unlikely that you or I are going to see a better one wearing Green and Gold in our lifetimes.
MainePackFan
January 04, 2023 at 07:13 pm
"This could be his last home game at Lambeau. Enjoy. It is unlikely that you or I are going to see a better one wearing Green and Gold in our lifetimes."
Fact LH. Well stated!!! By the way, Aaron knows this as well.
MainePackFan
January 04, 2023 at 07:05 pm
Agreed. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling about this team. I don't care how they started, or how they got here. I don't care what their record is. I don't care what the "experts" say. Most of all, I don't care what the AR haters say. All I care about is that we win the next game regardless of who makes that happen. Go Pack Go!!!!!
MainePackFan
January 04, 2023 at 07:09 pm
"I would have loved to have seen where he'd be at now if he was there at the start of the season."
RC. Am I correct in reading this as you the "he" you speak of is Watson?
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 03:03 pm
None.
Oppy
January 04, 2023 at 07:16 pm
This is the laziest, most disingenuous (and incorrect) take possible.
Not a single person on the face of the Earth has ever said rookie WRs getting more time with their starting QB doesn't have any affect on their development.. right up until they felt the need to defend a QB they love who didn't take the opportunities to spend extra time with the rookie WRs.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 09:10 pm
The first OTA is underwear, some film presentation, and some conditioning, as per NFLPA mandate. The second "Voluntary" get together much of the same with presentation of the Playbook and Love runs the limited play sheet to see if the Greenhorns Know their assignments. Love needs the Work. Rodgers, like Favre shows for the Mandatory Camp and this period of walkthroughs has a bit more scheme presentation and he is working with the rooks in Reps. The hardcore installations are delivered when Training Camp begins in July. Some of these dudes work at the same performance training center in L.A. along with Rodgers. Watson had knee surgery. What is your point?
Oppy
January 05, 2023 at 12:45 am
I'm sorry, let me try to be more specific.
"Not a single person on the face of the Earth has ever said rookie WRs getting more time with their starting QB doesn't have any affect on their development.. right up until they felt the need to defend a QB they love who didn't take the opportunities to spend extra time with the rookie WRs."
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 11:14 am
Take Rodgers out of the analysis and focus on what LaFleur is giving him in terms of calls and personnel and this discussion might have some validity. Moreover, Rodgers might get some rhythm and Watson less coverage.
Rodgers has not been perfect, but he’s been fighting a bad hand that he had to force to be less stultifying cautious and unambitious than it is even now. Ironically that started in Detroit when he imploded trying to get out of the 20 play drive mindset he’d previously described as futile, particularly with rookies.
I have no issue with criticizing Rodgers, but I think one has to be willing to give credit where it’s due. Rodgers has been willing to be aggressive when LaFleur hasn’t, Rodgers has been willing to throw the ball to younger players seemingly more than LaFleur us to put them out there or run them up field.
Rodgers has, for the most part, been willing to lean on the run. I detect more imagination, ambition and critically, (in contrast to my expectations) flexibility, in him than LaFleur. He seems to have realized the futility and to have recognized where weight was not being pulled and adapted somewhat as the season progressed. LaFleur on the other hand is trotting out the same minus Watkins (whom Gute removed) in terms of both players and plays.
Certainly, Rodgers definitely seems to be the catalyst for the team pulling together and believing, not LaFleur. I have to say, he seems to me to have been more flexible in thinking and more acute than his coach.
If we could just get him enough playmakers, raw or not, on the field running complimentary routes to enable him to get in rhythm and draw coverage from each other, then I think Rodgers could have a late career renaissance spell. It’s no accident that we saw signs of rhythm when Doubs and Tonyan were out there adding another target that could get open and more route diversity.
Leatherhead
January 04, 2023 at 01:55 pm
"""""If we could just get him enough playmakers, raw or not, on the field running complimentary routes to enable him to get in rhythm and draw coverage from each other, then I think Rodgers could have a late career renaissance spell.""""""
No. He's had his late career renaissance. It's over.
And I think the solution is not more superduper receivers, it's better mastery of the line of scrimmage. Add talent there. Make the offensive line the highest priority, give the QB protection and make holes in the run game, and we're going to be fine regardless of who our QB is..
We dress 9 OL, 2 QB, and 10 Skill position guys, which we play five at a time, and we keep some of them on the field for the majority of the snaps. Right now, our weaponry for next year will include Watson, Doubs, Dillon, DeGuara. We could choose to bring back people like Lazard, Tonyan, Lewis. Jones will cost us about $10 million to keep.
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 02:58 pm
I was speaking of now, not the draft or the future but what we have. And not super duper receiving options—we dont have a secret stash—but ones that can get open and diversify the route tree and options.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 03:12 pm
Get another WR by round two. Score points, stress the opponents defense.
Oppy
January 04, 2023 at 07:18 pm
You guys are all gonna shit yourselves when we have a QB who just runs the offense as it's called and it's actually an improvement over having a HoF QB who tampers with every single call, protection, and route.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 11:49 am
RC, my argument holds up quite well if you look at the very pedestrian performance of the Packers offense behind the leadership and decision-making of Rodgers.
The intermittent hero ball tosses in situations that scream for a more conservative approach to the play and drive retaining decisions are what I mean in saying that a game management approach by Love would be better than some decisions that AR has made.
Likewise there have been many errant throws in situations that a younger more flexible QB might have just plain done better. The open crossing routes that AR has avoided like poison could have been drive sustaining plays with a QB that is running MLF's system instead of a hybrid of McCarthy's and MLF's.
I do not hate Rodgers, I love the Green Bay Packers.
Perspective is everything.
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Your argument is legitimate and statistically supported. However, the true statement is that the passing offense hasn’t contributed much.
Personification confuses the issue in my view, though I accept that I think Rodgers is mostly the wrong target. The reality is that our passing O must get better for us to go further.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 12:35 pm
The problem right now is you are basing everything off what Rodgers has done the entire season, and comparing it to Love's 1/2 a game against a team that wasn't prepared to go against him. You aren't factoring in other key elements. The OL play, the WR play, the broken thumb, and many other factors that have contributed to Rodgers season. How would Love do against a team that is scheming against him? We don't know that part yet.
I'm not bashing Love and not saying he won't be good or can't be good or anything. He played a hell of a game against the Eagles. That being said, it was a 1/2 a game that the team didn't prepare for him.
The errant throws can be from the broken thumb, can be from WR's running wrong routes and whatnot. Sometimes a WR isn't where they are supposed to be and when its a timing thing, it doesn't take much to get the timing off.
Packerpasty
January 04, 2023 at 11:52 am
nope ..down voting foolish stuff...whats worse, sycophant or hater?? Could Love handle pressure because for sure thats what teams would do to him...I haven't seen anything from him that would indicate he is better or even on the same level as Rodgers...your hate runs deep fool...
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 11:55 am
We don’t know, but I’d rather consider opinions than blind passive aggressive adulation reflected upon anything that is said that might be negative with respect to Rodgers or positive about Love.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 06:07 pm
swap the s and the t...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 04, 2023 at 12:09 pm
JB,
Well said and thumbs up!
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 04, 2023 at 01:34 pm
Love still has very little experience against a variety of defensive looks and simply cannot have the vision Rodgers has pre-snap to diagnose what is coming on defense. I find it a huge leap to say a guy with a couple of games of experience would do as well as as 17 year vet, 4 x MVP who is not playing his best ball. We have NOT seen Love perform under the pressure of a big game; he may be fine or may revert to stupid mistakes. I know I feel more comfortable with Rodgers behind center. There has been a revolving door on several of the offensive line positions, as well as WR. The WRs that have been out with injury? Lazard, Watkins, Watson, Cobb and Doubs. Tonyan has not been himself since his injury. So this might not all be on Rodgers.
Leatherhead
January 04, 2023 at 02:44 pm
"""We have NOT seen Love perform under the pressure of a big game"
But we have seen Rodgers, most recently in a historically bad offensive performance against the 49ers. There is the sense that Love wouldn't have done any worse.
Oppy
January 05, 2023 at 05:38 pm
Don't bother, they don't listen.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 06:14 pm
try to imagine this for a moment...
can we dispense with the illusion that the offense MUST somehow trick the defense to have a successful play?
Execution surpasses all. Surprise is nice on occasion, however "outsmarting" the defense on each and every play is clearly fools gold and not a viable offensive game plan. Don't you think that defensive coordinators know Rodgers schtick by now? Last second snaps attempting to diagnose exactly where each defender will be once 22 guys start running around? Defensive coordinators game Rodgers just as much as Rodgers games them.
Defensive schemes can be diagnosed and certain higher probability plays can be run, likewise knowing where the pressure is coming from as well as where the DB's will be can inform a QB which receivers have the best chance of success. Aaron Rodgers is not the only human on the planet that can perform tasks such as these. Perhaps a talented young athlete that has played QB all his life and has had supreme success doing so could actually play the position as well.
Allowing Love to work within MLF's offense gives the team a solid chance to overcome the competition, just like Rodgers working within a reasonable game plan gives this team a reasonable chance.
Rodgers has not done any super-human feats this entire season. It would not be unreasonable to have had Love start his career after the Giants game where Rodgers was obviously injured in a manner that clearly reduced his effectiveness.
From a big picture perspective Murphy screwed the Green Bay franchise with his ham handed handling of Rodgers and his contract in the off-season thus saddling the Packers with an ageing albatross with a much over-inflated ego which hurts this teams chances to win on a week to week basis.
Have at it sycophants.
jvole
January 04, 2023 at 08:34 am
What impresses me about Tom is how quick he is with his feet. He gets to a spot, sets his feet at contact, and then moves again. Or on a pull, he is out in front and is in balance on contact. Dude is going to be an all pro once he beefs up.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 09:21 am
I'm a huge fan of Tom! I loved the draft pick when they got him. I thought he was just a perfect Packers OL when they drafted him.
He isn't stout right now, he won't run guys over. But right now his ability in space is really amazing. He has been very good in space and as a pass protector. I saw a stat yesterday that he was the highest rated rookie in pass protection. I can't wait to see how he develops in the next few years when he adds strength and whatnot.
dobber
January 04, 2023 at 10:25 am
He was attached to the Packers throughout the draft process, and I seem to recall several people here (all more connected than me) calling his name on draft day just before he was picked. He seems to possess a lot of the characteristics the Packers like in their OL.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 11:30 am
I also recall that. When I did my mock draft simulators for fun, I put him with GB every time I could. I just felt he was a perfect fit for GB.
The Packers have a very good eye for OL talent. They have done a tremendous job since Thompson has been the GM of finding OL talent in the 4th round. Its pretty incredible really.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 04, 2023 at 12:11 pm
RC,
In my draft simulators Tom was usually available and I always took him.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 01:31 pm
I'm pretty sure he was the only player I got right lol.
PeteK
January 04, 2023 at 10:03 am
The tackle position requires athleticism because they are on an island blocking agile pass rushers. Tom seems to have it so far. I wonder if Nijman was hurt our replaced?
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 11:17 am
Nijman is one of the best rated Ts in the league this year, in both the run and pass, he wasn’t benched. He’s also freakishly athletic and a lot more powerful.
He reported an issue with the shoulder, they took him out but not from the game and Tom held up well enough that he could just play some STs rather than risk further injury.
RCPackerFan
January 04, 2023 at 01:27 pm
I remember seeing something in the game or just after that they said Yosh could have gone back in, but they held him out. So I'm not sure if it was more of a let him rest because Tom is playing well. Or Tom is doing damn good, no point of putting Yosh back in.
Either way I'm happy to have Yosh, and Tom on our OL! Both guys can play either OT spot. Tom can play any OL spot!
Coldworld
January 04, 2023 at 03:02 pm
They are most likely our starters next year and beyond.
Boneman
January 04, 2023 at 07:23 am
More than the inside pass rush it was the pass coverage by the DB's that messed with Cousins. Normally the ball is out of his hands before the pass rush ever gets a chance. This time the Pack took away the "easy" completions and made him hold the ball and allow the pass rush time to get in his face. I agree that the inside rush is far more important against Cousins and would argue that it is more disruptive and destructive to passing games across the League. Go Pack and best wishes to Hamlin.
Razer
January 04, 2023 at 07:40 am
I had my Packer colours on and watched the whole game. First game I watched from start to end. The energy and enthusiasm of this team right out of the gate is what got and kept me in the game. I hadn't seen this sustained fire all season - I couldn't stop watching. Fast start is a must for this team - it opens up the playbook on both sides of the ball.
Lot of guys played well especially the trenches. What struck me was the non-Rodgers concentric win. No need for QB heroics, just everyone doing their jobs. Truly a team win. I dare say that if Aaron Rodgers manages himself and uses all the resources around him this team might reach its potential.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 08:11 am
The energy and enthusiasm of this team right out of the gate is what got and kept me in the game.
Let me fix that for you...
The energy and enthusiasm of the defense right out of the gate is what got and kept me in the game.
AR failed to move the team on the initial drive which resulted in the punt and subsequent block giving the defense an opportunity to set the tone, which they did!
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 04, 2023 at 01:38 pm
Just because they went 3 and out on the first drive doesn't mean there wasn't energy or enthusiasm. Besides, it is about time the defense did what they were supposed to do; same with ST. This team has relied on Rodgers for close to two decades and they need the other units to step up in a down year for the offense.
Johnblood27
January 04, 2023 at 06:25 pm
yeah, youre right.
There has never been a roster of players in GB.
Just one person.
He won once... why not again?
BECAUSE IT TAKES A TEAM!!!!!!!!! One guy cannot get it done. Period.
Charvid
January 04, 2023 at 07:50 am
The inside pressure was awesome (aided by a 3rd string center), but it wasn’t that alone that was impressive. It was that combined with the CB’s playing up and jamming the MN WR’s to disrupt their timing, that really threw Cousins off. Can we see more of that please?
PatrickGB
January 04, 2023 at 08:15 am
I have not actually seen the film on the blocked punt. Yet I was told by someone who has seen it that two guys were threatening to block the punt. Coco had missed his man and the aforementioned safety had the task of deciding which one to block. That’s asking a lot. Also, It’s not the first time that Coco has been overwhelmed. Opponents have probably seen enough of the lightweight packers players on the punt team to figure out that pressure from their big guys is key. However, if Rich goes with the larger guys then they could lose the speed and skill needed to cover the PR and possibly put starters at risk.
JerseyAl
January 04, 2023 at 08:41 am
I hadn't examined it that closely, but what you were told is correct. A BIG DL #98 and Metellus both come to Leavitt unblocked. Leavitt gets in #98's way before trying to block Metellus, but he's overwhelmed by the charge of both players. All the more reason that they should have someone a little stouter in that very important spot.
Since'61
January 04, 2023 at 08:45 am
All Gas - I'm hoping that the vikings game has woken up the Packers that they need to play All Gas All the Time for 60 minutes. No let up, regardless of the opponent or the score.
Tom has been a hidden gem all season.
Rodgers now has two 3rd down guys, Lazard and Cobb. Both made key 3rd down receptions to keep drives alive.
Blocked punt - Bisaccia needs to do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening again. For all intents and purposes the Packers are in playoff games now and they can't have those mistakes going forward.
Keep the running game going. The Lions are ranked 32nd in yards allowed per game. That should bode well for our offense and our running game. Pound with the run game move the sticks and keep the Lions offense off the field. Dominate the LOS on both sides of the ball and continue to play aggressive defense.
Good job Al as always! GPG! Thanks, Since '61
LeotisHarris
January 04, 2023 at 08:48 am
Apparently Coach LaFleur didn't call for the FG at the end of the first half. This is very interesting.
https://twitter.com/packers_access/status/1610036680999796742?ref_src=tw...
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 09:06 am
I laughed when I saw that. Made me wonder if the D took it out of the hands of the coaches too? Sure seemed like a totally different approach.
PeteK
January 04, 2023 at 10:18 am
Sometime a leader has to give into emotional confidence. Great video, thanks !
canadapacker
January 04, 2023 at 11:19 am
I was glad to see Jones earn his money last game - dont know if it was just me but I saw many times in earlier games that on those sweeps where he kept to the outside and was run out of bounds with minimal gain. And on many of them there were chances to cut it upfield earlier behind one or two of his blockers. It appeared that he was cutting things up quicker and then getting the big chunks. I dont know about the blocking on the punts - but there have been several other close calls over the recent past. Several blasts up the middle - as well as these outside guys - Maybe too much focus on getting downfield - first you got to get the kick off ( so block) and then get downfield - let the punter get the hang time - makes the cover job easier.
wildbill
January 04, 2023 at 12:08 pm
I don’t know Rodgers personally but I imagine he gets a chuckle out of you crybabies, with your pathetic lives, attacking him..I am no longer surprised by the pettiness of little people on the internet who try to elevate themselves with mindless attacks on people.
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 01:04 pm
Sounds like you're mindlessly attacking CHTVers.
pantz_bURp
January 04, 2023 at 01:09 pm
Kinda like what you just did, right wb? Thanks, I got a chuckle out of that.
Bartender, pass the beer nutz down here please. As I was saying Vince, Ray, Don, Bart, Paul and on and on and on....
In the background, the jukebox is playing the song, "in the jungle, the mighty jungle....the Lions sleep tonite...
ahweeoway, ahweeoway....."
TXCHEESE
January 04, 2023 at 01:22 pm
IMHO Jones is one player that typically earns that paycheck every game. The man is a human pinball when he has the ball, and in addition a terrific receiver. Just hope he's healthy for Sunday and hopefully future games. He and Lazard are the two guys, the Packers can't afford to lose as far as offensive skill position players.
T7Steve
January 04, 2023 at 01:47 pm
Amen TXC. We seem to be getting healthy at the right time for a change. Let's keep it that way. I don't see anyone on the team that we could do without at this point of the season, but I do like how they seem to be limiting Jones' touches to keep him fresh. Only 14 caries is unreal. At the beginning of the season, I was crying for about 25-30 with passes included. Till the line was fixed I don't think even that was enough to guarantee a win.
TheKanataThrilla
January 04, 2023 at 07:24 pm
I am pretty sure it was Al's other article where he mentioned TJ Slaton getting his hands up when Cousins was throwing. That has been something that has been driving me crazy with this defense is that it seems that we would make a lot more defensive stops if the DL got their arms up like we were taught way back in high school football. I had memories of Johnny Jolly getting his big mitts up and that was nice to see after what seems forever.
jannesbjornson
January 04, 2023 at 09:32 pm
Fundamentals of D line play. The All-Pros do it. Jonathon Ford blocked a few kicks at Miami.
Turophile
January 06, 2023 at 04:52 pm
Now it's time for a song change.
Let's go for Blacktop Mojo's version of Aerosmith's 'Dream On', to celebrate the Packers making it to week 18 and still in with a chance at postseason.
(Foo Fighters was a great song too, btw)