Packers 20 Rams 3: Game Balls & Lame Calls
This time ugly is beautiful.
By KenLass
When Luke Musgrave crossed the goal line with a touchdown that sealed victory, the Green Bay Packers players and bench erupted into one of the most exuberant celebrations in recent memory. For a team absolutely starved for some positivity and success, Sunday’s 20-3 win over the Rams was sheer, unmitigated joy.
No doubt they are thinking “To hell with the skeptics who will quickly point out the pathetic level of the competition.” And I agree. Who cares if this was as inept a football game as you will ever see? It just feels good to win. There won’t be many of these. So I’m going to revel in it.
There will be plenty of documentation about the continuing problems. The penalties, the inaccurate passes, the drops, a missed field goal, on and on. But I choose to document the encouraging things I saw in this game. First, and foremost, I saw a team that played hard, played with some fire and passion. The Packers were actually the more physical team on the field. They didn’t play well, but they played hard, and in this season of transition, that passes for improvement.
They ran the football effectively. 184 yards rushing. Just like old times, the offense revolved around Aaron Jones and that has been the path to success in recent seasons. The defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, with big stops on third and fourth down. Christian Watson finally won a big contested catch for a 37 yard gain. Luke Musgrave finally caught a pass without falling down and showed he could actually turn and run. Jordan Love threw for first down conversions on plays of third and 7, third and 17, third and 12, and third and 11. He Completed 20 of 26 throws and finished with a rating of 115.5.
For sure the Packers made enough mistakes to lose several games. Absolutely, the Rams were a shell of a football team. But you have to build off something. Good for them. Good for us.
GAME BALLS
Jaire Alexander
He said he was finally healthy again and it showed. He stopped Ben Skowronek behind the line of scrimmage for a three yard loss. He made a spectacular diving knockdown of a pass in front of Cooper Kupp on third down. He tipped an underthrown pass to teammate Anthony Johnson for a pick. He had a solid open field tackle on Austin Trammell. Healthy indeed. Welcome back Jah.
Aaron Jones
99 yards from scrimmage, 73 of them rushing, including Green Bay’s first touchdown. His energy level seems to permeate through the entire team. The Packers got the ball to him 24 times. That seems about right.
Carrington Valentine
All eyes on the rookie seventh round pick who moved into the starting line up after the trade of Rasul Douglas. He responded with solid play, including a pretty pass defensed on Tutu Atwell on third and 9, he blew up a quick pass to Puka Nacua behind the line of scrimmage, he forced an OPI on Nacua, and then closed quickly to deny Nacua again in the final period. He wasn’t facing a good quarterback, but this performance should give him some confidence.
So many honorable mentions, particularly on defense. Taking turns making important plays were Jonathan Owens, De’Vondre Campbell, Keisean Nixon, Karl Brooks, Kingsley Enagbare, Preston Smith, Anthony Johnson, Isaiah McDuffie, Lucas Van Ness and Colby Wooden. A real team victory on defense. Credit where it is due to Joe Barry who called an effective game as well.
LAME CALLS
Ridiculous Penalties
Can we just get Jon Runyan to line up onside? The Packers are fortunate that his two offside calls, both of which negated fourth down conversions, did not cost them the game. A Josh Myers hold negated a first down conversion as well. For some reason, the penalty problem is worse in the first half. Seven of them, most all at a terribly inopportune time, were called against the green and gold before intermission.
Another Slow First Half
Green Bay once again failed to score in the first quarter, put together one seven play drive to score in the second, but continued to kill themselves with a myriad of mistakes that took them out of chances. The futility was capped by Anders Carlson missing a 48 yard field goal try to end the half, after the offense had done a decent job of getting into range.
THREE AND OUT
-- how refreshing to see the creativity and the execution on the touchdown pass to Musgrave. A double screen fake in both directions, then a quick pivot and a strike to Musgrave down the seam. That play design was very Andy Reid-esque. More of that please.
-- Another pat on the back to the coaches for finally putting the quarterback push into the offense. (I refuse to call it the Tush Push). Love is long-bodied and should be effective at this. It worked beautifully twice to convert fourth downs. Sadly, Runyan’s inability to line up behind the neutral zone nullified both conversions. After the game he said he was mystified at the calls because that's the way he has always lined up. But once you get called the first time, wouldn't you make extra sure you didn't do it again?
-- It was encouraging to see the defensive line didn’t seem to miss a beat after Kenny Clark left the game with a shoulder injury. Rookies Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden both came up with big plays while filling in. Brooks trashed tackle Steve Avila to nail Darrell Henderson for a six yard tackle for loss. Then he batted down a pass on third and six. Wooden stoned Royce Freeman on fourth and 2 at the Green Bay 47 yard line to help snuff out any hope of a Rams comeback.
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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 (128)
HawkPacker
November 06, 2023 at 07:13 am
'Christian Watson finally won a big contested catch for a 37 yard gain. Luke Musgrave finally caught a pass without falling down and showed he could actually turn and run. Jordan Love threw for first down conversions on plays of third and 7, third and 17, third and 12, and third and 11. He Completed 20 of 26 throws and finished with a rating of 115.5. '
Let's discuss this a bit. I am getting a little disappointed with Watson. I thought he was the answer to our need of a number 1 receiver but now not so sure. He was fortunate to grab that pass as he jumped up a little early but I was glad to see him finally catch a long pass. Also, he got hurt again on the play. I thought originally when drafted, that he had a little bad luck in getting injured. Now it seems if you breath on him a bit, he gets hurt. I really do hope I am wrong but not encouraged.
Musgrave looked good and really looks a lot better than our other rookie TE.
I am very encouraged to see Jordan Love complete this high of a percentage of passes (about 78%) and not throw a pick. He needed a game like this and I hope it continues.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 07:36 am
Watson - He made a tremendous play on the catch. I think they said he fell on the ball and probably had the wind knocked out of him. And they probably evaluated him for a concussion to be safe. I don't think it was anything too serious.
We need to talk about how Love just can't hit Watson deep. The first throw to him Watson has his guy beat by 2 yards. Love underthrew him and he has to come back and try to go through the CB again. He needs to throw it out there and let Watson get it.
Love - He looked good minus that first deep throw to Watson that he underthrew by about 5 yards.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 09:57 am
At 6/4 he needs to dominate much smaller defensive backs on high throws. It think will progress as QB and WR get their timing. Injuries are a major concern however.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:23 pm
JL still missed easy layups. That's my biggest concern. I hope those are just mental mistakes, because that's usually the easiest type to fix.
He got sacked 4x. One of those was completely on him. He hasn't learned when to throw the ball away. That sack was avoidable. Maybe he did that less in this game?
I only recall him throwing deep into coverage once. He shouldn't be attempting that. Maybe only making that mistake once in a game is his best yet?
I'm not down on him, at all. These are the big things I think he needs to improve. He has accuracy, consistency to go along with that would help. Announcers kept talking about perfectly thrown passes; no they weren't, but they WERE complete. He even completed two deep passes in a row.
That's progress :)
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 08:15 am
Was never really a fan of the Watson pick. A MSV replacement coming out of a lesser competition school. If we are going to spend big on a WR then the guy NEEDS to have premier route running skills. At this point, Watson is run down the field guy who needs to compete for under thrown balls. Our offense needs the guy who generates separation early and consistently ala Davante Adams.
jannesbjornson
November 06, 2023 at 01:40 pm
He picked Sternberger over McLaurin.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:25 pm
Reed does that.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 08:18 am
"I am getting a little disappointed with Watson. I thought he was the answer to our need of a number 1 receiver but now not so sure. "
Someone--it might've been you, Hawk--commented this week that the Packers use Watson like they used MVS. I think that's a really accurate statement. They're using Watson as a complementary piece, not as a focal point of the offense.
Add to that the fact that so many of Love's downfield reads are late, when Watson is running out of field and DBs are catching up, and it doesn't make him look very good.
"Musgrave looked good and really looks a lot better than our other rookie TE."
The TE room hasn't shown really well in 2023. It seems like they've just plugged Musgrave into the Tonyan role--outlets and short outs, and an occasional deeper out. There's so much more they could do with him.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:00 am
I was just happy to see him stick his body in there and block aggressively, while it wasn't always good, it did show improvement.
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 04:45 pm
I agree. This coaching staff isn’t helping. This offense hasn’t really changed to adapt to the different players.
Watson being asked to run go routes was never using him to his college strengths. I thought we learned that last year, but we are back to it again. He thrives on getting the ball as ne crosses the field, not over the shoulder. Yes, I hope he masters that in time, but do what he already does well first!
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:37 pm
Dobber,
I also think Kraft might eventually have a better career than Musgrave. Upon drafting, it was obvious Musgrave is a YAC-free big bodied receiver, and Kraft handles contact better so should start out blocking. Maybe between them they could fulfill the duties of one TE in their rookie year. We've seen a little receiving out of Kraft, but very little. As a blocker, he certainly hasn't replaced Big Dog yet, but he is doing more than Musgrave.
I want to see them both utilized more. I have to wonder how much better they'd both develop with Mercedes Lewis in the TE room.
JL trying to connect with #9: I saw him picking #11's brain on the sideline after a miss, and 11 looked like he was trying to explain what he had been trying to do. These sorts of things are necessary, and TC or even preseason games can't do the same things. This takes time playing together, aka experience. JL has targets who are very different from each other, which slows down the learning curve. Another reason I want to see them using TEs and RBs more, including in pass plays.
In seasons to come, after timing issues are worked out, Kraft in the screen game might prove to be a huge contributor, #28 is running harder without tripping over his shoelaces too and should be able to get some YAC.
LeotisHarris
November 06, 2023 at 08:23 am
"Let's discuss this a bit. I am getting a little disappointed with Watson."
dobber consistently makes what I think is a good point with Watson. Get the kid the ball on shorter crossing routes where he can use his speed for YAC. Also, in fairness to Watson, he's had defenders beaten only to have Love underthrow the longball.
Bitternotsour
November 06, 2023 at 08:55 am
in fairness to Love, Randy Moss could outrun the world, and his quarterbacks regularly underthrew him. Unlike Watson, Moss could adjust to the ball. The underthrown ball was eventually incorporated into the Minnesota offense (ask Al Harris). The NFL eventually came up for a name for it - the back shoulder pass.
(at least that's my history of the back shoulder pass - i may quite well have hallucinated it)
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:04 am
It's a mystery to me as I remember Rogers consistency miss MVS, but connect with Nelson on those long bombs. Back shoulder passes were a thing of beauty when they finally clicked with Jennings. Nine more games to see what we got.
Oppy
November 06, 2023 at 10:14 pm
Rodgers was consistently under-throwing MVS, but I think that was a function of just not having the rocket arm at his age to keep up with the deep speed of MVS.
With Love, some may recall that last season the coaching staff was placing an emphasis on getting Love to put more loft on the deep ball because he had a tendency to throw hard frozen ropes deep down field that weren't easy for the WRs to adjust/catch, and were more prone to being tipped by defenders. Love clearly has the arm, I think he's still working out the kinks in changing his deep throw style to get the kind of loft with accuracy that MLF is requesting.
MainePackFan
November 06, 2023 at 10:23 am
In fairness to Watson, nobody thought we were drafting Randy Moss. If we have to draft Randy Moss to make Jordan Love a good deep ball passer, we have a big problem : )
Oppy
November 06, 2023 at 10:18 pm
Also in fairness to Watson, I'll bet a lot of people thought they were getting a poor man's Randy Moss. Watson's metrics are off the chart. His athleticism at the WR position - Size/Length/Speed/Agility - are unrivaled in the last near 20 years with exception to Moss. He's an athletic freak of nature.
Now, the question is.. can he continue to grow into a impactful football player. That's the gamble.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 10:00 am
You'd think that some of those underthrows would turn into pass interferences if Watson could come back aggressively, the DBs are running their asses of to keep up and would run him over,
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:08 am
Good point. We have to remember that he came from a run heavy offense ( he's a solid blocker) and needs more time than usual for a WR, but the speed and size are intriguing and could pay high dividends with patience.
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 05:11 pm
He’s very raw. He was always a pick on potential. His technique was limited. His QB wasn’t throwing those passes and thus he didn’t learn them. His route tree was minimal. He was mainly just worked into space and let loose to run with the ball. Being bigger and faster than everyone, he didn’t need to learn much that he now does.
His best thing was always crossers. LaFleur immediately played him on go routes. Apart from realizing that he had no over the shoulder technique, why? It’s no accident he caught fire when we did run him cross field. I thought we’d learned that lesson last year. Then we are right back to it this year. LaFleur is baffling.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:42 pm
MLF is baffling, or he is baffled?
Coldworld
November 07, 2023 at 07:33 am
Both :(
Johnblood27
November 06, 2023 at 12:34 pm
...and then he would be injured from the contact...
Bitternotsour
November 06, 2023 at 04:52 pm
funny, but kind of cruel.
13TimeChamps
November 07, 2023 at 11:45 am
With a comment like that, it almost seems like you have a shitty outlook on life.
Johnblood27
November 08, 2023 at 01:32 am
almost like I'm living rent free in your head...
butt-hurt a little are we?
LOL!!!
Wildcomet
November 06, 2023 at 03:33 pm
I agree, I feel like we've been missing that stuff with Watson this year. He got multiple TDs last year off jet sweeps, another couple off the shallow and midlevel crossing routes, and they don't seem to be giving him those opportunities this year. It seems to be either all go routes- which Love is struggling to hit- or Hooks and In/Out routes where he loses the speed advantage. Even just the little jet motion into the flat was a pretty decent play with him from what I remember to get him involved.
Doofapotamus
November 06, 2023 at 08:36 am
I think Musgrave may have been there at our third pick spot and if not, I think we would've been able to trade up slightly to grab him. I just think our second and third round picks should've been Branch and then Musgrave. Who knows, though. We have a bad track record of picking in the third round, especially at the TE position. From Richard Rodgers to Jace Sternberger, to Josiah Deguara and now Tucker Kraft. He has to get the BOTD because he's a rookie and it's well documented that TE is one of the most difficult positions to translate from college to pro. But, he needs to show a little bit more.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:11 am
Yes, my draft favorite was the all around complete TE Mayer, and he is struggling in his first year. However, I'm not looking back it doesn't help.
Bitternotsour
November 06, 2023 at 04:56 pm
You're missing the point PeteK, if you don't look back, you can't continually carp about the GM. In the mind of the constant complainer, all draft choices are subject to immediate revision, Musgrave suddenly becomes available in some mythical 3rd round, the surprising fifth round pick who is showing out is now a foolish miss in the same mythical third round if only our GM weren't an idiot.
Get with the program.
PhantomII
November 06, 2023 at 09:06 pm
I liked LaPorta.
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 04:58 pm
He missed a lot of time and, while willing, really wasn’t asked to block as a TE. He’s a WR in a TE body, having to learn from scratch. Kraft did block some, but was such a beast at his competition level it is an equally big leap and he’s not as polished on the offensive niceties.
Neither really had to deal with the complexity of blocking assignments this offense calls for. Sink or swim may help long term, but right now it’s probably limiting contributions compared to what we could have seen.
Vachio
November 06, 2023 at 08:38 am
The kid needs a little more time. The J'Mar Chases and Justin Jeffersons are few and far between. He flashed way more as a rookie than Devante Adams did. He's shown at least as much to this point in year two as Davante did. If he's not a stud by next season, then we need to worry.
SinceLombardi
November 06, 2023 at 01:11 pm
Watson is never going to be a stud. He’s built like a chess player.
SpikeHyzer
November 06, 2023 at 08:45 am
Karft actually had several great blocks that sprung RBs who looked like they'd get tackled for a loss. He may not yet be catching passes, but he's improved dramatically as a blocker in a very short time (seems he was still bad a week ago).
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 05:12 pm
He’s hit and miss. If he gets the play and read right he can do it. Too often he’s not there yet though.
SpikeHyzer
November 12, 2023 at 11:07 am
True. When he fails at that he airballs completely and doesn't even make contact with the intended defender. He's clearly getting more reads right these days.
CanPackFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:44 am
Watson was so effective last year with crossing patterns that he turned into big gains. Why can't MLF call more of those patterns for him? As for injuries, that's the part that scares most of us. He reminds me too much of Sammy Watkins...
Starrbrite
November 06, 2023 at 06:19 pm
CanPack—I believe the answer is clear—Love’s passing. Your point is well taken, we should be throwing far more slants.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:47 pm
That's what depth is for. Bo Melton is even faster. We have 8 very talented WRs. (Plus Musgrave)
Jgilmor08
November 06, 2023 at 11:50 am
I agree Musgrave seems like a good pick up. He’s been reliable all season so he is encouraging to me.
I said this prior to Watsons last three injuries but when the colts wanted Watson for Jonathan Taylor I thought that was a no brainer. Green Bay could’ve gotten out from under a poor pick with injury history and gotten the thunder to the Aaron Jones lightening they sought with AJ Dillons wasted second round pick.
As with Love. I think it’s becoming increasingly obvious that the rosters put around both Rodgers and Love were not talented. I genuinely believe Love isn’t going to get a fair shake no matter what because of the poor roster choices. For example all of these young receivers on the team have no one to look to when it comes to being a professional. Who’s setting an example?
All of these poor draft picks are starting to compound to larger issues. For example AJ Dillon was an unbelievably wasted pick in the 2nd round to be a career backup. 2nd round picks are far more valuable than career back ups. Drafting back to back Tight ends seems a bit obvious to me. There’s only so many snaps to go around. Bahktiari whom I absolutely enjoy as a Packer would have been great trade bait this past off season. I can’t help but feel like the GM should be taking a bit more flak than he is actually getting in this case.
Starrbrite
November 06, 2023 at 06:24 pm
I’m a Watson (N.Dak. St.) fan. But I too felt we should have traded him for Taylor. GM’s always seem to protect picks.
baldski
November 06, 2023 at 08:10 pm
Agree on Watson. He needs a strength and conditioning coach to toughen his body. He is too fragile.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:53 pm
Our strength and conditioning staff is weak. I'd love to see the whole QR room working out like Jerry Rice.
HawkPacker
November 06, 2023 at 07:16 am
'Ridiculous Penalties
Can we just get Jon Runyan to line up onside?'
I am sorry Ken, but I watched the game and saw the replays and did not see him line up offsides. Either time! Maybe I am looking at the wrong thing but I have to side with Runyan on this.
I have watched a lot of NFL games and see players, that to me, look offside and it is never called. Perplexing. Maybe others will weigh in here and further explain to me why it looked like he was offsides because I could not see it.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 07:38 am
You are Right Hawk about Runyan. He wasn't offsides. If they call that offsides how are the Eagles not offsides on every QB tush push play? Because they are lined up the same way. There are plenty of still frame pics out there on twitter and stuff.
Also, how is that not reviewable. They can review if a 12th man is on the field, but they can't review if a player is offsides?
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 08:04 am
I think it should have been an NFL booth review, as it resulted in a change of possession. I was waiting but also hoping MLF wouldn't waste a time out for one.
It definitely shouldn't have happened twice. The center is supposed to check the LOS and make adjustments like that too (if he was actually lined up in the neutral zone).
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:17 am
Technically it wasn't a change of possession play but the end result did become one.
I just don't get how things like this can't be reviewed. It was a bad call that cost us twice.
Coldworld
November 06, 2023 at 05:04 pm
It would be interesting to find out what the league says. I have got to thing that the Packers will execute their right to have those calls explained. Let’s hope someone in the press asks.
Starrbrite
November 06, 2023 at 06:27 pm
Excellent point RC.
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 07:41 am
I think that this is more an NFL officiating issue that anything else. I don't know what the league is trying to accomplish with this ticky tacky stuff but it ruins the game. I also think that the penalties and fines for physicality is over the top. I don't know if it is to appease the betting industry or to pave the way to 18 games but football is softening up and turning into referee reality TV. Sad
barutanseijin
November 06, 2023 at 07:54 am
Agreed. During a stretch in the second half of the Sunday night game there was a flag on every play. I turned the game off.
blacke00
November 06, 2023 at 12:37 pm
As I watched that game I noticed the same thing. I didn't turn off the game.
The issue I have is that these refs are like this in just about every game not just Packer games. Calling Ticky Tacky penalties on certain plays (usually a critical play...many times at the end of a game) and then allow the most obvious penalty, I wish I would have recorded each one of these events over the many years I've watched football. Sometimes I think they become more "focused" at particular parts of the game and are daydreaming during other parts.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:20 am
These ticky tacky calls truly affect games.
I put this out in the twitter world yesterday but it feels like the Packers have had more 1st down conversions brought back due to penalty then anyone in the league. I have no stats to back it up but it feels like it. They have converted a lot of first downs only to have them brought back due to penalty.
MainePackFan
November 06, 2023 at 10:34 am
"I think that this is more an NFL officiating issue that anything else."
The dreaded "point of emphasis" league officials are so well known for. It will go away when they realize how bad it is. When fans can't even see what the penalty was for on instant replay, you know it's another unnecessary overreach by the league.
jont
November 06, 2023 at 11:43 am
This exactly, Maine. The calls were made on Park Avenue a few days ago and had nothing to do with the players on Sunday
The NFL office hates the push play, but it's legal so they've decided to enforce the related rules to the letter and beyond to send a message without saying anything. Remember the roughing the QB rule changes? Suddenly Clay got flagged every week and then just as suddenly the flags stopped. Same will happen with this, I expect. Then off season they'll change the rule about pushing.
And, just to be clear, those two calls were both wrong. On one, in fact, the nose tackle was clearly offside but the call was on the guard who was clearly lined up behind the center.
Starrbrite
November 06, 2023 at 06:29 pm
“Referee reality TV” —an outstanding statement.
SpikeHyzer
November 06, 2023 at 08:48 am
Refs have had it out for the 'young' Packers all season. I would estimate--and in almost every case, the announcers have been on our side--that slightly more than 50% of all the calls against this team this year have been bogus.
It's not even funny anymore, because these calls were all so obviously wrong.
He APPEARED offside because the camera angle was from slightly behind the O Line and the oblique angle made it appear falsely that he was forward of the other linemen. The angle exactly along the line of scrimmage would show that he was legally lined up.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:21 am
There were still pics looking down the line. I wish i could share it on here. But there is no one offsides. It was ridiculous.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 11:28 am
The Line Judge isn't watching on TV, either.
SpikeHyzer
November 12, 2023 at 11:10 am
Which is why, in the last 20 years of better cameras and TVs, I've felt that they could eliminate the line judge and make those calls from the booth alone. SO many sports should do things via the electronic image alone (like eliminate the home plate umps, since Brewer pitchers have led the league for 5 or 6 years in having strikes stolen from them, while Brewer batters also were top 3 in that time period for having the most balls called strikes).
You'd think the big market big money teams were conspiring with the refs to hurt we poor fans in small markets.
They could officiate football solely from the booth.
SpikeHyzer
November 12, 2023 at 11:11 am
Oh, not to mention that Giannis gets fouled about 35 times a game for his league leading 10 FTs per game.
Celise...
November 06, 2023 at 02:16 pm
i feel like this is one of those cases where the opposing team sees something is their preparation for the game and then tells the officials to be looking for it. they would then have no choice but to call it.
Starrbrite
November 06, 2023 at 06:27 pm
Well said Hawk—he wasn’t offside. This is again, over-officiating. It’s sickening to watch flag after flag. Officiating has become more important than the game.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 08:57 pm
HP,
I have to disappoint you. I watched the replay of both those plays as well as live and saw nothing offsides.
I also saw them succeed on a third try of the same play, and am glad to see it become part of their repertoire.
HawkPacker
November 06, 2023 at 09:13 pm
Totally agree SST.
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 07:26 am
Game Balls :
Rookies -
I can't give this to just one because almost every rookie made an impact play in this game.
Reed, Wicks, Musgrave, Van Ness, Wooden, Brooks, Vallentine, Johnson all made impact plays in this game!
Vallentine was really amazing. I liked Vallentine from day one, but he played really, really well.
Johnson also played really well in his first start. I know one thing. our defense is much, much better when we have 36 and 37 playing for us on defense.
Love -
Love was not perfect. Minus a couple of plays he did well. His 3rd and 17 conversion was really good. Really outside of his first deep ball to Watson, he was on point.
McDuffie -
In the place of Walker, McDuffie played really well overall.
Lame Calls:
Officials -
I watched the still frames of the 4th down conversion, offside penalties, and I just don't get where anyone was offsides. And sorry but the view they tried showing on tv was crap. It was from behind the LOS. You can't see down the line. Also the holding penalty on Myers was crap. He had his hands inside. He wasn't burned, he was in control. The Defensive player reached out and got the call. The replay of that showed how it was a bad call.
The 2 offsides penalties negated 2 first downs.
Officiating is terrible overall. I was watching last night a little bit and saw that Josh Allen got called for intentional grounding. He threw the ball for a route that the WR cut off. If they call that intentional grounding, then almost anytime a player runs the wrong route it could be intentional grounding. Collinsworth was arguing with whoever the SNF official they talk to about it. John Perry maybe? I can't remember.
Three and Out:
Musgrave - He really played well. That TD of his was a great play design and he finally was able to catch a ball in stride. That was just a great play.
Rhyan - When he went in for Runyan, I thought he played really well. I don't think it was a coincidence that they scored on the drive he was in there. I watched the very next play that Runyan went in and he got pushed back 2 yards into the backfield. Everyone has complained about Myers for so long, but has the real problem been Runyan all along? I think its time to make a switch. See what Rhyan can do.
DL - Wooden and Brooks both made some big time impact plays in this game. Brooks had a couple of passes batted down. He blew up the one play. And he made a great tackle on a draw that if he doesn't make the play, there is a chance it goes for a first down. Wooden had the huge stop on the 4th down play. They really stepped up big time.
mrtundra
November 06, 2023 at 07:35 am
Well said, RCPackerFan!
RCPackerFan
November 06, 2023 at 09:21 am
Thanks Tundra
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:21 am
Rooks started showing some of what we saw during preseason. Two rebuilding teams, but one showing the mortar and bricks.
Starrbrite
November 06, 2023 at 06:41 pm
Really good RC.
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 07:30 am
Kind of like my golf game where I sink a forty footer to salvage a par on a par 5 (after several shitty shots) - I'll take it. I like how the team played hard and with enthusiasm throughout the game. Not sure how Jordan Love will turn out but he does play with composure and keeps his eyes downfield. I think with more game time and confidence he will get to the next level. Looking forward to when he takes command of the offense.
Lot of inspired play particularly on defense. I like how McDuffie reads and reacts to the run. He shot the gap a couple of times to stop the run behind the LOS. I am not sure what kind of O-line the Rams have but our D-line did a nice job of forcing the pass and keeping the game in Rypien's hands. Good to have Campbell back up to speed.
On offense - the Luke Musgrave TD with backfield screen fakes was the best play I've seen the Packers run in 2 years. Simple, quick and underneath. I would also like to see us give more play time to Emanuel Wilson. We need his speed and vision in our backfield.
Now, like my golf game, I will keep my head. The Rams are a thin team without a QB. We should have beat them and despite leaving them in the game for over 3 quarters we did that. The win is nice but it is the improvement that I really appreciate this Monday. Keep it up boys
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 08:12 am
My golf game is where I get on in two and 3-putt for par. I'll take it (had 4-putts too or rolled a putt off the green and had to chip back on).
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 08:25 am
Ha, ha - I can do that too. I marvel how poorly I can play only to generate a good approach shot then drain a putt for a good score. Much like our Packer offense where we can bungle about, making mistakes and getting penalties only to have a play or two put us in a position to score. Crazy
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:24 am
We totally have differing opinions on Love's composure. I think he has a very cool under control style that bodes well with a young team.
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 10:40 am
That is exactly what I see with Love as well. His composure has been there throughout this bad stretch and serves him well. Maybe I need to revisit my writing skills.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 10:59 am
No! Stick with the golf skills! It's better to be writer blocked than sand trapped.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 04:07 pm
Sorry , my speed reading skills are off.
Cheezehead72
November 06, 2023 at 07:43 am
This is a game we should win. The offense looked good against a good defense. Looking ahead they need to lose the games against the Panthers and Bears. I do not want the Bears to get the first pick in the draft.
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 07:47 am
...I do not want the Bears to get the first pick in the draft...
Should we fear this? They seem to find ways to find the next Turbisky.
Cheezehead72
November 06, 2023 at 11:23 am
Even the Bears are not dumb enough to pass on Williams.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 08:15 am
You can't mean we should lose to the Bears! If we only get two wins in a season, they better be against the Bears.
Razer
November 06, 2023 at 08:28 am
No, no - that would be sacrilege.
KKB
November 06, 2023 at 08:04 am
Runyan was fine! Poor calls by the ref.
dobber
November 06, 2023 at 08:28 am
"Aaron Jones .... The Packers got the ball to him 24 times. That seems about right. "
I don't remember the exact stats, but I think the magic Aaron Jones number (where the Packers' win pct jumps dramatically) is around 18 touches.
Packers0808
November 06, 2023 at 08:29 am
Was W, but this team has a VERY LONG ways to go before even the adjective good can be used with tongue in cheek!
HawkPacker
November 06, 2023 at 05:35 pm
You have to learn how to walk before you can run!
Ferrari-Driver
November 06, 2023 at 08:38 am
Line play and blocking is my favorite part of the game and I watch it as closely as possible. I haven't watched a replay of the game yet and I often miss things on the real time play of the game. I will admit that I see many more errors that I would like, but from my initial impression of the game, I thought Myers played one of his better games at center. He made a few very good blocks on the second level and I don't recall him getting pancaked. I don't expect him to become another Corey Linsley (our former all pro center who now plays with the Chargers), but I liked the effort and somewhat improved play during this game. Anyone else concentrate on the line blocking. I'm curious to see what someone else thought, including Ken Lass.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:40 am
I constantly stop and replay numerous plays to see the blocking for and against us. I thought it was one of our best showings this season. Very exciting to see Dillon destroy the defender (need more of this) and thought our TEs showed improvement.
MainePackFan
November 06, 2023 at 10:54 am
I loved that block from AJ Dillon. It's good to see him running with authority again.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 11:07 am
This game proves they need to be on the field together more often.
Wouldn't even mind seeing Wilson paired up with one or the other sometime. A fake to Jones and a swing to Wilson, might really throw off the scouting reports for a while.
MainePackFan
November 06, 2023 at 12:23 pm
I agree on both points T7. I think Wilson has earned more looks. Fresh legs have a little more juice.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:07 pm
I've been talking about Myers improved run blocking, and wondering if maybe he was just up against people he could simply manhandle without needing to improve his technique. Hopefully Mike Wahle covers this, as well as how Rhyan did.
I'll take the improvement, I see it as the most significant improvement on the field.
SpikeHyzer
November 06, 2023 at 08:57 am
Once again, more than half the penalties called against the Pack were bogus (even though none will be like the no call last week that cost a player 16K).
Love was on point. ONLY the underthrown deep ball for Watson was inaccurate. I'd call the other 5 drops.
Valentine looks like a keeper. The young DL talent stepped up. They had more aggression on both sides of the ball and actually looked like a somewhat competent football team for the first time this year (the other wins were far uglier than this one).
The O didn't really do a good job of getting them into range. That FG attempt should have been from 40 or slightly inside, not 48, and it's no surprise he missed a long one in these conditions (the Jones fumble was a bad one, but the other was at least in trying to make a play, but if you are going to stretch for the 1st down near the boundary, you should make sure you reach the boundary so that any loss of control of the ball can't be picked up due to being OB).
MLF and Gutey should be complaining to the league office every week. It's not just that these calls are so egregiously bad. It seems like they are intentionally called during the most critical phases of each drive (which has been true in every game). Half the calls each week are bad, but ALL of them have come on critical downs (and most of those had good play results that would have moved the chains).
This team is young, but they aren't making all of those penalty worthy mistakes (it had been mostly routes up to this point in the season, and lack of blocking fundamentals by TEs and WRs especially).
After wanting to cut him last week, I thought Josiah Deguara had a nice game, especially blocking.
SinceLombardi
November 06, 2023 at 01:20 pm
Love also missed on a screen, some short swing passes were not accurate either.
He was better than last week , but far from , only one inaccurate pass.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:10 pm
Spike,
JL missed some easy layups. His stat line looks much improved, but he still had a rough game. I'm not down on him at all, I want to see his ceiling.
Packerpasty
November 06, 2023 at 09:05 am
The Rams tank much better than the Packers...good for everyone to enjoy a Monday after a win.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:43 am
Yeah, watching the Packer players getting excited after good plays and picking each other up after bad ones are sure signs of a defeated team. LOL
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 11:12 am
I thought Jones showed excellent leadership after Wicks' fumble. He propped him up on the sideline and then went as far as to demonstrate the even HE could fumble every now and then, so he shouldn't feel so bad. True leadership ability.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:14 pm
Lol
The amazing part of that is our D held them to 0 points after back to back turnovers. They have a trio of excellent WRs, and our depleted backfield held them in check. All game.
Rams defense is average, not bottom dwellers. Plus Aaron Donald was on the field.
Packers0808
November 06, 2023 at 11:06 am
Think somebody poured gravy on your pasty instead of the preferred ketchup!
Ferrari-Driver
November 06, 2023 at 10:40 am
I watched two other games Sunday after the Packers and after seeing the calls on Runyon for neutral zone violation which at worst looked marginal, I saw a number of obvious neutral zone violations, especially in the Eagles game which were completely ignored. I also noticed a couple in the Bengals/Bills game and recall no neutral zone violations in either of the later games I watched. While the calls against the Packers didn't cost us the game, such a call could easily make the difference in a win or loss in today's NFL. Perhaps this will be reviewed and addressed by the league, especially if the Packers make a formal complaint.
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 11:15 am
"such a call could easily make the difference in a win or loss in today's NFL"
Or change the point spread.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:15 pm
Such complaints need to be filed for nearly every game.
packer132
November 06, 2023 at 10:45 am
Fans knew before week #1 that it would be an up and down year with a young and inexperienced team. Last week many were calling for the firing of everybody including Gute. Today seems to have changed the opinion of many. Love started 1 game before this season, and watching a future HOF er is not the same as getting reps and running the offense each week. Rodgers was average at best his first year and he had a much better receiver group. A lot of the draft picks played well and those who wanted Gute gone should evaluate at the end of the year. One of the best coaches of all time (Belichick) is 2-7 and in last place in their division. Patience, please.
Swisch
November 06, 2023 at 01:55 pm
It was hard not to overreact after last week, especially with a fourth straight loss; after a win this week, it's hard not to underreact, even though the Packers struggled to win against a team that seems rather weak and was without its starting quarterback.
One school of thought is to let this season play out with all of the coaches intact -- then evaluate -- especially as we're really pointing to next season for the team to breakout with all of our youth.
Another school of thought could be that the Packers continue to look sloppy throughout most of this season and even in this last win -- and this is on the coaches. There seems to be a woeful lack of execution and innovation. So, with nine games to go, let's get a head start on next season with a shakeup at coaching -- as have the Raiders with success at least initially.
***
It's a tough call. Are the Packers about to turn a corner in cleaning things up or just hanging onto ineptness in the coaching and thus wasting talent?
One might even call the Steelers game coming up next a decisive one. Tighten up the discipline on the field or let a coach or two loose.
If it's more of the same frustration with avoidable errors, I'd go with Bisaccia for the rest of the season to discern if he is the future as head coach, and try Jim Leonhard to see if he is ready to be a defensive coordinator in the NFL.
***
In any case, let's not give up on this season as far as getting the most wins as possible.
No tanking!
Whomever is on the field and the sidelines, we need to develop a culture of playing the game the right way, and to strive in each and every game to pull out a victory.
The draft abounds in talent and will take care of itself.
Let's get all of the young and inexperienced talent we already have on the roster playing toward their potential (and avoid the risk of them getting discouraged).
***
As I make no claims of being the most knowledgeable or observant or discerning fan, I'm glad for discussion of these thoughts pro and con, or even some of both.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:20 pm
NFL = not for long. That's exactly how much patience I have for Butkus, Gutey, MLF and Barry. Steno should be back at O line coach.
Gutey's handling of Rasul means he's a bad GM. He's not a people person, even if he continues to improve at drafting. MLF hasn't been developing this young roster. Butkus should be seen as a Bears plant, here to ruin the team.
JB didn't ruin the defense for one game.
PeteK
November 06, 2023 at 10:45 am
I was very happy with the teams energy especially after the trade of Douglas, coaches had everyone fired up for this game!
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:22 pm
We don't know that coaches fired up anybody. They did start in the first quarter, for a change. What made the difference?
lpirlot
November 06, 2023 at 10:50 am
In Green Bay, the Tush Push is the Love Shove!!
T7Steve
November 06, 2023 at 11:21 am
I hope they don't do that very often. We need Love on the field to be able to judge his play. Not injured. Stupid play design for player health. Not just the QB either. All the players in the scrum are targets for injury. Leave it to Rugby.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:23 pm
Why aren't we playing our biggest guys, at least on third and short?
Ferrari-Driver
November 08, 2023 at 03:09 am
That was clever. Love it.
cheesehead1
November 06, 2023 at 11:26 am
A win is a win. Still inconsistent as a team but Love was better. His accuracy issues continue though. Really having my doubts about Christian Watson, looks to have taken a step back this year and his injury woes continue. His value to this team is dropping IMO, as he’s constantly hurt (training camp, preseason or regular season). Fingers crossed that he can get these issues finally behind him. On to face the Steelers. GPG.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:25 pm
CH,
what you're seeing is coach misusing #9. Not saying he's playing well, but MLF isn't having him do what he's good at.
BAMABADGER
November 06, 2023 at 11:40 am
Bad call:
Here is how Goodell has feminized the NFL. This FB should be considered for best, dominant block of the week. Excellent form and pad level. He gets a massive fine. Change the name of our “beautiful game” to soccer.
BAMABADGER
November 06, 2023 at 11:40 am
Oops
https://x.com/jonas_shaffer/status/1720895613229756701?s=42&t=3iqI33C0sE...
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:27 pm
"Just put 'em all in dresses" - Brett Favre
Jgilmor08
November 06, 2023 at 11:58 am
Those Runyan calls are absolute trash. Offensive lineman line up according to the player on their inside. So in this case the Center. They have certain markers that they align with. For example Runyan toes would align with the heel of Josh Myers foot. This seemed like a stupid flag to be thrown and I would argue that Myers was even offsides.
Qoojo
November 06, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Per offsides on guard. In youtube with video frozen, I am looking at the offsides call at 6:17 in the 1st quarter. You can clearly see that Meyers helmet is literally over the ball and maybe even past the front tip. Runyan lined up almost equal to Meyers. Runyan's hands are at the back tip of the ball, or further, and his helmet is at least halfway over the ball.
Defense cannot line up with their helmet over the plane of the ball at line of scrimmage. I guess the same rule applies to everyone but the center.
As a player, you have to adjust when something like that is called.
Qoojo
November 06, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Not sure if we can post links here as i have never really tried it so adding it as reply.
https://youtu.be/yVEmuRTrIU8?si=LCzgeXC9gNpaExwP&t=186
3:06 into this video is what i am talking about.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 06, 2023 at 09:33 pm
Qoojo,
you're saying JRJ shouldn't have done the same thing twice
True.
These calls should be protested.
Qoojo
November 07, 2023 at 08:09 am
After reviewing the first quarter play that i link to video, Runyan was offside. There is nothing to protest. The offense has to be behind the ball (except the center based on center not getting called).
I think the whole problem started with center literally past almost past the ball so Runyan lined up accordingly.
I am sure that this is a hugely unpopular opinion
Coldworld
November 07, 2023 at 08:16 am
It will be interesting to hear what the league says. Hopefully that will come out now the Packers have asked for clarification.
stormin
November 06, 2023 at 12:36 pm
On the bright side, we can still nail one of the top QB's coming out with a record of 3-14 !
SinceLombardi
November 06, 2023 at 01:16 pm
Valentine played well, Brooks too. But let’s face it; game ball to Brett Rypien. He couldn’t move the chains consistently against a defense known for giving up long drives.
However, it’s nice to get a W.
THESZOTMAN1
November 06, 2023 at 04:31 pm
Game Balls --- Love, Valentine, the ARs, ----- pick your choice.
Lame calls --- Look, usually, I don't go after officials, but when, in the history of the NFL, was a team called for offensive offsides on a QB sneak? Not once, but twice!
It's a broken record, but WHEN is the $10+ BILLION dollar NFL gonna start ponying up for PROFESSIONAL officials?
Goodell. Don't get me started.
Good win.
Go Pack Go.
Steal one from the Steelers.
The Szotman
baldski
November 06, 2023 at 08:31 pm
Pay for full time officials instead of doctors and lawyers with a Sunday gig? How are owners supposed to afford this?