Now that the dust has settled and the hangover has worn off, here are five more thoughts on the Green Bay Packers 24-15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
There may never have been a game that was this unexciting
The players were not excited. Most of them looked like they were just going through the motions and it showed in the final product. The Packers should have blown these assholes out, but they played with zero passion (with perhaps the exception of Morgan Burnett and Brad Jones). In turn, the fans weren’t excited. The stadium was rarely loud and the game was almost unbearable to watch on television. Way to not give a shit, Green Bay.
I don’t care what the coaches say, the offensive line is terrible
Mike McCarthy and his minions fed all kinds of drivel to the local media about how good the offensive line has been playing. And of course, being the lap dogs they are, they actually published this crap. We got stuff like, “Bryan Bulaga has been great except for that one sub-par game in Seattle.” I’ve got news for you, no he hasn’t. He’s been shit. “Marshall Newhouse has turned the left tackle spot into a strength.” Really? As long as he isn’t facing a speed rusher, I guess. And these two guys aren’t even the weak links on the line. T.J. Lang and Jeff Saturday, I’m looking at you. Alex Green carried 22 times for 54 yards on Sunday. That’s a paltry 2.5 yards per carry. It’s also an improvement over what he did last Sunday, when he averaged only 1.75. We all know Green can break one and we’ve been waiting patiently, but no back can do shit when he ALWAYS takes first contact behind the line of scrimmage.
Special teams are playing better than they ever have under Mike McCarthy, but…
The Packers third unit has traditionally been atrocious since McCarthy has been the Packers coach. More specifically, they’ve been a joke under Shawn Slocum. However, Slocum has somehow put together what may be the best special teams unit in the NFL this season. You’ve got Randall Cobb on returns, an ace cover guy in Jarrett Bush, a solid punter (and a kicker that used to be solid until he started shanking the hell out of everything), and they’ve successfully pulled off several fakes this season. All that being said, the fake field goal where Mason Crosby was split out wide and Tim Masthay played quarterback was a little much. You’re getting a little too cocky, Mike.
We’re not sure what Charles Woodson’s absence means yet
The Packers secondary was torched by a below-average quarterback to the tune of 303 yards on Sunday. A lot of people will be quick to say it was because Charles Woodson wasn’t playing. That may be the case, but it was also because the Packers defense can’t play zone. They couldn’t play it with Woodson and they sure as hell couldn’t play it without him. Why do they keep using zone instead of going man-to-man? It certainly isn’t because they don’t have athletic corners. I guess it’s the “they’ll get it eventually” philosophy. The point here is, we still don’t know what Woodson’s absence means to this defense.
Donald Driver — the Packers sixth receiver
Yes, the beloved, venerable DD caught a touchdown on Sunday and good for him. It’s a nice feel-good story. The more interesting thing was this: it appears Driver is now the Packers sixth receiver. With the Packers down to four healthy receivers, everyone expected Driver to be the third guy, but it certainly looked like rookie Jarrett Boykin was on the field first. We don’t have the snap counts, but it also seemed like Boykin played more than Driver. That doesn’t really bode well for Driver’s plan of playing next season.
Well said Monty. I’d like to get your opinion and possibly a post on potential trades before Thursday’s deadline.
Thompson is notorious for standing pat and keeping his hands in his pocket when it comes to trades but I think there are some interesting candidates out there.
First guy who comes to mind is Jared Cook. Guy wants out of Tennessee, and who can blame him? But I’ll take his ability (and hands) over J-Fin any day. Not sure about his contract/salary — I do know his rookie deal expires soon but moreso he would be a major upgrade to what GB currently has on the roster and it would be nice upgrade to the passing game. Send J-Finley to Tennessee with a box of tampons.
Lot of talk about GB acquiring a RB out there right now. I’m going to remain mum on this. Although I’m not sold on Al Green, that offensive line is a putrid I don’t think Walter Payton could run behind it. The play calling needs to improve and become more creative but you can’t dismiss the notion of adding another dynamic playmaker to the offense, especially with Jennings down and most likely not resigning this off-season, there will be money for a big move. Perhaps the time is now? Dwayne Bowe a possibility? I’m just speculating, more weapons on offense can’t hurt.
I agree Jared Cook is an improvement over J Mike any day of the week. However, it would take him several weeks to get acclimated to our complex system (we’ve not been running this season).
Another game, another yottoman drop. 6 targets, 2 receptions. Why would Aaron ever waste another throw to him?
That was NOT an exciting game, nor did I expect it to be. But it was not even close to the most boring GB game I’ve ever seen.
The O-line was bad. The defense was bend-don’t-break. Yards don’t mean shit, and it worked, for the most part.
Trade talk is stupid. This is the NFL, and this is the Packers.
So stupid the NFL moved it back to Thursday to try and increase trades, no one cares what you think.
The league office will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to Hurricane Sandy.
“The NFL is hoping to “encourage” more trade action. They moved back the trade deadline two weeks during the offseason, and may do so again in-season.”
Per/NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal
Who cares regardless. GB could greatly benefit by making a move before Thursday’s deadline. TT
Donald Driver played nearly the entire 2nd drive for the Packers. Boykin is not ahead of him.
I think if they are going for a trade, they should not look for a TE. that would just crowd an already crowded position. Also, I am surprised more is not made of the fact of the production drop from when ced benson went down and out for a while. The packers are trying to run with an inexperienced running back behind a line not known for running the ball. At least we know the offensive line is better with an experienced back in the backfield. Point being, maybe they should get a running back in a trade, but if they are really looking for a trade, I would look for an offensive lineman. Possibly take a look at resigning Anthony Hargrove… unless he is on another team and/ or resigning Ryan Grant. Almost no need for a trade. IMO
I agree with the comment about the Packers playing zone. Every time they play zone I yell at the TV because they get burned 90% of the time. Capers needs to realize that our CBs thrive in man-to-man and needs to scheme the blitzes to play to our strength.
Kristopher…The line doesn’t run block better. for an “experienced running back, versus a 1 or 2 year back…lol….They run block how they run block. Cedric may have a better average than Green, but it has NOTHING to do with the line blocking better, it has to do with Benson having more power than Green. I’m laughing over that assessment.
If Driver played the whole 2nd half iltarion…That doesnt say much for Driver getting open with 2 catches for 10 yards. 2 seasons ago Driver averaged 37 yards a game, last season he averaged 25 yards a game, this season he’s at about 11 yards a game. We all love Driver, and he gives us all the warm and fuzzy’s. Problem is…warm and fuzzy’s dont win Championships…production does….Father time is undefeated.
I was at Lambeau Sunday and you could hear a fuckin pin drop no matter who had the ball. Amazing lifelessness. But I did stand in the end zone the day before. I’ll send you a shot.