Packers Fans Can Gain Insight from the Super Bowl

Many of you, like me, probably don’t watch a lot of NFL football other than Green Bay Packers’ games. But you’ll likely be watching Sunday’s game – and most agree, it will feature the NFL’s two best teams.

So, it’s a good opportunity to compare and contrast – to see how the top teams play versus how the Packers played this past year (and generally in recent years, too). Below are some items that might make for good comparisons, and might give us a clue why these two team are better than Green Bay and the rest of the NFL.

I’m nerdy enough that I just might keep a scorecard, and report back post game, on what these teams did better, and not as well, as the Packers.

On Offense

Is there a balance of pass and run plays (at least 40 percent running plays)?

Are the receivers routinely getting open or creating enough space that the QBs are quickly and confidently throwing to the play’s primary or secondary targets, not being forced to scramble or throw the ball away?

Do several offensive plays feature misdirection or an element of trickery (end arounds, reverses, etc.)?

On play-action passes, are the QBs committed to selling those fake handoffs so it’s at least momentarily difficult to tell who has the ball?

Are a number of play calls unexpected, especially given down and distance?

How disciplined and focused are the offensive players? Are they committing false starts, lining up in illegal formations, running the wrong play, etc.?

Are two-minute type drives at the end of each half well organized, whether or not successful?

Are receivers repeatedly dropping passes?

Are those handling the ball protecting it and avoiding fumbles?

Are running backs being made an integral part of the passing attack?

Are the tight ends being properly utilized in the passing game?

Are the plays being called on third or fourth downs ones that the offense has high confidence will be successful?

Is a hurry-up offense being frequently deployed, and if so, are they productive?

On Defense

Are defenders frequently using bump and run tactics to contest receivers at the line of scrimmage, throw them off their routes, and disrupt the timing of plays?

Are defenders tightly guarding receivers (especially on short pass routes), or are they laying back and playing soft?

Do DBs and/or LBs seem noticeably faster/quicker than their Packers’ counterparts?

How well do defenders disguise their pass rushing and blitz schemes? Are they stunting and trying to confuse the QB and offensive line on nearly every play?

How often does “miscommunication” happen among pass defenders? Is “busted coverage” often allowing receivers to go uncovered and have running room after the catch?

Do players look to make turnovers by trying to punch the ball out, by linemen deflecting passes, by occasionally jumping a pass route, etc.?

General Comparisons

Are the play calls being made quickly from the sidelines or are we seeing rushed plays, delay-of-game penalties or timeouts used to prevent such penalties?

Are substitutions promptly made by both the offense and the defense? Are there ever too many or too few players on the field or other signs of confusion?

Do the players commit stupid or hot-headed penalties, such as lining up offsides, taunting, unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct after a play is over, etc.?

Are all three units – offense, defense, and special teams – playing fully energized and all out, every play – and are substitutions being made as needed to prevent fatigue?

Are the punters and kickers consistently avoiding shanks, kicks going sideways, blocked or nearly blocked kicks, or punts going into the end zone?

The Biggest Question

Did these teams simply appear to have better players than the Packers? More talented, more athletic, more experienced, faster, more inspired, better trained, more in-shape, greater endurance, a deeper roster?