Saturday, January 22, 2022

My Take -> NFC Divisional Round

Greetings, G-Force.

Two wins at Lambeau. One. Two. Protect home field. Head to LA to play for it all. Rise up!

As I write, I sip a Russian River Blind Pig. Hops. Fresh. Bursting. Oh, the glory. I listen to Xavier Rudd’s Spirit Bird album. It calms me.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur played to win against the Lions. He wanted his team to be sharp. I applaud him. The team came away mostly unscathed. He kept Rodgers in rhythm. He got to see Love. LaFleur has to be pleased with the way things worked out regardless of the defeat.

Aaron Rodgers should undoubtedly be this years MVP.

Congrats, Davante.

Liked how Patrick Taylor hits the hole.

I’m not going to say that Jordan Love isn’t able to play QB in the NFL. But, I am going to say that he’s a long ways away from being ready to play QB in the NFL. I can live with the bad decisions at this stage, but the miss on the deep ball to ESB? That was brutal. He might’ve missed that throw by 5 yards. When you combine all of the factors, he’s nowhere near ready to be the starting QB.

This week - it’s the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round. Throughout the Favre years, the Packers owned SF in the playoffs. In the Rodgers era, the exact opposite is true. It’s time for the Packers to flip the pendulum.

I’m looking at match-ups, it’s my belief that the 49ers were the worst possible match-up for the Packers. Offensively, SF will commit to running the ball. Much like his Dad, Kyle Shanahan is ultra patient. He’s not intimidated by the scoreboard. He’s married to the run. Much like his Dad did in the Super Bowl on January 25, 1998 and much like he did in the 2019 NFCCG, I expect Kyle to run the ball at least 35 times. He will be calm as a play caller. 3rd and 6 might be a run down for him. 3rd and 8 might be the same.

The Packers are going to have to force Jimmy G into mistakes. Typically, Jimmy G gives a defense 2-3 opportunities to make a play. When the Packers get that opportunity, they must carpe diem.

For as oft-criticized as Jimmy G is, the guy is a competent QB who often makes big plays down the stretch. He’s a reliable WB with the game on the line. It’s mid-game where he makes his mistakes.

Defensively, the 49ers will be patient as well. They might show a lot of blitzes, but I don’t envision them allowing the Packers WR’s to make plays in man coverage. They’ll drop in coverage and rush 4. They’ll trust one of their dynamite front 4 pass rushers to make a play. They’ll test Rodgers’ willingness to throw the underneath crosser and the dump off to the RB or TE. They’ll make the Packers try to pick up 1st down yardage by breaking a tackle or getting yards after contact. I don’t envision SF giving the Packers anything over the top.

Patience. The ability to run the football. Turnovers. That’s the recipe. Those three items.

If Jaire is healthy, the Packers should have him shadow Deebo. When Deebo is out wide, Jaire is out wide. When Deebo is in the backfield, Jaire is 7 yards off the ball with all eyes on Deebo.

Because of Jimmy G and Shanahan’s ball magician work, it’s tough to trust your instincts. So much if their game plan is deception. They want you to flow one way and then they target the opposite side of the Field in the flat. The Packers must stay disciplined.

Amos should be coming on the blitz at least 7-10 times this weekend. In attack mode on the weak side. Amos has to be a difference maker.

The Packers must trust Stokes and Douglas to win on the outside against Jennings and Aiyuk.

Kittle will present a big problem. Kittle has been quiet recently. He won't be this weekend. Savage has struggled in coverage against TE’s this year. He will be in position to make a play. He must come through.

Have you ever tried to throw a ball in below zero temperatures? It’s extremely difficult. Only so much can be expected of Rodgers. The Packers will need to be the more physical team. They’ll need to wear down the SF front. Dillon and Jones must pound away. Then, it’s play action to Lazard in the flat. He will be the guy that SF will think they can stop. Lazard must deliver. If he can make a man miss, a big play might happen.

Look for the Packers to work extensively to have multiple rotations along the DL. They’ll want fresh legs from Gary, Preston, Za’Darius and Mercilus. Do not overlook the magnitude of Mercilus coming back. He was dynamite in the run game earlier this year.

It appears as though Bakhtiari and Turner will be the Tackles for the first time all year. I hope their conditioning is at 100%. They’ll need to protect Rodgers.

Deguara will be open on the underneath crossing route.

I’m expecting a big day from Aaron Jones. Potentially as a receiver on a wheel route.

Rodgers to Adams for a late TD.

The crowd rises. The defense gets the stop. The Packers are one step closer to lifting the Lombardi Trophy, once again.

Packers 24
49ers 20

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Sunday, January 9, 2022

My Take -> Week 18

Greetings, G-Force.

The road to the Super Bowl goes through Titletown, U.S.A. After demolishing the ‘queens in front of the national audience, the Packers are the regular season champions of the NFC for the second year in a row. Because of it, make no mistake, this year it is Super Bowl or bust. Lambeau Field will be packed and rowdy. The crowd will do its part, the team must deliver.

As I write, I sip a Toppling Goliath Pompeii. 6.3%. Mango, pineapple, Mosaic Hop perfection. It’s become a staple in my diet. I listen to what’s been released from the upcoming Stress Dreams album by Greensky Bluegrass.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur is the winningest regular season Head Coach in the history of the NFL over the course of his 1st three seasons. Many will say it’s because he’s had Aaron Rodgers. Those same people forget 2018. LaFleur has brought culture to the Locker Room. He’s brought design to the offense. He’s changed the mentality of this team.

Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s MVP. There should be no debate.

Davante Adams torched the queens defense.

AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones on the Field at the same time. I like the look!

Dillon has an uncanny knack for finding his way into the end zone.

Aaron Jones looked extremely quick darting through the hole. He couldn’t be stopped.

For the Packers to achieve all of their goals this year, Allen Lazard is going to have to continue to play at his current level.

Rashan Gary and Preston Smith are wrecking opposing offensive lines. If Za’Darius can come back and aid with an inside pass rush, look out!

On a day in which the 'queens needed to pound the ball in order to win, Dalvin Cook had 12 touches. He finished with 13 yards. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that the Packers could’ve limited Cook in that fashion. I don't know if this says more about Minnesota or the Packers.

Campbell and Barnes have solidified the interior of this defense.

Stoked for Stokes! The kid continues to impress.

Kenny Clark has been the quickest player off the ball all season. His ability to take in the double team is absolutely amazing.

David Moore doesn’t need to be Desmond Howard. He simply has to do exactly what he did against Minnesota.

This week - the Packers travel to Detroit to play the Lions.

Look for the Packers to get Davante his 22 yards to break the all-time Packers record for most yards in a season. They’ll get the ball in his hands early and often to top the record.

Look for Rodgers to play 2-3 series. He will have success and then he will come out.

Look for Bakhtiari and Myers to start. But, it’s my preference for Patrick to continue to start over Myers in the playoffs. He and Rodgers have great chemistry. Getting Bakhtiari back should provide a great boost to the already heightened energy of this team.

The Packers will want to get Jordan Love some action. They want to see what they have in him. So far, Love has not been impressive. It’ll be nice to see him again in regular season action and thankfully it’s a meaningless game.

Look for Patrick Taylor to get 15 carries. Taylor also finds the end zone.

Love connects with ESB, who will be trying to show up his younger brother. ESB grabs 5 balls and a TD.

It’s a victory march into the playoffs.

Packers 23
Lions 20

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Sunday, January 2, 2022

My Take -> Week 17

Greetings, G-Force.

A win will always be a win. There’s no such thing as style points in the NFL. The tally in the win column looks the same. The Packers magic number for owning the #1 seed in the NFC is down to 2.

As I write, I sip a Russian River Pliny the Elder. Can you make a better tasting beer? I listen to the 5/3/72 Grateful Dead show from Paris. What an absolutely epic concert!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur. His teams just find a way to win. Regardless of how bleak it looks. The “Just Win, baby” mentality is alive and well.

Aaron Rodgers is another step closer to becoming the NFL’s MVP, once again. He’s dialed in.

Just as my anxiety was reaching a crescendo, Rasul saved the day. Once again. Dub-V to the rescue!

Preston and Smith and Rashan Gary. Wow.

Great to see Allen Lazard fighting for the goal line to get 12 the record.

Davante and Rodgers. The greatest QB-WR combination in the storied history of the Green Bay Packers. Please keep this tandem together in Titletown, U.S.A. for the next 4 years! Lock them up!

Chandon Sullivan isn't overly flashy, but he's continued to make plays. He will be tough to take out of the lineup if/when Jaire returns.

STOKED FOR STOKES! He didn't finish the play on the interception, but he's consistently in position. And, he's only a rookie!

Sooner or later, it’s easy to envision the Packers not pulling out a last minute victory. They’re going to either have to have a Championship Drive on offense or a defensive stop in the middle of the 4th to all but seal the victory. It feels that each week, the Packers are in control in the middle of the 4th, only to let up and not seal the deal until the waning moments.

The Packers kryptonite appears to be both the special teams units and the run defense. If the opposition can consistently stay patient and stick with the run, it appears as though this defense will have its hands full. Against the pass, the defense has proven to have enough playmakers to find a way to get themselves off the Field whether it’s via a sack, an interception, a QB hurry or a pass break up.

Something tells me that Rodgers is going to sign a forever contract with the Packers this offseason. He's referred to Gutekunst as Brian recently. Previously, he wouldn't even refer to him by name. I'm guessing that Rodgers signs a long term deal. Fully guaranteed. He takes less next year to help them get under the cap. Davante also gets a long term deal. Cobb renegotiates and gets a team friendly 3 year deal as well.

This Sunday is a great day for watching football. In the early game, we root for Philly to beat Washington. In the afternoon, we root for Arizona to beat Dallas. And, in the evening, we root for the Packers to beat the 'queens. If all of this happens, Minnesota will be out of the playoffs and the Packers will own homefield advantage throughout.

Minnesota travels to Green Bay. Freezing temperatures. Sunday Night Football. In January. This is what it's all about!!

In order to beat the Packers right now, you have to destroy them on special teams and in the run game. You must display patience as an Offensive play caller. As much as any team in the NFL, the 'queens know this recipe. Zimmer will absolutely walk up to Kubiak and demand that he runs the ball north of 30 times this weekend.

Minnesota will also look to win special teams. They're planning on breaking open a Kickoff Return.

Dalvin Cook will be more than featured. He will be the heartbeat of the offense. If the Packers can't stop Cook, they'll be in for a long battle.

With Cousins unable to play, the Packers will be looking to load up the box. They can't let Cook get into the secondary.

Minnesota doesn't have the CB's to play with the Packers WR's. They've recently released Breeland. Dantzler will be out with a calf injury. Aaron Rodgers has to be thinking about another 3 TD game. If Rodgers comes through with another 3 TD, 0 interception game and the Packers lock up homefield throughout, he's all be guaranteed his 4th MVP.

The Packers come out looking to punch Minnesota in the mouth. We see a lot of Dillon and Jones. Jones darts through the heart of the Minnesota defense. Dillon pounds away. It opens up play action. A deep crossing route to MVS finds pay dirt.

We know this: Minnesota won't quit today. They'll fight to the finish. They grab an early lead. Annoyingly so. But, the Packers fight back. Even in the cold, this Rodgers + LaFleur combination is too much firepower.

Like nearly every Minnesota game this year, it'll be close and come down to a one-score game. Mannion can't come through in the clutch.

Packers 27 'queens 23

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac. talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Friday, December 24, 2021

My Take -> Week 16

Greetings, G-Force.

The 2021 version of the Green Bay Packers continues to amaze me. The days of a chaotic, disgruntled past are far in the rear-view mirror and it’s been replaced by harmonic unified overtures. These days are savored and the short term future looks bright.

As I write, I sip a Station 26 Mango Juicy Banger. 7.5% ABV. Fruity, hoppy goodness. Lightly clouded pour into a pint glass. Goes down too easy. The first song I played was MTV’s Unplugged version of Natalie Merchant’s “These are days” and no, I’m not sorry. I couldn’t help myself.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur has taught his team how to win. They’ve been resilient. When the game is on the line, there’s no waffling; someone is going to make a play.

Suddenly, Aaron Rodgers looks to be the odds on favorite to win the NFL’s MVP. A horrendous showing by Brady coupled with Rodgers playing elite level football. What an unbelievable season Rodgers is having. The excitement level is on overdrive.

Watching Davante get double teamed presnap is the stuff of Legend.

Aaron Jones bursting through holes. AJ Dillon pounding through them. It’s possible that we will see a day over the next month that the Packers will have to win on those 4 legs. They look ripe for the challenge.

Marcedes playing with the force of a powerful Mercedes!

When this offense gets rolling, it has a really Super feel to it.

Fun to see MVS fighting for the goal line to get Rodgers the record tying TD pass.

I liked seeing LaFleur calling the underneath crossing route to Lazard early in the game. Put Lazard in a position to win. He was hit and strife and allowed to use his strength to plow forward. Lazard against a LB is a matchup that I’ll take everyday.

While the offense is cooking right now, the defense is struggling if they aren’t forcing turnovers. We’ve reached the point in the season where this team really needs Za’Darius to step in and help on 3rd down. Oh, and the special teams? Well, it might be the most laughable unit that I’ve ever seen in the Green and Yellow.

What’s interesting about the defense is that there are a number of players playing exceptionally well. Clark, Campbell, Rasul, Stoked for Stokes, Amos, Lowry, Gary, Barnes, and Preston are all playing very good football. Sullivan is playing decent as well. Savage is being attacked. He’s been in position to make the play. He’s just now finishing the play. I can’t tell if he’s like a young Nintendo Nick Collins or if he’s morphed into Kevin King as a Safety. When Nintendo Nick was a youngster, he was always in position, but he rarely made the play. Then, in 2008, it all clicked for him and he became among the best play making Safeties in the NFL. Or Savage might be like King. Often in position, but rarely makes the play and because he doesn’t make the play, he becomes a sieve in the eyes of the defense. When it’s all said and done, it’s trending to appear that this season will come down to whether Savage can make a play or not in a similar manner to the way I mentioned the same about King at this time last year. King was brutalized in the NFCCG last year and the Packers came up short. You know who else got torches in that game? Savage.

Really like the way Garvin fights. He’s become a reliable EDGE player. Maximum effort. Good discipline.

Preston and Gary are handling the EDGE at a Super level. When healthy, Clark has won on the interior with that same Super feeling. If Za’Darius can make his way back, this defense might be a force on passing downs.

Slaton and Wild Man 70 are very similar to me. Both make plays that allow me to think that the Packers might’ve found long term starters. And, then, they get blown off the ball. I’m not sure if it’s mental or physical or both? But, both certainly have the capacity to play in this league.

Have to give it up for Tyler Davis. Great to see him streaking down the seam for a 22-yard grab.

Grab the t-shirt and the the hat, Aaron Rodgers.

This week - it’s the Browns. At Lambeau. On Christmas Day. That puts the Merry in Christmas.

The Cleveland Browns are going to try and punch the Green Bay Packers in the mouth. Just like the Tennessee Titans tried to do last year. Last year, the Packers were up to the Derrick Henry challenge. This year, it’s the Chubb and Hunt combo. They’ll strike fear into any DL. Lowry, Lancaster and Clark must be ready to ball out. Campbell and Barnes are going to have to trust their eyes and their secondary. If they see run, they’ll have to hit the hole with intention. If it’s play action, the secondary must win.

Defensively, the Browns are equally as physical up front. They’ll attack Rodgers with vicious desires. They hit to cause pain. The front 7 covers up holes on the Browns back end. If the Packers makeshift OL can somehow win another battle, there will be big plays found down the Field.

Rodgers is determined. He’s a man on a mission. He finds Davante for his record TD pass. It’s also a Franchise record for TD passes from a QB to a WR between Rodgers and Adams. Don’t think that they don’t want that record on the same play.

Once again, the Packers price to be the more physical team in a fight against AFC NORTH muscle. It’s a Christmas celebration.

The defense causes two second half turnovers. Again, LaFleur’s team finds a way to win a close one late.

And, so this is Christmas…

Merry Christmas, all.

Packers 27
Browns 23

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 19, 2021

My Take -> Week 15

Greetings, G-Force.

The sheer dominance over the Bears continues. The ownership threshold is stronger than ever. Yes, THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

As I write, I listen to Neil Diamond singing Christmas music. Reminds me of my youth. Cherished memories. I sip a Left Hand Peanut Butter Nitro Milk Stout. Desert in a glass!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur’s posture showed a hint of nervousness that I’m unaccustomed to seeing from him on the sidelines. But, he stayed true to his aggressive nature. I was shocked when he went for it on 4th and goal when they were down by 10. I thought it was wise to ensure a one-score game by taking an easy FG. The decision worked and he looked like a wizard after it.

If Aaron Rodgers plays like he did over the last three quarters, the Packers will be extremely tough to beat. He was composed. He was seeing the Field. He was accurate.

Lock up Davante Adams please. Let’s keep 12 and 17 together for 5 more years. Whatever it takes.

Loved seeing Aaron Jones getting into the end zone again. I wonder how healthy he is right now. Seemed odd that he was so underutilized.

AJ Dillon continues to pound forward for extra yards.

If I have learned anything about Brian Gutekunst over his time as GM of the Green Bay Packers, it’s that he admits mistakes. One of those mistakes was drafting Amari Rodgers. Because of it, I would be surprised if he’s in the roster next year. He brings almost zero value to this team.

Happy to see Lazard hanging onto the football.

Big Dog Lewis keeps making plays.

If this defense keeps forcing turnovers, anything is possible.

The Bears Still Suck!

Rasul! Dub-V! He keeps making plays. The pick 6 was thrilling!

Preston and Gary have become quite the pass rushing tandem.

Sullivan with the pick! Loved to see the Packers forcing Fields into so many mistakes. Making him look jittery.

Stoked for Stokes! The rookie can play.

45 points! I felt it coming. Purely dominant in the 2nd half.

Campbell and Barnes have become a great ILB tandem. They compliment each other very well. They’re smart. They’re dependable. They have become staples in this defense. They keep things together. They’ve brought a physical mindset to the Field.

Soon, the Packers will need Savage to make a play. He’s come so close. He just doesn’t finish it.

Another season sweep of the Bears. Gotta love it!

This week - it’s the Ravens. In Baltimore. The Packers better buckle up their chin straps. They’re going to be in for a physical battle. This Baltimore team punishes people.

In my mind, the playoffs start this weekend. This team has surprised me this year. I thought they’d likely finish in the range of 10-7. Now, they own the 1-seed with 4 games to play. If they win the next 4 games; all of which they’ll likely be favored to win, the road to the Super Bowl will go through Lambeau Field.

I don’t see Lamar Jackson playing. My guess is that Tyler Huntley will be the starting QB. Huntley has been decent in limited action, but I wouldn’t think the Ravens can keep up with the Packers offensively. They’ll try to pound the football with Freeman and Murray. Then, they’ll go play action to Andrews. Andrews is a top 5 TE in the NFL. He will cause problems. The Ravens will also look to get the ball to Brown over the top and to Duvernay in space.

Defensively, the Ravens are really beat up. They’ll likely be without Campbell and the secondary has been decimated with injury. They won’t be able to run with the Packers. It’ll be interesting to see how LaFleur attacks the Ravens. He will have to establish a run game to slow down the Ravens pass rush. But, Bowser, Queen and Bynes can punish as LB’s.

This is a statement game for the Packers. On the road. I think they’ll be up for the task. I think they’ll be the more physical football team. I believe that as long as the special teams units don’t end up being too much of a hindrance, the Packers will win handily.

The defense gets two more turnovers.

Slaton steps in for Clark and helps to eat up the run.

The 2021 Packers show the NFL Works that they’re a much more physical team than most initially thought.

Rodgers plays at an MVP level. Adams grabs 7 balls. A screen to Jones goes for big yardage to the weak side of the Field.

Lazard gets deep on a double move.

The Packers clinch the NFC NORTH.

Packers 27
Ravens 16

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 11, 2021

My Take -> Week 14

Greetings, G-Force.

Lambeau Field sounds magical. The fans base appears rowdy. The environment feels magical. These are the days that we will remember.

As I write, I listen to an array of John Lennon’s music on shuffle. It’s a great time of year to have his music in your ears. I sip a Weldwerks Juicy Bits. Pungent. Hoppy. Juicy.

Here are my quick vibes over the last week:

Matt LaFleur continues to impress. His team was ready for the Rams. While they were overmatched in name on the line of scrimmage, they were ready to punch the vaunted Rams DL in the mouth. Repeatedly.

Aaron Rodgers won’t be the MVP, but he’s played like one over the last two games.

Sad to lose Cobb. He played so well. Felt like a 2013 version of Cobb. Your turn, ESB. It appears as though ESB will get a significant increase in snaps. He will be integrated into the slot role. We will see him in motion. He will be out in position to change games.

AJ Dillon. Amazing. Can’t believe how well he’s catching the ball. His vision + power combination has been punishing for the opposition. The robot between Nijman and Dillon is the stuff of Legend.

Davante Adams. If Adams and Rodgers play together in GB for 5 more years, Adams will be in the HOF.

MVS continues to grow on me. He will never be a top shelf player who makes unbelievable plays. But, he’s fast and he’s a threat down the Field.

It consistently stuns me to see how aggressive LaFleur is on 4th down.

Billy Turner has been terrific.

This is a team that knows their roles. They shut their mouth. They play their role. And they have bought into LaFleur’s message.

Rasul Douglas! Dub-V! A tremendous performance! Big ups to Gutekunst for his addition.

Kenny Clark is a Green Bay Packer HOF’er.

Stoked for Stokes! Kid continues to shine!

Rashan Gary!! He keeps getting better and better every week.

Last year, we saw Preston Smith running backwards and retreating into coverage. This year? Not at all. He’s being put in position to win and he’s winning.

Wild Man 70 continues to be the most inconsistent player on the team.

Runyan can play!!

Adrian Amos is having a really great year.

Barnes and Lowry are playing well off of each other in the run game.

If this team can start forcing turnovers like they did against the Rams, look out!

This week - it’s the hated Bears. At Lambeau Field. Under the Lights. In Prime Time. Expect dominance.

The Bears might have found their QB. He’s going to be put on display this weekend. They’ll want to showcase him. He will be put in position to be successful. Offensively, the Bears are healthy. They’re going to be animated to make an impression.

Defensively, the Bears will be without Hicks and Mack. Look for LaFleur to be in all-out attack mode.

Aaron Rodgers knows what’s at stake. He knows that he will be under the magnifying glass after his “I still own you” remarks. The Bears will be hungry to pressure him. They’ll take a cheap shot at some point.

The Packers offense is due for a break out game. Sure, they put up 36 points against the Rams, but most came off of turnovers or after the 4th down stop by the defense which game the Packers the ball on their own side of the Field.

Soon, we will see an explosion. A 45-point game. Sheer dominance. It’ll be a day when Lazard catches the ball. It’ll be a day in which MVS gets over the top. A day in which the Packers benefit from a pass interference call. A day in which Rodgers is in the Zone. Why not this week? It could happen. I’m going to refrain from calling out a 45-17 victory this week, but it wouldn’t stun me.

It’s December football at Lambeau Field. This team will be ready.

Packers 31
Bears 20

THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 28, 2021

My Take -> Week 12

Greetings, G-Force.

In a week-to-week League, you’re only as good as your last game. And, in what was their toughest test to date, the Packers defense returned to the form we remember all too well in years past. Because of it, the Packers have an all-important, must-win game at home against the Rams, if they want any shot at holding the #1 seed.

As I write, I listen to the Dirty Heads self-titled album. It’s by far my most played album since it’s release. I sip a Port Brewing Santa’s Little Helper. I love this beer. 10% chocolate, hazelnut goodness. With a tiny hop finish. Perfect for the season.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

LaFleur and Rodgers were not themselves for the first 1.5 quarters. But, when they got rolling, they were unstoppable. #12 was seeing the Field. He was patient. LaFleur was dialing up motion and confusion. Lots of eye candy. That was an entertaining offense.

Injuries or not, that was concerning defense. For as good as they’ve been this year, they’ve struggled to get off the field to seal games late. Tjey allowed SF to score a TD to take the lead. They allowed Cincy to drive to tie it. They got the stop in AZ, but not until they allowed the Cardinals to drive 94 yards. They failed to get the last stop on 3rd down in KC to give the offense a chance. Finally, they were unable to get the stop in MN. While this defense has been highly impressive, they’ve struggled to seal games.

We cannot take these days for granted. Injuries, Free Agency and attitude can strip it all away. Right now, this roster has many players that are absolutely elite. Sad to lose Jenkins. A great dude. An All-Pro quality OL. Solid teammate. This teams needs a healthy Bakhtiari.

Catch the ball, Savage. He’s often in position. He rarely makes the play.

Kenny Clark continues to be as dominant as it gets as an interior DL.

Lowry and Lancaster are playing their best football. Consistently.

Cherish these days with Davante Adams.

The Packers WR’s have been highly criticized through the years. As it stands, they have the best WR in the league, the best blocking WR in the league, a reliable slot WR, and a deep ball threat that is consistently getting better. Much props to MVS. He’s developed into a talented WR. ESB is also playing his best football.

Can the special teams unit continue to fail us? Apparently so! Another missed FG! Oh, and how baffling is it that Amari Rodgers let’s the ball hit the ground and gives up nearly 10 yards every game. Catch the ball, dude.

AJ Dillon has become a highly dependable RB. He’s so good as a receiver as well.

Deguara! I couldn’t believe my eyes!!

You know the special teams units are really bad when 12 nervously looks into an XP try.

This week - it’s the Rams. At Lambeau. An afternoon game. With lights. It doesn’t get better. The Faithful will undoubtedly bring the volume.

Sometimes, it’s the acquisitions you don’t make that benefit you the most. While I believe OBJ had a role in GB; it wouldn’t have been prominent. In the end, you have to imagine that it might not have ended well, if that was the case. So, now, he plays for a top contender. He will demand the ball. Stoked for Stokes will be ready!

Cooper Kupp will give the Packers all kinds of fits. I’m not sure how they’ll defend him and you know the Rams will do everything to get the ball in his hands.

Stafford has typically played really well against the Packers. I expect him to do the same this weekend.

Thankfully, if the Packers OL can give Rodgers time, we will see big plays off of play action. The Packers establish a running game early on. Then, it’s Rodgers to Lazard off of play-action.

Douglas picks off Stafford. Somehow, the defense gets that elusive late stop.

The crowd is rowdy.

The Packers win one that they must have!

Drink up, Packers fans!

Packers 28
Rams 27

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com