Wednesday, November 26, 2014

My Take -> Week 13

Greetings, G-Force.

I pour a New Glarus Belgian Red because this one tasted sweet. I listen to Michael Franti's "Sound of Sunshine" album because the win over the Viqueens left me smiling and with a skip to my step.

Here are my quick vibes over the last week:

* If you've followed this blog long enough, you know that I believe in the CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE! 14:52 to play. On the road. Hotly contested. Against a Division rival. On a day in which the ball isn't bouncing your way. Leading 17-13. 87 yards from pay dirt. GAME ON!

* The CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE ended with 8:34 seconds left in the 4th Quarter. 6 minutes. 18 seconds. Rodgers to Lacy on the shovel pass. A Green Bay Packers TD! Emphatic!

* The CHAMPIONSHIP drive included two big third down conversions.

* Eddie Lacy was an absolute BOSS on the CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE.

* But, the defense couldn't seal the deal. And, once again, the offense delivered the knockout punch. EDDIE for 3 yards. EDDIE for 5 yards. EDDIE for 4 yards and a Packers 1st down. EDDIE for 5 yards. EDDIE for 10 yards, another Packers 1st down and an absolute dagger into the hearts of the Viqueens. BALLGAME! Not just one offensive drive, but two true CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVES. A SUPER feeling!

* This win was special. Rodgers wasn't at his best, but still, we found a way to pull out a tough win. On a day when things didn't feel right. Impressive!

* The character of the team was tested in Minnesota. Super Bowl teams need those types of games. They build confidence. They bring about mental mettle. We left shining brightly.

* The most nerve releasing plays of the year: 1.) Rodgers to Nelson on 4th down in Miami. 2.) Rodgers to Adams on the fake spike in Miami. 3.) Rodgers to AQ81! for the TD in Miami. 4.) The pass from Rodgers to EDDIE in Minnesota for the TD.

* Here's yet another reason that I love Mike McCarthy. I've often said that I believe he's a player's coach. Clearly, for most of the year, Brad Jones has been in the dog house. But, with injuries to Nick Perry and Jayrone Elliot and with Sam Barrington and Jamari Lattimore not performing up to expectations, McCarthy knows that he needs Brad Jones in some form. So, what does he do? He makes him a Captain against the Viqueens. McCarthy is a Leader. He has his finger on the pulse of this team. He's a mastermind of creating a culture founded on camaraderie and good vibes. He keeps the locker room unified. He makes the best of what's around.

* Great play design on the inside screen to Kuhn on the first play from scrimmage. Fun to see Linsley & Bakhtiari hustling 8-9 yards downfield to lay blocks.

* Strong performance from Jayrone Elliot. Showed speed off the edge. Also had a nice special teams tackle.

* EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE! Ring the chants! He was a possessed bruiser.

* Josh Boyd, once again, showed both burst & strength off the snap. Consistently.

* When AJ Hawk runs, it looks like he's stuck in quick sand.

* Mike Neal was awful. Undisciplined. Unaccountable. Unacceptable.

* Eddie Lacy is an underrated pass blocker. He sees the blitz well. He wins the point.

* TJ Lang is a crucial component to this teams success. A true anchor.

* Just another day at the office for Corey Linsley. Solid as a rock. Quarantined from the Earth.

* I wrote this last week and it got love, so I'll offer it again: Rodgers be nimble. Rodgers be quick. Rodgers jump over that 1st down stick!

* Thought the officiating was awful. Especially in the 1st half. Inconsistent. Missed a clear cut pass interference when Jordy was roughed up on a 3rd down, but called a minimal grab on Hyde on an important 2nd Quarter 4th down. By the way, the McCarthy reaction after the no-call on Jordy was mint with animation.

* Josh Boyd swallowing running backs. Cool to see.

* Congrats, on your first TD, Richard Rodgers! And, man, what a pass by Aaron Rodgers on the play. Great field recognition. Brilliant!

* Josh Sitton is such a stud. An absolute wall. Surprisingly athletic. Moves well.

* EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE!

* Why did the Packers start kicking it short? Know Cordarrelle is dangerous, but go make the tackle!

* Rodgers grabbing first downs with his legs. Skipping over 1st down sticks. Great fun!

* Morgan Burnett meant business. Played decent. Grabbed the pick I thought he might get. Was disappointed when the penalty negated the play.

* Fashion win: Micah Hyde in yellow gloves. SHOWCASE, Casey Hayward, doing the same. Also, T-Mon with the yellow wrist bands. Pimpin'!

* The 3rd & 10 pass from Rodgers to Cobb with just over 3 minutes to play in the 1st Quarter was absolute perfection.

* ¿Donde esta Julius Peppers? Quiet game from the big fella. Outside of one nice play in the run game.

* Tim Masthay was punting with near perfection.

* Another active day for Clay at ILB. No real flash plays, but liked his hustle and persistence.

* For the third week in a row, Micah Hyde made a huge play. This week, both his interception and sack were crucial. That said, Hyde didn't perform exceptionally well as a tackler in the open field.

* On the 4th & 1 run play in the 1st half, I was really hoping HaHa was going to plug that hole. He was a second late, but he read the right gap and came with purpose.

* I want to see more of Jayrone Elliot this week.

* Ummmmm, Bryan Bulaga. That's not how you win a contract.

* AQ81! with a couple of big catches to get us inside the Red Zone!

* EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE! Get up. Get up. Get up and over that pile. For the touchdown! Hope you caught that Bob Uecker vibe!

* Ras House, Sammy Swagga and T-Mon were all beaten badly on a number of plays. Thankfully, Teddy was erratic.

* Datone Jones gives effort, but he's just a guy.

* Guion was brutal.

* Nice special teams tackle, Jamari Lattimore!

* Big 48-yard kick, Mason Crosby.

* Know he had the block in the back penalty, but still, Davante Adams is improving as a blocker every week. Also noteworthy, so is Richard Rodgers.

* Nice tackle, Sam Barrington! Wish it wasn't 5 yards down field.

* Another huge officiating mistake: Packers first drive of the 2nd half. Jordy with the sensational catch. He was never touched. He was called down. Should've been another 20 yards for the Packers.

* Wish Demetri Goodson didn't get the penalty. Felt he looked good as a gunner prior to that play.

* Mike Daniels with the sack! He was quick off the snap. And, winning the leverage battle.

* The screen to EDDIE is a thing.

Not much change to my 2015 Packers Mock Draft, but a name to consider is Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio). He’s raw, but instinctive. A natural athlete who was a 4-year letterman at PG. Here is a small list of players that I’m looking at in each round at this stage:

Round 1: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington; Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan; Kevin White, WR, Dub-V; Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State; Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky; Marcus Peters, CB, Washington.
Round 2: Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington; Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford; Derron Smith, S, Fresno State; Josh Harper, WR, Fresno State; Denzel Perryman, ILB, []_[]; Rashad Greene, WR, FSU; Ben Koyack, TE, ND; Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss.
Round 3: Justin Hardy, WR, ECU; Trey Flowers, DE/OLB, Arkansas; Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State; Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA; Tyeler Davison, DT, Fresno State; Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State.
Round 4: Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan; Levi Norwood, WR, Baylor; Za’Darius Smith, OLB, Kentucky; Bernard Blake, CB, Colorado State; Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio); Preston Smith, DE/OLB, Mississippi State; David Cobb, RB, Minnesota.
Round 5: Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska; Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville; Curtis Riley, CB, Fresno State; Junior Sylvestre, LB, Toledo; Tony Lippett, WR, Michigan State.
Round 6: Jake Waters, QB, Kansas State; Olsen Pierre, DT, []_[]; Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma.
Round 7: Nick Perry, S, Alabama; John Timu, ILB, Washington; Karl Mickelsen, ILB, Fresno State.

This week – it’s the Patriots. In what appears to be a match-up between two teams that believe they’re headed to the Super Bowl. With temperatures projected to be in the high teens to the low 20’s, it’ll be a grind it out kind of game. Especially as the sun sets and the temperatures dip further.

I expect a rowdy crowd. A loud crowd. A festive crowd. We haven’t had a home game like this in a long time. An AFC opponent. Thanksgiving weekend. Both teams in prime position to grab onto home field throughout the playoffs.

This Patriots team is different than the Patriots teams of years past. Sure, it’s still Bill Belichick and Tom Brady at the forefront. But, this team has an absolutely intimidating defense with dominant players. Vince Wilfork is an absolute MAN in the middle of the defense. Jamie Collins is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Collins is a star on the NE defense. He plays with speed. He can come on the rush, he can drop in coverage and he’s a great tackler in space. I wish he played in GB. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know that I was high on Akeem Ayers. Well, since being traded to NE, Ayers has been a star. Dont’a Hightower brings a physical presence. Jonathan Casillas adds good depth to the LB core. Rob Ninkovich can get to the QB. Dominique Easley and Chris Jones are both solid at holding their gaps and plugging the run. And, NE has the best secondary in football. Darrelle Revis can still ball. Brandon Browner is as solid as it gets. He’s physical. He has length. And, he can run. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung are ball hawks. Tavon Wilson, Alfonzo Dennard, and Kyle Arrington add good depth, but all have limitations. This defense is playing at a ridiculously high level and what’s amazing is that they’re doing this without Chandler Jones. It wouldn’t shock me if Jones returns this week. If so, he’ll give the Packers OT’s all kinds of fits as he’s an elite pass rusher.

Offensively, outside of Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots aren’t littered with big name skill making players, but they have solid system figures. Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola are quick, shifty slot WR’s that will give the Packers issues over the middle. Brandon LaFell is a solid target on the WR screen. Tim Wright is a great Red Zone target. He has solid hands and uses his body well. Shane Vereen is a weapon out of the backfield. LeGarrette Blount adds a physical dimension to the Patriots offensive backfield. Jonas Gray is a journeyman who was a stud against Indy. NE can attack from a variety of ways. Dan Connolly and Nate Solder are proven veterans on the left side of the OL. Sebastian Vollmer has been solid for years in NE.

Early in the game, I anticipate NE to run a number of WR screens. They’ll get the ball into the hands of Edelman, Amendola and LaFell on the outside. They’ll force our CB’s to make tackles. They’ll try to soften us up on the outside. I expect NE to be patient. A number of run plays early in the game. They’ll get both Gronk and Tim Wright involved at TE. Belichick attacks weaknesses. The Packers have been unable to cover TE’s this year. Belichick will also aim to get Vereen open on a HB circle. Hawk cannot cover Gronk or Vereen.

With that said, I believe NE comes out running. They’ll try to test our defensive front that has been unable to stop the run in ’14. A big difference between NE and other teams we’ve faced is patience. Where other teams have gone away from the run game early, Brady is tried and true. He’s patient. He’s diligent. He does what it takes to win the game. The Patriots will believe that they can win the game by running the football and grabbing 4-6 yards at a time. Mixing those run plays with a variety of WR screens and then opening things up for a big play over the middle to Gronk.

How do the Packers cover Gronk? The local media is suggesting Brad Jones. Yes, Brad Jones. Are you kidding me? If I’m Dom Capers, my solution is Sean Richardson. He has the toughness. He has the speed. He’s tough enough to ante up in the run game, if necessary. Brad Jones is not the answer. In fact, when the Patriots come with 2 TE sets, it’d be my strategy to cover Wright with Hyde and Gronk with Richardson. I’d play a 4 man front. 1 ILB (Clay). And a rotation of 6 DB’s for most of the game.

I’d like to see the Packers target the right interior of the Patriots OL with a variety of inside blitzes. While Brady is a legend, he isn’t mobile. He’s an old school pocket passer. Send Mike Neal on inside stunts. Bring Clay up the middle as he’ll win with quickness. We’ll need Guion, Boyd, Daniels and Datone Jones to be aggressive up the middle. The aim is to knock Brady off of his spot.

I’d also have Peppers collapse the right side of the line and send Clay on an inside-out blitz around Peppers. In this set, I’d have Jayrone Elliot coming on a speed rush from the outside against Solder at LT. We can create pressure on Brady. We can irritate him. We can frustrate him.

Offensively, the Packers have to spread the field. I’d attack whoever is playing the 3rd CB for the Patriots. I wouldn’t stay away from Browner or Revis. In fact, I’d attack Browner on double moves. Browner will use his hands and draw flags. But, the reality is that Rodgers has confidence in Nelson, Adams and Cobb. All 3 can beat the 3rd NE CB. That’s our mismatch. Further, I’d use some 4 WR sets and try to get Boykin involved. I wish that we could depend on Bostick because this would be a perfect game to get him involved, but I’m starting to lose hope that he’ll ever make a play for us in ’14. The guy just cannot stay healthy.

I’m expecting a trademark Aaron Rodgers day. Especially in the 1st half. Then, in the 2nd half, we see EDDIE! The Lambeau Faithful echoes chants of “EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE!” The playoff spirit is alive. It’s well. ‘Tis the Holiday season.

The secondary gets a big turnover in the 3rd Quarter. Rodgers capitalizes on the Brady mistake. That’s the difference.

Packers 31
Patriots 27

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I’m both happy and thankful for those that read this blog. I also appreciate the likes, shares and RT on social media. It’s helped my readership and keeps me motivated to continue this blog. Bless up and vibe on.

Go Pack Go!

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

Friday, November 21, 2014

My Take -> Week 12

Greetings, G-Force!

7-3! Tied for 1st place in the NFC NORTH! A 1st round bye directly in our sights! Feels glorious!

R-E-L-A-X. I'm trying, Aaron. But, dude, you have me beaming with excitement!

Before Kickoff against the Eagles, I opened a bottle of the 1st Anniversary Stout from River North. It had been marinating in my fridge for roughly 17 months. I poured 5 tasting glasses to share with friends. My intoxicated toast: The next 3 hours are going to be a top 10 moment in the 2014 calendar year for me. The Packers are that important to me and we are going to kick the Eagles ass. And, the Cardinals are going to beat the Lions, so the Packers will be in a tie for 1st place. I'm happy to be sharing and celebrating this moment with each of you.

Yes, those next three hours were pure brilliance. Sure, the top 10 moment comment was an exaggeration, but it was a day I will remember for a long, long time. Complete domination. A SUPER feeling!

As I write, I sip a 2013 Fall St Bretta from Crooked Stave. It comes with an elegant orange, citrus scent. The aroma reminds me of an Aaron Rodgers pass floating into the arms of a streaking Jordy Nelson down the sideline. It's a funky beer. Cloudy at the pour. It settles nicely. Both sour and sweet. I'm a fan.

My musical selection is West Nkosi. He was a South African musician that brings calmness to the soul. Much in the way the Aaron Rodgers feels as he stands behind the wall that is the Green Bay Packers Offensive Line.

Here are my quick vibes over the last week:

* An aggressive Mike McCarthy is a good Mike McCarthy. McCarthy went for the throat early in the game. He went full throttle throughout the game.

* Aaron Rodgers is your 2014 NFL MVP.

* JORDY NELSON. FOREVER!

* Randall Cobb. Please stay. You have things good. We have things good. Let's live in harmony. Together.

* The Claymaker at ILB is Defensive MVP worthy. The move came too late in the 2104 season for him to win the award, but if he plays the role with conviction for 16 games, he'll be the most dominant player in the NFL on the Defensive side of the ball. Additionally, the move has the Packers defense playing at a SUPER level. Further, he's being moved around so much that it's hard to plan for him. Clay is the dictator. Offenses are being forced to adjust pre-snap. I'm confused while watching on TV. I cannot imagine what it'd be like to play QB in that situation.

* Here's a Lane Taylor shout out! Loved seeing him bully Connor Barwin on the Lacy TD run. He moved Batwin out of the way. Pushed him aside. Played until the whistle. Antagonized him. And, then he walked away as Barwin stomped and pouted his way in an attempt to stir things further. It was a perfectly executed move by Taylor. I was hoping Barwin was going to frustratingly grab a 15-yard penalty. I liked the play so much that I've watched the replay at least 10 times.

* The first 6 plays of the game were all passes. 4 of them to Nelson. 2 of them went to Cobb.

* We were two botched Extra Points from dropping DOUBLE NICKEL two weeks in a row. Wow!

* Davante Adams on the slant is a beautiful sight!

* Letroy Guion! Tremendous performance. The sack set the tone. Post that play, Sanchez was scared. On the Eagles second drive, Guion made a great play in the run game. And, on the Eagles third drive, his recognition prevented an Eagles TD on the screen to Sproles.

* For the 2nd week in a row, Mike Neal looked much more explosive than he has all year.

* 53 points. Yes, FIFTY-THREE! Unbelievable.

* Rodgers' footwork and ability to escape were at peak levels last week.

* SHOWCASE! Casey Hayward with TD's in back-to-back games. I'm not sure if he finds the ball or if the ball finds him, but it's been that way since he was in college. Good karma, I guess.

* I'm amazed at Jordy Nelson's footwork.

* Randall Cobb is unbelievable when Aaron Rodgers is on the move.

* Eddie Lacy bruising forward! Carrying defenders. Stinging the opposition.

* Another stellar performance from David Bakhtiari. He's moving his feet and extending his arms like a true veteran.

* JP with the TD! He's making an impact play every week, it seems. Sure, he's only played 10 games for the Packers, but it doesn't matter, I'm going to say this: if the Packers win the Super Bowl this year, Julius Peppers will live in Packers lore in the same breath as REGGIE & Sir Charles. Tall, yes. But, in no way an exaggeration. His veteran leadership is that great.

* TJ Lang & Josh Sitton is the greatest guard combination that the Packers have had in my lifetime. Old school ballers. Leaders. Punishers. Fire starters. And, true camaraderie.

* Bulaga with another SHOW ME THE COIN game.

* 53!

* Way to finish the play, AQ81!

* Rodgers be nimble. Rodgers be quick. Rodgers jump over that 1st down stick.

* Dance, Micah. Dance! Loved the blocks by J-Bush, Sean Rchardson and Boykin on the return. Richardson's block was pure abuse!

* Quietly, another solid game for Ha Ha. He attacks with a vicious intent.

* Corey Linsley is a keeper. Love his relationship with Rodgers. So much admiration.

* Shocked that the Packers had 8 tackles for loss against a speedy Eagles offense.

* Great diving pass defensed play by Micah Hyde! Showed tremendous athleticism and recognition.

* Really liked Julius Peppers' energy early in the game. He was working to get to the QB.

* More solid hustle from Josh Boyd! He has a really impressive work rate. Valuable!

* Richard Rodgers showing some push in the run game. He drove Kendricks 7 yards back and eventually pancaked him on Lacy's 10-yard carry in the 1st Quarter.

* Datone Jones making an appearance in the oppositions backfield.

* Really wish AJ Hawk would get home on a sack soon.

* T-Mon with another pick! It seems as though he gets his hands on a ball almost every week.

* Back-to-back weeks in which CM3 has grabbed a sack. Great disguise!

* The screen game is BACK! In full effect!

* Morgan Burnett filling up the box score, once again. But, still, he left a couple of plays on the field.

* Randall Cobb has been spectacular. I'm amazed at how low he gets when he runs with the ball.

* How about Aaron Rodgers targeting AQ81! and Richard Rodgers on big 3rd down plays? Beyond sublime buzzes!

* Need more out of Mike Daniels. He's showing the strength and quickness were accustomed to seeing, but he's not getting home. He's close though. He has a big game waiting in the ways. I'm positive of that. And, it's super encouraging.

* With the injury to Nick Perry and Jayrone Elliot's improved health, I anticipate that Elliot will see snaps this week.

* It was great fun to see the white shoes that Sammy Swagga & Ras House were rockin'.

* Eddie Lacy gon' Green & Yellow Bumblebee on dem defenders!

* Catch the ball, Jarrett Boykin! Clearly, he's lost confidence. I hope McCarthy gave a speech in front of them team praising his blocking on the Hyde return. Sometimes, it's the little things that end a slump. Akin to a lay-up in basketball getting a jump shooter in rhythm.

* I love hearing speculation of how this team has peaked. The Packers haven't peaked. There's still so much room for growth and a variety of wrinkles that haven't been introduced. Mike Daniels will make big plays in the near future. Further, as Bostick gets healthy, he will get an opportunity to run down the seam. I've never been a fan of Bostick, but his athleticism cannot be denied. At some point this year, he will make a play down the field.

* Happy that Tretter is getting reps. He needs them.

* Congrats to Sir Charles! Woodson became the first player in NFL HISTORY to reach 50 interceptions and 20 sacks. It should be noted that he's two interceptions from 60 interceptions. He's currently tied for 11th in career interceptions. And, to my eye, he should be able to play at least one more year.

* Last year, the Packers got a 3rd round compensatory pick for Greg Jennings. Jennings finished the year with 68 catches, 804 yards and 4 TD's. Through 11 games, James Jones has 54 catches, 545 yards and 4 TD's. Could we get a 4th round pick for Jones? Also, EDS has started all 10 games for Tampa Bay this year. Marshall Newhouse has played in 9 games and started 3 for Cincy. CJ Wilson has played in 11 games, started 3 and has grabbed 2 sacks.

Here's a quick updatedPackers Mock. CBS DRAFT SCOUT changed their rankings recently. Here goes:

Round 1: Danny Shelton, DL, Washington.
Round 2: Hau'oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
Round 3: Justin Hardy, WR, ECU (slightly edging Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State, Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State.)
Round 4: Preston Smith, DE/OLB, Mississippi State. (Za'Darius Smith, OLB/DE, Kentucky)
Round 5: Curtis Riley, CB, Fresno State.
Round 5: Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville. Slightly above Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska.
Round 5: Junior Sylvestre, LB, Toledo.
Round 6: Jake Waters, QB, Kansas State.
Round 7: Nick Perry, S, Alabama

This week - it's the Viqueens. In Minnesota. Outdoors. Temperatures expected to be in the mid-to-high 40's. A chance of precipitation. Riveting November football in the Midwest!

Some may call this a trap game. Coming off to big home wins. A date with the AFC leading Patriots lingering next week. And, in the middle, it's a road Divisional road game. On the road. Against an inferior opponent.

Don't worry. The Packers aren't losing this game.

I anticipate that 1/3 of the Stadium will be Packers fans. The Stadium will be rowdy. Early in the 4th Quarter, it'll feel like a home game.

Turnovers will play a key role in this game. I'll be surprised if Teddy Bridgewater doesn't turn the ball over. I first saw Teddy play when he was in High School. He didn't respond well to pressure up the middle then. He doesn't respond well to pressure up the middle now. Even though he's mobile, he panics when pressure comes up the gut. He does a decent job using his feet when the pressure comes from the outside. I imagine Dom will come with a variety of blitzes and with the knee injury to Matt Kalil, I imagine Peppers, Neal and Matthews will all have opportunities to get home. If Perry doesn't play, we have any see Elliot get a shot. Or even Brad Jones. I wouldn't be stoked about Jones getting a shot, but it is worth mentioning that he showed OLB promise in his rookie season.

With Matt Asiata injured, I imagine that we will see Ben Tate carry the ball. Tate is explosive. He's not elite, but he's good enough. And, I'd imagine he's motivated. Jerick McKinnon will get the snaps early on, but don't be surprised if Tate gets 10 carries.

Greg Jennings and Jarius Wright are both banged up. Initially, I didn't think they'd play. Now, I feel that they will. Cordarralle Patterson hasn't been given enough opportunities this year. Let's hope that lasts one more week. He's lethal. Former Packer, Charles Johnson, is finally healthy. He looked good last week. Kyle Rudolph has been banged up most of the year, but he's finally healthy. He's a dangerous target. Especially if he's guarded by AJ Hawk. Both Burnett and Hyde should match up well against Rudolph.

Look for Minnesota to try to control the clock by running the football. They'll also call play action and try to roll Teddy outside the pocket. They'll largely be 2-3 man routes with Rudolph as the main target. The Packers will have to stay disciplined.

Defensively, the Viqueens have talent. If Sharrif Floyd is unable to go, that'd be a huge blow for the Viqueens. He can play. The Viqueens did get Chad Greenway back. He's rock solid. Harrison Smith is a great player. Xavier Rhodes is a physical CB. Linval Joseph is stout against the run. Brian Robison & Everson Griffen can get after the QB, but aren't great run defenders. Anthony Barr is a fast rising LB. Robert Blanton is absolutely awful and should be attacked. Captain Munnerlyn is aggressive. He's physical and man's up well. Josh Robinson tries hard. He gives it all he's got. Every down. He's just not good enough. He's a lot like J-Bush.

The Packers will attack Robinson early. He can't cover any of our WR's. Rodgers will also have his eyes on Blanton in a similar fashion that he targets Chris Conte when he plays the Bears.

Eddie Lacy will run left. Between Bakhtiari & Sitton. He'll get chunks of yards.

But, the Viqueens keep it close. And, then, in the 3rd Quarter, we see the turnover. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that Morgan Burnett grabs a pick this week. And it springs the game open.

Rodgers continues his push towards another MVP with 3 TD's.

Packers 31
Viqueens 16

Go Pack Go!

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

Thursday, November 13, 2014

My Take -> Week 11

Greetings, G-Force.

55.

Yes, the Packers just went DOUBLE NICKEL on the Bears ass! At Lambeau. Under the lights. And, after the defeat, the Bears season is, once again, in pure disarray. THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Fifty-Five!

To celebrate, I'm drinking a Pipeworks Smoked Porter. I figured it was fitting to drink a "smoked" beer from Chicago's best brewery. After all, the Packers just smoked the Bears. Maybe it's that correlation that's making this beer taste so smooth.

As I write, Railroad Earth offers my listening pleasure. I jam to their show from the Fillmore in Denver on 1/17/14. I've attended some first class concerts over the last year, but none top this show. This night slightly edges a rocker at Red Rocks that included Michael Franti & Spearhead (my favorite band), SOJA, Brett Dennen & Trevor Hall.

Here are my kind vibes from the last week:

* Double Nickel.

* An aggressive Mike McCarthy is a good Mike McCarthy. Last Sunday, Mike McCarthy went for the heart. Early. Often. He inserted that dagger into the heart of the Bears 2014 NFL Season. He twisted that dagger until the Season went lifeless.

* I love you, Ray Nutler.

* Thus far, Aaron Rodgers is the NFL's MVP.

* Jordy Nelson. Forever! He might be the best WR in the NFL.

* TJ Lang and Josh Sitton are true professionals. They'd fit into any era of the NFL. Tough. Gritty. Full o' desire. Winners. I'll never know for sure, but it feels like they're the type of guys that made up the 60's Packers teams. I'd love to see those guys with another Super Bowl ring on their fingers.

* CLAY MATTHEWS! Unbelievable. If that's the new Packers look and if Clay plays with that type of energy, the Packers defense has Super potential. That was the best game a LB has played since Desmond Bishop blew out his knee.

* David Bakhtiari continues to prove himself as an elite pass protector.

* Really solid game from Bryan Bulaga. I really hope he re-signs with the Pack.

* COREY LINSLEY! How epic was it when Aaron Rodgers called for him to be a Pro Bowler? Great camaraderie between a QB & his Center.

* Tretter looked rusty. Sure, he showed versatility, but man, he got bullied on a few occasions.

* Randall Cobb is going to get paid. In a big way. He's been unbelievable. I really hope the Packers can afford him. He's been phenomenal this year. Far exceeded my expectations.

* Welcome to the season, Bostick. Let's hope that jump starts his year. If he can stay healthy, he could offer the Packers a weapon that's yet to be unleashed on the year.

* Eddie Lacy on the screen!

* Clay Matthews as an ILB. WOW!

* The Rodgers to Cobb TD was beyond sublime. Glorious!

* J-Pepp with the pep in his step as he gets after Nutler. Loved how he stared down the Bears sideline after the play. Intimidation at its best!

* Great work by Dom to move Clay to ILB. And, to allow Clay to get after the QB as an OLB on 3rd downs. The Claymaker was absolutely spectacular.

* AJ Hawk is slow. Really slow.

* Need more from Mike Daniels.

* Good to see Datone Jones in uniform, but dude didn't look healthy.

* SHOWCASE! Loved Hayward dancing down the sidelines post the interception.

* 55!

* Great to see Sammy Swagga back in action. Wish he'd have picked off that pass and ran it back 98 yards for a TD.

* Micah Hyde with his first career interception! J-Pepp with the tip on the play.

* Aaron Rodgers threw 6 TD's in the first half of the game. Yes, SIX! That's been done once before in the HISTORY of the NFL. Amazing!

* J-Bush & Sean Richardson make up a fun special teams tandem.

* It's fantastic to watch Nelson & Cobb sprinting downfield to lay blocks to spring long touchdowns.

* Really wish Ras House could catch. If so, he'd have 6-7 interceptions this year.

* Fun to watch DuJuan Harris roll forward. Bowling his way thru the Bears defense at 6.5 yards per clip.

* DOUBLE NICKEL!

* The Jarrett Boykin punt block was hilarious. Like, literally, laugh out loud funny. I've watched a lot of football thru the years. I've never seen anything like that before. By that time, I was fully outstretched on the chair. Sipping a Cranberry Vielle that had been aging for over a year. It felt like Railroad Earth should be singing "Everything Comes Together."

* When it's all said & done, Corey Linsley might end up being one of the true gems from the 2014 NFL Draft.

* The J-Pepp visor would scare me if he was lining up across from me.

* THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

* AQ81! Absorbing the hit. Grabbing 6 points.

* Mason Crosby. $$$.

* Fifty-Five!

* Mike Neal looked quicker than he has all year.

* THE CLAYMAKER!

* Thought Josh Boyd gave great effort.

* Nice hit, Mike Pennel. Wish you'd have been a step faster.

* Was really surprised to see Lattimore as a healthy inactive. Would prefer to see him on special teams units over Davante Adams. Hoping he was a scratch due to the uncertainty at OL and that it's not a permanent thing.

* Nice to see Sam Barrington get home on the blitz.

* Really wanted HaHa to grab the pick early in the game.

* It feels like Randall Cobb is going to break loose on a punt return soon.

* Really solid game from Morgan Burnett. Liked his post sack excitement.

* Well done, Tim Masthay.

* THE BEARS STILL SUCK! What's wild is that the Bears could offer the Packers big help between now and the end of the year as they still have dates with Dallas, NO & two games against the Lions. Dare I say, Go Bears?

* Jayrone Elliot isn't ready for the big time, but he was active. If Clay at ILB is a thing, it could present an opportunity for Elliot to elevate and see playing time. Rise up, Jayrone!

* 55.

Im getting closer, but I'm still short on being able to give a thoroughly thought out Mock Draft. While I haven't watched enough College Football, I have watched the Washington Huskies play defense. If you haven't seen them, you're missing out. I will try to watch every Washington game between now and the end of the year. As always, I only comment if I've watched the player in action. I gave the Packers two additional 5th round picks as compensation for the losses of James Jones & EDS. It is possible we will receive better. Also, I have the Packers listed with the 32nd selection and I'm clueless about prospects along the OL. Nonetheless, I offer you this Packers mock draft:

1.) Hau'oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington. Kikaha is arguably my favorite player entering the draft. I'd select him in the 1st round. I'm surprised he's listed as a 2nd round prospect. He's a classic 3-4 OLB. High motor. Drops in coverage with a natural backpedal. Elite pass rush moves. Throw him & Clay on the same defense and that's high energy. Other: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington, Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan.
2.) Denzel Perryman, ILB, []_[]. I've been watching him since he was in High School. He's hungry. Knows the game. A hunter.
3.) Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State. I'm enamored with his game. He can do it all. He can cover the slot. He can play the run. He can play FS. Others: Justin Hardy, WR, ECU; Rashad Greene, WR, FSU; Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan.
4.) Levi Norwood, WR, Baylor
5.) Curtis Riley, CB, Fresno State
5.) Junior Sylvestre, LB, Toledo. Initially, I thought he was too small for the NFL as he was listed as an OLB. But, then, I studied further. His game translates as an ILB in the 3-4. Ideally, for him, it's possible that he's best at OLB in the 4-3. Hopefully, I'll know more on him in the coming weeks. I'm itching to draft ILB's.
5.) Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville
6.) Olsen Pierre, DT, []_[]
7.) John Timu, ILB, Washington

This week - it's the Eagles. At Lambeau. A mid-November afternoon gem at the most hallowed Stadium in all of American sports. If the Packers want any crack at a 1st round bye, this must be a win. We cannot afford a 4th NFC loss. Prior to November, I felt that the Packers must go at least 3-1 in November to have a shot at a 1st round bye, but after reviewing the schedules, it really feels like this one is a must, if we want a week to rest in January.

Philly comes to Green Bay loaded with weapons. Surprisingly, Matt Sanchez has been solid in his 2 games at QB for Philly. It doesn't hurt to have McCoy, Sproles, Jordan Matthews, Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Ertz and Celek as targets. McCoy & Sproles scare me. A lot. Sproles on the HB circle and/or wheel route is absolutely dangerous. I'm seriously afraid of it. I feel like Ras Davon matches up well with Cooper, T-Mon matches up well with Matthews, and Sammy Swagga can run with Maclin. Sammy Swagga can also man-up vs Maclin on the WR bubble screen. Ertz & Celek can play, but they shouldn't destroy us. Both are targets on the jump ball, but HaHa, Burnett and Hyde should be able to limit their successes.

Because of Sproles & McCoy, I'm not sure AJ Hawk should see the field much. It'd be better to put an extra DB on the field. Hawk can't run with them. I'd play a 4-1-6 defense with Clay in the middle.

Philly's OL is finally healthy and should be in tact. I'm looking for Peppers to beat up Lane Johnson and for Mike Daniels to have a big day against Dennis Kelly. Jason Peters can ball at LT. The Packers will have to collapse the right side of Philly's OL.

The Eagles defensive front strikes fear. They'll pressure Rodgers with a variety of blitzes and will offer the stiffest test of the year for our OL. Connor Barwin, Fletcher Cox, Vinny Curry, and Trent Cole can all get to the QB. Mychal Kendricks can come on the blitz. He's become a much better football player than I thought he'd become.

If you've followed this blog for a while, you know I like Bradley Fletcher, Nate Allen, Brandon Boykin and Malcolm Jenkins. Prior to being drafted, I spoke highly of all of them. Fletcher is an immensely underrated talent. Cary Williams is also an extremely talented player. Philly's defense is built to win. Their weak spot: Casey Matthews, Clay's brother. I also have confidence that Lang, Linsley and Sitton can dominate Cedric Thornton & Bennie Logan.

Philly's secondary will give the Packers WR's trouble. Fletcher and Williams will battle Jordy & Davante. Boykin matches up well with Cobb. It'll be a fight for receptions on the outside.

For the Packers to win, we'll have to slow down the pass rush. It'll be crucial for McCarthy to use Lacy to attack the inside of the Eagles defense. If we try to spring Lacy to the outside, we won't find success. Instead, let's punch them in the nose. Then, come back to the screen. And, then the play-action. But, on the opening play of the game, run the football right at the heart of the Eagles defense. Show them that we came to beat them up. Show them that we are more physical.

While Sanchez has been fairly mobile the last two weeks, don't bite on the QB draw. He's handing it off. Keep your lanes. Don't let the big play occur via the legs of McCoy & Sproles. Come with pressure. Our secondary will force turnovers.

This one has a playoff feel. Let's make it a playoff environment. Force an early false start or timeout. Rattle Sanchez early. He'll give us an early turnover. Just as Nutler did. This is our time to show that we are a legitimate contender in the NFC.

With T-Mon covering Jordan Matthews on a crossing route, he jumps in front of it for a game changing play.

With Brandon Bostick out, Richard Rodgers gets loose down the seam for a big play.

It's a Lambeau celebration. A day to remember.

Packers 34
Eagles 30

Go Pack Go!

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


Sunday, November 9, 2014

My Take -> Week 10

Greetings, G-Force.

The bye week has passed. R-E-L-A-X, I do. Peacefully. 5-3. One game back in the Division race. Props to the Lions who have taken advantage of fortunate opportunities. I'm ready to buckle up and enjoy the intensity that shines during the 2nd half of the year.

As I write, I relish the flowery scent that follows a La Cumbre Elevated IPA. I believe that La Cumbre plays with hops as well as anyone in America. On the headphones, I bounce to the Dirty Heads. If you don't know the song "Believe", I encourage you to give it a listen. Believe. Yes, I Believe in the 2014 Green Bay Packers.

Here are some quick vibes from the last week:

* In order for the Packers to be Super, the OL has to remain healthy. Lane Taylor was exposed. Especially on 4th & 1.

* The Rodgers injury doesn't concerns me. Even though Hamstrings linger. Rodgers wants to sweep it under the rug.

* Throw the Box Score away. The Packers were unlucky. Peppers dropped a TD. I guarantee he's been catching that pass in practice. The first Rodgers interception was a really unlucky bounce. It was 16-16. The Packers looked to be ready to reclaim the lead. Then, the momentum changed. Still, on the next offensive possession, Adams catches the pass for an apparent first down. Lewis fakes an injury for the Saints. The Saints get extra time to review. They challenge it. The call is overturned. Taylor gets blown up. The game was over.

* An aggressive Mike McCarthy is a good Mike McCarthy. McCarthy showed bravado, confidence and aggression against the Saints. His players let him down. I loved the call to Peppers. McCarthy, once again, showed that he's a players coach. He wanted to showcase Peppers' talents. Peppers is capable. He just didn't finish the play when it mattered. I expected him to catch it. I didn't mind the onside kick. I wish Hyde or J-Bush would have made the play. I liked the call to go for it on 4th & 1. Taylor couldn't hold the point. Coaches coach. Players play.

* My one McCarthy complaint: Where was Cobb in the Red Zone?

* I'm a huge fan of Davante Adams.

* Randall Cobb is going to get paid.

* Loved the screens to Lacy!

* TJ Lang, please be OK for the Bears game. Same with Josh Sitton.

* Ras Davon & T-Mon will have better days.

* Guion with another big stop on 4th & short!

* Barrington isn't the answer at ILB.

* Aaron Rodgers is committed to stretching Davante Adams to be the best he can be.

* Corey Linsley was terrific on the long TD pass to Cobb.

* The loss doesn't eliminate the possibility of a 1st round bye as I still think that 12-4 is a possibility. If the Packers stay healthy & finish worse than 11-5, I'll be extremely disappointed.

* The lyrics to the Dirty Heads song "On My Way" are appropriate right now: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/dirtyheads/onmyway.html

* The Saints are behind us. Now, it's time to go back to doing Super things. The Bears are a perfect remedy. THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

The bye week came at a perfect time. Sitton, Lang, Rodgers, Sammy Swagga and Burnett were all able to rest up. And, that was necessary. It's Bears at Packers. Lambeau Field. Prime time Football. Under the lights. It's time to sparkle!

A Packers win and it's tough for Chicago. They aren't eliminated, but they'd have to go on a marvelous run over the last 7 weeks to stay alive. A Bears win and Chicago is right back in the thick of a ridiculously tight NFC.

We know the stories of Ray Nutler vs the Green Bay Packers. Dom Capers has dominated Nutler. In glorious fashion. Nutler is loaded with weapons around him. There's no excuses, Ray. Absolutely none. With Marshall, Jeffery, Bennett, Forte and a dramatically improved OL, Nutler has the talents around him. It's up to him to be good enough. I'm not convinced that he will ever be good enough over a 16-game season. I'm convinced that a large part of an athletes success is in the mind. For Ray, I'm not sure how well he's stocked between the ears.

Defensively, The Bears have an improved front 4. At least from an individual name perspective. Allen, Paea, Young and Ratliff have talent. Ferguson & Sutton offer depth.

The weakness on the Bears is defense is their safety play. I wouldn't be shocked to see either Richard Rodgers or more likely Brandon Bostick streaking down the middle of the field. McCarthy often saves players for the weak after the bye. McCarthy will absolutely have a new wrinkle this weekend. My guess is that Bostick is in the game plan.

Weather will be an issue. It's crucial for the Packers to get an early lead and to test Trestman's patience. Forte murdered the Packers in Week 4. He could do the same this week. He's an unbelievably talented back and the Packers need improved ILB play. I'm hoping that with a change in weather and decreased speed on the field, the Packers ILB speed will become less exposed.

Marcellus Bennett is questionable. I hope he sits this one out. He's a match-up nightmare for the Packers. Unless the Packers have Sammy Swagga and Ras House on the outside and T-Mon over Bennett. Hyde cannot cover Bennett. My problem with this defensive lineup is that House has not performed well vs Chicago. Sammy Swagga & T-Mon have been pests for Ray Nutler's life. Hayward has also grabbed a pick from Ray. I'll be curios to see how we line up vs Bennett.

Look for it: Lacy has a big game. Rodgers connects with a TE over the middle. Matthews and Peppers apply pressure. Nutler throws two interceptions. If the Packers grab an early lead, the Bears stay in hibernation and continue to show internal frustrations. Now, it's on the sidelines.

Packers 30
Bears 20

THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Go Pack Go!

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