My Take -> Week 17

Greetings, G-Force.

6-8-1. Yes, the game may appear meaningless with regards to playoff scenarios. And, I understand that a 5-10-1 record would’ve likely netted the Packers a top 9 selection. Still, I can’t get on board with tanking in the NFL. It’s helpful for the youngsters to taste victories. The locker room needs to feel the winning emotion. It’s good for team camaraderie.

I depart for NYC tomorrow. Phish at MSG. That doesn’t suck. Thus, as I write, I’m listening to the Phish Bakers Dozen vinyl. I was fortunate to attend the first 3-nights of the bands epic 13-night run at the Worlds Most Famous Arena.

My quick vibes from the last week:

If Joe Philbin was in consideration for the Head Coaching job, the first Quarter of the game against the Jets was an indication that this team would not respond to him. The team was unprepared. The team looked like they didn’t want to be in New York for the game. The team was full of blown assignments. The team was mentally unfit.

Aaron Rodgers’ stats were terrific. But, his play felt more like 2018 Aaron Rodgers than 2014 Aaron Rodgers. His ball placement still seemed odd. He held onto the ball too long. He ignored the check down too often. Yes, it was good to see his movement. Yes, the dart to Adams for the victory was riveting. Yes, it was great to see Rodgers connect with 9 different WRs. But, it certainly felt like the Packers were the beneficiary of multiple questionable calls in the 4th Quarter and OT.

At first glance, Jamaal Williams does not wow you with his place. But, more often than not, he does all of the little things right. He runs hard. He catches the ball well. He hits the hole with intent. He’s a physical blocker. In fact, the one time he kissed his block, I was legitimately stunned. Quite simply, Williams brings soul to this team.

Davante Adams is an absolute superstar. With his knee injury, I’d throw him two WR screens on the first drive to give him the catch record and then I’d tell him to rest up.

ESB looked more comfortable last week than at any time this year. An ascending performance. I hope he is able to play this week.

Great to see MVS getting targets down the field. Not surprising to see multiple penalties down the field. He’s a tough cover.

Kumerow!!!! We’ve been waiting all year for that play!!! He was also open for a TD in the end zone on the crossing route, but Rodgers didn’t see him. Out of all of the young WRs, Kumerow seems to run the most precise routes. He looks like the most natural route runner, too.

I do not want Jimmy Graham back. Twice, Graham was bailed out with bad calls in the end zone, one of which was the 2-point play that should’ve resulted in 2 points for the Jets. Graham can no longer create separation with quickness. Graham can no longer win jump balls. It appears as though Gutekunst is trying to compile tough minded, physical football players. Gutekunst looks to be attracted to high end athletes. At this stage of his career, Graham is none of those things. After giving a thorough review of Gutekunst’s other additions, I’m surprised that he gave Graham such an astronomical contract. Bad drafts don’t cripple a franchise. Bad contracts do. Graham’s contract is a terrible one.

Another gutty performance for McCray. He has warmed every penny of his contract.

Bulaga is a gamer. If I was guaranteed to have him for 12 games next year, I’d be thrilled to have him back at his current contract.

Lane Taylor is clearly battling injury. He’s also regressed at an uncomfortably quick rate.

Tyler Lancaster had another really strong showing. He’s active. His motor his constantly running. He will be on the roster next year.

Montravious Adams also showed pretty well. He, too, showed good quickness and hustle.

I will never understand why Oren Burks was not given more opportunities this year. I’m officially concerned as to why he’s not getting snaps.

Fun to see Tonyan grabbing a 4th and 1 pass to extend the drive.

Ron Zook. Lol.

Note to Josh Jackson: when Jaire went out with the injury, Pettine’s first move was to put Tony Brown on Anderson. And, initially, Brown followed Anderson around the field.

It’s noteworthy to point out that when the Packers trailed 35-30 late in the 4th and the defense was in need of a stop, on both 1st and 2nd down, Tony Brown stepped up with physicality and made fierce tackles in the run game. I wonder — at times — if Brown is best suited for Safety.

Tony Brown was also a punisher blocking the gunner on special teams.

It was good to see Aaron Rodgers showing the BELT and wearing a smile. I'll admit that I wondered where that swagger was all year, but nonetheless, it was really great to see him showing confidence and having fun.

Can we please see Donnerson before the year is over?

It was nice to see Jamerson on special teams. I hope he gets Eddie Pleasant’s snaps on defense. Pleasant can’t play.

I like the way Breeland breaks and tries to high point the ball.

I wish Josh Jackson played with the toughness that Jaire, Breeland and Brown play with.

I love that Gutekunst put in a waiver claim for Swearinger! He’s trying to reconstruct the roster via all means necessary.

Another decent game by Fackrell. He doesn’t win play-in and play-out but he had a couple of really intriguing plays in both the run and pass game.

Blake Martinez has shown really well on the inside blitz all year long. His 4th Quarter sack on 3rd down was a springboard for the comeback.

Behind the scenes, I've often wondered if Brian Gutekunst admired the way that the Baltimore Ravens have played football through the years. If you watch the types of players that Gutekunst has brought onto the team, most fit the Ravens profile. So, I guess it doesn't fully surprise me that the first 2 people he has interviewed for the job were on the Ravens staff, at one point. Pagano coached with the Ravens from 2008-2012. Pagano also coached with Pettine in 2012. Pagano and Pettine both carry roots from the Ravens defense. Pagano also hired Philbin as his Assistant Head Coach in 2016 and 2017. So, in many ways, if Gutekunst likes the idea of having Pettine as the DC and Philbin as the OC, Pagano might be a logical Head Coaching candidate. Admittedly, I was not overly impressed with Pagano as the Head Coach in Indianapolis. I do not want Caldwell as the next Packers coach.

In this week's Fanspeak Mock Draft, here's how the board fell for me:

Round 1a: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky.
Round 1b: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama.
Round 2: DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia.
Round 3: Jalen Jelks, EDGE, Oregon.
Round 4a: Andrew Wingard, S, Wyoming.
Round 4b: Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech.
Round 5: David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State.
Round 6a: Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson.
Round 6b: Alex Bars, OG, Notre Dame.
Round 7: Sheldrick Redwine, S, []_[].

This week - it's the Lions. At Lambeau. To finish the Packers 100th season.

I expect to see Rodgers flashing a big smile, once again. I expect Adams to break the Packers reception record. I expect to see Clay grab one final sack in a Packers uniform. I expect to see Kumerow and MVS targeted deep down the field. I expect to see one final Randall Cobb Red Zone TD in a Packers uniform. I expect the Lambeau Faithful to be in a joyful mood.

This one won't help the Packers Draft status, but hopefully, the winning feeling can be carried over into 2019.

Packers 27.
Lions 20.

Go Pack Go!

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