My Take -> Week 7

Greetings, G-Force.

What a victory! Mental fortitude at it's finest. A gutty performance. A cool confidence displayed throughout - even when things felt bleak. A never say die mentality. The reward was fulfilling. A 3-0 start in the Division puts the Packers in a good position from a tie breaker perspective. The Packers must not bask in this goodness. Instead, this team must continue to keep the foot on the gas pedal as the Division appears to be thick with talent.

As I write, I listen to the Grateful Dead's 5/19/74 show from Portland Memorial Coliseum. If you don't own this vinyl, look for it. It's a great spin. I sip a Myrcenary Double IPA from Odell. Presently, I drink this beer more than any other. It's 9.3%. It has a Tropical Hop feel. It goes down smoothly. It's fantastic.

Here are my quick vibes from last week:

Yes, this team has flaws. But, I absolutely love the 2019 Green Bay Packers.

When Brian Gutekunst drew up his offseason plan for recreating the Packers roster, he knew that Aaron Rodgers made all of his skill players better. So, he focused his attention on the physical nature of this team. Gutekunst’s emphasis on the trenches rather than the fantasy football approach towards roster construction helped deliver a massive Monday Night division victory. And, it certainly didn’t hurt that Rodgers lived up to his end of the equation with a band-aid collection of talent at WR and a slow moving, washed up TE as his targets.

It’s easy to criticize LaFleur because he’s still difficult to listen to in a press conference. It sounds like he’s really canned and has a lot of quirky transition statements. But man, I really like how he’s putting his stamp on this offense. Each week - its looking more like his offense rather than offenses of years past. He still has to work on the 3rd Quarter, but it’s developing nicely.

Pettine’s crew adjusted nicely. They were beaten early over the top, but responded by winning in the Red Zone. Pettine also altered his defensive approach by playing more aggressively in his approach to stop the run. He came with the run blitz. He added an extra DL on most early downs. He was rewarded as the defense played very well in the run game.

Aaron Rodgers is playing like he wants to win a Super Bowl. Badly. He's dialed in. He's focused. He's rejuvenated. And, he looks healthy.

So, this is what it feels like to be the beneficiary of poor officiating late in games? I’ll take it! For years, it’s felt like late-game officiating has gone against the Packers. The 98 playoffs, the Fail Mary, the ‘queens game last year and this years loss to the Eagles immediately come to mind. It’s nice to have the advantage come the Packers way.

Really happy to see the way Jaire responded after his poor showing in Dallas. His hustle play on the first play from scrimmage saved the Packers 4 points.

The Smith Bros. making splash plays and celebrating together will never get old. Their spirit is infectious! What a beautiful buzz!

Kevin King got off to a rough start, but he kept fighting. He responded well. Stayed focused and eventually was up to the task on a number of crucial plays in the 3rd and 4th Quarter.

Aaron Jones will have better days in the future.

Another phenomenal game by Bryan Bulaga.

Corey Linsley and Elgton Jenkins completely dominated the line of scrimmage. Jenkins looks like an absolute stud in the run game. He is fluid getting to the second level.

Allen Lazard throwing heavyweight punches to help him pick up 6 yards after the catch was the type of fight that you love to see. He was a battering bull on a mission seeking contact. Lazard provided the spark that the Packers needed.

Watching Rodgers on Monday Night reminded me of watching Favre in 1996 as he was tossing Touchdowns to Don Beebe and Terry Mickens.

Don't let the questionable officiating calls ruin the enjoyment that LaFleur is bringing to this offense. I love the way he's using MVS. He's sending him on crossing routes. He's sending him deep down the field. He's sending him on a wide variety of sweeps, often in a disguise fashion.

Speaking of MVS, it was great to see him hauling his third reception of more than 30 yards on the year. I'm hoping to see him grab 10 of them this year.

Marcedes Lewis has been a great surprise this year.

Fantastic game, Jamaal Williams. He brought momentum. His spark light a fire in this offense. It was great to see him with the ball in his hands again.

Keep your head up, Shep.

With Ibraheim Campbell soon to be in the mix, I'm hoping that he can step into the ILB role next to Martinez when Pettine decides to go small.

Rodgers showed great faith in Lazard on the 35 yard TD pass. On the play before, Lazard was unable to haul in a difficult catch in traffic. But, Rodgers came back to him. It was great to see Rodgers showing confidence in a receiver who has been buried on the depth chart.

The Jaire pass break-up on the final third down play was sensational. He fought to the finish to save the defense.

The Smith Bros. third down impact cannot be overstated. They've been unbelievable!

Dean Lowry was a monster in the run game.

Hope G-Mo is healthy enough to quickly return. While he's been a disappointment thus far this year, he's a good talent and this team needs him.

Goodson brought a physical approach to the defense.

It's so fun to see Rodgers scrambling for first down yardage on big plays.

Fackrell continues to get close. It really feels like he has a high impact game on the horizon.

Billy Turner has gotten better each and every week.

The Packers got the ball back with 6:46 to play. Trailing by 2. They went 14 plays for 77 yards. They ate up the entire 6:46 on the clock and won on a FG at the buzzer. That's championship football.

The Mason Crosby Lambeau Leap. Delightful!

What happened to Jimmy Graham's athleticism? He was among the most lethal TE targets that I'd ever seen. Especially in the Red Zone. Now? He's slow and can't seem to get off of the ground. He's only 32 years old. I can't figure it out.

At this stage, teams are showing no respect for the Packers Kickoff units. They're returning the ball on kicks that are deep into the end zone. They're challenging the Packers units to prove that they can tackle. And, the opposition is intentionally kicking short to the Packers and still preventing the Packers from getting to the 25 yard line.

I'm really happy that Jace Sternberger has been designated to return. While it's highly unlikely that he'll make an impact over the next 4-6 weeks, I do feel that he'll bring an added dimension to this offense in the 2019 Season. It'll be important for him to find a connection with Rodgers. If given the opportunity, he'll bring more athleticism as a receiver than the Packers are currently getting from their TE group.

Take note: the Packers won a divisional game in prime time with a banged up MVS , Lazard, Shepherd and Kumerow as the WRs when they were down 9 with less than 10 minutes to play. I love you, Aaron Rodgers!

When the Packers got the ball back with 12:17 to play and down 9, I had my doubts. But, 7 plays and 79 yards later, while only taking 3:14 off of the clock and the Packers were in business. That was an efficient offensive display.

The defense bent early. But, they didn't break. They also responded after being put in multiple tough positions throughout the 2nd half. Pettine's unit responded brilliantly as the game wore on.

If the Packers win on Sunday, it’d also become a great day for Scoreboard watching. What an awesome Sunday for the NFL. MN at DET, BALT at SEA, NO at CHI, PHI at DALLAS, RAMS at ATL. Those could all be great games that we have our eyes on. Meanwhile, the Packers better take care of their own business.

My good buddy, Craig Forrestal, has been published on the Fanspeak Draft Boards under the NFL Draft Diamonds name. I used his Big Board to create my mock draft this week:

Round 1: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina.
Round 2: Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma.
Round 3: Raequan Williams, DL, Michigan State.
Round 4: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford.
Round 5: Richard Lecounte, S, Georgia.
Round 6: Michael Divinty, LB, LSU.
Round 6: Jeff Thomas, WR, Miami.
Round 7: Daelin Hayes, EDGE, ND.
Round 7: Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska.
Round 7: Luke Farrell, TE, Ohio State.

This week - it's the Raiders coming to Lambeau. Consider this one a must win. They're entering a tough 2nd half of the season schedule. With that, they must be able to take care of Lambeau against an inferior opponent. Injured or not, the Packers have more talent than the Raiders and they must be able to win this game.

Offensively, the Raiders have been running the ball through the tackles. Josh Jacobs looks like the real deal. He's also very good as a receiving option out of the backfield. When Derek Carr takes care of the football, he's dangerous. But, he's prone to turnovers. The Packers must take advantage of their opportunities to steal the ball. Darren Waller is a fantastic weapon at TE. The Raiders WR's shouldn't pose a significant threat to the Packers secondary. Tyrell Williams might not play and he's their best option. Zay Jones has underachieved as a pro. Dwayne Harris is dangerous with the ball in his hands, but he's a rough route runner. I like Hunter Renfrow in the slot, but he's solely a possession receiver. Trevor Davis will undoubtedly be motivated to show well against his old team. The Raiders calling card has been the nasty on the OL. Gabe Jackson and Trent Brown have manned up on the right side of the line. Former 1st round pick, Kolton Miller, is developing nicely at LT. And, good ol' Richie Incognito is still a bruiser at LG.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders have a lot of young talent. Arden Key and Clelin Ferrell are loaded with skill and still developing as every down NFL players. Johnathan Hankins is well traveled. He's a try hard vet. I like Josh Mauro as a rotational DE. Maurice Hurst could eventually be a considered a steal of the 2018 Draft. I love his game. Tahir Whitehead is a playmaking coverage LB. I'd like to think that the Packers could do damage against the Raiders secondary. Nevin Lawson is prone to penalties. Lamarcus Joyner is an aggressive Safety, but he can be beaten on the double move. Karl Joseph has had big play, hard-hitting moments, but he can be vulnerable to giving up the big play. Daryl Worley works hard at CB. He's consistent, but he isn't a game changing CB. Gareon Conley is still developing at CB. He'll make an occasional play, but he can be attacked. If the Packers have Adams, MVS and Allison; I'd envision a big offensive output.

This game will be an interesting challenge for the Packers DL. Gruden will undoubtedly challenge the Packers DL in the run game. And, after it, he'll go to play action to try and find the Packers in single coverage on the outside. They'll also look for Waller on crossing routes and Renfrow on quick out routes out of the slot.

The Raiders will to try to get Josh Jacobs 20 touches on Sunday.

The Raiders will consistently test the Packers ability to cover the TE. Waller will get a multitude of targets.

If the Packers can get out to an early lead, I can't see the Raiders coming back. So, it'll be important for the Packers to not let the Raiders stick around.

Expect LaFleur to call a double move to MVS on a deep route early in the game. He'll be looking for a big play to get this offense started.

Then, LaFleur stays patient. He stays committed to the run game. He finds Lazard on a comeback watch out of play action.

Assuming Adams can't play, look for LaFleur to move Lazard around the field. You'll see Lazard in the slot. You'll see him split wide left. You'll see him split wide to the perimeter on the Right. He's a big target that Rodgers seems to trust.

Look for Kevin King to grab another interception. The Packers defense forces two turnovers this week.

I'm going to keep banging the Fackrell drum until he has a 2-sack game. It's coming, I can feel it! He's single blocked when he's on the field. And, he's getting close. But, Fackrell, you have to finish, young man! Make this the week!

The Packers grab an early lead. They keep the offense moving with excitement all game as Aaron Jones gets unleashed, once again.

Packers 30.
Raiders 16.

Go Pack Go!

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