My Take -> Week 8

Greetings, G-Force.

In times like these, it's hard for me to even pretend to be dispassionate. On a day when Lambeau Field showed beautifully through the TV screen, the Packers offense was as dominant as we've seen it since the 2016 NFL Season. And, as the NFL season charges towards to the midway point of the Regular Season, it appears as though the Packers are well positioned to be a legitimate contender in the NFC.

As I write, I sip a New Belgium Oakspire. It's a Bourbon Barrel Ale. A collaboration with Knob Creek. The caramel ale checks in at 9%. The beer doesn't have the hot bourbon feel that I expected. Instead, it's fairly smooth. I listen to the Dirty Heads "Home - Phantoms of Summer" album. If you don't know the song "Sloth's Revenge", I strongly encourage a listen.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

The conversation between LaFleur and Rodgers early in the game was absolutely priceless. Rodgers saying that he wanted 5 TD's. LaFleur saying that he wanted 6. They're excitement together is riveting. They're having fun. Their brotherhood is consistently growing. I love what they're building together.

Through 7 weeks, the Packers defense ranks 26th in the NFL in yards per game. Almost amazingly, although they're giving up yards in the masses, they rank 9th in the NFL in points allowed. In large part, this is possible because the defense has buckled down in the Red Zone. And, they've consistently forced turnovers when their backs are against the wall. This defense plays to every inch on the field. It's not a fluke that this defense stiffens up in the Red Zone. They've done it every week except for against Philly. It's not a fluke that this defense forces turnovers. They've done it in 5 of 7 games. At this stage, as fans, we should expect it. The defense has defined itself.

Make no mistake about it, this has become Matt LaFleur's offense. We're seeing all kinds of misdirection. LaFleur has coached up Rodgers to find the check-down. Rodgers is no longer afraid of the middle of the field. LaFleur has earned Rodgers' trust. It's clear that they're enjoying game planning together.

An encouraging note: we've seen the Packers win a game in which the offense failed to show up in Chicago. And, we've seen the Packers win a game in which the defense struggled to get off of the field. This team has shown that they can win in a wide variety of ways.

Aaron Rodgers. In MVP perform. A sight to see. If he can continue to master this offense, look out. Anything is possible.

Phenomenal to see Aaron Jones getting back on track. He continues to be a weapon in the passing game. His burst through the hole has been a difference maker for this offense.

Jamaal Williams with another great game. I can't get enough of the camaraderie between Williams and Jones.

Without question, this was Jimmy Graham's best game as a Packer. Graham looked quicker. He made a great grab for a TD. He grabbed big yards after the catch. He was moving the sticks. Well done, Jimmy!!

MVS now has 5 30+ yard catches through 7 games. I was hoping that he'd get 10 this year. He's on pace. He's a big play waiting to happen. LaFleur's use of MVS has been spectacular. MVS is consistently running deep routes and stretching the field. That's helping to open up both the underneath routes and the middle of the field. Even as a decoy, MVS' speed is a difference maker. You have to guard him.

Loved seeing G-Mo and MVS showing up with big-time performances when their status was in question.

Another solid game from Dean Lowry. He was moving people.

KEVIN KING!! Another really strong performance by King.

How about Will Redmond? His hustle play saved a TD. That's two weeks in a row that the Packers have chased down a would-be TD from behind to save points. The week before, it was Jaire who made the play.

Blake Martinez didn't look good in coverage. But, he finished with 16 tackles and he was chasing Carr down as he neared the goal line to prevent the TD and force the fumble. Massive play by Blake Martinez.

Championship teams finish halves strong. Championship teams start the 3rd Quarter strong. When Rodgers hit Kumerow to finish the 2nd Quarter, that felt like a game changing play. Especially with the Packers getting the ball to start the 3rd. When LaFleur called the shot play to MVS to start the 3rd off of play-action, he went for the kill. LaFleur was aggressive. Rodgers was dialed in. The Packers were playing Championship football.

Another dominant display by the OL. Every one of them showed well. Jenkins and Turner have brought great quickness as blockers to the run game.

Granted they only played mop up duty, but man, I expected a lot more out of Dexter Williams and Josh Jackson. Williams was slow moving. Jackson had a chance to jump a route and didn't deliver the interception.

At some point, the Smith Bros. are going to need some help in getting to the QB. Whether it's Fackrell, Gary, Clark, Lowry, Keke or Tim Williams; someone has to help the Smith Bros. in applying pressure on the QB and finishing plays. A part of me would like to see Tim Williams active soon and used in spot duty as a pass rushing option.

It is really good to see Oren Burks in pads. Even if it's just on special teams. He's a difference maker to help prevent kickoff returns.

Aaron Rodgers. 25/31. 429 yards. 5 TD's. A rushing TD as well. That's perfection.

DANNY VITALE!! SMOOTH, BABY!! An added dimension in the passing game. Soft hands. And, the yards after the catch. Consider this: he had two catches for 43 yards. That's 21.5 yards per catch. He looked like Tom Rathman out there!

Loved seeing Kumerow stretch for the TD after he tip toed down the sideline.

Lazard with the acrobatic catch!! Wish he'd have hauled in the grab down the sidelines as well. But, nonetheless, another good showing for Lazard.

Adrian Amos is in the open field is a thing of beauty. Love the way he wraps up.

Another stellar showing by JK Scott.

Mason Crosby splitting the uprights makes me smile.

It's thrilling to watch how well Rodgers is seeing the field right now. I can only believe that his play will continue to perform as he continues to get comfortable in this offense.

In order for a team to put themselves in a position to consider them Super, they need to have depth when injuries occur to starters. Thus far, we've seen that the Packers have shown depth at WR without Davante Adams. The Packers offense was lethal without Jamaal Williams. Will Redmond rose to the occasion in place of Darnell Savage. BJ Goodson has played well as he's quickly been asked to learn the system as a replacement for Oren Burks. When Linsley went out, Lucas Patrick played exceptionally well. The one major hiccup: when Bulaga went out against Philly, it didn't appear as though the Packers had a worthwhile replacement. The depth of this team has shown Gutekunst as a shining star. He's compiled a roster that is thick with talent.

I'm really excited for Darnell Savage to return to this team.

It sure feels like the Packers will score a defensive touchdown soon.

Here's my weekly 2020 Mock Draft:

Round 1: Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa.
Round 2: Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma.
Round 3: Brandon Jones, S, Texas.
Round 4: Leki Fotu, DL, Utah.
Round 5: Michael Divinty, ILB, LSU.
Round 6: Kendall Coleman, EDGE, Syracuse.
Round 6: Matt Bushman, TE, BYU.
Round 7: Luke Farrell, TE, Ohio State.
Round 7: Tyler Clark, DL, Georgia.
Round 7: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas.

This week - it's the Chiefs. At Arrowhead. On Sunday Night. This is a statement game for the Packers. Thus far, the Packers are undefeated on the road. The Chiefs might be without their superstar at QB. The Packers must come out and play with intensity. Show the NFL world that they belong among the elite. And, with the strength within the NFC, the Packers need this one to continue to hold onto the lead in the NFC North over the 'queens.

The Chiefs are loaded with talent on offense. Tyreek Hill is as dynamic as it gets in the league. Every time he touches the ball, he's a threat to score a TD. Sammy Watkins is a physical possession WR. Mecole Hardman is a bright young talent at WR who is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Byron Pringle is a physical player and will win jump balls in traffic. At RB, Damien Williams is a playmaker on the edges. He sees the hole and hits it quickly. He's a good receiver out of the backfield as well. LeSean McCoy is still a gifted RB who makes defenders miss in the open field. Travis Kelce is among the best TE's in football. He dominates as both a blocker and a receiver. If Mahomes plays, this offense is as good as any offense in football. Without Mahomes, Andy Reid will be required to be the architect who drafts up open receivers for Matt Moore to move the team.

Defensively, the Chiefs aren't overly stout, but they do have a number of intriguing playmakers. Frank Clark has caused problems for the Packers in the past. Alex Okafor is a good rotational EDGE defender. Chris Jones absolutely dominates on the interior of the line. Anthony Hitchens has a nose for finding the football. Tyrann Mathieu remains a star in this league. He's a weapon on the blitz. He finds the football. Juan Thornhill is a rising star at Safety. The question marks come at CB. I'm a fan of Bashaud Breeland. I wanted him back in GB. But, he can be beaten. Charvarius Ward can be targeted. Kendall Fuller is a nice player, but he, too, can be taken advantage of.

This is a great test for Matt LaFleur. He'll be battling against a terrific playcaller in Andy Reid. It'll be interesting to see how both of these teams scheme.

I know Mahomes practiced on Wednesday, but I find it hard to believe that he'll be the starting QB this weekend. I'm guessing that it'll be Matt Moore as the QB. Moore is a disciplined veteran QB. Look for Reid to scheme to get Travis Kelce open on a number of out routes. Reid will also design play action passes to get Hill in man-to-man coverage deep down the field.

Look for Pettine to have Jaire follow Hill all over the field. King matches up with Watkins. It wouldn't surprise me to see T-Mon muscling up with Kelce. What T-Mon will lose in size, he'll make up for in mind. T-Mon might not be seeing the snaps that he's seen in the past, but he might be the most trusted defender that the Packers have to slow down TE's.

Regardless of who is playing QB, if the Packers can't get pressure, it'll be difficult to slow this offense down. The Packers defense must win the line of scrimmage. Look for Pettine to call a variety of inside blitzes to try and get the QB off of his spot.

If it's not play action, Reid will design plays that are quick hitting crossing routes and slants. He will want to get the ball out of the QB's hand in three seconds or less. Pettine must respond with man coverage.

I'd like to think that the interior of the Packers DL can match-up well with the interior of the Chiefs OL to slow down the run.

Offensively, look for the Packers to try and spread out the Chiefs out. If so, the Chiefs don't have the depth to man-up against LaFleur's trickery. The Chiefs secondary can't run with MVS. Hopefully, the Packers will target MVS deep down the field early in the game.

Expect Rodgers to hand to Jones on a couple of quick hitting run plays right at the edges of the Chiefs defense to help slow down the pass rush.

The Packers win both sides of the line of scrimmage. Bulaga and Bakhtiari control the perimeter of the line on offense. Clark and Lowry show up big on the interior of the defensive line.

MVS finds the end zone again this week.

Savage grabs an interception in his return to the field.

The Packers defense responds nicely.

My guess is that Mahomes doesn't play.

Packers 27.
Chiefs 16.

Go Pack Go!

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