My Take -> Week 10

Greetings, G-Force.

The Packers had seen the Bears and ‘queens lose. They had command of the Division title in their grasp. Suddenly, they weren’t prepared. They lacked muscles. They played with small testicles and they got plowed over. In all phases. Life goes on.

As I write, I listen to the Yonder Mountain Mountain Tracks Vol 3 album. This album has always brought me great joy. This past Monday, I was fortunate to attend the “What the Night Brings” concert. It was a tribute to Jeff Austin. It was an excellent reminder of Austin’s prowess. If you’re not familiar with his music, put on this album and toss on the “If There’s Still a Ramblin’ in the Rambler” version. You’ll be captured. Stellar energy! I drink a New Belgium Atomic Pumpkin. It has a nice cinnamon pumpkin front with a perfect habanero pepper finish. I really enjoy the blend in these flavors.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

For those that are new to this blog, I'm not a sports journalist. I'm a blogger. With an optimistic realist perspective on the Packers. And, on life. So, with weeks like we just witnessed, my thoughts are minimized. It doesn't do me any good to spit an abundance of negativity. It doesn't do you any good to read it. It's important to recognize that it's a week-to-week league. This is a defining week for Matt LaFleur's locker room. This is a defining week for the 2019 Green Bay Packers. Championship teams respond to adversity. The Packers must show up this week.

The Packers went to California with a chance to make a statement in the NFC North. Instead, they treated the trip as though it was an October vacation beneath the Palm Trees.

For the first time in Matt LaFleur’s tenure as coach of the Green Bay Packers, his team was unprepared. They were uninspired. They were unmotivated.

When Pettine’s defense isn’t getting turnovers or sacks, it’s struggled to prevent teams from moving the football. Once again, the defense was very good inside the Red Zone, but it was sieve like in stopping the Chargers from moving the ball down the field. At some point, Pettine is going to have to become more aggressive in his attempt to get to the QB.

In the first half, the defense gave up 250 yards. They gave up 13 first downs and only two of those first downs came on 3rd down. They were dominated on 1st and 2nd down.

Aaron Rodgers and the offense never found their rhythm. Discouragingly so.

There was never a doubt that LaFleur would encounter struggles in his first year as Head Coach. I hope he learned from his experience in LA. He should be the dictator. He should not let the defense dictate his playcalling. He was too quick to give up his game plan. And, the Packers offense suffered all day because of it.

The Packers need Kenny Clark to be a difference maker at the line of scrimmage.

I was really hoping to see a play or two designed for Jace Sternberger. He stepped on the field one time. Jenkins jumped early. We never saw the play again.

Dear Wisconsin, can we please legalize marijuana? It’s an herb. It’s medicinal. It heals. It’s absolutely appalling to see how Za’Darius Smith got treated for having a couple of blunts.

Outside of Crosby and Scott, the special teams unit = LOL.

This week’s 2020 Mock Draft:

Round 1: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama.
Round 2: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson.
Round 3: Marvin Wilson, DL, FSU.
Round 4: Jon Runyan, OG, Michigan.
Round 5: Trajan Bandy, CB, []_[].
Round 6: Daelin Hayes, EDGE, ND.
Round 6: Jordyn Brooks, ILB, Texas Tech.
Round 7: Mitchell Wilcox, TE, South Florida.
Round 7: Troy Pride Jr., CB, ND.
Round 7: Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah.

This week - the Packers host the Panthers. At Lambeau. In a must win game. Carolina rests one game behind the Packers in the loss column. The Packers can grab a 2-game lead in the loss column with the head-to-head tie breaker over the Panthers with a win on Sunday.

This is a scary game for the Packers. The Packers run defense has been poor. The Panthers rushing offense has been exceptional. Christian McCaffrey is arguably the best RB in the NFL. His speed-power combo is 2nd to none. He’s a terrific pass receiving option as well. The offense revolves around his skills. Kyle Allen has stepped in for Cam Newton and done a good job. He’s taking care of the football and managing the game. He finds the check down. He’s a smart down and distance QB. Greg Olsen remains a reliable TE. He’s physical and offers a presence as both a receiver and a blocker. Curtis Samuel is a deep threat who fights for the ball in the air. DJ Moore has been Allen’s favorite target. The Panthers OL plays with a mean, nasty streak. Almost unbelievably, Greg Van Roten starts for them. In GB, he couldn’t play. But, credit him, he’s developed into a decent player for them. Trai Turner has been a solid Guard for them. Taylor Moton has played well at Tackle. So has Daryl Williams.

Defensively, the Panthers are built with a physical intensity. Luke Kuechly remains the centerpiece. Shaq Thompson can get sideline-to-sideline. Bruce Irvin and Mario Addison are speed rushers from the EDGE. Gerald McCoy presents problems as an interior rusher. He’s Stout in the run game, too. Dontari Poe and Vernon Butler will offer maximum effort each week. James Bradbury continues to develop into a top tier CB. Donte Jackson is an aggressive CB who looks to make the big play. Eric Reid and Tre Boston are two safeties that I had hoped the Packers might bring to GB. They play with brute toughness. Mean dudes! The Panthers lack depth in the secondary.

This will be a great test for Matt LaFleur. It’s a defining game for the 2019 season. The momentum came to a screeching halt in LA. It’s up to LaFleur to ensure that he brings an energized team with a creative offensive design. When Carolina went to SF, Shanahan designed a game plan that left the Panthers scratching their heads. The Panthers struggled with misdirection. LaFleur needs to draft up a similar strategy.

Just like most teams, look for the Panthers to try to establish the run game early. They'll try to milk the clock. They'll be conservative against the Packers defense and expect Allen to be able to convert 3rd and short, if necessary. Pettine will likely play with 2 ILB more this week than we've seen all year. I also expect Ibraheim Campbell to see snaps as a Dime LB.

The Packers have to spy McCaffrey. Everywhere he goes. They should have someone dedicated to him. Could this be a week to test Oren Burks' athleticism?

I'm expecting Rashan Gary to make a play soon. Hoping it comes this week.

After a sluggish first game back from injury, look for Davante Adams to get back on track.

Look for LaFleur to get the ball into Aaron Jones' hands 20 times this weekend.

Rodgers connects with 7 different receivers.

Lazard grabs a Red Zone TD.

I'm sorry, but I can't envision a world in which a Kyle Allen led team beats a healthy Aaron Rodgers led team at Lambeau Field in November. At some point, I expect the stage to get too big for Allen. He'll make a big mistake. Make it difficult, Lambeau! Get Loud!

Packers 27.
Panthers 23.

Go Pack Go!

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