My Take -> Week 13

Greetings, G-Force.

First and foremost, a Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers. I appreciate the likes, the shares and the retweets more than I can state. I always enjoy seeing who is following along.

If you’d have told me in August that the Packers would be 8-3 heading into December, I’d have taken that situation in a heartbeat. So, here we are. The Packers in prime position to close the season strong and win the NFC North.

I write with the 7/13/19 Phish show from Alpine Valley in my ears. It was a Saturday Night throw down. I sip a Dry Dock Grapefruit IPA. This beer has that Grapefruit tasting citrus bite coupled by a sharp hop delight. This beer has become a staple in my fridge.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur’s team is trending in the wrong direction. They’ve been both dominated and unprepared in two of the last three weeks. Imperfections were to be expected for the first year coach. LaFleur has brought a rejuvenated energy to the Locker Room. He’s added a refreshing optimism to the Locker Room. He has brought a winning spirit to the Locker Room. Now, he must ensure that the Packers are ready to win in December. Historically, teams that can get hot in December are poised to make a serious run in the playoffs. The month of December will define LaFleur’s rookie season as a Head Coach in the NFL. The Packers have 5 games left, 4 of which have losing records.

Early on Pettine’s defense looked ready to play. They were aggressive and in attack mode. They set the tone. But, as the pressure lightened, the Packers defense struggled. Once again, there were major miscommunications in the secondary and big plays followed. I’m beginning to wonder if this defense is capable of playing 60 quality minutes of football.

This team desperately needs Aaron Rodgers. Over the last 3 games, Rodgers has not seen the field. It looks as though he’s watching the rush and not his receivers. He has open receivers, he’s not seeing the field.

Jimmy Graham has to make that catch. Simple as that.

Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams playing nearly identical snaps? Enough already. Let’s give Aaron Jones the month of December. It’s unbelievable that LaFleur can’t get the ball into Jones’ hands in the open field. LaFleur’s offense hasn’t suddenly lost all semblance of creativity. It’s bland. It’s predictable. It’s been unproductive.

Where have the motion gone in this offense? Where are the screens? Where are the fake jet and orbit sweeps? Why aren’t Williams and Jones being utilized on the field at the same time anymore?

MVS has to do a better job of trying to stay in bounds on the pass in the back of the end zone.

Za’Darius Smith is a superstar. He dominates. He offers a plethora of moves to free himself from blockers.

Thought Adrian Amos played well. I liked him creeping up to the line. When he is in position as a tackler, he finishes.

The officiating didn’t decide the game in any fashion. The 49ers were clearly the better team. But, early on, the refs definitely aided in the Packers falling behind 10-0. The penalty on Adams was highly questionable. The third down penalty on King that denied the Packers a crucial stop was even worse than the Adams penalty. The 10-0 deficit felt heavy early and the lead was significantly assisted by two major calls that went against the Packers.

Where is the spark on the offensive side of the ball? Where’s the urgency? Why are they often breaking the huddle with less than 15 seconds left?

This offense needs to dictate the tempo of the game. Too often, we hear that it was tough sledding playing behind the sticks and that’s it was difficult to get into the offense after falling behind. That shouldn’t be the case. LaFleur is letting the opposition determine his game plan. He needs to be the one to set the structure for the game. This offense needs to go up-tempo.

The SF DL was much more physical than the GB OL. I was really hoping that wouldn’t be the case. Linsley was awful. Disappointing.

The Packers return units are on the brink of becoming among the worst in the history of the NFL. They’re unbelievable bad.

What’s happened to JK Scott?

This team needs a spark. Aaron Rodgers. It’s your turn. Trust your teammates. Let the ball rip. This team is still in position to accomplish anything that they set their minds on. But, they need their 2x MVP QB to return to form.

For weeks 2020 Mock Packers Draft, I used the CBS Draft Board on Fanspeak:

Round 1: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn.
Round 2: Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma.
Round 3: Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa.
Round 4: Leki Fotu, DL, Utah.
Round 5: Paddi Fisher, ILB, Northwestern.
Round 6: Julian Blackmon, S, Utah.
Round 6: Daelin Hayes, EDGE, ND.
Round 7: Ben Bredesen, OG, Michigan.
Round 7: Walker Little, OT, Stanford.
Round 7: Trajan Bandy, CB, []_[].

This week, it’s the Giants. In New Jersey. Two storied franchise with a rich history of battling in important games in recent memory.

At 2-9, the Giants aren’t as poor as their record indicates. They just don’t know how to win late.

Saquon Barkley is dynamite out of the backfield. He’s tough to corral. And, he has the speed to outrun most defenders. He’s also used extensively as a receiver. Sterling Shepard has been banged up, but when he’s on the field, he’s a threat. Golden Tate is still dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s a great third down receiver. Slayton is a great deep threat. Engram, when healthy, has inconsistent hands, but he has speed to cause defenses fits. Daniel Jones has had promising moments, but every game, he’s going to give the opposition an opportunity to steal the football. When teams take it away, they can normally grab a multiple score lead. But, when teams haven’t cashed in on those opportunities, Jones has shown the ability to cause problems for defenses. He throws a good slant, skinny post and deep balls. Jones can also get the 1st down marker with his legs. He’s tougher than he looks and won’t shy away from contact.

Defensively, the Giants have a young and improving DL. Dexter Lawrence, BJ Hill and Dalvin Tomlinson all bring high energy and a unique quickness + power off of the ball. They’re all still fairly raw and have battled inconsistencies. Markus Goldman has been a force rushing the passer. He brings high octane energy and a full gas tank. Lorenzo Carter has not developed into a dependable pass rusher like I envisioned he might, but he will occasionally be disruptive. Alec Ogletree has performed well in pass defense. He struggled to disengage in the run game and should be attacked. The Giants secondary has been vulnerable. Though injured, Peppers has been a good addiction when active. Deandre Baker has gained valuable experience as a rookie, but he’s taking his lumps right now. Janoris Jenkins can still play, but he’s not the same player that the Giants relies on in 2016. Julian Love and Corey Ballentine have shown promise as rookies, but neither is fully ready to compete on the big stage. Antoine Bethea brings a veteran presence and leadership to a mostly youthful secondary that has been picked on all year.

The Giants will test Kevin King on a deep ball early. It’ll likely be to Slayton.

Look for Saquon to get the ball on the swing pass. They’ll try to get Saquon lined up against either Campbell or Martinez.

The Giants don’t have the secondary to run with the Packers. Adams will have too much shake. Lazard will have too much height and strength. MVS has too much speed. MVS gets back on track this week.

The Giants inconsistencies on the OL should allow for Clark and the Smith Bros. to make a play. Look for Fackrell to also make a difference to help the Packers get off of the field on a 3rd down.

If Rodgers is seeing the field, the crossing routes should be open most of the day.

This one will be much closer than any of us want it to be. But, the Giants haven’t been able to win late and the Packers have been mostly fortuitous in close games. The Packers get back on track in the win column. It won’t be pretty, but a win is a win.

Packers 23.
Giants 19.

Go Pack Go!

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