My Take -> Week 6

Greetings, G-Force.

4-0. Firing on all offensive cylinders. The defense continues to find a way to make enough plays on defense to get the ball back to the offense. And, thus far, the high-powered offense has been able to consistently make it a 2-score game.

As I write, I’m sipping a Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Latte Imperial Coffee Milk Stout. It’s 8.9%. Silky coffee flavor. With a creamy milk body. Goes down way too easy. If you see it, grab it. It won’t disappoint. I’m listening to the Johnny Adams “Turning Point” album. It brings a great combination of soul + jazz + early funk. The more I dive into his music, the more I love it. I really enjoy grooving to “Feel the Beat, Feel the Heat.” I believe that this vibe is a must own for any die hard record collector. The Soul 70 - 7” box set is really terrific. It gave me the introduction to his music.

My quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur is continuing to show himself as an elite play caller. He’s brimming with confidence. He’s in control. He’s putting his weapons in position to run free in the open field. Yards after the catch are coming easily due to the design of the play. Right now, I believe that he’s the Coach of the Year in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers. Right now, it’s a 2-man race for the NFL’s MVP: Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.

Za’Darius Smith. Just eating. Showing leadership. Dominating. A 1-man wrecking crew.

Big Bob Tonyan. Yes, the three TD’s were spectacular. But, the thing that is mind blowing for me is just how versatile he’s become. He can stand up as a receiver in the slot. He can play the H-Back role. He can line up out wide. He can live up tight to the formation. He can line up one step off the line of scrimmage with his hand in the turf. His versatility is a tremendous weapon in this offense.

Speaking of versatility, how about Jamaal Williams? He’s reinvented himself.

Krys Barnes is highly entertaining. He’s unquestionably the most physical ILB that the Packers have had since Desmond Bishop. He’s a presence in the middle of the field. I absolutely love the way he seeks contact on the blitz. He can get sideline to sideline. He attacks. I wish he’d have made the interception to cement a fantastic Prime Time performance. I’m not ready to crown him as a full-fledged legitimate starting ILB, but if he continues to throw forearms into people, I’m going to be all-in. He’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

A defining series of downs in the 2020 season started with 1:16 to play in the 2nd Quarter. It was 2nd and 17. LaFleur calls 4 wide with Rodgers in shotgun. Williams to his right. 2 receivers split to both sides of the field. Grady Jarrett blows past Jenkins for what appears to be an easy sack to seemingly end the drive. But somehow, Rodgers keeps his balance and has the awareness to flip the ball to Williams for a gain of 2. Then, on 3rd and 15, LaFleur again calls 4 wide, Rodgers in shotgun and Williams to his right. This time, 3 of the receivers are to the strong side of the field. LaFleur designs a screen to the weak side just to get the Packers into FG range. But, Williams forcefully powers forward for a 13-yard gain. In 4th and 2, LaFleur stays aggressive. Holding a 13-3 lead and in FG range, LaFleur boastfully goes for it. Again, he has 4 receivers standing up, but this time they’re all right to the formation with three of them to the strong side of the field. Rodgers again in shotgun with Williams to his right. The bunch formation to the strong side of the field creates both confusion and a natural pick. Malik Taylor is wide open for a 21 yard gain. One play later, it’s Rodgers to Big Bob Tonyan for an 8-yard TD on 1st and goal. And, a 2nd Quarter dagger to the hearts of a defeated Falcons team.

What do you think Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, James Jones, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb, Geronimo Allison, Andrew Quarless, Jarrett Boykin and Davante Adams thought about that MVS back shoulder attempt in the end zone? Hell, Myles White would’ve caught that. Rodgers has made a Hall of Fame career throwing that exact same pass. On Monday Night Football, his #1 WR was incapable of making a play on a perfectly thrown back shoulder pass. Yet, the Packers still scored 30 points? Unbelievable.

Can you imagine if this team had another legitimate option at WR? Ponder just how amazing this LaFleur and Rodgers combination would be if they had a WR who could adjust mid play on the back shoulder throw. Consider what this offense could do if this offense had another WR who had the body control to adjust and make a play on the ball in the air. Maybe Funchess was supposed to be that guy, but still I am baffled as to how Chase Claypool wasn’t the selection. On April 4th and 5th, on Twitter, I wrote twice how I wanted Claypool as the 1st round pick. He seemed like a Gutekunst style of WR as well. Maybe ESB can develop as the year progresses, but Claypool felt like a ready-made NFL product. He’s proving to be that way as well. It’s possible that we will be grateful that Jordan Love is a Packer in 5 years, but over the next 5 months, the Packers would be legitimate favorites in the NFC with another WR.

Add this to the 2020 oddity: the NFC might never be this up for grabs again. Gone are the wild crowds in Seattle and New Orleans. Minnesota is in rebuild mode. LA’s weapons on offense don’t strike fear into you. The NFC EAST looks brutal and is now without Dak. Tampa Bay will be a threat as they continue to get accustomed to playing together, but they have serious holes on the OL. The Bears are 4-1, but it feels like their offense won’t be enough to sustain a playoff run. Gutekunst must find another target at WR. And, that option doesn’t need to be any better than Jake Kumerow. I really hope ESB can be that player. Carpe diem, Gutekunst!

LaFleur and Rodgers ripped apart an NFL defense on MNF with MVS, Malik Taylor and Darrius Shepherd as the WR options. “Oh, baby, baby, it’s a Wild World.”

Rodgers and LaFleur are smiling wildly right now. In lockstep.

Lucas Patrick will have better days ahead of him.

Liked LaFleur’s creativity when he put Wagner in as a Tackle eligible with Big Dog being out with injury. This team is so well coached that Shepherd even displayed the awareness to slide back to make sure that he didn’t illegally line up with too many players at the line of scrimmage. Tonyan did the same. On offense, this team is playing with a remarkable attention to detail. Matt LaFleur is a Football Teacher.

I’d like to see LaFleur design a play with 2-TE. Split Jace to the outside. I’d be curious to see how a defense would cover Jace in man coverage. Would they do so with a Safety or a LB? If so, their could be an opportunity down the sideline for a big play in man coverage. Jace looks like an imposing target. I’d like to see him on a jump ball or a back shoulder throw.

Preston Smith could use a date with Jobu.

I’m continuing to like what I see from Keke.

I thought Lancaster had his best game of the year.

Raven Greene brings very good energy to the field. Unlike Josh Jackson, he’s fearless. Greene seeks contact.

I like Ty Summers’ speed, but man, it’s difficult to watch him try to tackle. It defeats me that Oren Burks can’t beat him out.

Can’t wait for this team to get Clark, Gary and Adams back.

I can’t imagine this team without Aaron Jones and David Bakhtiari. They need to be signed.

Mason Crosby drilling the FG to make it a 2-TD game is so clutch and often forgotten.

Gutting to see Josiah Deguara get hurt for the year on a meaningless punt. Had high hopes for him.

Will Redmond isn’t a starter in the NFL, but he’s a highly valuable depth player. Championship teams have a Will Redmond on their roster.

Interesting that Gutekunst brought in Alvin Jones, Aaron’s twin, as a tryout player. I’d love to see the Packers do with Jones what the Bucks are doing with the Greek Freak. Sign the brother. Hope that helps with negotiations. And, really, what’s wrong with having Alvin as a Practice Squad player? Negotiate that into Aaron’s contract. I kid, I kid. But, maybe?

This week - it’s the Bucs in Tampa. Admittedly, I’m really worried about this game. The Bucs appear to be healthy at WR again. With Godwin and Evans, that’s dangerous. Also, don’t overlook the weather. The October humidity in Florida has a way of eating you up.

Tampa has a great run defense. They’ll test the potency of the Packers running attack.

I loved Carlton Davis coming out of college. The Davis v Adams match-up on the outside will be defining.

As fans, let’s embrace this matchup. Let’s cherish the opportunity to see Rodgers v Brady as a QB battle.

Ronald Jones is running like a man on a mission. He will challenge the Packers defensive front.

Rob Gronkowski isn’t what he used to be, but he will still test the Packers ability to cover the TE.

Cameron Brate is among the most underrated TE’s in football.

Brady has always loved the slot WR. Scott Miller fills that role really well.

The weakness on Tampa Bay is their OL. The Packers DL must control the line of scrimmage and get to Brady early in the game. If not, the Packers will be playing from behind early.

The Packers need Kevin King to be healthy this weekend.

I’m pining for Preston to have his breakout game. Don’t press, Preston. Stay relaxed. Be confident. I feel a Preston Smith strip-sack coming.

Unlike last year when Adams returned from injury, this year, the Packers offense stays creative. Rodgers continues to find the drop off pass to the TE and the RB. The team plays within themselves.

The Packers defense forces two turnovers.

Packers 31. Buccaneers 27.

Go Pack Go!

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