My Take -> Week 13

Greetings, G-Force.

The Bears still suck. The Bears still suck. They really, really, really, really, really, really suck. Oh, the Bears still suck.

8-3. A commanding three game lead in the North. With 5 to play. The Packers must keep it rolling.

As I write, I’m taking my final sips of a Russian River Intinction. This Sauvignon Blanc barrel aged Pilsner is grape forward. This is the first I’ve sipped of it and it’s an absolute delight. I listen to Phish’s 7-21-17 show from Madison Square Garden. It was the kickoff to their famed 13-night Bakers Dozen run. I was fortunate to be in attendance. Shake Your Coconuts!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur was spectacular. He knew that he needed to win the line of scrimmage. He knew that he had to keep the Bears defensive front off balance early on. How’d he try to slow down the pass rush? Well, on the first play of the game, he calls play action and a screen to Madcedes Lewis — of all people — to the weak side of the field. The result? A Packers first down. The Packers offense never looked back.

It’s starting to feel like a 2-man race for MVP. It’s Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was in complete control against the hated Bears. 21-29, 211 yards, 4 TD’s, 0 interceptions.

3rd and 7 on the opening drive. No problem against a 5-man rush. Hit the crosser to Lazard. Brilliance from Rodgers and LaFleur.

LaFleur’s use of motion will never grow tired. It almost disappoints me when he designs a play without it.

Yes, it was epic to watch the Packers trashing the Bears. It was equally sublime to see the Bears seemingly quitting in the 3rd Quarter on Jamaal Williams’ 13 yard TD run. Eddie Jackson is an elite Safety. He made a big time business decision in refraining to make contact on Williams’ RD run. Plainly stated, the Packers not only defeated the Bears on the scoreboard, but they defeated the Bears physically, mentally and emotionally as well.

So happy for Preston Smith. Let’s hope this performance propels him to a stellar close to the season. He must be super in order for the Packers to be Super in 2020. His 3rd down sack on the opening possession of the 3rd Quarter was a humongous play in the game.

Za’Darius has been a turnover monster for this defense.

Darnell Savage! It was really nice to see him making a couple of big time plays. Let’s see more of that!

Jaire continues to play at an All Pro level.

Raven Greene has become a very reliable player for this defense.

Aaron Rodgers is playing with more composure than we’ve ever seen before. Ultra poised in the pocket. In command. Brimming with confidence.

I was surprised to see so many empty sets from LaFleur. He kept splitting Aaron Jones out wide. Eventually. We are going to see Jones on a double move and a deep ball out of that set. Maybe this week?

Tip of the cap to Billy Turner. He not only neutralized Khalil Mack, he brutalized him.

Nice to see ESB making a couple of plays. Why does he look so uncomfortable with the ball in his hands?

Allen Lazard is a normally terrific blocker. A joy to watch.

Big Bob Tonyan continues to earn himself a huge paycheck. Right now, he’s playing as though he’s a top 5 TE in the NFL.

Shout it with me: THE BEARS STILL SUCK! THE BEARS STILL SUCK! THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Happy Be-Day, Aaron Rodgers.

Always a treat to see Marcedes in the end zone. The celebrations make me smile with bursting glee.

Aaron Jones punished the middle of the Bears defense. Huge props to Lucas Patrick who continues to impress.

Really hoping Corey Linsley is healthy for the stretch run. That said, I expect Jenkins to be the starting Center in 2021. I will miss Linsley in a big way when he’s gone. What a stud.

Don’t look now, but Gutekunst might’ve found his starting Guard for the future in Jon Runyan.

When it’s all said and done, we might find Davante Adams in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Adams catches his 500th pass, which happens to be a TD; Lewis catches his 400th pass, which happens to be a TD; and Rodgers tops 50,000 yards on a pass that happens to be a TD. All in the same game. Wildly riveting!

THE BEARS SUCK!

The 2nd and 8 39 yard TD pass to Big Bob Tonyan was the definition of why the Packers should relish this LaFleur + Rodgers combination forever. They could smell the blood dripping from the souls of the Bears defense. LaFleur calls a 2-TE set. He sends MVS in motion as eye candy for the defense. MVS has to be respected. He draws attention from the Bears LB’s. MVS perfectly fakes as though he’s getting the hand off. Rodgers drops back as though he’s going to hand the ball off to Jones who has been slicing through the Bears defense. Jones averaged more than 5 yards per carry. Tonyan runs a beautiful deep post and leaves Eddie Jackson in his dust. Dagger. Heart. Inserted. Twisted. Dinner time. The Bears Still Suck! Go Pack Go, baby!

Quick shout out to Ted Thompson. Rodgers, Jones, Williams, Adams, Tonyan, Linsley, Patrick, and Bakhtiari continue to be the core of a dynamite NFL offense 3 years after his retirement.

It’s in Matt LaFleur’s nature to go for it on 4th and short. It’s why I can’t be too harsh for the call at Indy. LaFleur blew this game open with just under 7:00 left on 4th and 2 from the 28. Leading 13-3, LaFleur, once again, showed his aggressive approach to coaching the game. With Adams lined up in the backfield, Rodgers ended up having to scan the entire field until he found Tonyan on the backside for a 14-yard gain.

Christian Kirksey must be better.

I love the Tavon Austin signing. Austin is a perfect peg for LaFleur’s offense. LaFleur will be able to scheme Austin into the open field. I’m eager to see the ball in his hands. There’s no reason for Austin to not touch the ball 3 times per game. I envision him as the return man as well. Wishful thinking, I know, but can Austin become the 2020 version of Desmond Howard? Please? Maybe? :)

As frustrating as it was to watch the Packers defense struggle in the 4th, it’s important to remember to it was equally as scintillating to watch that same defense on the first two possessions of the third.

This week - it's the Eagles. Coming to Lambeau. With temperatures in the mid 30's, the sun expected to be shining and minimal wind anticipated, this is exceptional December football weather in Titletown, USA. In December, you should know the brand of your football team. If the Packers can somehow find a way to go 4-0 in December, I anticipate that they'll be in a great position to control their own destiny for home field advantage when they walk into Soldier Field for Week 17. It all starts this weekend and the Packers cannot afford to overlook the Eagles.

Like the Bears the week before, the Eagles are a desperate football team heading into Lambeau Field. Desperate teams can be scary team. Look for the Eagles to bring trickery. Like LaFleur, Doug Peterson likes to go for it on 4th down. Peterson will be aggressive in his coaching style. If it's 4th and short, he won't be bringing his special teams units on the field. He'll be going for 2 after TD's.

The Eagles are getting healthier as they head into Lambeau this weekend. Zach Ertz is expected to play. So is Fletcher Cox. Darius Slay is also likely to play.

The Packers will have their hands full covering the Eagles offensive weapons if they don't pressure Carson Wentz. The Eagles biggest weakness is their banged up OL. The Packers must win the edges and dominate the Eagles tackles. Expect a big game from Gary and Preston Smith. Jason Peters will likely play Guard. He's injured and can't move. Look for the Packers to line Za'Darius right over him. Za'Darius should be able to consistently shake him. Za'Darius' quickness should be a difference maker.

Wentz hasn't played well, but it should be noted that he came into Lambeau and beat the Packers last year. The Packers must pressure him or else they'll have to find a way to cover the wide array of options that Wentz at receiver. Funchess has blossomed into a good player. Ward is a talented slot target. Reagor has shown well for a rookie. The Eagles got Jeffery back a couple of weeks ago and should be getting Arcega-Whiteside back this week as well. Ertz, Goedert and Richard Rodgers give Wentz three receiving TE options. And, at RB, Sanders, Scott and Clement can all catch the ball out of the backfield. All can make a would-be tackler miss as well. The Packers can't overlook the Eagles or Philly will put up points. Especially if Wentz can find his accuracy.

Philly's Defensive front also matches up well against the Packers. I fear that they could apply heavy pressure to Rodgers. They'll attack Rodgers. Hargrave, Cox, Graham and Barnett call destroy plays. The Packers OL, which has played very well this year, better be up for the task. It'll be a big test for Jon Runyan.

I expect Aaron Jones to get loose. Look for Jones to touch the ball 20 times on Sunday.

Look for LaFleur and Rodgers to attack Avonte Maddox on a double move early in the game. He can't run with MVS and he doesn't have the size to cover Lazard.

The Eagles did a good job limiting the Seattle offense on Monday Night. I'm hoping the Packers don't have similar issues. If they can protect Rodgers, they should be able to move the ball because I struggle with finding ways in which I see Philly being able to cover the Packers.

I see this game being a nail biter. Tighter than the Vegas line predicts. A back and forth contest. Wentz has a big turnover late in the game. Rodgers delivers. Crosby connects.

Packers 30
Eagles 27

Go Pack Go!

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