My Take -> Week 17

Greetings, G-Force.

12-3. A week after a ho-hum victory over the Panthers, the Packers showed all of their might in route to a 40-14 demolition over the Titans. The Titans walked into Lambeau as though they were a physical team that was poised to flex their muscles in Titletown, U.S.A. Instead, it was the Packers who showed themselves of being strong enough to punch their path all the way to the Super Bowl.

As I write, I slowly sip a 2014 Russian River Temptation. A wild sour beer that is perfectly aged in Chardonnay barrels. 7.5% of refreshing beauty. I listen to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros belting out “Home” into my ears. The love the passion of this tune.

Here are my vibes from the last week:

It has been well documented in my ears that the Titans with LaFleur’s play calling and player management while he was in Tennessee. Well, on Sunday Night, LaFleur put on a coaching clinic as he trashed his old team. His team had 25 pass plays and 37 runs. Prior to the 3 kneel downs, the Packers were averaging just under 7 yards per carry. Rodgers had thrown 4 TD’s. The Packers offense was hitting in all cylinders.

Aaron Rodgers is one game away from wrapping up his 3rd MVP. He torched the Titans all game long. Other than his poor decision to force the ball down the middle, he was near flawless in the dominating Sunday Night performance.

Kudos to Pettine. His defense is coming together. Playing Championship level football.

Savage is looking more and more like Nintendo Nick.

Rashan Gary was a menacing defender. He played angry and controlled the line of scrimmage.

The Smith Bros. were intimidating monsters at the line of scrimmage.

Kenny Clark was his superstar self.

Happy to see Kirksey making a couple of plays.

Barnes can play football.

Jenkins continues to dominate.

Linsley with another elite performance.

This team will greatly miss David Bakhtiari. A stalwart at LT. Speedy recovery to you, Bakhtiari. We will miss you!!

Thankfully, Wagner’s injury is not long term.

Billy Turner is going to have to bail out the Packers.

¡SNACKS! Gutekunst has moved all of his chips to the middle of the table. He believes that this team can win the Super Bowl!

Another good game from Amos who is playing his best football as a Packer.

Jaire is an Island.

Davante Adams. Appreciate these times. Recognize greatness.

Note this: when Lazard goes in motion, the Packers love to run the cutback to his side. Soon, play action is coming out if that design.

AJ Dillon!!! With authority! Bursting onto the scene! Forcefully running into would-be tacklers. Loved the way he caught the ball. He played better as the game went on. Terrific performance by the rookie.

Aaron Jones. Exceptional balance. 9.4 yards per carry. Playing with burst. Stallion.

ESB!!! Magnificent route running!

Dafney in the open field. Earning Rodgers’ trust.

Nice to see the way LaFleur is using Austin. Eager to see him make someone miss in the open field.

This week - it’s the Bears. In Chicago. With a win, the Packers would not only win the NFC, but they’d likely eliminate the hated Bears from the playoffs.

The NFC has never felt so wide open before. A 1st round bye would be beyond crucial. Eliminating the Bears would be the first step towards positioning themselves for a potential Super Bowl run. I'd much rather play a team from LA or Arizona than a team from Chicago at Lambeau in January. The Bears are built for cold weather. The Rams and Cardinals are not. The Packers need this win.

The Bears have been playing great football since they were shellacked at Lambeau. The Bears have seemingly rose from the dead. After vanquishing in Prime Time against the Packers, the Bears offense is alive and well.

Trubisky and Montgomery are both playing great football. The Bears play calling has improved as well. There's more motion. More crossing routes. Frankly, it looks more like a LaFleur style offense. My guess is that Nagy is studying what LaFleur is doing and he's doing his best job at mimicking it.

The Bears have to be thrilled that they won't see Bakhtiari. Their secondary will be decimated. They'll be losing two of their top 3 CB's this weekend. So, they'll be hoping that their pass rush can make Rodgers uncomfortable. They'll have Hicks back this weekend. He's a difference maker. Their best player. The Packers will have to neutralize Mack or the Bears may be able to control the game with their front 7.

The Packers have been saving Aaron Jones. They have a fresh Aaron Jones. It's time to put him to work. Jones should touch the ball 20+ times this week. And, then, they should go play action to MVS over the top. If the Packers can establish the run and get the Bears Safeties creeping towards the box, a big play will open itself up deep down the field.

Defensively, the Packers must slow down Montgomery. If they can stop the run and make the Bears one dimensional, Trubisky will make mistakes. And, if the Packers can capitalize on those mistakes, they'll win by two scores. But, the Packers secondary must hold onto the football when Trubisky gives them an opportunity.

The first time they played, the Packers DL dominated. They have to belly up to the task again this week.

I think the Packers will force two turnovers. I think Jones will run well. I think Rodgers will cement himself as the NFL's MVP. I think the Packers will clinch homefield advantage in the Visitor's Locker Room at Soldier Field.

Packers 30
Bears 23

THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Go Pack Go!

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