My Take -> Week 3

Greetings, G-Force.

A win is a win in this League. The Packers were fortunate that they played the hapless Lions, so they could ensure a victory in front of the hometown fans. At Lambeau Field. On Monday Night.

As I write, I sip an Epic Brewing Big Bad Baptist. The evenings have cooled off in Colorado and the Stouts are tasting smooth. When I’m as worried about the Packers as I am right now, I like my beers high in ABV. This one clocks in near 12%. I listen to the Beatles “Let It Be” album.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur cannot be happy with the start to the season. The team looks lethargic. It’s a long season and I have hope that the teams physicality will mightily improve with the return of Za’Darius and Bakhtiari. But, right now, this team looks more like a team that’ll finish close to .500 than a team that’ll return to the NFC Championship Game.

Aaron Rodgers. Love the dart to Tonyan. The bomb to Davante was unbelievable. But, he doesn’t look comfortable to me. It looks as though he’s still finding his footing. He’s still learning how much he can trust his OL. Rather than seeing the Field post snap, his decision making seems predetermined by his pre-snap read of the defense.

Thank the Good Lord for Jared Goff. Without Goff, we might be talking about an early change being needed at Defensive Coordinator for the Packers: instead, the defensive flaws were masked by Goff’s ineptitude. Goff didn’t see the Field on 4th and 1. Goff mishandled a snap that led to a fumble. Goff gifted the Packers a sack. Goff missed an open receiver to essentially hand an interception to Campbell. That was the difference in the game.

Aaron Jones is an absolute superstar of a Football player. He’s seemingly a better dude than he is a Football player as well. That’s a remarkable feat.

Davante Adams. These are days to remember.

Rodgers to Cobb to pick up a 1st down on a free play. Just like old times.

Love the weak side screen call to Tonyan. Tonyan is earning himself a monster contract.

Tonyan, Adams, Jones and Rodgers having big statistical games on a night in which TT is honored. So many hearts.

Jenkins is an elite football player.

Stoked for Stokes is the message. Kid plays with speed. Enjoy watching his youthful spirit. Kid has passion. Hoping his energy can bring a spark to the defense.

Kingsley Keke. ¿Donde esta? This team needs Keke to be a rising star.

Campbell has been a bright spot at ILB through two weeks. He’s active. Like the dreads flowing on this defense!

Kevin King moving to the slot. In an attempt to save his career.

This defense has looked as bad as any since 2016. The best player in the secondary that year? Ladarius Gunter. He wouldn’t even make this team.

Brian Gutekunst has assembled a quality roster. Have to hold out hope that this all comes together.

This week - it’s the 49ers in SF. I fear the thought of thinking about what Kyle Shanahan will do to our new Defensive Coordinator. I’m scared of what the SF DL will do to the young Packers OL, especially if Jenkins is unable to play.

The 49ers are banged up at RB. They’re hunting for people off of the streets to potentially suit up for the game this Sunday Night. Still, somehow, I envision SF being able to run the ball. It feels like Shanahan will draw up successful play action to Deebo, Aiyuk and Kittle. He’ll find ways to get the ball to Juszczyk. He will confuse the Packers the Packers with excessive motion. He’ll creatively get the ball to Aiyuk and Deebo in space.

The Packers will have to pound the ball at the SF front. I’m expecting a heavy dose of AJ Dillon in an effort to match the strength of the SF front. I expect to see Dillon and Jones on the field at the same time. LaFleur must come with imagination. Jones acts as the jet sweep option to open up the LB’s. Dillon pounds away between the tackles.

And, then, the only way I envision the Packers winning this game is if they connect on a couple of deep shots to MVS. I think it happens. Rodgers clearly felt awful about missing MVS on a couple of open passes on Monday Night. This week, he connects. MVS finishes with 2TD’s and over 100 yards.

Somehow, the Packers survive in a game that will define the current of the Packers union. Are they strong enough? Are they prepared enough? Are they able to compete with a talented roster on the road? Many questions will be answered this week. It’s a long season, but it feels like this week might foreshadow what the 2021 season might bring. I’m doing my best to keep the faith.

Packers 24 SF 23

Go Pack Go!

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