Greetings, G-Force.
A scattered array of optimism was provided in a hard fought, gritty victory over the WFT. It wasn’t always pretty, but the team played with a level of will and determination for the full 60 minutes. For the first time this year, they didn’t let up.
As I write I sip a Dust Bowl Tomorrow’s Clear IPA. 7.2%. Sensational. I listen to Phish’s Chula Vista show from last Saturday night. What a gem!
Here are my quick vibes from the past week:
The Packers 6th win felt different than the rest. It was a different brand of football. There was heavy pressure from the Defensive front. They were forcing fumbles. The defense dictated the tempo. On offense, they were aggressive. They were spreading the ball out and getting Tonyan and Lazard involved. LaFleur was both creative and in command. Rodgers was patient and seeing the Field. It was the brand of Football that is capable of beating any team in the NFL. Don’t get me wrong, no one will confuse Washington with Tampa Bay, but the tough minded mentality of the team was on display against an inferior opponent and that needs to be recognized.
Vintage LaFleur to go for it on 4th down on the opening possession of the game. His offense needed 7 points to end the long drive. Happy to see the team convert it for a TD.
Rodgers played the best game of his season. He was patient. He read the Field. He wasn’t always perfectly accurate, but it was the type of performance that quietly moves his name up the list of MVP candidates.
Davante Adams. If he stays in GB with 12 for the next 5 more seasons, I believe that Adams will end up in the Hall of Fame.
Very happy to see Tonyan getting involved down the Field.
Great to see Lazard actively involved in the offense.
Hold onto the ball, Dillon.
Aaron Jones’ vision consistently amazes me.
Marcedes Lewis! What a catch!
The OL has been extremely impressive for 7 weeks, considering the circumstances. But, it’s time to get Bakhtiari back. They’ve regressed over the last two weeks.
Dre Campbell continues to show his worth. He was all over the Field on Sunday. Loved seeing him punch the ball out as well.
Finish the play, Jaylon.
Stoked for Stokes! The kid can play!
Amos was rock solid.
Lowry continues to have the best year of his career.
Gary was a menacing force.
Clark is playing at an elite level.
Good to see Mercilus making a quick impact. He will make a game changing play this year to help this team claim a victory.
Keke made his presence felt!
Rasul Douglas has proven to be a solid addition in two games. Thought he got hosed on the pass interference call.
Loved seeing Sullivan grab the pick.
This week - it’s the undefeated Cardinals. In Arizona. On a short week. With a COVID outbreak in the locker room.
The Cardinals are littered with weapons on offense. Murray is playing at an MVP level. Hopkins is as good as it gets at WR. Green looks youthful. Moore can fly. Kirk is dangerous after the catch. Edmonds is a talented receiver out of the backfield. Connor is a steady pound it between the tackles RB. Williams is a reliable option at TE.
Defensively, the Cardinals are spectacular. Golden, Jones, Watt and Hicks can all get to the QB. Simmons and Baker fly around the field. They’re weakness is at CB. But, with the Packers without Adams and Lazard, it’ll be hard to find a scenario in which they’ll be able to take advantage of that weakness. Hopefully, they’ll get MVS back.
If the Packers want any shot at the #1 seed heading into the playoffs, they must win this game.
Enter: Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. I’ve thought that they needed to be on the field more at the same time. Well, this week, it happens out of necessity. And, because of it, a new wrinkle is born. We see Jones as a pass catcher in motion. We see Dillon on the wheel route. The Packers work to get the ball into their RB’s hands in space. We see more Tonyan.
Winfree gets free for the Win? Just maybe. I had high hopes for him entering the season.
Murray can make mistakes. If pressured, he will occasionally force the ball downfield. The Packers must take advantage. Stokes makes the play!
It’ll be a grind. There will be many moments of frustration.
Could it be a hallmark regular season victory in the 2021 season? Like last hear in NO.
Clark, Preston, Mercilus, Gary and Lowry provide enough pressure to annoy Murray.
Together, LaFleur and Rodgers have had an uncanny ability to accomplish the unthinkable in the regular season.
Packers 27
Cardinals 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Friday, October 22, 2021
My Take -> Week 7
Greetings, G-Force.
And, just like that, Aaron Rodgers has added a forever moment in the legendary rivalry between the Packers and Bears. For more than 100 years, these franchises have bashed heads. Last Sunday, we witnessed a moment that'll stand the test of time. "I still own you." Book it.
As I write, I listen to the Phish July 27, 2018 show from the Forum. I'm heading out to CA to see Phish at the Forum again this weekend. With that, I reminisce about a great night that I enjoyed at the famed indoor venue. I sip an Avery Kaiser. 'Tis the season for a Munich style big beer. This Imperial Oktoberfest clocks in at 8%. Yet, it's so smooth. A true favorite of mine this time of year.
My quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur got back to a little bit of his creative roots as the game wore on, but he started off the game looking like McCarthy's offense at the end of his time in Green Bay. Straight forward looks. Little motion. Bland. In return, his offense was stagnant. LaFleur introduced more motion and when he did, he saw better results. LaFleur's offense is based on deception. He must stick with his roots.
Aaron Rodgers wasn't in his MVP form. He missed some open throws. But, he gave us a moment of a lifetime. After rushing for a TD and getting clocked as he crossed the goal line, Rodgers showed us THE BELT. Then, we saw the classless Bears fans showing the middle finger in excessive fashion. In the end, "I still own you" will reign supreme. Forever. Damn it feels good to be a Packers fan.
Davante Adams. Straight butter. So smooth.
AJ Dillon is becoming a force in this offense.
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Much respect, Lucas Patrick!
Aaron Jones. Elite. He defines Packers football. What's not to like about him? A great dude.
Marcedes Lewis!
Bobby Tonyan needs to get more involved in this offense. He's a solution in the Gold Zone!
This team will improve when MVS and Dafney return from the IR. Don't overlook Dafney's value to this team. He's a tremendous blocker.
Dean Lowry is playing the best football of his career.
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Kenny Clark is playing at an All Pro Level.
Rasul Douglas might've been the MVP. Had Yiadom stayed in the game, the Bears might've dropped 40. When Douglas came in, there was a semblence of sanity to the defense.
Make the tackle, Jaylon Smith.
What a punt!
Whitney Mercilus! OH MERCY! But, Packers fans, check yourself. This isn't a suddenly new version of Brian Gutekunst. In 2018, he signed Breeland as an in-season player. In 2019, it was Veldheer. In 2020, it was Austin and Snacks. This is who Brian Gutekunst is.
This week - it's the WFT in Green Bay. There's absolutely no reason for the Packers to not go to 6-1.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I have to head out to the beach to go on vacation. Yes, I'm dreaming about my toes in the sand. A sip of tequila. A clear IPA. Fish tacos. Family and friends. A Phish show in Chula Vista and another in LA after a drive up the coast. That's where my head's at.
As for the Packers, control the line of scrimmage. Protect 12. Establish the run. Open up play action. Lazard snags a TD deep down the Field. WFT can cover GB. No chance.
And, for the Packers fans, make sure your piss is hot early in the morning. Keep it rowdy! Packers 30
WFT 20
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
And, just like that, Aaron Rodgers has added a forever moment in the legendary rivalry between the Packers and Bears. For more than 100 years, these franchises have bashed heads. Last Sunday, we witnessed a moment that'll stand the test of time. "I still own you." Book it.
As I write, I listen to the Phish July 27, 2018 show from the Forum. I'm heading out to CA to see Phish at the Forum again this weekend. With that, I reminisce about a great night that I enjoyed at the famed indoor venue. I sip an Avery Kaiser. 'Tis the season for a Munich style big beer. This Imperial Oktoberfest clocks in at 8%. Yet, it's so smooth. A true favorite of mine this time of year.
My quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur got back to a little bit of his creative roots as the game wore on, but he started off the game looking like McCarthy's offense at the end of his time in Green Bay. Straight forward looks. Little motion. Bland. In return, his offense was stagnant. LaFleur introduced more motion and when he did, he saw better results. LaFleur's offense is based on deception. He must stick with his roots.
Aaron Rodgers wasn't in his MVP form. He missed some open throws. But, he gave us a moment of a lifetime. After rushing for a TD and getting clocked as he crossed the goal line, Rodgers showed us THE BELT. Then, we saw the classless Bears fans showing the middle finger in excessive fashion. In the end, "I still own you" will reign supreme. Forever. Damn it feels good to be a Packers fan.
Davante Adams. Straight butter. So smooth.
AJ Dillon is becoming a force in this offense.
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Much respect, Lucas Patrick!
Aaron Jones. Elite. He defines Packers football. What's not to like about him? A great dude.
Marcedes Lewis!
Bobby Tonyan needs to get more involved in this offense. He's a solution in the Gold Zone!
This team will improve when MVS and Dafney return from the IR. Don't overlook Dafney's value to this team. He's a tremendous blocker.
Dean Lowry is playing the best football of his career.
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Kenny Clark is playing at an All Pro Level.
Rasul Douglas might've been the MVP. Had Yiadom stayed in the game, the Bears might've dropped 40. When Douglas came in, there was a semblence of sanity to the defense.
Make the tackle, Jaylon Smith.
What a punt!
Whitney Mercilus! OH MERCY! But, Packers fans, check yourself. This isn't a suddenly new version of Brian Gutekunst. In 2018, he signed Breeland as an in-season player. In 2019, it was Veldheer. In 2020, it was Austin and Snacks. This is who Brian Gutekunst is.
This week - it's the WFT in Green Bay. There's absolutely no reason for the Packers to not go to 6-1.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I have to head out to the beach to go on vacation. Yes, I'm dreaming about my toes in the sand. A sip of tequila. A clear IPA. Fish tacos. Family and friends. A Phish show in Chula Vista and another in LA after a drive up the coast. That's where my head's at.
As for the Packers, control the line of scrimmage. Protect 12. Establish the run. Open up play action. Lazard snags a TD deep down the Field. WFT can cover GB. No chance.
And, for the Packers fans, make sure your piss is hot early in the morning. Keep it rowdy! Packers 30
WFT 20
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 16, 2021
My Take -> Week 6
Greetings, G-Force.
What an awkwardly thrilling victory! The Packers showed great perseverance, stamina and mental mettle as they gutted out the nail biting victory.
As I write, I sip a Joyride Experiment IPA #20. It’s odd to me that the clear IPA is seemingly a thing of the past. They’ve become cloudy or lightly malty. I prefer my IPA’s to be crisp and clear. This one delivers. In grand fashion. An instant favorite of mine. I listen to the Bob Marley “Kaya” album. It’s a chilly evening in CO, but reggae music warms the soul.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur is a play calling wizard. But, in Cincinnati, we witnessed a conservative approach that we haven’t seen in his 2+ years with him as Coach. Inside the Red Zone, we saw very little eye candy for the defense. With that, the offense stalled.
Aaron Rodgers. After the 1st Quarter, when he was given time, he was mostly accurate. He wasn’t seeing the Field in elite fashion, but he was safe with the football. He was efficient. He put the Packers in position to win.
Aaron Jones. Superstar. All hunger.
Davante Adams. An absolute weapon on offense.
This team needs to utilize Robert Tonyan in the Gold Zone. He’s the solution.
AJ Dillon is a tremendous pass catching RB. I didn’t see that coming.
The OL wasn’t as dominant as it’d been in recent weeks, but it was another gutty + impressive performance by this makeshift group.
Dean Lowry was fantastic!
Kenny Clark is playing at an All Pro level.
Dre Campbell!! Showing himself as a steal of a claim.
Stoked for Stokes! Another sound performance for the rookie.
Catch the ball, Savage. Like Amos did.
Nice to see Preston rushing up the Field rather than dropping in coverage this year.
Liked seeing Gary lining up over Center as a stand up rusher.
Barnes and Burks both showed burst blitzing the QB.
Can’t wait to see Jaylon Smith!
Hamilton is a high effort player on the edge. He’s a step slow and he plays 1/3 yard off the ball further than I wish he did, but I like his energy.
Slaton eats up blockers.
Marcedes Lewis brings tears to the eyes. So fun!
There were many moments of poor execution on offense. Felt like ESB and Deguara were often either out muscled or mentally out of sync.
Randall Cobb picking up 1st downs!
At some point the Packers are going to have to get the ball to Amari Rodgers when he’s in motion, just to keep the defense honest. Otherwise, he’s not even worth a look.
Liked the early screen to Hill, wish he’d be the eye candy jet sweep morion man rather than Amari. Feels like he’s more of a threat in the open field.
I like the Dunbar signing. Fairly remarkable to think that Gutekunst has added Smith, Douglas and Dunbar at this point in the season.
This week - it’s our hated neighbors to the South. The suddenly upstart Bears who have found new hope behind their rookie QB. With back-to-back impressive performances, the Bears appear to be vastly improved over what many thought they’d be in 2021.
The Bears play defense. They attack the football. They win the line of scrimmage. Hicks’ injury status is huge.
The Bears have injuries at RB. Like the Packers have injuries at CB. Expect the Bears to attack the Packers down the field opposite Stokes. Stokes is brimming with confidence. Across from him, Yiadom is not trusting his instincts. The Bears will look to beat Yiadom down the field.
I'd like to think that if the Packers can protect Rodgers, the reigning MVP will have a stellar day. He'll find Adams. He'll get Tonyan involved. He'll hit Lazard on a deep crossing route. The Bears don't have the depth at CB to cover GB.
Early in the game, the Packers find success running the football. It opens up play action. The Packers strike first.
But, the Bears hang around. Fields is efficient. He intelligently picks up 1st downs with his legs. He is accurate in the pocket as the Bears OL holds up. Let's hope the Packers defense finally holds the opposition out of the end zone in the Red Zone.
Offensively, the Packers finish drives. I've been begging for Tonyan. This week - again, I'm predicting it! Tonyan scores twice.
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Packers 27
Bears 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
What an awkwardly thrilling victory! The Packers showed great perseverance, stamina and mental mettle as they gutted out the nail biting victory.
As I write, I sip a Joyride Experiment IPA #20. It’s odd to me that the clear IPA is seemingly a thing of the past. They’ve become cloudy or lightly malty. I prefer my IPA’s to be crisp and clear. This one delivers. In grand fashion. An instant favorite of mine. I listen to the Bob Marley “Kaya” album. It’s a chilly evening in CO, but reggae music warms the soul.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur is a play calling wizard. But, in Cincinnati, we witnessed a conservative approach that we haven’t seen in his 2+ years with him as Coach. Inside the Red Zone, we saw very little eye candy for the defense. With that, the offense stalled.
Aaron Rodgers. After the 1st Quarter, when he was given time, he was mostly accurate. He wasn’t seeing the Field in elite fashion, but he was safe with the football. He was efficient. He put the Packers in position to win.
Aaron Jones. Superstar. All hunger.
Davante Adams. An absolute weapon on offense.
This team needs to utilize Robert Tonyan in the Gold Zone. He’s the solution.
AJ Dillon is a tremendous pass catching RB. I didn’t see that coming.
The OL wasn’t as dominant as it’d been in recent weeks, but it was another gutty + impressive performance by this makeshift group.
Dean Lowry was fantastic!
Kenny Clark is playing at an All Pro level.
Dre Campbell!! Showing himself as a steal of a claim.
Stoked for Stokes! Another sound performance for the rookie.
Catch the ball, Savage. Like Amos did.
Nice to see Preston rushing up the Field rather than dropping in coverage this year.
Liked seeing Gary lining up over Center as a stand up rusher.
Barnes and Burks both showed burst blitzing the QB.
Can’t wait to see Jaylon Smith!
Hamilton is a high effort player on the edge. He’s a step slow and he plays 1/3 yard off the ball further than I wish he did, but I like his energy.
Slaton eats up blockers.
Marcedes Lewis brings tears to the eyes. So fun!
There were many moments of poor execution on offense. Felt like ESB and Deguara were often either out muscled or mentally out of sync.
Randall Cobb picking up 1st downs!
At some point the Packers are going to have to get the ball to Amari Rodgers when he’s in motion, just to keep the defense honest. Otherwise, he’s not even worth a look.
Liked the early screen to Hill, wish he’d be the eye candy jet sweep morion man rather than Amari. Feels like he’s more of a threat in the open field.
I like the Dunbar signing. Fairly remarkable to think that Gutekunst has added Smith, Douglas and Dunbar at this point in the season.
This week - it’s our hated neighbors to the South. The suddenly upstart Bears who have found new hope behind their rookie QB. With back-to-back impressive performances, the Bears appear to be vastly improved over what many thought they’d be in 2021.
The Bears play defense. They attack the football. They win the line of scrimmage. Hicks’ injury status is huge.
The Bears have injuries at RB. Like the Packers have injuries at CB. Expect the Bears to attack the Packers down the field opposite Stokes. Stokes is brimming with confidence. Across from him, Yiadom is not trusting his instincts. The Bears will look to beat Yiadom down the field.
I'd like to think that if the Packers can protect Rodgers, the reigning MVP will have a stellar day. He'll find Adams. He'll get Tonyan involved. He'll hit Lazard on a deep crossing route. The Bears don't have the depth at CB to cover GB.
Early in the game, the Packers find success running the football. It opens up play action. The Packers strike first.
But, the Bears hang around. Fields is efficient. He intelligently picks up 1st downs with his legs. He is accurate in the pocket as the Bears OL holds up. Let's hope the Packers defense finally holds the opposition out of the end zone in the Red Zone.
Offensively, the Packers finish drives. I've been begging for Tonyan. This week - again, I'm predicting it! Tonyan scores twice.
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Packers 27
Bears 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
Friday, October 8, 2021
My Take -> Week 5
Greetings, G-Force.
That was certainly fun. Lambeau Field was rowdy. The crowd was animated. The fans had a contagious energy. It was an environment that reminded me of a mid 90’s fan base. There was electricity radiating off the Stadium walls. I really hope ghat spirit remains throughout the 2021 Season. And beyond.
As I write, I sip a Spotted Cow. Tastes like home. Deliciously refreshing. Light. Goes down smoothly. Easy drinking. I’m listening to the Phish Shoreline Night 2 show. 9–1-21. I can’t get enough of the magic that happened over these two nights.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur. Animated. Love his sideline pizzazz. He’s a sideline spark plug.
Aaron Rodgers. He’s gaining confidence in his OL. He’s seeing the Field better. He wasn’t as accurate as we are accustomed to seeing him, but he’s leading the huddle + line of scrimmage in MVP. If Rodgers can find his accuracy, we might be witness to another riveting season on the offensive side of the ball.
Defensively, this team cannot afford any more injuries. The Za’Darius and Jaire injuries feel like they’re absolutely devastating blows to what we all hoped this season would become. I’m still holding out hope for both to come back. But, it doesn’t feel good.
AJ Dillon has been really impressive as a pass catcher. I also dig the way he lowers his body in short yardage situations. He finds the marker.
Aaron Jones as a pass catcher. He’s lethal. It gets him in space and allows him to use his elite vision.
Randall Cobb. Suddenly, the trade for Cobb looks like a brilliant decision. He was top flight on 3rd down. A 1st down magnet with a heart of gold desire to find the end zone.
Davante Adams looking like Michael Jackson on a dance floor with the ball in his hands.
Call them the Bully Boys! Runyan, Myers and Wild Man 70! They dominated the line of scrimmage in punishing fashion.
Thought Yosh played another dynamite game. He’s come of age.
Tonyan was close to a breakout game, but 12 missed his target on a number of big play opportunities.
Lazard’s physical play will never get old. He seeks contact.
Billy Turner is quietly having a monster season.
Kenny Clark was a mammoth man in the middle of the defense.
Stoked for Stokes! He plays with intelligence beyond his years!
Campbell continues to impress! He gets sideline to sideline.
Keke making a play! Shoutout!
Gary doesn’t load up the box score but he disrupts on more plays than he doesn’t. He plays with excellent energy.
Thought Preston played with great fight.
Jaylon Smith!!!! Excitement level on infinity. I legitimately thought that he had Hall of Fame traits in college. He was that dominant. He was as elite of a LB as I’ve seen in recent memory at the college level. He hasn’t been the same in the NFL, but there’s no question in my mind that he will bring Leadership and Intensity to the locker room. He will bring speed to the defense. He will want to hit people. I couldn’t be more excited about him being in Green Bay. A change of scenery might be really good for him. If he finds his stride, the Packers might’ve added an elite talent to the center of this defense.
Don’t overlook the Rasul Douglas signing. Here’s what I wrote on him before the 2017 NFL Draft and I still hold these feelings today: 16.) Rasul Douglas, WV. Round 4. I had him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick until he ran his 40. Thought he played faster than he timed, but we've learned that a 4.6 40 simply doesn't cut it on the perimeter in the NFL. So, Douglas probably translates to a Nickel CB. He played very well on the outside at the college level. Showed make-up speed on crossing routes. He was a ball magnet. Love his length and his ability to jam at the line.
This week - it’s the Bengals. In Cincy. The Bengals at 3-1 are one of the most impressive stories over the first 1/4 of the NFL Season.
For the Packers, they begin a tough 5 game stretch in which 4 of them will be on the road. If the Packers can somehow manage to go 3-2 over this stretch, they’ll be in prime position to make a run at a 3rd consecutive NFC NORTH crown.
Joe Burrow is whipping the ball all over the Field. He’s a commander in the huddle. He’s inspired excitement inside the organization. He has a ton of weapons as well. The Packers might catch a break if Mixon doesn’t play. Perine is extremely limited compared to Mixon. At WR; Boyd, Higgins and Chase, are stars on the rise. Speed and athleticism that destroys secondaries. They can get over the top and they’ll beat you on underneath routes.
This appears to be a really physical Bengals team. They may lack star power on defense but they play with speed, confusion and power. They attack the edges of the line of scrimmage. Trey Henricksen has developed into a dynamite force. Sam Hubbard plays with maximum effort. Ogunjobi and Reader play with a good quickness + power + effort combination. The Bengals front will challenge the Packers.
At LB, Pratt and Wilson are two ascending players. The Bengals have also revamped their secondary. Jessie Bates is All Pro material. He leaves his mark each and every week. Vonn Bell is a steadying force at Safety. Waynes, Awuzie and Apple are veteran CB’s, but they’re the wink link. If the Packers can give Rodgers time, he will have open receivers.
The Packers are going to have to be able to run the ball behind the heart of the young OL. Runyan, Myers and Wild Man 70 must be up for the task again. The run game will slow down the pressing Bengals defensive front.
I’d expect to see more of Jones and Dillon on the field at the same time. It gives LaFleur flexibility and another option to find ways to create chunk plays with MVS on IR. The Packers need down field options. Jones can be one when lined up against a LB.
I’m expecting a high scoring affair. Burrow will be in attack mode. He will sense blood in the water on this Packers defense. He will target Kevin King and Yiadom. He will find big plays down the field.
The Packers will seek efficiency. Extended drives. Converting on 3rd and short. Tonyan in the Gold Zone. Tonyan is so close to a breakout game.
The Bengals are going to have to slide coverages to Davante. They simply do not have the talent on the outside to cover him. If Bates can be taken away from the middle of the field, this is a major win for the Packers.
Burrow makes plays, but he’ll also occasionally miss his spot. I’m waiting for Savage to make a play. It happens late in this one to preserve victory.
Packers 31
Bengals 27
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-Mac.blogspot.com
That was certainly fun. Lambeau Field was rowdy. The crowd was animated. The fans had a contagious energy. It was an environment that reminded me of a mid 90’s fan base. There was electricity radiating off the Stadium walls. I really hope ghat spirit remains throughout the 2021 Season. And beyond.
As I write, I sip a Spotted Cow. Tastes like home. Deliciously refreshing. Light. Goes down smoothly. Easy drinking. I’m listening to the Phish Shoreline Night 2 show. 9–1-21. I can’t get enough of the magic that happened over these two nights.
Here are my quick vibes from the last week:
Matt LaFleur. Animated. Love his sideline pizzazz. He’s a sideline spark plug.
Aaron Rodgers. He’s gaining confidence in his OL. He’s seeing the Field better. He wasn’t as accurate as we are accustomed to seeing him, but he’s leading the huddle + line of scrimmage in MVP. If Rodgers can find his accuracy, we might be witness to another riveting season on the offensive side of the ball.
Defensively, this team cannot afford any more injuries. The Za’Darius and Jaire injuries feel like they’re absolutely devastating blows to what we all hoped this season would become. I’m still holding out hope for both to come back. But, it doesn’t feel good.
AJ Dillon has been really impressive as a pass catcher. I also dig the way he lowers his body in short yardage situations. He finds the marker.
Aaron Jones as a pass catcher. He’s lethal. It gets him in space and allows him to use his elite vision.
Randall Cobb. Suddenly, the trade for Cobb looks like a brilliant decision. He was top flight on 3rd down. A 1st down magnet with a heart of gold desire to find the end zone.
Davante Adams looking like Michael Jackson on a dance floor with the ball in his hands.
Call them the Bully Boys! Runyan, Myers and Wild Man 70! They dominated the line of scrimmage in punishing fashion.
Thought Yosh played another dynamite game. He’s come of age.
Tonyan was close to a breakout game, but 12 missed his target on a number of big play opportunities.
Lazard’s physical play will never get old. He seeks contact.
Billy Turner is quietly having a monster season.
Kenny Clark was a mammoth man in the middle of the defense.
Stoked for Stokes! He plays with intelligence beyond his years!
Campbell continues to impress! He gets sideline to sideline.
Keke making a play! Shoutout!
Gary doesn’t load up the box score but he disrupts on more plays than he doesn’t. He plays with excellent energy.
Thought Preston played with great fight.
Jaylon Smith!!!! Excitement level on infinity. I legitimately thought that he had Hall of Fame traits in college. He was that dominant. He was as elite of a LB as I’ve seen in recent memory at the college level. He hasn’t been the same in the NFL, but there’s no question in my mind that he will bring Leadership and Intensity to the locker room. He will bring speed to the defense. He will want to hit people. I couldn’t be more excited about him being in Green Bay. A change of scenery might be really good for him. If he finds his stride, the Packers might’ve added an elite talent to the center of this defense.
Don’t overlook the Rasul Douglas signing. Here’s what I wrote on him before the 2017 NFL Draft and I still hold these feelings today: 16.) Rasul Douglas, WV. Round 4. I had him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick until he ran his 40. Thought he played faster than he timed, but we've learned that a 4.6 40 simply doesn't cut it on the perimeter in the NFL. So, Douglas probably translates to a Nickel CB. He played very well on the outside at the college level. Showed make-up speed on crossing routes. He was a ball magnet. Love his length and his ability to jam at the line.
This week - it’s the Bengals. In Cincy. The Bengals at 3-1 are one of the most impressive stories over the first 1/4 of the NFL Season.
For the Packers, they begin a tough 5 game stretch in which 4 of them will be on the road. If the Packers can somehow manage to go 3-2 over this stretch, they’ll be in prime position to make a run at a 3rd consecutive NFC NORTH crown.
Joe Burrow is whipping the ball all over the Field. He’s a commander in the huddle. He’s inspired excitement inside the organization. He has a ton of weapons as well. The Packers might catch a break if Mixon doesn’t play. Perine is extremely limited compared to Mixon. At WR; Boyd, Higgins and Chase, are stars on the rise. Speed and athleticism that destroys secondaries. They can get over the top and they’ll beat you on underneath routes.
This appears to be a really physical Bengals team. They may lack star power on defense but they play with speed, confusion and power. They attack the edges of the line of scrimmage. Trey Henricksen has developed into a dynamite force. Sam Hubbard plays with maximum effort. Ogunjobi and Reader play with a good quickness + power + effort combination. The Bengals front will challenge the Packers.
At LB, Pratt and Wilson are two ascending players. The Bengals have also revamped their secondary. Jessie Bates is All Pro material. He leaves his mark each and every week. Vonn Bell is a steadying force at Safety. Waynes, Awuzie and Apple are veteran CB’s, but they’re the wink link. If the Packers can give Rodgers time, he will have open receivers.
The Packers are going to have to be able to run the ball behind the heart of the young OL. Runyan, Myers and Wild Man 70 must be up for the task again. The run game will slow down the pressing Bengals defensive front.
I’d expect to see more of Jones and Dillon on the field at the same time. It gives LaFleur flexibility and another option to find ways to create chunk plays with MVS on IR. The Packers need down field options. Jones can be one when lined up against a LB.
I’m expecting a high scoring affair. Burrow will be in attack mode. He will sense blood in the water on this Packers defense. He will target Kevin King and Yiadom. He will find big plays down the field.
The Packers will seek efficiency. Extended drives. Converting on 3rd and short. Tonyan in the Gold Zone. Tonyan is so close to a breakout game.
The Bengals are going to have to slide coverages to Davante. They simply do not have the talent on the outside to cover him. If Bates can be taken away from the middle of the field, this is a major win for the Packers.
Burrow makes plays, but he’ll also occasionally miss his spot. I’m waiting for Savage to make a play. It happens late in this one to preserve victory.
Packers 31
Bengals 27
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-Mac.blogspot.com
Friday, October 1, 2021
My Take -> Week 4
Greetings, G-Force.
After a highly tumultuous offseason, my Packers spirit needed a pick me up. It needed a moment of connectivity. The Sunday Night thriller has me feeling a sense of exhale.
As I write, I sip a 2014 Crooked Stave Origins. Burgundy Sour. Aged in Oak Barrels. A victory beer. I listen to the Phish Shoreline 9-1-21 show. I cannot get enough of that 2-night run, it was me mentally “Screaming Through Space!”
Here are my quick vibes from the last t week:
Matt LaFleur. His play design on the 2nd drive of the game was elite play calling. Schematic brilliance. LaFleur is always a competitor, but his demonstrative sideline presence showed how much he knew his team needed this victory.
Aaron Rodgers. That was the #12 that we saw last year. Calm. Cerebral. Seeing the Field. Patient in the pocket. An MVP performance.
Mason Crosby. $$$.
It didn’t work, but I loved LaFleur’s instincts to go for it up 10 on 4th and 1. He was craving a 3-score lead.
Allen Lazard volunteering to cover kickoffs after watching the kickoff return near the end of the first half is everything that’s is right about this team.
Stoked for Stokes! I thought the rookie played a great game. Two highly questionable Pass Interference calls against him didn’t detract from his performance. Stokes shows up in a Grateful Dead shirt in SF? Kid gets it.
Thought Campbell played really well. He attacked the SF stretch runs and never allowed them to take it upfield. He was the aggressor.
Gutekunst might’ve struck gold with the interior combination of Runyan, Myers and Wild Man 70. This might give the team the option of moving Jenkins to RT to solidify the OL for the future.
Yosh Nijman. I’ll never forget his performance. Legitimately unbelievable. He dominated Nick Bosa after the 1st series of the game.
Solid performance from the Defensive front. Clark was a beast. Lowry had a nice push. Slaton and Lancaster held the point. Gary and Preston were more disruptive than the box score suggests.
I’m starting to worry about Keke and his ability to play in the NFL. Had high hopes for him.
Don’t overlook Dominique Dafney being put on IR. Dafney has developed into a stellar blocker. He had clearly beaten out Jace Sternberger. He was a valuable versatile role player for this offense. He’s also a worthwhile special teams player. Hope he’s healthy soon!
This week - it’s the Steelers coming to Lambeau. It’ll be the first game that I will have attended in 2 years. Over the last 12 years, these two teams have had 4 epic battles. In 09, Big Ben won it at the end. In February of 11, XLV was given to us to enjoy forever. In 13, the Flynn threw incomplete on the last play of the game in the end zone and the Packers lost by 7. In 2017, the Steelers made a last second FG to claim victory. This year, it’s an early season this feels somewhat like as much of a must-win for both franchises as a 1st weekend of October could be. The Steelers are 1-2, with their backs against the wall. The Packers are 2-1, but it feels like they will need to win their home games in what appears to be an extremely difficult schedule.
The Steelers are a better team than their record suggests. They’re physical on defense. They have players who will force turnovers. They’ll win the line of scrimmage. On offense, they have playmakers all over the field. The Packers are going to have to find a way to get to Big Ben of this will be a rough day at Lambeau Field.
If the Steelers are getting Watt back from injury this week, the Packers are going to have to give Yosh help. Watt can destroy an offense, by himself. It'll be important for the Packers to keep him off balance. While Yosh was unbelievable last week, I find it tough to believe that he'll be able to mirror that performance in back-to-back weeks against elite EDGE rushers.
The Steelers have a dynamite starting combination of CB’s. They have no depth. Look for LaFleur and Rodgers to test that depth. With MVS being unlikely to play, the Packers will need someone else to be a presence over the top of the defense. I’ve had a hunch that ESB will get his opportunities to play the MVS role. He makes a play down the Field.
I’ve been waiting for Tonyan to have a big game. It happens this weekend.
Stoked for Stokes gets his first career interception.
Campbell and Kenny Clark are big in the run game.
Rodgers tosses 3 TD’s.
Once again, this game comes down the end. The defense gets the stop as Gary grabs a big sack.
Packers 27
Steelers 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
After a highly tumultuous offseason, my Packers spirit needed a pick me up. It needed a moment of connectivity. The Sunday Night thriller has me feeling a sense of exhale.
As I write, I sip a 2014 Crooked Stave Origins. Burgundy Sour. Aged in Oak Barrels. A victory beer. I listen to the Phish Shoreline 9-1-21 show. I cannot get enough of that 2-night run, it was me mentally “Screaming Through Space!”
Here are my quick vibes from the last t week:
Matt LaFleur. His play design on the 2nd drive of the game was elite play calling. Schematic brilliance. LaFleur is always a competitor, but his demonstrative sideline presence showed how much he knew his team needed this victory.
Aaron Rodgers. That was the #12 that we saw last year. Calm. Cerebral. Seeing the Field. Patient in the pocket. An MVP performance.
Mason Crosby. $$$.
It didn’t work, but I loved LaFleur’s instincts to go for it up 10 on 4th and 1. He was craving a 3-score lead.
Allen Lazard volunteering to cover kickoffs after watching the kickoff return near the end of the first half is everything that’s is right about this team.
Stoked for Stokes! I thought the rookie played a great game. Two highly questionable Pass Interference calls against him didn’t detract from his performance. Stokes shows up in a Grateful Dead shirt in SF? Kid gets it.
Thought Campbell played really well. He attacked the SF stretch runs and never allowed them to take it upfield. He was the aggressor.
Gutekunst might’ve struck gold with the interior combination of Runyan, Myers and Wild Man 70. This might give the team the option of moving Jenkins to RT to solidify the OL for the future.
Yosh Nijman. I’ll never forget his performance. Legitimately unbelievable. He dominated Nick Bosa after the 1st series of the game.
Solid performance from the Defensive front. Clark was a beast. Lowry had a nice push. Slaton and Lancaster held the point. Gary and Preston were more disruptive than the box score suggests.
I’m starting to worry about Keke and his ability to play in the NFL. Had high hopes for him.
Don’t overlook Dominique Dafney being put on IR. Dafney has developed into a stellar blocker. He had clearly beaten out Jace Sternberger. He was a valuable versatile role player for this offense. He’s also a worthwhile special teams player. Hope he’s healthy soon!
This week - it’s the Steelers coming to Lambeau. It’ll be the first game that I will have attended in 2 years. Over the last 12 years, these two teams have had 4 epic battles. In 09, Big Ben won it at the end. In February of 11, XLV was given to us to enjoy forever. In 13, the Flynn threw incomplete on the last play of the game in the end zone and the Packers lost by 7. In 2017, the Steelers made a last second FG to claim victory. This year, it’s an early season this feels somewhat like as much of a must-win for both franchises as a 1st weekend of October could be. The Steelers are 1-2, with their backs against the wall. The Packers are 2-1, but it feels like they will need to win their home games in what appears to be an extremely difficult schedule.
The Steelers are a better team than their record suggests. They’re physical on defense. They have players who will force turnovers. They’ll win the line of scrimmage. On offense, they have playmakers all over the field. The Packers are going to have to find a way to get to Big Ben of this will be a rough day at Lambeau Field.
If the Steelers are getting Watt back from injury this week, the Packers are going to have to give Yosh help. Watt can destroy an offense, by himself. It'll be important for the Packers to keep him off balance. While Yosh was unbelievable last week, I find it tough to believe that he'll be able to mirror that performance in back-to-back weeks against elite EDGE rushers.
The Steelers have a dynamite starting combination of CB’s. They have no depth. Look for LaFleur and Rodgers to test that depth. With MVS being unlikely to play, the Packers will need someone else to be a presence over the top of the defense. I’ve had a hunch that ESB will get his opportunities to play the MVS role. He makes a play down the Field.
I’ve been waiting for Tonyan to have a big game. It happens this weekend.
Stoked for Stokes gets his first career interception.
Campbell and Kenny Clark are big in the run game.
Rodgers tosses 3 TD’s.
Once again, this game comes down the end. The defense gets the stop as Gary grabs a big sack.
Packers 27
Steelers 23
Go Pack Go!
Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
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