My Take -> Week 8

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