My Take - Week 9

Greetings, G-Force.

Over the course of the last 40 years, we’ve seen many versions of the Cardiac Pack. The 2021 version might be the most unique. Thus far, this team has had a pension for completely outplaying their opponents yet they’ve been incapable of putting the opposition away. Eventually, this inability to apply the early-to-mid 4th Quarter dagger will likely catch up to the Packers, but for now, it’s important to enjoy the ride. The 2021 Packers have proven that they don’t flinch when they face in-game adversity. And, more importantly, in crunch time, this team knows how to win. Now, sadly, this team will face a different set of adversity. The face of the franchise chose not to get vaccinated. And, he thought he was smarter than all of us throughout the process. Oddly, he tried to protect his image and not come clean from the start and because of it, he strangely because a Preacherman about it all. He even grossly tied MLK into this. Now, the Packers will be without their 3x MVP QB for at least 1 week and possibly longer. In LaFleur, we will have to trust.

As I write, I sip a Green Flash West Coast IPA. Hop bursting enthusiasm. I listen to the Friday Night Phish in Las Vegas show from this past weekend. The band is on fire right now. Buzz in!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur. What an exceptional leader. His team believes in him. His competitive spirit reflected through this team on a short week. In Arizona. Against the undefeated Cardinals.

Aaron Rodgers willed this team to victory. He was determined. His energy was palpable.

Jones and Dillon. This combination has become a dynamite 1-2 punch.

The Packers OL continues to play great football.

So sad for Big Bob Tonyan.

Congrats to Dre Campbell. He’s been phenomenal!

Clark and Lowry continue to play exceptionally well.

Thought Gary and Preston were really solid on the EDGE.

Mercilus has been an impact player. He’s so disruptive.

Rasul Douglas! Dub-V! A play for the ages! Unbelievably epic!

Stoked for Stokes! The kid can play.

Happy for Black! Quick reactions to a fortuitous bounce!

Randall Cobb is playing with great desire. Willpower.

If you’ve followed this blog long enough, you know that I fully believe in the CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE. The Championship Drive is when the offense puts the game away in the 4th Quarter. It’s when they make a 2-score game a 3-score game with less than 12 minutes to play. Or when they make a 1-score game a 2-score game with less than 5 minutes to play. In Week 3, the Packers had multiple chances to put away SF; but instead, they needed a last second 51 yard FG. In Week 4, with the game seemingly in hand against Pittsburgh and the Packers ramming the ball down the Steelers throats; almost oddly, the Packers started throwing the ball. They stopped the clock and nearly let Pittsburgh back into the game. In Week 5, the Packers had numerous chances to put away Cincinnati, but they let the Bengals hang around and nearly blew it. In Week 6, we saw our first glimpse of a Championship Drive when Rodgers emphatically flashed the Belt and gave us a forever moment in Chicago. In Week 7, offered hope that they were becoming a team that had the mental wherewithal to play a 60-minute football game. Finally, in Week 8, after the Packers had seemingly just completed their most impressive back-to-back drives of the season to give them a 2-score lead; the offense fizzled. While I don’t understand how the officials justified that there was conclusive evidence that Jones didn’t score, it’s unbelievable that the Packers were unable to punch it in from what looked to be 6-12 inches away. It was absolutely sublime to see Rasul coming away with the interception to seal it, but this offense must learn to apply the dagger if they have aspirations beyond a Division title.

This week - it’s the Chiefs. In Kansas City. An afternoon game. For all of the country to see.

The Chiefs are as dangerous as it gets for a 4-4 team. They're the 2-time defending AFC Champs. Their backs are against the wall. They need a win. They still have Mahomes, Kelce, Hill, Mathieu and Jones. They have an abundance of talent. They can score as quick as any team that I've ever seen. Defensively, they can put pressure on the QB. They're suseptible to giving up the big play.

Jordan Love says all the right things. He's such a good guy. A true professional. Everyone seems to love him. However, he’s not ready to start an NFL game in Arrowhead against Mahomes. No matter how bad the Chiefs defense might be. My gut says that this game will have moments that will be too big for Jordan Love. So, it'll be crucial for LaFleur to control the clock. It'll be important for the Packers to win the line of scrimmage. It'll be important for LaFleur to put Love in favorable down-and-distance situations.

Love will be fortunate to get Adams, Lazard and MVS back this week. The Packers stable of WR's will be in tact. Love should also benefit from a productive run game. Love will also benefit from playing a Chiefs secondary that is performing at a poor level. Love will have to be aware of where Mathieu is on the field. Mathieu will look to play mind games with Love all game long.

How can the Packers beat the Chiefs without Rodgers? It'll have to start with a run game and with defense. Mahomes is terrific, but in 2021, he's been putting himself in a position where he's been forcing the ball. Turnovers can be had. Additionally, the KC offensive line has been below average. The Packers DL must win the battle at the line of scrimmage. If so, they'll give the secondary opportunities to make a play.

I imagine that Stokes will be matched up with Hill. I'm interested in seeing if Stokes can run with Hill. Amos will have to body up to Kelce.

LaFleur will look to get the ball into Jones' hands in space. If so, big plays can be had. We will see screen passes. Play action roll-out passes to the TE. LaFleur keeps it easy. But, then, LaFleur will also look to have Love throwing the deep ball to MVS down the seam. Look for an early deep pass off of play action. MVS snags a big play.

Dare I say? The Packers control the clock. Mercilus gets to Mahomes to force a turnover. LaFleur puts Love in position to win and coaches him up to not force the ball in the Red Zone. LaFleur might even go conservative inside the Red Zone to ensure points. But, against KC, you can't settle for FG's. Dillon bails out the Packers as he fights through tackles to plow into the end zone.

Packers 24
Chiefs 23

Go Pack Go!

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