My Take -> NFC Championship

Greetings, G-Force.

These are days that we will remember. Forever. These days are special. A year ago, this franchise looked like it was on the brink of entering the doldrums. Today, thanks to brilliant work by Mark Murphy, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball, Matt LaFleur, Mike Pettine and Aaron Rodgers; this franchise is revived. This franchise is alive and well. The franchise has an arrow that is pointed skyward. I couldn’t be prouder to be born and raised in Titletown, U.S.A. It means more to us. And, yes, after the victory against Seattle, I was emotionally tearful. Harness in all of this energy. It’s why we root for the Green Bay Packers.

As I write, I listen to Bob Marley’s “Natty Dread” album. I feel comfortable saying that this album is arguably Marley's most underrated album. Kind of like the 2019 version of the Green Bay Packers, a really under appreciated piece of production. I drink a Weldwerks Peanut Butter Cup Imperial Stout. It’s creamy delicious. 9.7%. With a robust peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Dank!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

When Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers got together to draw up the game plan, I’m convinced that the first thing they agreed upon was to get the ball to Aaron Jones and Davante Adams 30 times. Jones and Adams are top tier players. They need to touch the ball in order to move the ball against elite teams. LaFleur and Rodgers did a remarkable job of getting the ball to them early and often.

Pettine was patient and trusted his 3 and 4 man rushes to get home. The Packers kept winning their individual match-ups at the line of scrimmage and Wilson was uncomfortable all game long.

2019 has not been easy on the eyes for Aaron Rodgers. But, the playoff game showed that Rodgers is still loaded with talent. He was sensational. He was in control. He was dynamite all game long. The touchdown passes to Adams were absolutely beautiful.

Jimmy Graham was clutch on third down.

Tyler Ervin has been a terrific addition. He’s eye candy as a decoy. He’s a threat with the ball in his hands. He’s explosive. He’s dynamic. He must be accounted for every time he is on the field.

I loved seeing Davante Adams on underneath crossing routes with Rodgers bootlegging to his right.

On the opening drive, the Packers went 75 yards on 8 plays. They took 4:23 off of the clock. Jones and Adams combined to touch the ball 5 times.

With the score 7-3, the Packers took over at their own 25. The Packers needed to regain momentum. The Packers went 9 plays and 75 yards in 5:39. Adams and Jones combined to touch the ball 8 times.

With the score 14-3, the Packers looked to take complete control of the game after a missed Seattle FG. The Packers ate up 4:13 off the clock. They went 60 yards on 11 plays to make it 21-3. Adams and Jones combined to touch the ball 6 times.

After the half, Seattle looked to regain momentum as they cut the lead to 21-10. How’d the Packers respond? 5 plays. 75 yards. 2:35 off of the clock and a Packers TD. Adams and Jones combined to touch it 3 times.

It felt like everyone in the building thought that LaFleur was going to call play action on 1st down to start the game. Instead, he handed it to Jones. Jones burst forward for 23 yards. That was a big mental win for LaFleur.

I could watch the third down passes to Graham and Adams on repeat for years to come.

Yes, Za’Darius, you were snubbed. Another tremendous game by Za’Darius.

I’m so happy for Preston Smith. He was clearly hobbled in December. He didn’t have his burst off of the line. Pettine started to drop him in coverage. But, Preston was fantastic. He looked rejuvenated. The bye treated him well. Preston dominated the line of scrimmage. His 3rd down sack thwarted the Seahawks comeback and gave Rodgers the ball back with a chance to seal the deal.

Jaire Alexander alters games. Even when his name isn’t called. He’s a game changer.

When Amos and Savage are on the field together, I feel 100% confident in the security of our secondary.

Strong performance by Kevin King. I wish he would’ve held onto the interception, but nonetheless, he was tough in coverage and in the run game.

Kenny Clark is an absolute beast. He dominated the line of scrimmage. Loved his effort.

Oren Burks was a demon on special teams.

Great to see Dean Lowry getting his hands up to disrupt passing lanes.

Chandon Sullivan is a really good football player.

G-Mo made a 3rd down play!

Tyler Lancaster showed good hustle. He gets underneath his blocker and gets a push.

This team needs Allen Lazard to be healthy.

If the Packers are going to win the Super Bowl, they’re going to need MVS to make a splash play or two deep down the field. At some point, someone other than Jones and Adams has to make a game changing play. It feels like Lazard, Ervin and Kumerow are all capable. But, MVS has the most big play potential.

Tip of the cap to Jared Veldheer. He had a really strong performance, if you consider the circumstances.

Matt LaFleur went with many 2-TE sets. A wide variety of combinations, too. Jace, Tonyan, Lewis and Graham all played extensively. He did so to create 1 on 1 match-ups on the outside. It was evident that Seattle wanted to stop the run. They also wanted to double cover Adams as much as possible. But, when LaFleur went with 2-TE sets, he put himself in position to win with play action passes to Adams. LaFleur was dialed in.

I’m a big fan of Jace Sternberger. He’s an aggressive blocker. He is a fighter. I’m holding out hope that he has a crucial reception on the horizon.

Jake Kumerow was not in peak performance as a receiver, but his block on Clowney to get Jones into the end zone was all of the goodness that defines the epic nature of this team. Kumerow was also rock solid on special teams.

Superfly to see Za’Darius stunting to the inside.

Grateful that Amos knocked down the Hail Mary pass at the end of the half.

The locker room inside the 2019 Green Bay Packers team just feels different. There’s unification. There’s togetherness. They’re creating their own destiny with a belief in one another. By definition, they fit the word “team” and that togetherness goes beyond words.

The Aaron Rodgers QB sneak was gorgeous.

Aaron Jones has an uncanny ability to find his way to the goal line.

Have to admit: I was stunned when Jamaal Williams didn’t get to the 1st down marker when he was in the open field.

I really like seeing Will Redmond as a gunner on special teams. I'd like to have him back in 2020.

It was a true treat to see the Lambeau Gods blowing a FG wide right.

Lambeau Field looked to be in prime form. If you were in attendance, thank you!

Lil’ Wayne called it one of the dopest days of his life. Pop Tarts!

Take all of this energy in. Savor it. Who knows when we’ll be in this position again. I cannot get enough of this team.

The Canadian Football League had 54 All-Stars in 2019. Two of them have signed futures contracts in Green Bay: Reggie Begelton and DeShaun Amos. I love the way Gutekunst constructs the bottom portion of his roster. Non-homer take: I'm surprised that Gutekunst didn't win the Executive of the Year award. He quickly revamped a Packers roster from a faltering crop to a fairly deep and talented group.

For this weeks 2020 Packers mock draft, I used my own current draft rankings as projections. I’m a long ways from being prepared for the Draft, but I’m making small progress. Eventually, I'd like to have 2 WR's drafted as I imagine a mini overhaul at the WR position this offseason. Here goes:

Round 1: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame.
Round 2: Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU.
Round 3: Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota.
Round 4: Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh.
Round 5: Colton McKivitz, OT, Dub-V.
Round 6: Robert Hunt, OT, Louisiana.
Round 6: Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse.
Round 7: Evan Weaver, ILB, Cal.
Round 7: Sean McKeon, TE, Michigan.
Round 7: Logan Wilson, ILB, Wyoming.

This week - it’s the team from Green Bay traveling to the Bay Area. The winner will carry the NFC Crown and earn a trip to the 305 for a chance to win the Lombardi Trophy. Let that sink in for a moment. To repeat myself, a year ago, the Packers finished in last place in the NFC NORTH. They were 1-4-1 in the Division. This year, the Packers won the Division. They went 6-0 in the NFC NORTH. They are one win away from playing in the Super Bowl. I will cherish every snap of the game this weekend. Vibes up, Packers fans!

It’s easy to reflect on the last time these two teams played and to think that it’ll be really tough for the Packers to compete. But, I must remind you that the last time they played, there were two highly questionable officiating calls that put the 49ers in position to take a 10-0 lead. And, at that point, the Packers became one-dimensional - as LaFleur has become all year when he’s trailed by 2-scores - and the 49ers simply pinned their ears back and attacked Rodgers. It also didn’t help that Bulaga didn’t play. Alex Light proved to be incapable of blocking the 49ers vaunted defensive front. Now, in no way am I blaming the officiating for the loss in November, I’m simply stating that it’s possible the teams are much more evenly matched than the clobbering we witnessed in November. It’s also fair to assume that the Packers never mentally recovered from the 10-0 deficit. With that said, once again, if the Packers fall behind early in this contest, the game could get late very early in the game.

San Francisco has an abundance of offensive weapons. Deebo Samuel is only getting better. Emmanuel Sanders is still a reliable target. Kendrick Bourne has had a thrill for the dramatics. Richie James is a dangerous with the ball in his hands. James is also a lethal returner. At RB, the 49ers have a trio of stars in Coleman, Mostert and Breida. At TE, the 49ers have the best one in the game, George Kittle. Levine Toilolo is also a good blocking TE and a reliable receiving option. Jimmy Garoppolo has been very good, but he's prone to making mistakes. He often misses his targets behind the receiver, which might give the Packers a chance to jump a crossing route. The 49ers OL is beastly. Laken Tomlinson, Mike Person, and Ben Garland have eaten up blockers on the interior. Mike McGlinchey has developed into a legitimate star at RT. Kyle Juszczyk is a sneaky weapon at FB. He must be accounted for.

Defensively, the 49ers apply an abundance of pressure. They do so by only rushing 4 players at a time. They're front 4 is so good that they don't have to blitz. And, because of their depth, they're able to rotate and keep everyone fresh. Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner have immense length. They not only eat up runners and put pressure on the QB, but they disrupt passing lanes. Nick Bosa has been elite. Dee Ford is healthy and adding high level pass rushing skills. Solomon Thomas might not be living up to his 1st round draft pick status, but he's still a very good rotational player. Sheldon Day is also disruptive. At LB, the 49ers struck it rich in the last two drafts with Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner. Kwon Alexander has returned from injury. He's a stud. In the secondary, Richard Sherman is still an A-level talent. Other than that, I feel like the 49ers secondary has played better than they actually are. I'd like to think that Emmanuel Moseley can be attacked, but Moseley keeps playing great football. When he plays, Ahkello Witherspoon can be beaten. K'Waun Williams has been great as a slot CB. He's shocked me with his slot skills. He jams and runs. He plays smart football. Jimmie Ward has offered over the top help across from Sherman. Jaquiski Tartt continues to play very well. Better than I'd expect him to. Because of the pressure that their front 4 applies on the QB, the 49ers can scheme to give deep safety help on nearly every play. And, since Sherman is still playing at an elite level, they're often able to give Moseley help over the top, so he sits on the underneath routes. They have a fantastic defensive set up.

The Packers must come out with a fierce intensity. Ready to attack. With full blown aggressiveness on both sides of the line of scrimmage. In order to win, the Packers are not only going to have to protect Rodgers, but they’ll also have to slow down the SF run game. They’ll probably also have to win the turnover battle.

I’ve always respected the Minnesota run defense. It’s wild to think that SF scored 27 points against Minnesota on only 19 passes. Garoppolo only completed 11 passes. SF ran the ball right at the heart of the Minnesota defense with very little misdirection. They were more physical. They punished the normally tenacious front 7 of the Minnesota defense with 47 rushing attempts. That’s crazy to consider.

I don’t expect Shanahan to run the ball 47 times this week, but I do envision a 50/50 run/pass split. It’ll be vital for the Packers defense to win first down.

Shanahan is terrific at devising an initial script. LaFleur has been very good as well. The 1st Quarter of this game is telling. I really hope that the Packers play defense to start the game. Get off of the field. Hand the ball to Rodgers with a chance to score 1st. Then, get the ball to start the 3rd Quarter. If the Packers can keep it to a 3-point game over the course of the 1st Quarter, I really like the Packers chances as both teams will settle down from the initial adrenaline rush. The Packers just have to survive the 1st Quarter. Especially the 1st 10-12 minutes. Let the initial rush of the train roll by. Let things calm down.

Once again, the Packers look to get the ball to Jones and Adams in abundance. I expect them to combine to touch it at least 25 times. The Packers will also look to slow the pace of the game down. They'll want to limit the possessions in the game in an effort to mellow the crowd's impact.

The Super Smith Bros. make another major impact. They're bringing their axe's. Gonna chop down trees. And, fight the 49ers OL.

Kenny Clark, Lancaster and Lowry duke it out with fever against the brute SF front to limit SF's run game.

With the 49ers looking to stop the run and clouding Admas, LaFleur will have to design ways to free up others as well. I fully anticipate Tyler Ervin making a big play down the sidelines as a receiver. I also expect MVS to get a shot deep down the field. Look for Rodgers to connect with MVS. I'm also expecting to see a play action pass to Jace down the seam.

The Packers defense shows up in mighty fashion. They force two turnovers. Jaire grabs an interception on a pass that's thrown behind Sanders on a crossing route.

Rodgers protects the ball all game long and delivers a late TD drive to grab the lead.

Once again, as they've done all year, the defense rises to the occasion to get the late stop. The Packers are going to the Super Bowl!

The NFL loves drama. First, it was the Packers beating the Seahawks in a great outside-of-the-division rivalry. Over the last 20 years, since Holmgren joined the Seahawks, the two teams have been linked. Then, it is the Packers taking on the 49ers for the 8th playoff battle over the last 25 years. And, when Packers win, they'll likely play the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It'd be a rematch of Super Bowl I in the 100th year of the NFL. Oh, the story lines.

Packers 27.
49ers 23.

Go Pack Go!

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

My Take -> Divisional Playoffs

Greetings, G-Force.

Sativa-like sensations billowed 5th Ave in Brooklyn, NY as Mason Crosby nailed the game winning FG to secure a 1st round bye for the Packers. I was in NYC to see Phish at MSG and Crosby's kick brought euphoria to the soul. These are days that we must cherish. 13-3. Division champs. #2 seed. Leggo!

As I write, I’m listening to Yonder Mountain String Band’s Mountain Tracks Vol 2. This 2002 gem of a live release really has me missing Jeff Austin. I’ve been dealing with a light strep throat/post influenza/early pneumonia battle, so I’m unfortunately without a beer by my side. So, if my tone is different, I apologize, in advance.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Plain and simple, Packers fans: RISE UP! This one is for those of you that are fortunate enough to be in attendance. Off your ass. On your feet. For 60 minutes.

Cheering for the 2019 version of the Green Bay Packers is unlike any version of the Packers that I’ve ever seen. We’re used to seeing elite QB play, questionable defensive play and heartbreaking losses late in games. Today, while Aaron Rodgers is still capable of being elite and has been at times this year, he hasn’t been elite over the course of a 16-game season. Today, we’re watching a defense that knows how to win games unlike any team I’ve seen in past years. This defense knows how to get off of the field in the 4th Quarter. This defense knows how to force a turnover when this team needs it the most. This defense gets pressure on the QB. This defense is selfless. This defense is about the team result. They believe in one another. This defense is capable of carrying the Packers to the Super Bowl. And, because of the defense’s approach, the Packers have consistently won close contests. Consider this: the Packers were 8-1 in one-score games. In most of those games, the defense stepped up with major stops in the 4th Quarter.

For many years, I’ve listened to Packers fans talk with envy over the Seahawks, Bears and ‘queens ability to win games in ugly fashion. For many years, those franchises have known how to steal victories from the jaws of defeat. In 2019, the Green Bay Packers have that trait. They’re going to fight for 60 minutes. They’re going to be tenacious. For some, it’ll make you think that this team isn’t very good. You’re wrong. They’re excellent. They know how to win. And, they can beat you in a wide variety of ways. As fans, we must embrace this team. They’re winners. They’re just winning in a fashion that we’re not accustomed to watching and really, it feels like we don’t know how to cheer for this style of football. It’s foreign to us. My advice: just give it all of the positive energy that you can muster.

Now, we must hope that Aaron Rodgers gets hot. Just like he was in the month of October. If we can get that version of Aaron Rodgers to lead the Packers offense throughout the playoffs, look out. This Packers team is an October 2019 version of Aaron Rodgers away from being a Super Bowl Champion. Yes, I firmly believe that. This defense will pressure the QB. This defense will force turnovers. Mason Crosby will be reliable. JK Scott will be trustworthy. Tyler Ervin will make an impact in the return game. The OL will offer time. This team needs Aaron Rodgers to return to his normally accurate self.

Here’s my 2020 Packers Mock Draft. For it, I used the Fanspeak Steve Draft Board:

Round 1: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina.
Round 2: Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia.
Round 3: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford.
Round 4: Luke Farrell, TE, Ohio State.
Round 5: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas.
Round 6: JR Reed, S, Georgia.
Round 6: Trevon Hill, EDGE, []_[].
Round 7: Zack Moss, RB, Utah.
Round 7: Joe Gaziano, EDGE, Northwestern.
Round 7: Khaleke Hudson, ILB, Michigan.

This week – it’s the Seahawks traveling to Titletown, U.S.A. in the Divisional Playoffs. The winner earns a trip to the NFC Championship. The Packers and Seahawks have established a great out-of-division rivalry.

The Seahawks have two really talented WR’s in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Metcalf has been much better than I expected him to be. Lockett continues to improve each and every year. Russell Wilson is on his way to having a Hall of Fame career and 2019 was the best regular season of his career. The Seahawks brought Marshawn Lynch out of retirement and Lynch has shown flashes of returning to his old form. Jacob Hollister has been a good receiving TE addition for Seattle. The Seahawks OL has been inconsistent in the pass protection, but they can bully as run blockers. DJ Fluker and Germain Ifedi get low and drive forward on the right side. Mike Iupati continues to play tough, mean football. Duane Brown is a great LT. Both Brown and Iupati are banged up and might miss the action this weekend. If so, that'd be a major win for the Packers.

This Seattle defense gets great play out of their front 7. Jarran Reed and Poona Ford have been rocks in the middle of the defense. Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah are still superstars at the book-end of the defensive line. They can destroy games. Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright have played a lot of football. Both players continue to make huge impacts on games. They’re so smart. They’re dictators on the football field. Shaquill Griffin is a budding star at CB. Tre Flowers is a classic John Schneider find at CB. Schneider likes big, long, tall CB’s. Somehow, he found Flowers and snatched him up in R5. Brad McDougald and Quandre Diggs have been solid additions at Safety. The Seahawks lack depth in the secondary, so if you can spread them out, good things can happen down the field.

Both teams are going to control the tempo of the game by running the ball. They’re going to try to eat clock and to control the time of possession.

This game will be determined by two things: who can run the ball better and who can force turnovers.

The Seahawks are going to find ways to get the ball to Lynch. I expect to see Lynch as the target of a couple of screens. I also expect the Seahawks to give Russell Wilson multiple RPO looks for him to improvise. The Wilson-Lynch tandem will be in full-effect.

I’d expect the Seahawks to target Metcalf deep down the sideline when he’s covered by King. Pettine would be wise to give King safety help most of the game.

While the Packers will look to establish the run early. I fully expect to see a play-action pass to Davante on the first play of the game. We’ve seen the weak-side slant off of play action previously. I’d like to see a double move early in this game off of the same look.

Defensively, I don't think Seattle will blitz often. They'll try to play coverage and hope that their front 4 can get some pressure.

Look for Tyler Ervin to make a big play as a receiver out of the backfield down the sideline.

Expect Rodgers and Adams to connect on at least 4 completions for first downs.

Aaron Jones gets loose for a long run.

The defense gets a stop late to send the Packers to the NFC Championship!

Packers 23.
Seahawks 16.

Go Pack Go!

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