My Take -> NFC Championship

Greetings, G-Force.

The buzz is real. The hype is legit. The Lambeau Field sensation could be felt through the TV screen. If you were in attendance, thank you! There was undoubtedly a spirited home field advantage in effect. The Packers bottled the fans gifted energy and channeled it into physical dominance on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Cherish these days. Please. Savor them.

As I write, I casually sip a 2015 Avery Czar. This is arguably my favorite beer that’s ever been crafted. I’m bummed that Avery stopped making it. 10.4%. So smooth. A total delight. I listen to Lil’ Wayne’s Green and Yellow. The 2021 version. On repeat. Don’t underestimate the fierce power that this song brings to the Packers locker room.

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

The Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers embrace before Kickoff gave me assurance that this team was dialed in and ready to stick it to the Rams.

A masterful performance by LaFleur. Loved his use of the RB’s. Enjoyed seeing Dillon and Jones on the field at the same time and then pounding away with Williams in short yardage.

Aaron Rodgers. 23-36. 296 yards. 2 TD’s. 0 interceptions. Just another day at the office for Rodgers. He was in complete control. Other than the two risky throws before halftime, the 2nd down Gold Zone throw to MVS in the 1st Quarter and the miss on the deep ball to MVS, he was exceptional.

Kenny Clark. He might not always dominate, but when he does he’s as forceful as any DT in the game. He dictated the line of scrimmage throughout the game.

Rashan Gary is quickly becoming an elite EDGE player. A difference maker. He’s playing with tremendous burst. His in-game recognition has improved. He overwhelms Tackles.

Jaire Alexander is playing a shutdown style of CB that I’ve never witnessed in a Packers uniform.

Za’Darius Smith is a sensational interior pass rusher on 3rd down. I love the way he uses his eyes to seek out a gap for a free lane. “I'm screamin', "9-2" and that's for life. That's for Reverend Reggie White, rest in paradise. Coach Carter, boy, I'm feelin' like Matt tonight. I feel like number fifty-five, you gettin' sacked tonight.” This Lil’ Wayne tune speaks to me.

Preston Smith wasn’t a dominant pass rusher, but he was disruptive. He had two tipped passes to get them off the Field and he was stellar in run defense in short yardage situations. I was wondering if Johnny Jolly was the last Packer to have two passes defensed at the line of scrimmage. I didn’t have the time to research it, but it felt like it’s been a long time. Smith was active.

Elgton Jenkins frustrated Aaron Donald into oblivion. Jenkins is a superstar.

I am stunned at how good Billy Turner is playing at LT. He’s been a star for this team.

Ricky Wagner has been an unsung hero for this team in recent weeks. A quietly rock solid signing by Gutekunst.

Simply put, Davante Adams is the best route runner in the NFL. He made Jalen Ramsey look mediocre.

Rodgers with the free play to ESB. It’s like cheesecake on a hot plate.

Shout out to Chandon Sullivan for rocking the fro. Dug his hair dropping from the back of his helmet.

Dean Lowry played with the strength of a bull. He was a force collapsing the pocket.

If you’ve been following along in the blog this year, you know my infatuation with LaFleur as a play caller. He’s constantly showing things on tape to set something up for the future. With 7:00 to play and the Packers leading by 7, it appeared as though the Packers would try to run the ball on 2nd and 6. Lazard came in motion. Lazard is a stellar blocking WR and the Packers love to run to his side of the Field. This has seemingly been a run to Lazard’s side of the Field all year long. Not this time. Play action. Perfectly executed. 58 yards and a Wayne Larrivee style dagger! That’s coaching, yo!

MVS looked as good as ever with the ball in his hands after the catch.

Worth mentioning again: Lazard was a disappointment until the unbelievably crafted play design that led to his deep ball TD off play action. Credit to LaFleur and Rodgers for going back to him.

On passing downs, I enjoy seeing Clark and Gary lined up together on one side and the Smith Bros. on the other. Both seem to compliment one another. They read each other well. The Clark and Gary stunts were lethal!

Aaron Jones had a spark to his step and a punch to his stiff arm. I was stoked to see him earn that 3rd Quarter TD. “Give the ball to Aaron Jones, let him run it down their throat. Touchdown! Glasses on, Lambeau Leap in the front row.” His balance amazes me.

The motion on the play design on the Adams TD was play calling brilliance.

Rodgers eluding Donald’s rush and connecting with Tonyan to help grab 3 points before the half was a thing of beauty. Gives me all of the goosebumps.

T-Mon!! The ageless wonder. Thrilled to have him back!!

Major shoutout to Ted Thompson. Rest peacefully. Thank you for the memories, TT! He belongs in Canton and I hope it’s a combination of Brian Gutekunst and John Schneider delivering his induction ceremony speech. This team has his fingerprints all over it.

This week - it’s the Buccaneers at Lambeau. For all of the marbles in the NFC. Throughout Rodgers’ career as a starting QB, they’ve craved the opportunity to host this game. This Sunday, they will.

I don’t love the way the Packers match up with the Bucs. But, things that I don’t think the media is considering:

* just how dramatic of a shift the weather will be for TB. If you’re not used to cold weather, frigid temperatures can dwarf muscular prowess. The Bucs might be the more physical team, but they aren’t accustomed to sub 30 degree temperatures.

* the Lambeau Gods at some point will play a part. Often there is a magnetic force that exists within the Stadium. You can’t see it, but you can certainly feel it. Spirits exist. And, I have zero doubt that the ghost of Ted Thompson will have an impact on the game this weekend.

* the Lil’ Wayne hype. This song brings intensity. It’ll bring a lively aura to both the locker room and the sideline. It intimidates.

Those are real, living factors that will help shift the game into the Packers favor.

My #1 fear heading into this game is not Tom Brady. It’s not any of the terrific receiving options that Brady whips the ball to. It’s not the Buccaneers suffocating defense. My biggest fear is Mike Pettine dropping into zone coverage. Tom Brady will destroy Pettine’s zone defense. He will make it look too easy. Brady will pick it apart. Pettine should stay in man coverage every single play. Don’t try to beat Brady by confusing him. He’s seen it all. Beat him by being more physical than him and his WR’s.

This is a legacy game for Aaron Rodgers. This is a legacy game for the Green Bay Packers franchise. When I reflect on Rodgers’ career, he has mostly played well in legacy games. I view his legacy games as 2010 vs Atlanta, Chicago and Pittsburgh. The 2010 and 2013 Regular Season Finale's against the Bears. 2011 against the Giants. 2014 against Dallas and Seattle. 2019 against Seattle. 2020 against the Rams. And, now this. I don’t consider the NFCCG of 2016 and 2019 as legacy games. The Packers were outmatched in those games. They were far superior teams than the Packers. That does not apply to this game. The Packers roster is built to win this game. Rodgers has to be the best player on the Field. That’s not a statistical comment either. He has to be the best decision maker at the line of scrimmage as both QB’s will have equal reign. Rodgers has to be exceptional on 3rd down. Rodgers has to be perfect in the Gold Zone. When it’s all said and done, to this point, we will remember this game more than any other that he’s played at Lambeau Field.

Rodgers has been walking with a balanced qi. He’s playing in control. He’s lived his life to play this game. His attitude for gratitude approach has positioned him to play his best brand of football this week. The game will not be too big for him.

The Packers OL has played great football throughout the course of the year. Except for when they played Tampa earlier in the year. This is a revenge game for them. I have full conviction that they’ll show up.

The Bucs are ridiculously talented. On a warm sunny day with a soft field, it’s be hard to bet against them. But in freezing temperatures with a wet turf, how will they perform? How frequently have Mike Evans, Ronald Jones, Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, and Devin White walked in sub 30 degree temperatures over the last 10 years of their life? That chill is real. I imagine that they’ll be impacted. They’ll be worried about the weather. Advantage: Packers.

Look for Linsley, Patrick and Jenkins to deliver a knuckles wide punch to the guts of Suh early on. They’ll try to get in his head, like they did Donald last week. They’ll be body guards for their soon-to-be 3-time MVP QB.

Billy Turner stands tall, but gets low to win the leverage battle. Turner v JPP is a major matchup. Turner has been a super stud for the Packers. He’s been reliable. A sneaky strong move by Gutekunst. Turner has outplayed his hefty contract and is playing as though he’s getting paid as a bargain. Turner rises to the occasion in the biggest game of his career. Turner protects Rodgers’ backside with solid form.

Davante Adams was frustrated in the regular season match-up. The Bucs will scheme to try to take him away. They’ll trust that their physical prowess can slow the run game and they’ll work to eliminate Adams with double teams. Rodgers and LaFleur will successfully find ways to get the ball to him. Look for Adams down the sideline on a double move for a big play.

The Packers will try to get chunk plays this weekend. I fully expect to see Tonyan, Adams and MVS to all have receptions north of 20 yards. Don’t be surprised if the Packers spread Jones out wide as well and take a shot to him in the passing game down the Field as well.

MVS is from the Tampa area. He grew up a Bucs fan. Last week, I felt Lazard would make the big play. This week, it’s MVS. Vibes up, MVS! Make the play! He’ll have an opportunity early on to take the top off the Field. LaFleur will try to slow down the Bucs front with the run game and an early play-action shot. MVS delivers!

There’s a possibility that Aaron Jones will be playing his last game as a Packer at Lambeau Field this week. After reportedly turning down a contract that would put him in the top-5 most paid RB’s in the league, Jones will be treasuring this moment. Jones will be playing without demons and with his Father’s military mindset. Tough as nails, wiping his bling “G” chain clean after rummaging his way into the end zone. Jones is a quiet assassin. You know he heard Devin White’s words loud and clear after the last match up. Jones has a point to prove. He will be ready.

Again, LaFleur turns to Williams on 3rd and short. Again, Williams powers forward and moves the sticks.

I’ve been begging for Kevin King to make a play for most of the year. In the words of the late Kevin Greene to Clay Matthews during the Super Bowl XLV win over Pittsburgh: “It is time.” King will unquestionably be tested by Brady. King will be targeted. King must be up for the challenge.

Pettine says that he’ll be dialing up his fast ball for Brady. Pettine’s fastball is a 4-man rush. Man coverage in back. I have to believe that he stays out of zone defense for the vast majority of the game. There’s no such thing as confusing Tom Brady. The Packers have to pressure Brady with muscle. You know that Brady won’t be moving off of his spot. Collapse the interior of the pocket. Once again, Preston Smith gets his hands in the air to disrupt the passing zone.

Barnes and Kirksey will be mightily tested over the middle of the field. In both the run and pass game. Earlier in the year, ILB was a weakness for this defense. But, over the last 4-6 weeks, it's been a position of strength. Kirksey and Barnes must be up to the task. Brady will test them with Brate and Gronkowski in the passing game. Arians will run Fournette and Jones up the gut to see if they're fit for the task. Barnes struggled to tackle with the injured thumb last week. He'll have to be better this week.

If the defense can hold Tampa to less than 30, I think the Packers will win the game. I have to imagine that – in the back of his head - LaFleur has been devising a game plan for this game since October. The Packers offense will be in attack mode. There will be motion and deception all over the Field pre-snap. LaFleur will be aiming to confuse the Tampa defense all game.

Win it for Ted! And, Ted, any help that you can give from the Heavens is much appreciated. And, it’ll be recognized. Trust in that, just like we Trusted in Ted for more than a decade. The ghosts of Lambeau give the Packers the necessary jolt needed to push this team kinetically forward.

Packers 31
Buccaneers 27

The Packers are going to the Super Bowl!

Go Pack Go!

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